Berlin, Maryland - Superintendent Trish Kicklighter today announced a proposal to increase the fees for camping at Assateague Island National Seashore. If adopted, the new camping fees would take effect in January 2012. The proposal includes raising the cost of regular sites in the Oceanside and Bayside campgrounds by $5/night, the Group site by $10/night, and the horse camp site by $5/night. The cost for a backcountry camping permit would also increase by $1. The proposed changes would only apply to camping fees; the Seashore's entrance fees and special use fees such as OSV permits would remain unchanged.
One of the main reasons for the proposed increase is the growing gap between the Seashore's camping fees and other campgrounds in the local area. "Camping at Assateague will always remain a bargain," said Kicklighter, "but we do need to keep our fees a bit more in line with other local destinations. It's also important to note that 80% of the fees collected come back to the park to fund projects such as the recent improvements to the campgrounds and the new beach access boardwalk."
The following lists the existing camping fees and the proposed changes:
Existing Fees Proposed Fees
Developed Area Camp Site $20/site/night 4/15 to 10/15
$15/site/night 10/16 to 4/14 $25/site/night 4/15 to 10/15
$20/site/night 10/16 to 4/14
Group Camp Site 7-25 people $30/site/night $40/site/night
Horse Camp Site Max 6 people + 6 horses $25/site/night $30/site/night
Backcountry Camping Permit $5/permit $6/permit
The authority to charge recreational fees at National Parks stems from the 2004 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. The law requires that recreational fees are appropriate to the benefits and services provided, and comparable to fees charged by others in the local area for similar benefits and services.
To voice your opinion or comment on the proposed camping fee changes, please use the National Park Service's Planning, Environment and Public Comment web site at https://parkplanning.nps.gov. Select 'Assateague Island NS - Proposed Increase in Camping Fees' and then follow the instructions for commenting. Comments will be accepted until Aug. 19, 2011.
For more information on Assateague Island National Seashore and camping opportunities, visit www.nps.gov/asis
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
