Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest mulls recreation fee increase

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is considering increasing and implementing fees for dozens of recreation sites across the forest, including some in Jefferson County, and the forest is accepting public comment on the proposal through Nov. 1.

Under the proposal, the forest stated in a news release, fees would increase “across 17 campgrounds, 24 cabin rentals, three group picnic areas, one group camp site, and the Crystal Park recreational mining site,” and fees would be implemented at 22 campgrounds and seven boat-launch sites that are currently free, as well as a new campground and six new rental cabins in the forest.

Some fees and increases are relatively modest: the Delmoe Lake Campground fee would go from $8 to $15 per night. Others are more significant. The fee at the West Fork of Rock Creek Cabin southwest of Philipsburg would nearly quadruple, going from $20 to $75 per night.