Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials are reshuffling state park fees to reflect rising costs and better align with rates in neighboring states.

Fees for campsites and other amenities at state-managed parks, fishing access sites and wildlife management areas would see increases under the proposed schedule, which would go into effect no earlier than 2027. 

“It’s a modest change. It’s a modest increase to keep our parks safe and welcoming,” said Sarah Buecking, executive director of the Montana State Parks Foundation, the nonprofit philanthropic partner of the State Parks division of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. 

The last time the state wildlife agency increased park fees was in 2014. In the 12 years since, hundreds of thousands of visitors have stressed the oft-outdated infrastructure at many state-managed parks, fishing access sites and wildlife management areas.  

“These are just fees being increased to keep up with managing the parks really,” said Buecking. “And considering we’ve had record-breaking attendance over the past years it makes sense.” 

While some marijuana and coal tax revenue is funneled into state parks projects, Buecking said the majority of the parks’ operating budgets come from public use fees. She views the proposed changes as necessary to keep up with the maintenance of boat docks, trails and parking lots. 

State wildlife officials reviewed fees administered by several neighboring states and the current Consumer Price Index to determine the proposed changes.  

If the state wildlife agency approves the new fee structure, Montana residents would still be able to access state parks for free, but vehicle entrance fees for non-residents would increase from $8 to $10. The price for a standard campsite would increase from $18 to $24 per night for Montana residents and from $28 to $38 per night for non-residents. Campsites with electric hookups would increase to $32 per night for residents and $46 per night for nonresidents. 

Some of the largest changes are being proposed for campsites at fishing access sites, where camping fees are currently based on whether the visitor has a Montana fishing license or not. To better align the fee structure with other state-managed areas and simplify cash transactions, officials are proposing a $20 resident fee and a $30 non-resident fee for campsites at fishing access sites and wildlife management areas.    

Discounts for seniors, veterans and those with disabilities will remain available for campsites on all state-managed lands. 

The state wildlife agency is proposing upping fees for electric hookups and boat slips at state parks from $6 to $8 for both residents and nonresidents, while the fee to use a sewage dump station is set to jump from $5 to $10.  

Fees for commercial outfitters and guides will increase from $5 per client per day to $8 per client per day. 

The state wildlife agency is accepting public comment on the proposed fee schedules through July 24. To view a full list of the proposed fee changes or to submit a public comment, visit fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/proposed-public-use-rules. 

Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at 406-758-4433 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.