BLM Arizona Recreation Fee Proposals
Arizona Strip Field Office, Yuma Field Office, Phoenix District, Safford Field Office, Tucson Field Office
Overview
Prized by visitors, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands offer unique recreation opportunities. These recreational resources provide critical economic support and quality of life benefits to local communities and businesses, while also attracting visitors from across the country and abroad. Over the past five years, visitation to public lands in Arizona has increased from 4.9 million to 6.8 million. However, BLM’s budget per visitor has fallen despite rising visitation and use of aging facilities.
The BLM’s Recreation Program provides guidance to proactively respond to increasing visitation by diversifying recreation funding sources and carefully considering recreation demand, program needs, and investment opportunities for current and future needs and enjoyment. BLM conducted a market analysis of current recreation fees statewide which revealed that fee rates were below local market prices. While fees have not increased in decades, the cost of operations and maintenance have climbed along with visitation.
To ensure quality recreational experiences continue to be provided, the BLM sought public input on six recreation fee proposals , in the form of draft recreation business plans, for recreation sites in the following locations: Arizona Strip Field Office's Stateline Campground, Yuma Field Office's Amenity Sites & Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVA), Phoenix District Office Campgrounds, Safford Field Office & Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, and Tucson Field Office's San Pedro National Riparian Conservation Area, Las Cienegas National Conservation Area and the Ironwood Forest National Monument.
For a version of this video with audio descriptions, visit: https://youtu.be/uqmqMMt3TOI
Background
Through the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) , Congress has authorized the BLM to collect recreation fees at sites and areas that provide certain amenities. The BLM also collects fees for Special Recreation Permits and the sale of Interagency Passes (America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass), and site-specific or regional passes. Commercial/competitive Special Recreation Permit (SRP) rate fees are not part of the business planning process, however Individual SRPs (such as permits for designated special areas like LTVAs and backcountry camping) are. Fees are reinvested directly back into the local recreation program to expand and improve recreational opportunities. Common expenditures of FLREA revenues include enhancing access, cleaning trash, maintaining recreational facilities, upgrading existing facilities to meet universal accessibility standards, permit administration, and protecting nearby natural and cultural resources from recreational impacts.
BLM requires each recreation fee site or area to complete a business plan which analyzes and explains how fees are consistent with criteria set forth in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Business plans assist in determining appropriate fee rates, outline the cost of administering fee sites, and identify priorities for future expenditures. A primary purpose of the business plan is to serve as public notification of the objectives for use of recreation fee revenues and to provide the public an opportunity to comment on these objectives before a fee site is designated, or when existing site fees are adjusted.
Recreation Fee Proposals
The public comment period for the draft recreation business plans ended on October 21, 2024. The map below highlights each recreation site that proposed a fee modification or removal, or is establishing a new fee. Click on each recreation site for more information.
Map tips
- Click a recreation site photo or the corresponding green drop-pin on the map
- Zoom out or return to the main extent to view the recreation sites in relation to BLM managed lands, National Monuments, National Conservation Areas, and Wilderness
- Click the (x) under a recreation site description to return to the main extent
- Click the (+) and (-) buttons in the map to zoom in and out
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Stateline Campground
La Posa Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA)
Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA)
Senator Wash North Shore
Senator Wash South Shore
Senator Wash Boat Launch and Day Use Area
T.K. Jones Campground and Boat Launch
Oxbow Campground and Boat Launch
Proposed Fortuna Pond Campground
Betty’s Kitchen
Ehrenberg Sandbowl
Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground
Proposed Phoenix District Campgrounds
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
Fourmile Canyon Recreation Site
Gila River Boat Put-In
Owl Creek Campground
Riverview Campground
Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area
Indian Bread Rocks Recreation Area
Gila River Recreation Sites (Christmas and Shores)
IFNM ISRP Recreation Fee Zone
Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
Stateline Campground
The Stateline Campground is located on the border of Utah and Arizona on the Houserock Valley Road approximately 10 miles south of US Highway 89 and approximately 30 miles east of Kanab, Utah and 30 miles west of Page, AZ. The campground sits at approximately 5,000 feet in elevation, near the west side of the Paria Plateau on the Vermilion Cliffs and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments. Campground amenities include shade structures, designated parking, fire rings, vault toilets, and interpretive signs.
