Lava Beds National Monument is inviting public comment on proposed increases in expanded amenity fees for the Indian Well Campground and the Indian Well Campground Group Campsite. Additionally, the park is considering making the Indian Well Campground Group Campsite reservable through Recreation.gov.
Currently, camping fees stand at $10 per night for individual campsites, while the group campsite charges $3.00 per person, with a minimum of $45.00 to a maximum of $60.00 per night. The proposed fees entail a hike to $20 per night for individual campsites and a flat rate of $60.00 per night for the group campsite. Notably, this would mark the first camping fee increase since the implementation of the $10.00 camping fee in 1985 for individual campsites, and the first increase for the group site constructed in 2005.
The proposed fee adjustments aim to enhance and maintain a high-quality camping experience. While the park’s basic operations are funded by direct appropriations from Congress, the expanded amenity fees collected by Lava Beds support new projects and the ongoing maintenance of campgrounds, directly benefiting visitors. Rising costs in supplies and labor contribute to the necessity of fee adjustments, which are based on comparable fees for similar services in nearby public and private campgrounds. The proposed pricing structure aligns with similar National Park campgrounds in Southern Oregon and Northern California.
Furthermore, Lava Beds National Monument is considering making the group site available for advanced reservation through Recreation.gov. Reservations, if implemented, would be accepted up to 3 months in advance from April through October, providing convenience and flexibility for planning trips.
The proposed new camping fees are scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2024, with online reservations for the group campsite expected to commence in the spring of 2025. The public comment period is open from April 5, 2024, to May 5, 2024.
To submit comments online, visit ParkPlanning – Proposed camping fee increase on the National Park Service website. Alternatively, comments can be mailed to the Superintendent, Lava Beds National Monument, P.O. Box 1240, Tulelake, CA 96134. Please note that comments, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available.Lava Beds National Monument, established in 1925, offers a unique landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions over thousands of years, alongside Native American sites and historic battlefields. For more information about visiting, contact 530-667-8113, email labe_information@nps.gov. Stay updated by following the park on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
