BLM seeks input on proposed fee hikes in John Day Basin to address site maintenance, upgrades and rising costs

Prineville, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management is asking people for input on proposed adjustments in the John Day Basin Fee Area. The area, known for its breathtaking scenery and recreational opportunities along the John Day Wild and Scenic River, serves tens of thousands of visitors each year. 

The BLM will use the increased revenue to address site maintenance, upgrade existing facilities, and rising operating costs related to visitor services. Recreational fees are charged for most boating on the John Day River and at four developed campgrounds.  

Proposed Fee Adjustments: 

• Service Creek, Muleshoe, Lone Pine, and Big Bend Campgrounds: 

• Existing Fees: $5 per campsite, $2 per extra vehicle 

• Proposed Fees: $15 per campsite, $30 per group campsite, $5 per extra vehicle 

• New Burnt Ranch, Priest Hole Campgrounds and Thirtymile Campgrounds: 

• Existing Fees: No current fees 

• Proposed Fees Once Campgrounds are Constructed:  

• $15 per campsite, $30 per group campsite, $5 per extra vehicle 

• $5 per vehicle for overnight camping in designated dispersed and overflow areas 

• Overnight Boating Permits for the John Day River (between Service Creek and Tumwater Falls): 

• Existing Low Season Fees: No fees 

Existing High Season Fees: $20 per group for up to 16 people for up to 14 days                                                

• No proposed increase for Low Season Fees  

Proposed High Season Fees: $5 per person per day  

• Day Use Boating Permits for the John Day River (between Service Creek and Tumwater Falls): 

• