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CEDAR CITY — It may soon cost more to camp at three Bureau of Land Management sites in Beaver and Iron counties, as federal land managers say the areas continue to experience high demand.
The bureau's Cedar City office unveiled a plan this week that would increase the overnight camping fee from $5 to $12 at the Rocky Peak Campground within the Three Peaks Recreation Area and the Pyramid Ridge Campground, both located within a 25-mile radius of Cedar City, and the Hanging Rock Recreation Site, located about 15 miles southwest of Beaver.
The future Coal Creek, Bear Rock and South Creek campgrounds in the area would also open at $12, under the proposal.
Developed group site fees would increase from $20 to $30 at Pyramid Ridge, as well as the three future campgrounds. It would also cost $40 for sites that feature a pavilion among the four sites. If approved, there would also be a $2 per day, $25 yearly pass and $220 group use reservation per day fee for the planned Three Peaks Paint Ball Complex.
Discounts would be available for seniors, military members, those with an America the Beautiful Pass and other qualifying individuals. There is no fee planned for several trailheads, including the "C" Overlook and "C" hikes in Cedar City.
Paul Briggs, the bureau's Cedar City field manager, said the area has had a "significant increase in recreation-site visitation" since the fees were put in place five years ago. The report states that while visitation to the region has fluctuated, it is "higher at developed sites and campgrounds," adding that the current annual revenue from the fees is $15,000 while the operating costs are $57,000.
The change is projected to result in a net review gain, especially as the three new camping sites become available. The fees go toward maintenance, operations and services to keep the sites running, and align with fees at other recreation sites, according to the agency.
"The BLM establishes fees to keep pace with rising costs associated with maintaining recreation area facilities and to protect natural and cultural resources," Briggs said, in a statement.
The proposal is currently open for public comment through March 23. People can submit their comments by emailing djacobso@blm.gov or by mailing Dave Jacobson at 176 E. DL Sargent Drive, Cedar City, UT 84721. The proposal is also set to be discussed during the BLM-Utah Resource Advisory Council meeting scheduled for May 17 at the Color Country District Office in Cedar City.
