December 6, ZION NATIONAL PARK – 2024 will ring in a Zion fee increase for campgrounds and a new reservation system for those wanting a Wilderness Permit.
Price increases for campsites range from 25% to 75%. For example, an electric campsite at Watchman Campground goes from $30 to $45. The price increases don’t go into effect until mid-2024.
“We adopted these changes to improve accessibility and visitor service,” Jeff Bradybaugh, Zion National Park Superintendent, said. “These changes are going to help us maintain essential facilities like restrooms and drinking water systems, rehabilitate campsites, and simplify applications for Wilderness Recreation Permits.”
Reservations for frontcountry camping at Zion will still be done through Recreation.gov.
Visitation increased by 29% since the last fee increase in 2015. Looking back a decade, Zion National Park experienced a 58% increase in visitors since 2012.
“Rising visitation has increased demand for campsites and increased need for facility maintenance services such as cleaning restrooms, removing recyclables and trash, and servicing roads and campsites,” the news release stated.
Here’s a breakdown of the Zion fee increases starting July 1, 2024, for frontcountry camping.
Location | Services | 2023 Price | 2024 Price | Effective Date |
Watchman Campground | Electric | $30/night | $45/night | July 1, 2024 |
Watchman Campground | Non-Electric | $20/night | $35/night | July 1, 2024 |
South Campground | Non-Electric | $20/night | $35/night | Spring 2024 Reopening (Early June) |
Lava Point Campground (Kolob Terrace Road) | Non-Electric | $20/night | $25/night | Spring 2024 Reopening (When Snow Melts) |
(Dump Station Fee) Watchman/South | Non-camper Fee | $0 | $5 | Spring 2024 Reopening |
Reservations for Watchman Campground can be made six months ahead of time.
Wilderness Permit Changes
The changes to Wilderness Permits go into effect on January 5, 2024. Wilderness Recreation Permits and Lotteries will shift to Recreation.gov.
Visitors can choose between a day-use or overnight-use Wilderness Recreation Permit. The new system allows guests a more streamlined and high-tech experience while building itineraries and setting preferred dates. It will also allow Zion National Park officials easier contact with those wanting a permit.
However, the Zion Fee Increase does impact Wilderness Recreation Permits too.
Zion Fee Increase for Day-Use Wilderness Permits
Day-use wilderness reservations and lotteries cost $5 per application in 2023, with walk-ups not having to pay a fee. Starting January 5, 2024, all categories will cost $6. That includes reservations, lotteries, and walk-ups.
An example of a day-use trip would be doing the top-down Narrows hike or The Subway trek.
The Zion fee increase expands to group day-use Wilderness Permits, too. In 2023, a tiered payment structure was in place for groups ranging from two people to 12 people. The price was anywhere from $15-$25. In 2024, the price will be $10 per person per day.
In the news release, Zion National Park officials noted that “Rising visitation has also resulted in increased stress on the plants, animals, and historic sites in Zion Wilderness. Rangers who issue Wilderness permits provide guidance so that visitors complete their trips safely and use techniques to conserve these areas. That guidance is essential to ensuring the park’s least developed areas remain wild.”
Zion Fee Increase for Overnight Use Wilderness Permits
Now let’s look at the Zion fee increase for overnight Wilderness Recreation Permits. In 2023, the price for an advance reservation was $5. Walk-ups didn’t have to pay a fee. Effective January 5, 2024, advance reservations will be $20 and walk-up permits will be issued for $20 per booking.
For groups, the 2023 prices of $15 to $25 will be $7 per person in 2024.
Zion Fee Increase Feedback
The price adjustments came after a public comment period in August 2023. You can read through the public comments and the Zion National Park responses to learn how this decision was made.
At the same time, park officials are working to improve South Campground and the South Entrance. More details should be coming on that topic soon.
Helpful Zion National Park Links
Zion National Park Guide: Ultimate Guide to Zion National Park
Things to Do in Zion: 18 EPIC Things to Do in Zion National Park
Best Hikes in Zion: 16 EPIC Hikes in Zion National Park
Utah National Parks Guide: 5 MIGHTY Utah National Parks Guide
Utah National Parks Road Trips: 5 Best Utah National Park Road Trips
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