BERLIN, MD - Assateague Island National Seashore is asking the public for their opinions regarding a potential increase in entrance, kayak and camping fees in 2015. The National Park Service will provide a 30 day comment period available today through Jan. 12, 2015.
The current park fees have been in place since 2008. The proposed entrance fees, kayak fee and camping fees are as follows:
Annual Pass
Per Vehicle
Per Person
Motorcycle
Kayak
current
proposed
current
proposed
current
proposed
current
proposed
current
proposed
$30
$40
$15
$20
$3
$10
$10
$15
$10/pers
$25/pers
Front-country Camping
April 15- Oct 15
Front-country Camping Off Season
Back-Country Camping
Horse Camping
Group Camping
current
proposed
current
proposed
current
proposed
current
proposed
current
proposed
$25/night
$30/night
$20/night
$30/night
$6/pers
$10/pers
$30/night
$50/night
$40/night
$50/night
Entrance fees are not charged to persons under 16 years of age or America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Senior, Access or Military Pass holders. These passes may be obtained at the Park.
“We are committed to keeping the park affordable but we also want to provide visitors with the best possible experience," said Assateague Island National Seashore Superintendent Debbie Darden. “The revenue generated from recreational user fees fund projects that improve facilities, park infrastructure and provide for enhanced visitor services."
In the past, camping and entrance fees have been used to provide lifeguard services in MD and VA, campground improvements, provide shade and weather structures near public beaches, improve ADA access, build a new visitor contact station on the island, and remove invasive plants. Additional revenue from increased fees may help Assateague Island National Seashore complete projects such as improve and upgrade water lines, improve ADA access to the ocean and bay shorelines and facilities, and construct additional bike lanes.
Assateague Island National Seashore is a strong economic engine for the surrounding area. In 2012, more than 2,154,859 park visitors contributed $86,309,300 to the local economy and supported 1,087 jobs related to tourism.
Following the public comment period feedback will determine how, or if, a fee increase would be implemented. Please send comments via email to: e-mail us or by mail to:
Superintendent Deborah Darden
Assateague Island National Seashore
ATTN: Proposed 2015 Fee Increase
7206 National Seashore Lane
Berlin, MD 21811
Those wishing to comment while visiting the island can also stop in either the Assateague Island Visitor Center, MD or Toms Cove Visitor Center, VA and complete a comment card.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
