Non-resident fees increase at popular Idaho parks
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Camping and entry fees for non-Idaho residents will double at select Idaho State Parks on Thursday to comply with a new state law.
The daily, non-resident entry fee at Bear Lake, Farragut, Hells Gate, Priest Lake and Round Lake will be $14 starting on June 10, 2021 – twice the fee for Idaho residents at those parks. At other State Parks, Idaho residents and out-of-state guests will pay the same $7 fee to get in.
Additionally, camping fees for non-Idaho residents at Farragut, Henrys Lake, Ponderosa, Priest Lake and Round Lake will be double what Idahoans pay. For example, a basic campsite at those parks will cost $48 for a night, while a site with full hookups will cost $64 for a non-Idaho resident – in both cases, double the $24 and $32, respectively, that Idahoans pay.
Idaho State Parks implemented the changes to comply with House Bill 93, which specified increases for some of the state’s busiest parks for day use and camping.
“The changes will keep Idaho competitive with surrounding states, which have similar surcharges for out-of-state guests,” said Susan Buxton, director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. “Even with these increases, our parks are a good value given the exceptional recreational opportunities.”
Idaho State Parks set a visitation record in 2020 with nearly 7.7 million people coming to the parks for day use and camping – a surge of 1.2 million over the previous high number. Of the record tally, about 30% of the visitors were from other states.
Also on Thursday, the annual Motor Vehicle Entry Fee will rise to $80 for all users, providing unlimited daily entry to parks for the year. Idaho residents are advised to get the $10 State Park Passport, which provides unlimited entry into parks for a year. The Passport is available at your local department of motor vehicles when Idahoans register their motor vehicles.
