# Federal Register #2026-21248

Forest Service proposes recreation fees at multiple national forest sites

**Buyer:** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
**Posted:** October 19, 2026
**Identifier:** 2026-21248

The USDA Forest Service is considering recreation fees at sites across several national forests, rather than soliciting products or contracted services.
- **Government buyer:** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service; notices cover the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, National Forests in North Carolina, and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. An Eldorado National Forest notice begins in the source, but its proposed fees are not provided.
- **Proposed recreation fees:**
  - At Rocky Bluff Picnic Area and the Poplar Boat Launch group picnic sites in North Carolina, the proposed expanded amenity fee is **$50 per day**.
  - At Black Jack, Blue Crossing, Coal Creek, Granville, Hannagan, KP Cienega, Lower Juan Miller, Scott Reservoir, and Upper Blue Campgrounds, and Gabaldon Horse Camp, proposed fees are **$15 per night** and **$5 per extra vehicle**.
  - At the listed Apache-Sitgreaves boating, day-use, and fishing sites, proposed standard amenity fees are **$5 per vehicle per day** or **$40 per year**. The America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass would be honored at these sites.
  - Other proposed fee services include Mill Falls Campground, Pine Grove and Falls Creek Campgrounds, and rentals at Forest Lake and Highwood Cabins; the source excerpt does not state their fee amounts.
- **Use of revenue and review:** Fee revenue would support recreation opportunities, site operations, maintenance, improvements, customer service, and visitor services. Proposals are subject to public involvement and advisory committee review before a final decision.
- **Reservations and named platform:** Reservations for the North Carolina sites would be available through **Recreation.gov** or by phone. A separate **$8 transaction fee** would be charged by the reservation platform.
- **OEMs and procurement:** No product manufacturers or OEMs are identified, and no goods or procurement services are being requested.

### Description

The National Forests in North Carolina propose establishing two recreation fee sites: the Rocky Bluff Picnic Area and Poplar Boat Launch group picnic sites. A proposed expanded amenity recreation fee of $50 per day would apply, with fee revenue used to enhance recreation opportunities, improve customer service, and address maintenance needs. After public involvement, the sites and fees will be reviewed by a Resource Advisory Committee before a final decision and implementation. If approved, they would be established no earlier than six months after publication of the notice; reservations would also incur an $8 transaction fee.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/19/2026-21248/proposed-recreation-fee-sites)