Recreation Fees
The BLM manages 245 million acres of public land and nearly 3,300 recreation sites across the Nation. Visitors enjoy biking, hiking, boating, camping and fishing, off-highway vehicle access, water sports, climbing, rappelling, and more. The BLM believes that one of the best ways to protect the public lands and preserve their beauty and productivity is an accountable recreation program offering a variety of services and settings that enhance visitor experiences of the public lands.
Because outdoor recreation activities are an integral part of the lives of millions of Americans and international visitors, the BLM does not charge fees at the majority (89%) of its recreation sites. Where fees are charged, the Recreation program retains 100% of the site's revenues to benefit future users of the site.
To date, the BLM has allocated more than $36 million in collected fees to reducing maintenance backlogs, improving and expanding amenities, protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat, and providing interpretation, environmental education, law enforcement and other visitor services.
What do BLM visitors say about fees?
The BLM surveyed users at 111 recreation areas across the country, including 57 fee sites. Data from approximately 11,500 respondents – 8,700 of whom visited fee sites – indicate a high customer satisfaction level, with 84% of those responding indicating that the value of their recreation experience equaled the fee charged.
"The truth is, I would pay whatever amount to get into the recreation site as long as I know the money goes back to the site."
"The entrance fee was reasonable and not prohibitive so a wide range of economic groups can enjoy the priviledge of experiencing the recreation site."
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