Inflation happens. And the Bitterroot National Forest is not immune. The public is invited to comment on fee increases throughout the popular forest. Some areas will not be affected, but others will see overnight and rental prices more in line with surrounding recreation sites, according to Tod McKay of the Bitterroot National Forest.

If approved, the new fees would start as early as May 2018.

Here are a few of the changes:

  • At Lake Como - Three Frogs Campground - Currently $8 per night with new fee $12 a night for single site and $25 per night for double site. Lake Como Campground (with RV hookups) would raise from $16 to $25 per night and would remove the $5 utility hookup fee. Three Sisters Group Site - current fee is $25 (with extra charges per vehicle) and new fee would be a flat $75. Rock Creek Horse Camp - current $8 with new fee $12. Woods Cabin is currently $50 during peak season and would raise to $100 (Off season could be $60 overnight).
  • Charles Waters Campground is currently $10 per night and would be $15 per night with extra vehicle fees of $5 each for more than two vehicles.
  • Larry Creek Group Site - currently $30 and would be $75 per night for up to 75 people and 10 RVs.
  • Fales Flat Group Site - currently $15 would be $30 per night.
  • Many campgrounds would raise current $8 fees to $12. Those include Crazy Creek, Martin Creek, Warm Springs and Rock Creek Horse Camp.
  • Other campgrounds would raise from current $10 or $12 overnight fee to $15. Those include Spring Gulch, Indian Trees, Alta and Rombo Campground.
  • McKay said the Lost Horse Guard Station will be available for public rental at a proposed $50 per night.

    The Bitterroot National Forest keeps 95 percent of all fees collected to operate, maintain and improve the sites. For a complete list, check the Region 1 Recreation Fee website. You can also make comments there. You can also call Erica Strayer at (406) 821-4252 or mail comments to her at Bitterroot National Forest, PO Box 388, Darby MT 59829.

    Deadline for comments is November 20, 2017.

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