National Park Service Raising Some Fees for 2017 in DC Region

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Park Service has announced price increases for several D.C.-area locations effective Jan. 1. "There continues to be a growing need for funds to improve visitor use facilities, infrastructure and visitor services in parks," according to a statement by the park service.

New funds will be spent on repairs to facilities - starting with deferred maintenance projects, along with capital improvements, improving amenities, protecting resources and adding visitor programs.

The decisions to adjust fees were reportedly made locally, with input from local communities. The area price increases include:

Fort Dupont Park, DC

Group picnic area rates will increase from $45 per site per half day to $65 per site per half day.

Fort Washington Park, MD

Entrance fees: The annual park pass will increase from $20 to $30; the vehicle rate from $5 to $10; and the motorcycle rate from $3 to $7. The per person rate remains at $3. Entrance fees are valid for 7 days (2016 rates were valid for only 3 days).

Group picnic area rates increase as follows:

• Up to 50 people: from $25/site per day to $75/site per day
• 51 to 100 people: from $35/site per day to $100/site per day
• 101 to 150 people: from $50/site per day to $125/site per day (non-secluded area)
• 101 to 150 people: from $75/site per day to $150/site per day (secluded area)

Greenbelt Park, MD

Campground rates increase from $16/site per night to $20/site per night.

Group picnic area rates increase as follows:

• Up to 99 people: from $55/site per day to $100/site per day
• 100 to 149 people: from $105/site per day to $150/site per day
• 150 to 200 people: from $155/site per day to $225/site per day

Rock Creek Park, DC

Group picnic area rates will increase from $45/site per half day to $65/site per half day.

Image via National Park Service