Proposed New Fee: Overnight Camping (Tent) - Expanded Amenity: Current= free; Proposed= $16
Contact for more information:
Or fax: 435-688-3258
La Posa Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA)
The La Posa LTVA was created in 1983 to fulfill the needs of winter visitors (September 15 - April 15) and to protect the local desert ecosystem from overuse. The campground is approximately 11,400 acres in size, flat landscape, sparsely vegetated with plants such as creosote bushes, palo verde trees, ironwood trees, mesquite trees and various species of cacti. La Posa LTVA offers solitude in a unique desert landscape and a variety of recreational opportunities such as hiking, wildlife viewing and rockhounding. Amenities include potable well water systems with water distribution sites, a four-lane dump station with sewage lagoon, garbage collection locations, universally accessible restrooms, shade ramadas, a concrete dance floor, extensive signage, and roads.
Proposed Fee Changes for Winter Months (September 15 - April 15): Short Term Permit (from 14 to 30 days): Current= $40*; Proposed= $200 Long Term Permit (valid for up to 7 months): Current= $180*; Proposed= $600
Proposed Fee Changes for Non-Winter Months (April 16 - September 14): Day Use, per motor vehicle: $10 (no change) Overnight Occupancy, per motor vehicle: Current= $15*; Proposed= $20 Annual Pass (Decal), up to 3 motor vehicles, 2 decal limit: Current= $75*; Proposed= $200
*Last increased in 2008
Contact for more information:
Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA)
The Imperial Dam LTVA was created in 1983 to fulfill the needs of winter visitors (September 15 - April 15) and to protect the local desert ecosystem from overuse. The campground is approximately 3,500 acres in size, flat landscape, sparsely vegetated with plants such as creosote bushes, palo verde trees, ironwood trees, mesquite trees and various species of cacti. Imperial Dam LTVA offers solitude in a unique desert landscape and a variety of recreational opportunities such as hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing. Amenities include universally accessible flush toilet restrooms and vault toilet, potable water distribution site, dump stations, trash disposal services, shade ramadas, three full hook-up sites for volunteer hosts and contractors, extensive signage, and roads.
Proposed Fee Changes for Winter Months (September 15 - April 15): Short Term Permit (from 14 to 30 days): Current= $40*; Proposed= $200 Long Term Permit (valid for up to 7 months): Current= $180*; Proposed= $600
Proposed Fee Changes for Non-Winter Months (April 16 - September 14): Day Use, per motor vehicle: $10 (no change) Overnight Occupancy, per motor vehicle: Current= $15*; Proposed= $20 Annual Pass (Decal), up to 3 motor vehicles, 2 decal limit: Current= $75*; Proposed= $200
*Last increased in 2008
Contact for more information:
Senator Wash North Shore
The winding northern shoreline of the Senator Wash Reservoir is approximately 25 miles north of Yuma in Imperial County, California and can be accessed by land from Ferguson Lake Road or by water from the Senator Wash Boat Launch. Visitors can enjoy camping, swimming, boating, fishing and picnicking opportunities at North Shore. Amenities include tent and RV campsites, five universally accessible restrooms, designated parking areas, and interpretive kiosks. The permit also includes the use of the trash disposal services, water, RV sanitary dump stations, and universally accessible restrooms at the adjacent Imperial Dam LTVA.
Proposed Fees: Day Use, per motor vehicle: $10 (no change) Overnight Occupancy, per motor vehicle: Current= $15*; Proposed= $20 Annual Pass (Decal), up to 3 motor vehicles, 2 decal limit: Current= $75*; Proposed= $200 *Last increased in 2008
Contact for more information:
Senator Wash South Shore
The wide, flat beach along Senator Wash Reservoir's southern shore provides ideal family and group camping opportunities. The campground can be accessed by land from the Imperial Dam LTVA or by water from the Senator Wash Boat Launch. The permit includes the use of the trash disposal services, water, RV sanitary dump stations, and universally accessible restrooms at the adjacent Imperial Dam LTVA.
Proposed Fees: Day Use, per motor vehicle: $10 (no change) Overnight Occupancy, per motor vehicle: Current= $15*; Proposed= $20 Annual Pass (Decal), up to 3 motor vehicles, 2 decal limit: Current= $75*; Proposed= $200 *Last increased in 2008
Contact for more information:
Senator Wash Boat Launch and Day Use Area
This day use site provides recreational access to Senator Wash Reservoir. Visitors can enjoy opportunities to picnic, swim, fish, boat, jet and water ski, and view wildlife. The boat launch also provides boat-in camping access to the Senator Wash North Shore and South Shore Campgrounds. Amenities include day-use parking, a paved boat launch, universally accessible restrooms with flush toilets and showers, garbage collection, and a buoyed swimming area.
