LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The National Park Service is seeking public comments on proposed fee changes for backcountry permits and campgrounds in Death Valley National Park.
The NPS is proposing an increase in nightly campsite fees by $4 to $8. Additionally, backcountry permits — which became mandatory for overnight use starting last year — would become reservable in advance with a fee on Recreation.gov. The NPS is seeking comments on these proposals by October 25, 2023.
Currently, these permits are free but are only available on the same day and in person during business hours — something that would change with NPS's proposal.
Backcountry permits are required for roadside camping along Cottonwood Canyon, Marble Canyon, Echo Canyon, Hole in the Wall, and Greenwater Valley Roads and for backpacking in the Cottonwood Canyon and Marble Canyon areas.
The proposed transition from issuing permits in visitor centers to online will benefit other park visitors who will no longer have to wait in line while a park ranger issues a backcountry permit, which typically takes 15 minutes.
As far as the suggested rate changes, NPS says the money would stay in the park and help provide visitor services and maintain public facilities, such as campgrounds. In recent years, recreation fees have paid for educational programs, flood repairs at Scotty’s Castle, and remodeling of Dantes View.
A portion of fees charged through Recreation.gov will go to the contractor that operates the reservation service.
Death Valley National Park is proposing the following fee rate changes:
| Site Type | Site Location | Current Rate | Proposed Rate |
| Standard | Texas Spring Campground | $16/night | $20/night |
| Standard | Mesquite Spring Campground | $14/night | $20/night |
| Standard | Sunset Campground | $14/night | $18/night |
| Standard | Stovepipe Wells Campground | $14/night | $18/night |
| Standard | Furnace Creek Campground | $22/night | $30/night |
| RV Site, full hookups | Furnace Creek Campground | $36/night | $44/night |
| Small Group | Furnace Creek Campground | $35/night | $40/night |
| Large Group | Furnace Creek Campground | $60/night | No change |
| Backpacking Permit | Cottonwood Canyon-Marble Canyon Hiking route | $0 | $10/permit |
| Backcountry Roadside Campsite | Echo Canyon Road, Hole in the Wall Road, Greenwater Valley Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road and Marble Canyon Road | $0 | $10/night |
Camping will still be free at Emigrant Campground, Wildrose Campground, Thorndike Campground, Mahogany Flat Campground, Eureka Dunes Campground, Homestake Campground, and Saline Valley Campground.
Backcountry permits for areas not listed above will continue to be free and optional, though campers should check nps.gov/deva to learn where roadside camping and backpacking are allowed.
Death Valley National Park has not changed campground fees since 2017. Following public engagement and NPS approval, new fees up to the amounts outlined below could be implemented as soon as February 2024.
Death Valley National Park is accepting public comments on the proposed fee increases until October 25 online at parkplanning.nps.gov/deva11.
