Berlin MD- Superintendent Hugh Hawthorne announced a proposal to increase the fees for camping at Assateague Island National Seashore. If adopted, the new camping fees would take effect on Oct. 1, 2023. The proposal includes raising the cost of regular campsites in the Oceanside and Bayside campgrounds by $10/night, the Group sites by $30/night, and the horse camp site by $30/night. The proposed changes would only apply to front country camping fees; backcountry camping rates will remain the same. One of the main reasons for the proposed increase is the growing gap between the Seashore’s camping fees and other campgrounds in the local area. “Required Comparability Reviews and anticipated campground improvements indicate the need for an increase," said Hawthorne. “It’s important to note that 80% of the fees collected come back to the park to fund projects such as the recent improvements to the nature trails, the Old Ferry Landing bulkhead, and the Assateague Island Visitor Center boardwalk and overlook." The following table identifies the existing camping fees and the proposed changes:
The authority to charge recreational fees at National Parks stems from the 2004 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. The law requires that recreational fees are appropriate to the benefits and services provided, and comparable to fees charged by others in the local area for similar benefits and services. To voice your opinion or comment on the proposed camping fee changes, please use the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment web site. Public comments will be accepted until June 17th 2023.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service