MBRTB Recreation Site Fee Changes - Information

three images, a tent in campground, picnic table with mountain in background, and cabin with snow

*UPDATE 2024: The fee changes were approved for the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland.

*UPDATE 2023: The public input period on the Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests Recreation Fee Change Proposal ended on Nov. 1. The U.S. Forest Service staff reviewed around 200 comments. Thank you for your feedback.

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 to operate, maintain, and improve these sites. The resources derived through collection of fees helps provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectations of visitors and creates a more financial sustainable developed recreation program for the benefit of future generations.

Under the Recreation Enhancement Act Fee Program the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests proposed new and increase fees for 93 developed recreation sites, 33 in Colorado and 60 in Wyoming. The proposal includes campgrounds, cabins/lookouts, group sites, and day-use sites, e.g. trailhead, interpretive, picnic. The fee program provides funds to operate the Forests’ recreation program, meet public expectations for high quality recreation opportunities, and address deferred maintenance. While the revenue derived from fees is a critical component, it is only part of a more comprehensive funding strategy that includes appropriated dollars, grants and agreements, and partner and volunteer support. 

Results from a market analysis showed the fee proposal equitable to similar regional fees. The final proposal consits of 89 sites, 32 in Colorado and 57 in Wyoming. After public feedback, the Forest adjusted the proposal based on comments related to financial burden with reasonable modifications.  The prices for nine campgrounds and three rental cabins were lowered, and four day-use sites were removed. The Forest may consider rolling out a volunteer service-based day-use pass over the next few years. The Regional Recreation Fee Advisory Board and Washinton Ofice reviewed the adjusted proposal and recommended its approval. The Regional Forester approved the fee proposal in May 2024. View the full list of impacted sites HERE(pdf) and HERE(webpage) .

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