News Release

Public comment periods for proposed fee increases and new parking fee at Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Date: April 15, 2022
Contact: Megan Wilkins, 580-622-7233

Sulphur, Okla.– Campsite and recreation fees at Chickasaw National Recreation Area are proposed for an increase. Parking fees, previously non-existent, are also proposed for Little Niagara and the Travertine Nature Center on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in the busy summer season. Public comment periods run until May 15, 2022.

Camping fees for Chickasaw National Recreation Area have remained unchanged since 2011, and the price increase will help offset rising utility costs and cost of collection. The proposal camping and recreation fee increase is supported by our annual price comparison review of similar recreation facilities in the region. If approved, these new fee rates will go into effect on October 1, 2022. Before implementing any proposed changes to camping fees, park staff is soliciting input from the public.

The desired changes to camping/recreation fees are as indicated below:

•  All campsites with electric utility/water hook-ups will increase from $22.00/$24.00 to $30.00 per night for first-come, first-served sites and $32.00 per night if booked through www.recreation.gov*
•  Campsites without electric utility/water hook-ups will increase from $16.00/$14.00 to $20.00 per night for first-come, first-served sites and $22.00 per night if booked through www.recreation.gov*
•  All group campsites will increase from $30.00 to $50.00 per night (Rock Creek, Cold Springs, and Central Campgrounds)
•  All pavilions (Buckhorn and Veterans Lake) will increase from $30.00 to $50.00 per day

*Single campsites reservable on www.recreation.gov will be charged a $2.00 processing fee in addition to any other charges in accordance with their policies.

One hundred percent of camping fees stay within Chickasaw National Recreation Area, where they cover utility costs for campgrounds and provide additional revenue, which is applied to high priority visitor needs. These funds are used for maintenance, repair projects, public service programs, signage, and natural and historical resource preservation.

The new parking fee proposal is supported by price comparison review of similar recreation facilities in the area. Before implementing the proposed addition of parking fees, park staff is soliciting input from the public. If approved, these fee rates will go into effect on May 1, 2023.

A fee is proposed for parking at Little Niagara Falls and Travertine Nature Center. Parking permits would be purchased from vending machines located in each lot. The proposed fee is $15/vehicle per day. Purchase would be by credit/debit card using self-pay machines that print a receipt with the inputted vehicle tag number. Parking receipts would be placed on dash of vehicle. NPS employees will monitor the lots for compliance and notify appropriate personnel of violations. No reservations would be available for parking and Interagency Pass discounts would not apply. There would be 25 free spaces for employees and visitors to the Travertine Nature Center with a 2 hour maximum stay for visitors. If a visitor departs the area there is no guarantee of parking upon re-entry, even with a valid receipt. Fees would be assessed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from May 1st through October 1st each year. Parking would be free on other days and during the off season. Fees would be assessed from sunrise to sunset. The parking areas would be closed overnight.

Revenue from parking fees would stay within Chickasaw National Recreation Area. This revenue would cover costs of personnel to monitor these lots and assist with parking. Any additional revenue would be applied to high priority visitor needs such as maintenance, repair projects, public service programs, signage, and natural and historical resource preservation.

The National Park Service is committed to a policy of civic engagement and public input for any issues concerning the National Parks. Questions and/or comments can be submitted in writing and mailed to:

Superintendent
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
901 W. 1st Street
Sulphur, OK  73086

Comments may also be submitted via email to [e-mail]. Please include the phrase “Camping Fee Increase” at the top of your email or in the email subject line if writing about the proposed increase to camping and recreation fees. Please include the phrase “Parking Fee Implementation CY 2023” at the top of your email or in the email subject line if writing about the proposed parking fee. Please send two separate emails with the appropriate phrase if writing about both proposals. Comments will be accepted until May 15, 2022.