Georgia Board Approves State Park Fee Increases for 2025

The Georgia Board of Natural Resources has approved a plan to raise parking fees at state parks, marking the first increase since 2009. The changes, effective in 2025, will see daily vehicle parking fees rise from $5 to $10, and annual passes increase from $50 to $70. Additionally, veterans will see their daily pass fees rise from $3.75 to $7.50 and annual passes from $37.50 to $52.50.

The board also discussed potential price hikes for campsites, cabins, and golf courses, which could be implemented without a vote. According to Haley Chafin, the Department of Natural Resources’ external affairs manager, there is currently no set timeline for these changes.

Concerns Over Increased Fees

The fee increases have drawn criticism, particularly regarding the impact on veterans. Sherman Neal II, deputy director of the Sierra Club of Georgia’s Military Outdoors program, argued that Georgia should consider waiving fees for veterans and active duty military personnel, similar to programs in states like Alabama. Neal highlighted that many servicemembers in Georgia earn less than $33,000 annually, suggesting that easier access to state parks would honor their service.

“I understand the necessity to address deferred maintenance and steward the land,” Neal stated. “However, we must reject shifting the burden onto Georgians. Access to nature saves lives, and we should dedicate resources towards studying the positive health outcomes associated with time spent outdoors.”

In response to these concerns, Kenya Wicks, a Democratic state senator from Fayette, introduced a bill this year aimed at waiving park fees for servicemembers. Although the bill did not advance, it remains a topic for discussion in the next legislative session.

Justifying the Increases

Supporters of the fee increases emphasize the rising costs associated with park maintenance. Damon Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, acknowledged the discomfort of raising prices but stressed that maintenance requires funding.

“The park pass remains the only dedicated source of funding for maintenance and repair in our park system,” Kirkpatrick explained. “While new capital projects, like the visitor center at Vogel State Park, are transforming our parks, the backlog of maintenance continues to grow.”

Before the unanimous vote, board member Duncan Johnson recognized the long duration without a fee increase, stating, “I have been here 11 years, and out of those 11 years, I have always fought increases in any fees because I don’t like imposing them. However, I think we’ve gone 16 years without any increase.”

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is also exploring methods to enhance revenue, including surge pricing for campsites and golf courses based on demand. Recent audits by the state auditor’s office recommended implementing dynamic pricing strategies similar to those used in states like South Carolina and Alabama, which adjust rates based on occupancy levels.

Suggestions include raising fees for high-demand periods, such as charging more for cottages in summer and less in winter. The parks division is open to these recommendations but aims to balance revenue generation with public accessibility.

Overall, the fee increases reflect the state’s efforts to address financial pressures while maintaining its commitment to providing residents access to Georgia’s natural spaces.