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Contact: Julena Campbell, Public Affairs Officer, 520-824-3560, ext. 307 Superintendent H. Lane Baker announced today that park entrance fees for Chiricahua National Monument (NM) have been eliminated and all visitors are now able to enter the park for free. “We are continually analyzing our operations to ensure these national treasures are fully protected and that we are also following best business practices,” said Superintendent Baker. “After conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis, we have determined it is in the best interest of both the park and the public to eliminate our entrance fee.” In addition, America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes will no longer be sold at the park. These passes can be purchased at most federal recreation sites that collect entrance fees, or with a mail-in application that is available at www.usgs.store.gov/pass.
Chiricahua NM is home to the historic Bonita Canyon Campground. Traditionally, the campground has operated on a first-come, first-served basis only. Effective immediately, campers may now make reservations for the campground through the National Reservation Recreation System (NRRS). “Camping in the park and enjoying the night skies at Chiricahua is a special experience. The park’s remote location means we are miles away from city lights, but it also means there very few overnight accommodations nearby. We realize that many campers prefer the peace-of-mind that comes with making a reservation to secure your campsite under the stars,” said Superintendent Baker. Reservations can be made online 24 hours a day atwww.recreation.gov or over the phone at 1-877-444-6777. The camping fee is currently $12 per site, per night, or $6 per site, per night for America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior and Access pass holders.
Originally built by the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the campground offers 25 sites that can accommodate up to 8 people each and one larger group site for parties of 9-24 people. Flush toilets and potable water are provided. All sites have a picnic table, grill, tent pad, and the group site has fire pit. Utility hookups are not provided, with the exception of one site reserved for ADA access that has electricity available for medical use.Maximum RV/motorhome or trailer length in the campground is 29 feet.Chiricahua NM is open 24 hours a day, although the scenic road, Bonita Canyon Drive, can be temporarily closed due to hazardous conditions. For information about visiting the park, go to www.nps.gov/chir or call the visitor center staff at 520-824-3560, ext. 0. Direct link to the Bonita Canyon Campground reservation page: http://www.recreation.
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Last updated: February 24, 2015