Buffalo National River maintains numerous campgrounds throughout its park and has announced it is holding a public comment period about possible camping fee increases in 2019.
The park conducted a campground comparability study in the local area and, based upon the study, proposes to increase camping fees at the following locations:
-Sites with water and electric at Buffalo Point Campground: from $22 to $30 a night for up to six people
-All sites at Tyler Bend Campground and walk-in tent sites at Buffalo Point Campground: from $16 to $20 a night for up to six people
-Primitive sites (without electricity or showers) at Steel Creek, Kyles Landing, Ozark, Carver, and Rush campgrounds: from $12 to $20 a night for up to six people
-No changes are proposed for reserving pavilions; those fees would remain $25 at Ozark and $50 at Tyler Bend and Buffalo Point
-The fee structure would be revised for group campsites at Buffalo Point and Tyler Bend: from $3 per person, per night to a flat rate of $50 per group per night (up to 25 people per site). This would represent an increase for some groups and a decrease for others, based on past use.
-Other campgrounds would continue to allow free camping where no amenities are provided: Erbie, Woolum, South Maumee and Spring Creek.
Buffalo National River is an economic engine for the surrounding area. In 2017, more than 1.5 million visitors contributed $71.1 million to the local economy, and supported 911 jobs related to tourism. Park officials say raising campground fees would ensure the park is not driving business away from other local providers. Funds from camping fees support efforts to maintain campgrounds and make future improvements to the park.
There are multiple ways to comment on the proposed fee increase. The park is taking comments electronically at parkplanning.nps.gov/buff2019fees.
Those wishing to comment can also pick up a paper comment form from park headquarters in Harrison, Steel Creek Ranger Station, Tyler Bend Visitor Center, or the Buffalo Point Ranger Station or email comments to buff_superintendent@nps.gov <mailto:buff_superintendent@nps.gov>.
Following the public review period, which lasts until September 5th, the park will review all feedback, finalize the proposal, and determine how, or if, to implement the proposed changes.
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