BLM seeks input on two plans with changes to camping fees in southeast Idaho

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho—The Bureau of Land Management Upper Snake Field Office seeks public input on proposed changes to existing campground fees at Egin Lakes and Kelly Island campgrounds, and imposing new fees at Henrys Lake South Shore Campground, which are included in the Campground Fees Business Plan. A second business plan, the Snake River Designated Camping Individual Special Recreation Permit (ISRP) Business Plan introduces a new fee structure at 16 designated camping areas, encompassing 56 designated campsites (nine managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and 47 managed by the BLM) within the South Fork Canyon and along the river corridor. The public is encouraged to review the plans and submit comments. Deadline is Aug. 18, 2025, for comments to be incorporated into the final plans.

The proposed changes ensure public health and safety needs in response to rising visitor use, and cover the yearly operations and maintenance costs associated with the recreation sites. Egin Lakes and Kelly Island are popular camping and recreational destinations for both local residents and travelers, with the current fee structure in place at Egin Lakes since 2004, and Kelly Island since 2007. Currently, South Shore only offers dispersed camping, but future developments will include a graveled loop campground with 14 designated campsites (with tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring); access roads; vault toilets; campground host site; and interpretive and informational signage.

“These plans aim to modernize recreation management and enhance self-sustainable funding for recreation areas,” said BLM Upper Snake Field Manager John Reffit. “Your feedback is important and will help shape future recreation opportunities in the area.”

For the Snake River, there are twelve locations to access the river corridor for both motorized and nonmotorized boats managed by the BLM; USDA Forest Service; Idaho Department of Fish and Game; and Bonneville, Jefferson, and Madison counties; ten of which are included within the Interagency Fee Program for the river corridor. Six of the ten locations allow the public to access the designated camping areas pertaining to this business plan. Camping within the South Fork Canyon and along the river corridor is currently free and visitors are required to obtain a self-issue permit for camping. This plan would introduce the requirement to obtain an ISRP and pay the associated fee for all designated camping.

Click link to review the full Draft Business Plans, find the Idaho tab, then Upper Snake Field Office.

How to Submit Comments for both plans:

• Email: [email protected]
• U.S. Mail: BLM Upper Snake Field Office, 1405 Hollipark Dr., Idaho Falls, ID 83401

The majority of campground fees remain at the site where they are collected and are reinvested into the maintenance and improvement of recreation facilities. In 2024, recreation at BLM-managed sites funneled roughly $418 million into Idaho’s economy.

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