News Release: Campground and Cave Tour Fee Increase Proposal

Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve is proposing a change in its current camping fees at Cave Creek Campground and Cave Tour fee rates.

The park is proposing an increase of campsite fees at Cave Creek Campground to $20 (Currently $10), for the next 2 years and an additional increase to $30 after additional improvements occur including water and electrical at individual sites, accessible campsites, road improvements, and new restrooms are completed. A proposed increase for cave tours is also being considered at the following rates: Adult $20 (currently $10), Child $15 (Currently $7.00), and Off Trail $65 (Currently $45).

These proposed campground fee increases are based on comparable fees for similar services in nearby campgrounds and cave tours offered both by federal agencies and the private sector.

The proposed fee increases are necessary for Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve to improve and maintain high-quality visitor services. While basic park operations are funded by direct appropriations from Congress, the recreation use fees collected by the park are used to support new projects and the ongoing maintenance of park facilities that directly enhance the visitor experience.

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) is the legislation that allows the park to collect amenity fees. This law allows parks such as Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve to retain 100 percent of the fees collected in park for use on projects and staffing that will directly enhance the experience of park visitors.

Some of the projects funded through the collection of cave tour and campground fees at Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve include:

Hazard Tree Mitigation: The park is among many areas that is being affected by Port Orford Cedar Root Rot. Recreation fee monies have funded mitigation of hazard trees in or near the Cave Creek Campground.

Campground Improvements: The park continues to use recreation fee monies to replace log linings, fire rings, adding bear boxes, maintain walking paths and repair and replace picnic tables.

Hiking Trail Repairs and Improvements: Many hiking trail repair projects have been funded by recreation fee monies, such as repairing damaged sections and repairing eroding control devices.

Public engagement is an important part of the park's planning process. Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve is accepting public comments on the proposed fee increases. Please submit all comments to: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ORCA_fees_24

Comments may also be submitted via mail to: Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve
Office of the Superintendent
19000 Caves Highway
Cave Junction, OR. 97523

All public comments on the proposed fee increases will be accepted through August 30th, 2024.

For additional information on Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve, visit https://www.nps.gov/orca/index.htm or call the park's Information Office at 458-229-8410.

Document Content:

Oregon Caves Fee Increases Proposal.pdf   (220.6 KB, PDF file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.