Proposed Fees: Day Use, per motor vehicle: $10 (no change) Annual Pass (Decal), up to 3 motor vehicles, 2 decal limit: Current= $75*; Proposed= $200 *Last increased in 2008
Contact for more information:
T.K. Jones Campground and Boat Launch
This recreation site is located on the backwaters of the Colorado River directly above Imperial Dam. The site contains over 100 RV sites and numerous dispersed tent camping sites. Additionally, there is a paved boat launch with docks, a car top canoe/kayak launch area, and a dedicated Day Use Area for all kinds of outdoor adventure. Amenities include universally accessible restrooms with flush toilets, garbage collection, picnic tables, fire rings, 2 boat launches, boat trailer parking, and 2 buoyed swimming areas. The cost of the amenity recreation fee at T.K. Jones also includes the use of the water and RV sanitary dump stations within the adjacent Imperial Dam LTVA.
Proposed Fees: Day Use, per motor vehicle: $10 (no change) Overnight Occupancy, per motor vehicle: Current= $15*; Proposed= $20 Annual Pass (Decal), up to 3 motor vehicles, 2 decal limit: Current= $75*; Proposed= $200 *Last increased in 2008
Contact for more information:
Oxbow Campground and Boat Launch
The facilities at Oxbow include RV and tent campsites, two universally accessible restrooms, garbage collection, grills, picnic tables, one paved and one unpaved boat launch, and boat trailer parking. Jet skiing, water skiing, and other fast paced boating activities occur within the Colorado River. Slower paced boating activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing are more common within Oxbow Lake.
Proposed Fees: Day Use, per motor vehicle: $10 (no change) Overnight Occupancy, per motor vehicle: Current= $15*; Proposed= $20 Annual Pass (Decal), up to 3 motor vehicles, 2 decal limit: Current= $75*; Proposed= $200 *Last increased in 2008
Contact for more information:
Proposed Fortuna Pond Campground
This proposed campground would be located east of Fortuna Pond. Future amenities would include a camp host, improved gravel roads, a fee collection kiosk, interpretive and information kiosks, vault toilets, picnic tables, grill stands, fire rings, fish cleaning station, and a trash collection location. The site would offer RV parking locations, as well as tent only sites.
Proposed Fees: Overnight Occupancy, per motor vehicle: Current= n/a; Proposed= $20 Annual Pass (Decal), up to 3 motor vehicles, 2 decal limit: Current= n/a; Proposed= $200
Contact for more information:
Betty’s Kitchen
This 10-acre day use area is located along the lower Colorado River approximately 15 miles north of Yuma. The half-mile, universally accessible Betty's Kitchen National Recreation Trail features interpretive panels to familiarize the visitor with the natural and cultural history of the area. Other facilities at Betty's Kitchen include a day use parking area, shade ramada, universally accessible restrooms, picnic tables, grills, and a small outdoor classroom.
Proposed Fee Removal: Day use: Current= $10; Proposed= free Fee removal proposal to provide free, quality recreation experiences.
Contact for more information:
Ehrenberg Sandbowl
This 400-acre Open OHV Management Area provides exceptional motorized recreation opportunities throughout its hilly and sandy terrain. The Sandbowl provides designated parking and OHV loading/unloading ramps.
Proposed Fee Removal: Day use: Current= $10; Proposed= free Fee removal proposal to provide free, quality recreation experiences.
Contact for more information:
Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground
This approximately 300-acre area is operated as a day-use archaeological attraction and campground mainly used for winter camping. Visitors enjoy opportunities for RV and tent camping, social gathering, petroglyph and historical trail viewing, interpretive exhibit viewing, picnicking, hiking, and motorized exploring adjacent to natural landscapes. Campground amenities include vault toilets, steel fire rings, trash collection, picnic tables, shade structures, tent and trailer spaces, maintained access roads and regular patrols by law enforcement and park rangers.
