Arizona state park fees go up | News

Effective Feb. 25, entrance fees have increased at Arizona State Parks & Trails locations, to include Picacho Peak, Oracle and Catalina state parks in Northwest Tucson.

In a Feb. 6 announcement, the agency announced its first fee hike since 2012 on entrance, camping, and tour tickets at its more than 30 locations. The agency estimates higher fees could bring in an additional $7 million a year, allowing it “to help fund future park improvements, staffing, and amenities,” the release said.

Before the increase, purchasers could buy an annual pass with restrictions for $75, or an unrestricted premium pass for $200.

Now, “our annual pass will be $200 moving forward, for all parks with no restrictions,” said Michelle Thompson, deputy assistant director. An annual pass provides entry for up to four adults in a single vehicle into all parks for one year.

Day use entry fees, previously between $7 and $10, now range between $10 and $30 for adults, depending on park and seasonality. Catalina State Park, which saw a record 281,861 visitors in 2024, is increasing its entrance fee from $7 per vehicle to $10 per vehicle with one occupant, and to $20 with four occupants.

Online, park users have complained about the size of the increases. 

Camping fees go from $25 for rustic (no hook-up) sites, to $75 for oversized sites with full hook-ups at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area. Catalina State Park had charged $35 a night for its campsites with hook-ups. New fees were not available as of Feb. 18.

Tours at Kartchner Caverns State Park south of Benson have risen from $23 to $30 for people aged 14 and up.

Arizona State Parks & Trails needs the fee increases because its operating revenue comes from users; it does not rely on state General Fund revenues, the release said. According to its annual report, the agency generated user-based revenue of $21.9 million in fiscal year 2024, and spent $20.76 million within its operating             budget.

“Staffing at the parks, maintenance, and general operational expenses are all paid for with revenue raised through entrance, camping and tour fees,” it continued. “Additional parks opening, amenities added, and park visitation increasing — along with inflation — means that the agency has not been able to increase the number of rangers in parks or tackle deferred maintenance projects – non-emergency work that maintains the infrastructure in the parks.”

Deferred and proposed projects have an estimated expense of $135 million, the agency said. Total staff, including rangers, park managers, administrative personnel, and those within the State Historic Preservation Office, is 260.

Additional revenue from the increase may be used “to enhance the visitor experience with options like increased hours of operation, additional programming like guided hikes and interpretive walks, and infrastructure improvements like restroom / shower buildings, ramadas and campground improvements,” the release said.

“We are known for having beautiful, clean, safe parks that showcase the diversity and beauty of Arizona,” said Arizona State Parks & Trails Director Bob Broscheid. “To help us continue to provide the best customer service, and keep up with our aging infrastructure, it is necessary for us to raise our rates. Of course, spending more is never anyone’s favorite thing, but I think the public will be happy to know that the fees go directly into supporting the parks they love.”

The fee schedule is available at AZStateParks.com/fee-schedule.