Proposed Changes to Camping Fees Identified by the Angeles National Forest

Release Date: Jul 1, 2024

Contact(s): Dana Dierkes, 626-698-8482 (cell)

ARCADIA, Calif., July 1, 2024—The Angeles National Forest is proposing to charge new and increased fees at 11 developed campgrounds: Oak Flat, Sycamore Flat, South Fork, Monte Cristo, Manker Flat, Lightning Point Group Campgrounds, Horse Flats, Crystal Lake, Coldbrook, Chilao, and Buchhorn. The public is invited to comment on the proposal. Please send comments no later than close-of-business on September 3, 2024, to Angeles National Forest, ATTN: Jeremey Sugden, 701 N. Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia, CA 91006, or jeremey.sugden@usda.gov. Comments can also be submitted to an online map. For more information on the proposed project, visit our website, or contact Jeremey at (626) 574-5274.

The proposed fees by site and Ranger District are listed in the below tables.

Proposed Sites:	Current Fee:	Proposed Fee:
Oak Flat Campground	Single Site Fee: $5	Single Site Fee: $20
Sycamore Flat Campground	Single Site Fee: $5	Single Site Fee: $20
South Fork Campground	Single Site Fee: $5	Single Site Fee: $20
Monte Cristo Campground	Single Site Fee: $12	Single Site Fee: $20
Manker Flat Campground	Single Site Fee: $12	Single Site Fee: $20
Lightning Point Group Campground	No Fee Currently Required	Night Fee: $100 rate per 45-person group size (1 site) Night Fee: $80 rate per 36-person group size (4 sites)
Horse Flats Campground	Single Site Fee: $12	Single Site Fee: $20
Crystal Lake Campground	Single Site Fee: $12	Single Site Fee: $20
Coldbrook Campground	Single Site Fee: $12	Single Site Fee: $20
Chilao Campgrounds	Single Site Fee: $12	Single Site Fee: $20
Buckhorn Campground	Single Site Fee: $12	Single Site Fee: $20

In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) which allows the Forest Service to retain funds collected at certain recreation sites and use these funds locally. Eighty percent of the revenue from recreation fees remains on the forests to operate, maintain, and improve facilities. Revenue collected through recreation fees would help the forest improve infrastructure at campsites and hire additional recreation staff during the season of operation. The collection of fees helps provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectations of visitors and creates a more financially sustainable recreation program for future generations.

Under REA, any fee changes must be proposed and approved by a citizen’s advisory committee called a resource advisory committee. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable fees. Not all recreation sites charge fees. Multiple recreation sites are available without user fees currently on the forest, and free dispersed camping opportunities are widespread.

Once public involvement is complete, the proposed fee changes will be reviewed by a resource advisory committee, who will submit their recommendation to the regional forester for a final decision. If approved, implementation would occur in 2025. 

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