Backcountry Camping Fees Increase At Rocky Mountain National Park

Effective for the 2019 summer season, the cost of obtaining a permit for backcountry camping in Rocky Mountain National Park will increase from $26 to $30 per trip. This administrative permit fee, established in 1995, was last increased to $26 in 2015.

Permits for backcountry camping are an integral part of a program that rations and distributes use throughout the park’s backcountry. Permits are intended to help provide a quality experience, minimize impacts to resources, and ensure that sites are available for those who plan ahead and reserve a permit in advance. While an overnight permit is required for backcountry camping year-round, the fee for obtaining the permit only applies for camping that occurs during the months of May through October when demand typically exceeds availability in many areas of the park’s backcountry. The four dollar increase for the non-refundable permit becomes effective March 1, 2019.

Different from an entrance fee or fee for camping in a developed campground, the backcountry permit is based on cost recovery and all funds are applied directly to the costs of administering the program.

According to Superintendent Darla Sidles, “Rocky Mountain National Park retains one hundred percent of the administrative fees charged for backcountry camping permits. In addition to providing the opportunity to reserve and secure campsites in advance, funds recovered through the permit fee allow for staff to provide trip planning advice and information for a safe and enjoyable trip into the wilderness. Requirements for food storage necessary to protect bears and other wildlife, mountain weather, hazards, and Leave No Trace ethics are among the information received during the permitting process.“

For further information about Rocky Mountain National Park please visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.



Jeff
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