Proposed Fee Changes: Day use: Current= $2; Proposed= free* Individual Site (non-electric) per night: Current= $6**; Proposed= $20 Individual Site (electric) per night: Current= $6**; Proposed= $30 Group Site per night: Current= $6**; Proposed= $50 Dump station fee: Current= amenity does not currently exist; Proposed= $10 *Fee removal proposal to provide free, quality recreation experiences. **Last increased in 2005
Contact email for more information:
Proposed Phoenix District Campgrounds
The Phoenix District Office proposes four future campgrounds within the Hassayampa and Lower Sonoran Field Offices: - Table Mesa Campground - Emery Henderson Campground - Boulders OHV Area Campground - Estrella Wayside Campground Future amenities will meet FLREA requirements and may include designated RV and tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, ADA/ABA accessible vault toilet facilities, ramadas, trash collection, and RV dump stations. See business plan for specific information on each proposed campground.
Proposed Fees: Individual Site (non-electric) per night: Current= n/a; Proposed= $20 Individual Site (electric) per night: Current= n/a; Proposed= $30 Group Site per night: Current= n/a; Proposed= $50 Dump station fee: Current= n/a; Proposed= $10
Contact email for more information:
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
With towering cliffs, flowing water and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness remains as one of Arizona's truly unique areas. Its 19,410 acres of designated wilderness beckons adventurers who yearn for solitude and scenic splendor. Located in southeast Arizona, roughly between Tucson and Phoenix, the wilderness and surrounding public and private land conserve a vital ecosystem for future generations. Aravaipa has several trailheads and contact stations with amenities including parking, vault toilets, interpretive signs, and refuse containers.
Proposed Fee Change: Day or overnight use, per person: Current= $5*; Proposed= $12 *Last increased in 1999
Contact email for more information:
Fourmile Canyon Recreation Site
Located among large mesquite trees and desert grasses, the campground offers a developed setting for an overnight or extended camping trip. In the spring and fall, the campground is popular with javelina and deer hunters. Amenities include tent and/or trailer camping sites, picnic tables, access roads, refuse containers, toilet facilities, campfire rings, and site host volunteers, among others.
Proposed Fee Changes: Overnight, two vehicles per night: Current= $5*; Proposed= $15 Per additional vehicle: Current= $2*; Proposed= $5 *Last increased in 2005
Contact email for more information:
Gila River Boat Put-In
This recreation site provides access to the Gila River in the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, which was congressionally designated in 1990. Favorable snowpack and rain from the greater Gila River Watershed and infusions from the San Francisco River and Bonita Creek create a unique opportunity for floating, water play, and fishing along the river. Amenities include picnic tables, access roads, refuse containers, and toilet facilities, among others.
Proposed Fee Change: Per person (up to 5-day trip): Current= $3*; Proposed= $8 *Last increased in 1999
Contact email for more information:
Owl Creek Campground
This recreation site is seated on a north bench above the Gila River just a quarter mile from the Gila River Boat Put-In. The site is accessible from the BLM Black Hills Backcountry Byway and provides visitors with a beautiful view of the riparian area and Guthrie Peak, one of the highest points in Greenlee County. Amenities include tent and/or trailer camping sites, picnic tables, access roads, refuse containers, toilet facilities, campfire rings, among others.
Proposed Fee Changes: Overnight, two vehicles per night: Current= $5*; Proposed= $15 Per additional vehicle: Current= $2*; Proposed= $5 *Last increased in 1999
Contact email for more information:
Riverview Campground
This campground offers a fantastic camping experience within the popular Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. The area contains significant riparian areas with a plethora of birds, wildlife, and unique vegetation. Amenities include tent and/or trailer camping sites, picnic tables, drinking water, access roads, refuse containers, toilet facilities, campfire rings, among others.
Proposed Fee Changes: Overnight, two vehicles per night: Current= $5*; Proposed= $15 Per additional vehicle: Current= $2*; Proposed= $5 *Last increased in 1999
Contact email for more information:
Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area
Hot Well Dunes provides the opportunity to ride 2,000 acres of sand dunes, set up a camp, and then soak in relaxing hot tubs, all in the same location. Amenities include tent and/or trailer camping sites, picnic tables, access roads, refuse containers, toilet facilities, campfire rings, among others.
Proposed Fee Changes: Day or overnight use, per vehicle: Current= $3*; Proposed= $15 Day or overnight use, per vehicle annual pass: Current= $30*; Proposed= $80 *Last increased in 1997
Contact email for more information:
Indian Bread Rocks Recreation Area
Consisting of the rugged slopes of the Dos Cabezas Mountains, elevations range from 4,080 feet to 7,500 feet, allowing for a variety of plant and animal life, as well as excellent recreational opportunities. Visitors will find a diverse terrain consisting of steep mountain slopes, granite outcroppings and vegetated canyon floors. Current amenities include access roads, toilet facilities, and visitor protection. Future amenities will meet FLREA requirements and may include designated RV and tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, among others.
