The Bureau of Land Management Montana/Dakotas State Director Sonya Germann approved six new recreation business plans to improve visitor experiences and update fee structures across the region.
The plans, reviewed and recommended by the Missouri Basin and Western Montana Resource Advisory Councils, include adjustments to current fees and the introduction of new fee structures at several campgrounds, day-use sites, and recreation areas.
“The approved fee adjustments are a direct response to rising operational and maintenance costs and reflect our ongoing commitment to reinvesting every dollar of recreation fee revenue back into the sites where it was collected,” said Germann. “These investments ensure that public lands remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for current and future generations.”
The decision to increase fees and introduce new fee structures reflects the growing costs associated with maintaining and improving recreation facilities. Increased visitor use, aging infrastructure, and the need to enhance safety and services for the public have prompted these adjustments.
All revenue generated from these fees will be reinvested into the sites where it is collected, in accordance with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Funds will be used for site improvements such as:
- Repairing and maintaining campgrounds and day-use areas.
- Upgrading visitor facilities and safety measures.
- Supporting interpretive and educational programs.
- Enhancing trail systems and recreation opportunities.
Approved Recreation Business Plans:
- Billings Field Office – Acton Recreation Area
The Missouri Basin RAC reviewed and endorsed the Acton Recreation Area Business Plan Jan. 16, 2025. The plan introduces a new Recreation Use Permit fee of $20 per individual campsite per night at the Acton Recreation Area Campground, effective in 2026.
- Dillon Field Office – Campground Fee Increases
On Sept. 24, 2024, the Western Montana RAC endorsed the Dillon Field Office Business Plan. For the 2025 season, the plan increases campground fees for several sites:
- Red Mountain, Trapper Springs, Ruby Creek, and Palisades Campgrounds: Increase from $12 to $20 per individual site per night.
- Bear Trap Road North and South Campgrounds: Increase from $8 to $15 per individual site per night.
For the 2026 season, the plan will introduce a new Recreation Use Permit fee of $5 per person per day, or an individual $40 Annual Pass at the following day use sites:
- Warm Springs
- California Corner
- Canaday
- Bear Trap Road South
- Bear Trap Road North
- Palisades
- Ruby Creek
- Red Mountain
- Trapper Springs
- Storey Ditch
- Kobayashi Beach
- Clute’s Landing
- Windy Point
- North Dakota Field Office – Schnell Recreation Area
The Missouri Basin RAC endorsed the North Dakota Field Office’s Schnell Recreation Area Business Plan on Jan. 16, 2025. The plan increases RUP fees for Schnell Recreation Area Campground from $5 to $10 per individual site per night, effective in 2025.
- South Dakota Field Office – Alkali Creek Campground
The South Dakota Field Office Business Plan, endorsed by the Missouri Basin RAC on Jan. 16, 2025, increases fees for Alkali Creek Campground, effective in 2026:
- Tent Sites: From $6 to $24 per night.
- RV Sites: From $6 to $30 per night.
- Horse Camp Sites: From $8 to $30 per night.
- Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River
The Missouri Basin RAC endorsed the business plan for the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River on Jan. 16, 2025, with the following changes, effective April 1, 2025:
- Fee Removed: Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center: Free entry (previously $5 per person).
- Fee Increases:
- Coal Banks Landing: From $10 to $20 per night.
- Judith Landing: From $5 to $20 per night.
- James Kipp Campground: From $12 to $20 per night.
- RV septic dump at James Kipp Campground: From $10 to $15 per use.
- Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River: Individual Special Recreation Permit fee of $5 per person per day.
Additionally, a new RUP fee of $10 per individual campsite per night at Wood Bottom Campground will go into effect in 2026.
- Malta Field Office – Fee Increases at Day Use Areas and Campgrounds
The Missouri Basin RAC reviewed and endorsed modifications to the Malta Field Office Business Plan on Jan. 16, 2025. The plan increases fees at multiple sites, effective April 1, 2025:
- Camp Creek and Horse Coral Campgrounds: From $10 to $20 per night
- Montana Gulch Campground: From $8 to $16 per night.
- Buff’s Day Use Area Single Picnic Shelter: From $30 to $60 per day.
- Buff’s Day Use Area Entire Site: From $60 to $100 per day.
- Zortman Ranger Station Rental: From $75 to $100 per night.
For additional information or questions, please contact Whit Patterson, BLM Montana/Dakotas State Recreation Program Lead, at 406-896-5336 or wnpatterson@blm.gov.
Source: BLM press release
Photo: View of the Upper Missouri River from the north end of Fred Robinson Bridge at James Kipp Recreation Area, Montana. (BLM photo Jonathan Moor)
