News Release

Proposed rate changes for campgrounds

Date: March 25, 2024
Contact: Maureen McGee-Ballinger, 701-623-4466

MEDORA, N.D. – The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comment to campground fees changes under consideration at Theodore Roosevelt National Park (THRO).  Proposed fee changes would include the Cottonwood Campground, Cottonwood Group site, Juniper Campground, Juniper Group site, and Roundup Group Horse Camp campground.

The proposed fee changes are:

• Cottonwood Campground, South Unit: current fee is $14, proposed fee increase to $20. 
• Cottonwood Group site, South Unit: current fee is $30, proposed fee increase to $60.
• Juniper Campground, North Unit: current fee is $14, proposed fee increase to $20. 
• Juniper Group site, North Unit: current fee is $30, proposed fee increase to $60.
• Roundup Group Horse Camp, South Unit equestrian site: current fee is $40, proposed fee increase to $100.
   

The last fee increases in camping rates occurred in 2015. After research of local campground rates in the surrounding area, the proposed rate increases were found to be comparable with current market rates for similar services.
 

Campgrounds are a popular destination for park visitors. Fees provide a vital source of revenue for needed facility maintenance, future campground improvement projects, and increased costs associated with campground operations. Past fee improvements include new comfort stations, improved accessible walkways in the campgrounds, and accessible trail work. Anticipated future fee revenue projects include rehabbing water and wastewater systems in the campgrounds, replacing sidewalks in visitor use areas, and restoring historic fencing at Peaceful Valley Ranch.
 

Public engagement is an important part of the park's planning process. THRO is accepting public comments on the proposed fee increases from March 28, 2024, through April 28, 2024. Following public engagement and NPS approval, new fees would be implemented in October 2024.

Comments regarding fee increase proposals may be submitted on the NPS Panning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ Comments may also be submitted via mail at the address below. Comments must be postmarked by April 28, 2024.
 

Theodore Roosevelt National Park
PO Box 7
Medora, ND 58645
RE: Campground fee comments

Additional information about camping and Theodore Roosevelt National Park can be found on the park website www.nps.gov/thro.