Proposed New Fee: Overnight, two vehicles per night: Current= free; Proposed= $15 Per additional vehicle: Current= free; Proposed= $5
Contact email for more information:
Gila River Recreation Sites (Christmas and Shores)
The Christmas and Shores Campgrounds are developed sites and provide access for river-related recreation opportunities such as sightseeing, wildlife viewing, picnicking, camping, fishing and small craft floating. Amenities include gravel surfaced driveways; campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads; trash collection; day-use parking; and three outhouses.
Proposed New Fees: Day Use (per vehicle): Current= free; Proposed= $7 Local Area Annual Pass (Gila River Pass): Current= n/a; Proposed= $40 Camping (per site): Current= free; Proposed= $10 Group Site 1-50 people (per day or night): Current= free; Proposed= $75 Group Site 51+ people (per day or night): Current= free; Proposed= $150
Contact for more information:
IFNM ISRP Recreation Fee Zone
The Ironwood Forest National Monument (IFNM) contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5,000-year period. Possessing one of the richest stands of ironwood in the Sonoran Desert, the monument also encompasses several desert mountain ranges including the Silver Bell, Waterman, and Sawtooth, with desert valleys in between. The IFNM provides recreational hiking trails such as the Ragged Top, Waterman, and Elephant Tree trails. Historic sightseeing locations include the Silverbell cemetery, Mission of Santa Ana del Chiquiburitac, and Cocoraque Butte. Area amenities include tent or trailer spaces, access roads, and group site, among others.
Proposed New Fees: Overnight Camping Individual Special Recreation Permit (ISRP)*, per vehicle, per night: Current= free; Proposed= $15 *The ISRP fee will only apply to areas within the designated IFNM ISRP Recreation Fee Zone. See Appendix 1 in the Draft Business Plan for more information.
Contact for more information:
Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
The 45,000-acre Las Cienegas National Conservation Area (LCNCA) provides excellent wildlife viewing for pronghorn, deer, and native fish species in Cienega Creek and several ponds. The LCNCA offers camping opportunities and features popular sites such as Empire Ranch , Airstrip Day Use Area and Group Site, Maternity Well Group Site, Ag Field Group Site. Area amenities include visitor contact stations, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, shade structures interpretation, among others. See business plan for additional details on amenities found in the LCNCA.
Proposed New Fees for Empire Ranch and Airstrip Day Use Areas* Day Use Standard Amenity Fee (per vehicle per day): Current= free; Proposed= $10 Local Area Year Pass (Empire Pass) - Day Use Only: Current= n/a; Proposed= $40 *Fee permits access for day use at both Empire Ranch and Airstrip sites Proposed New Fees for Airstrip, Maternity Well, and Ag Field Group Sites** Developed Group Site 1-75 people (Per Day or Night): Current= free; Proposed= $100 Developed Group Site 76+ people (Per Day or Night): Current= free; Proposed= $200 **Fee permits access to the specific group site only (one per at Airstrip, Maternity Well, or Ag Field Group Sites) Proposed New Fees within LCNCA ISRP*** Recreation Fee Zone: Overnight Camping (ISRP): Current= free; Proposed= $15 ***Individual Special Recreation Permit, see Appendix 2 in the Draft Business Plan for more information
Contact for more information:
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA) contains almost 57,000 acres of public land and one of the most important riparian areas in the country. The primary purpose for the designation is to protect and enhance the desert riparian ecosystem, a rare remnant of what was once an extensive network of similar riparian systems throughout the Southwest. The SPRNCA offers many recreational opportunities, including backcountry camping as well as day use at the following sites: San Pedro House , Fairbank Historic Townsite , Millville, Terrenate , Hereford , Palominas, and Murray Springs . Area amenities include developed parking, visitor protection, permanent trash receptacles, vault toilet restrooms, picnic tables, interpretation/education, cooking grills, shade structures, and drinking water.
Proposed Fee Changes: Day Use Standard Amenity Fee (per vehicle, per day)*: Current= free; Proposed= $10 Local Area Annual Pass (San Pedro Pass)**: Current= n/a; Proposed= $40 Camping Backcountry (per person, per night): Current= $2***; Proposed= $10 *Would apply to any or all SPRNCA day use site(s) for the entire day **Would apply to any or all SPRNCA day use site(s) for the entire year ***Last increased in 1988
Contact for more information: