US Forest Service proposes rate hikes for Mogollon Rim campgrounds

PHOENIX – The U.S. Forest Service is looking to increase fees at a group of northern Arizona campsites by up to four times the current rates.

Coconino National Forest said in a press release Monday it is seeking public comment on the proposed price hikes at the eight Mogollon Rim campgrounds, including two that have been free.

The current fees in the district have not changed in more than a decade, the release said.

The proposed rates are based on increased use at the sites and would be in line with fees at nearby public and private recreation areas.

Here are the proposed changes (prices are nightly for single sites, unless otherwise noted):

Blue Ridge: from $8 to $20.

Clints Well: from free to $10.

Elks Group: from $30 Sunday-Thursday and $50 Friday-Saturday to $135 all nights.

Kehl Springs: from free to $10.

Knoll Lake: from $15 for a single site and $28 for a double site to $20 and $40.

Long Valley Work Center Group: from $30 Sunday-Thursday and $50 Friday-Saturday to $135 all nights.

Moqui Group: from $30 Sunday-Thursday and $50 Friday-Saturday to $100 all nights.

Rock Crossing: from $8 for a single site and $16 for a double site to $20 and $40.

The deadline for public comments is Oct. 15. They can be submitted via email, fax at 928-477-5057 or regular mail addressed to Coconino National Forest, Mogollon Rim Ranger District, Attn: Recreation Fee Program, 8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024.

A citizen’s advisory committee will be presented with the proposal during a public meeting expected to be held in December. If the new rates are approved, they would go into effect as soon as spring 2020.

More information about the proposal is available at the Coconino National Forest website.

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