Do you recreate in the Boise National Forest? Officials seek feedback on new, increased fees.

The Boise National Forest covers more than 2.5 million acres and includes more than 500 trails. More than 60% of Idaho is federal public land. (Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun)

The Boise National Forest is requesting public feedback on new proposed and increased fees that forest officials say are needed to maintain and improve the popular recreation areas in 64 campgrounds, rental cabins and day-use sites.

“The forest has seen a substantial increase in recreational use as the area’s population has grown and with that, the need for upkeep and improving our developed recreation sites,” said Forest Supervisor Brant Petersen in a press release from the U.S. Forest Service. “It’s been 26 years since we last increased fees on our campgrounds and rental cabins.”

The Boise National Forest relies on fees to maintain its recreational sites, the press release said. It also uses funding from the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and the Great American Outdoors Act to improve and develop many recreation sites — such as the Atlanta Guard Station, Third Fork Cabin, Edna Creek Campground, locations near Sage Hen Reservoir and the creation of the Stack Rock Trailhead. 

Upcoming planned projects using those funds include upgrades to Kirkham Hot Springs, Banks access boat ramps, Trinity Rental Cabin and other additional campgrounds near Sage Hen reservoir. These enhancements are estimated to cost $10 million. 

According to the press release, the proposed fee changes would help meet public expectations for high quality recreational opportunities and maintenance of those sites. 

The fees are used to add campsites, expand camp trailer space and install accessible campground furniture. According to the release, about 70% percent of the Boise National Forest’s developed recreation sites will continue to not charge a fee.

The Boise National Forest is accepting comments until Sept. 4 about the fee changes. People can send comments by: 

Emailing the Boise National Forest Recreation Program
Calling Forest Recreation Program Manager, Everardo Santillan at 208-373-4100 during normal business hours.
Using the interactive web map
Hand delivery to Boise National Forest or U.S. Mail to:

Recreation Fees

Once the public comment period ends, all comments will be reviewed by the Forest Service staff. Substantive comments will be evaluated further in the proposal.

The final proposed fee changes will be presented to a citizen’s resource advisory committee. Their recommendation will be submitted to the Forest Service intermountain regional forester for a final decision. If approved, the new fees would go into effect in 2025, according to the release.

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