State Parks Propose Fee Increases

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation proposed increases for several user fees during the Game, Fish and Parks Commission meeting on Thursday, Oct. 4 in Pierre.

“The fees charged at parks across the state help cover operation and maintenance costs,” said Doug Hofer, state parks director. “The base camping fee in state parks, other than Custer State Park, has not been adjusted since 1995 and the camping cabin rental fee since 2001. Both fees need adjusted to keep pace with inflation.”

A statewide base camping fee increase of $2 per night was proposed. In addition, a recommendation of raising the camping cabin fee by $3 per night and the group lodge fee by $25 per night was proposed. This fee adjustment will not impact Custer State Park, as those fees were set by the Commission earlier this year.

The Division also recommended an increase for the George S. Mickelson Trail daily and annual passes. If approved, a daily pass would cost $3 and an annual pass $15. “The user fee for the Mickelson Trail has not been increased since the trail opened ten years ago,” said Hofer. “This increase will assure the Mickelson Trail stays in good condition for years to come.”

No increase has been proposed to the cost of a daily or annual park entrance license. However, the cost of a transferable park entrance license has been proposed to increase to $60. In addition, the fee for an unattended/unlicensed vehicle in a park requiring an entrance license would increase to $10.

The commission will consider the fee increases at its next meeting Nov. 1 and 2 in Gettysburg. A public hearing on the proposed fee increases will be held on Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. at Bob’s Resort, 29336 US Hwy 212, Gettysburg. If you are unable to attend the public hearing, but would like to submit data and opinions concerning proposed fee increases, please contact the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks by e-mailing chuck.schlueter@state.sd.us or writing the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, Foss Building, 532 East Capitol, Pierre, S.D. 57501 by 12 p.m. three days before the hearing.

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