Yosemite proposes hiking entrance, camping fees

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK — Visitors to Yosemite National Park may soon have to pay more to enter and camp overnight, under proposed fee increases announced Monday.

A seven-day pass for each car entering Yosemite could go up from $20 to $30, Ranger Scott Gediman said, adding that rates last changed in 1997. An annual pass would go up from $40 to $60.

The extra money will go back into the park, repairing buildings, improving transportation and enhancing the visitor's experience, he said.

Campers today spending between $5 and $20 a night — depending on the campsite — may have to pay between $6 and $24, and group campsites that cost $40 could rise to $48 a night.

The fees are changing to keep pace with inflation, officials said, adding that campground rates haven't risen since 2006.

There is no proposed change to the $80 annual passes honored at all federally managed parks, the $10 entrance fee seniors age 62 and older pay and free park access for active members of the military, officials said.

The public has until Nov. 20 to have its say on the changes. If the new rates are adopted, Gediman said visitors may see the higher fees early next year.