PORT ANGELES – Overnight campground fees might be going up in Olympic National Park (ONP), but not before the public weighs in on the subject.

ONP is requesting public comment on a proposal to increase the daily fee at eight of the thirteen park campgrounds.

The proposed increases range from a $2 hike at Kalaloch, $4 at Staircase, Heart O’ the Hills, Fairholme, Mora, and Hoh, and $5 at South Beach and North Fork campgrounds, where it would go from $15 per night to $20.

Deer Park, Sol Duc, Ozette, Queets, and Graves Creek campground fees would remain the same.

Park officials say a review completed last Fall recommended that each campground’s fees remain the same or increase based on comparable campground facilities nearby.

Holders of the America the Beautiful Access and Senior Lifetime passes would continue to get fifty percent off their campground fees.

A Park statement says 80% of campground fee revenue stays at the park to fund projects such as repair, maintenance, and enhancement of campground facilities.

Last year campground restrooms were remodeled and family restrooms added at Mora and the Hoh Rain Forest which improved accessibility. Fee dollars also purchased new fire rings and 88 concrete picnic tables to replace wooden ones which have deteriorated.

Comment on the proposed increases will be accepted through March 3, 2020 online at parkplanning.nps.gov/ONPCGFEES, or by mail to:

Superintendent, Olympic National Park – Proposed Campground Fee Increases

600 East Park Avenue, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

Comments by phone and email will not be accepted.

Comments submitted by individuals or organizations on behalf of other individuals or organizations also will not be accepted.

You should be aware that your entire comment – including personal identifying information such as your address, phone number, and email address – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Photo: Mora campground