National Forest Service To Increase And Set New Fees

Sonora, Ca — The Stanislaus National Forest is planning to increase fees at 12 of its developed campgrounds and establish new fees at five existing campgrounds for the first time.

According to Brian Kermeen in the Sonora office, fees have never been charged but will now be assessed at the following campgrounds: Pacific Valley ($10), Union ($8), Utica ($8), Lumsden ($8) and South Fork ($8).

Increased fees will be found at Sand Bar Flat ($12), Hull Creek ($12), Cascade Creek ($8), Mill Creek ($8), Niagara Creek ($8), Niagara OHV ($8), Fence Creek ($8), Highland Lakes ($12), Bloomfield ($12), Mosquito Lakes ($8), Stanislaus River ($12) and WaKalu Hep Yoo ($20).

Sites with a $20 fee include potable water, hot showers, garbage collection and other amenities. Sites with $12-$10 fees have potable water while campgrounds with $8 fees do not have potable water.

As authorized by the Federal Recreation Lands Enhancement Act, the fees can be used locally by the Forest Service to offset the costs of operating and maintaining the respective sites.

Written by bill.johnson@mlode.com