Individual Site and Group Site Camping Fee Increase and Partial Reservation System for Juniper Campground

A pull through site in Juniper Family Campground

NPS

Overnight Camping Fee Increase and Transition to Partial Reservation System Effective October 1, 2023

Bandelier National Monument has increased amenity fees for for individual campsites at Juniper Campground and group campsites at Juniper Campground and Ponderosa Campground effective October 1, 2023. The park has also transitioned to a partial reservation system for Juniper Campground effective October 1, 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Camping Fee Increase and Move to Partial Reservation System for Juniper Campground

Why is it necessary to raise camping fees?

One hundred percent of fees for camping collected at Bandelier stay in Bandelier and are used on projects that directly impact campers. Bandelier last raised camping fees for individual campsites in 2005 and last raised fees for group campsites in 1995. During the time since the last fee increases, project, labor, and administrative costs have all increased substantially. The camping fee increases are necessary to improve and maintain a high-quality camping experience at Bandelier.

How were the proposed fees determined?

Through comparability studies of area campgrounds. Campground comparability studies look at the amenities, price point, and available activities of similar campgrounds in the area and compare them to Juniper and Ponderosa Campground. Recent comparability studies showed that camping prices for both individual campsites and group campsites at Bandelier were below that of area campgrounds of similar size and amenities. The proposed fees were open to public comment for 30 days from 3/26/23 - 4/26/23. More than 80% of those who commented expressed support for increased camping fees.

Will half priced camping still be offered to Senior and Access pass holders?

Yes! Bandelier will still honor a 50% discount at individual campsites to holders of Interagency Senior Passes (both Lifetime and Annual) and Interagency Lifetime Access Passes. The discount will continue to not apply to group campsites.

How Can I Make Reservations?

Reservations for individual campsites in Juniper Campground will be available to reserve through www.recreation.gov beginning October 1, 2023. Camping loops B and C will be available for reservations while loop A will remain first come first serve. Loop B is open year-round and loop C is closed seasonally November through February.

How Far in Advance Can I Reserve a Site?

Campsites will be reservable starting October 1, 2023 and reservations will be open on a 6 month rolling basis.

If I don’t have a reservation can I still camp at Juniper campground?

Yes! Although Loops B & C will be available by reservation only, Loop A will be available exclusively for day-of campers, year-round. Loop A is home to 15 campsites, more than half of which have pull-in or pull-thru driveways of 30 feet or more, potable water, trash/recycling, and a comfort station with flush toilets and running water.

If I don’t have a reservation and Loop A is full, will I be able to camp?

Day-of reservations will not be allowed on Recreation.gov, so any unreserved sites can be opened to day-of campers without reservations. Day-of availabilty will be posted at the self-pay kisok at the entrance of the campground.

Why a partial reservation system and not making all sites reservable or remaining an all first-come, first-served system?

Advanced reservations of campsites will provide 24/7 ease of reservations, offer park visitors the convenience and flexibility to plan their trip ahead of time and to make changes to reservations when needed, and provide peace of mind knowing a campsite is waiting when they visit Bandelier. By leaving Loop A available to day-of campers, those “spur of the moment campers” or those with internet connectivity issues will still be able to enjoy camping in Bandelier. Transitioning to a partial reservation system will also help reduce the administrative burden placed on park staff allowing for that time to instead be spent on improving and expanding visitor services as well as enhancing visitor safety and resource protection in Bandelier.