Los Padres National Forest to raise fees at select recreation sites next year
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – The U. S. Forest Service authorized increased fees at some developed recreation sites in the Los Padres National Forest starting on Jan. 1, 2023.
This increase will affect 33 campgrounds and day-use sites operated by a concessionaire special use permit.
Individual campsite fees will increase by $10 per night and group campsites will increase between $25 and $50 depending on the site's capacity.
The entrance fee for the Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area will rise from $12 to $15, but the current $10 per day charge at the 15 day-use sites within Los Padres will remain the same.
Since 2016, management of majority of campgrounds and day use areas in the national forest and the fees charged to use them are decided partially by a private corporation called Parks Management Company.
Parks Management Company's request of these fee increases will be the first change to pricing since the company's acquisition of the recreation sites from the U. S. Forestry Service.
Additionally, a $2 per night increase for reservations on weekends and holiday periods will also go into effect on Jan. 1 of next year.
There are more than 50 undeveloped campgrounds in Los Padres National Forest that will remain free for public use.
