As outdoor recreation grows, state parks are under mounting pressure to cover maintenance, amenities, and staffing costs. That shift means fees for camping, reservations, and day use are increasing in multiple states. Below are seven key states where fee hikes are either already in effect or implemented for 2025, including what you’ll pay, when changes take effect, and why the increases matter to outdoor users.
1. Michigan
Beginning August 1, 2025, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced camping and overnight lodging rate changes across its 103 state parks. Modern and semi-modern campsites will rise by $4 to $10 per night, translating into rates ranging from about $26 to $45, depending on hookups. Lodging, meanwhile, will run $60 to $120 per night, with deluxe options hitting $160. Officials say the increases support utilities, staffing, and facility upgrades amid a funding model where user fees cover nearly all operational costs.
2. Oregon
The Oregon State Parks raised its reservation and parking fees effective January 1 and further increased camping rates ahead of summer 2025. The reservation fee climbed from $8 to $10, while day-use parking in select parks doubled from $5 to $10. Tent, RV, and cabin sites all saw base rate hikes of $2 to $5, and a 25 % surcharge for out-of-state campers applies beginning July 1, 2025. These adjustments reflect a decade-plus gap in rate increases and aim to align with inflation and service demands.
3. North Carolina
From May 1, 2025, the North Carolina State Parks system implemented fee increases across campgrounds and vehicle entrance fees at reservoir recreation areas. Tent sites were adjusted to a new range of about $20 to $30, and RV sites with full hookups rose to $45. The annual pass prices also increased, with options covering boat slip rentals, vehicle charges, and reservoir access. The state says the increases reflect updated cost studies and growing maintenance demands after no major fee change since 2019.
4. Arizona
The Arizona State Parks and Trails announced a broad fee increase beginning February 25, 2025. The new schedule covers more than 30 parks and applies to camping, general admission, and tours. The adjustments come as the system seeks to sustain operations, maintain facilities, and enhance visitor services amid rising inflation and infrastructure aging. Outdoor visitors should budget accordingly for overnight stays, especially in high-use or premium parks this season.
5. Washington
In 2025, the Washington State Parks raised overnight camping fees to reflect increased demand and maintenance costs. Rates for summer standard campsites climbed to $30 to $42 per night, shoulder season to $22 to $34, and off-season around $22. The agency said these adjustments respond to growing visitor use and higher upkeep expenses. Campers should verify whether their chosen park has implemented the new fee schedule before booking.
6. Wisconsin
While less publicized, regulatory changes imply the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is increasing out-of-state hunting license fees and is expected to update camping/reservation rates similarly in 2025. For example, non-resident bow and crossbow deer licenses increased by $35, bringing that fee to $200. As a broader indicator, outdoor access costs are rising; campers should monitor rate updates for campsites and state park stays in Wisconsin.
7. Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources continues to add reservation surcharges despite recent transparency reforms. Starting in 2025, a campsite listed at $25 may carry an $8 “reservation fee,” which raises the full cost to $33 at checkout. While this isn’t a traditional nightly rate hike, it demonstrates how extra fees are increasing the total price of camping. Transparency advocates believe this signals more changes ahead for overnight and reservation-linked fees.
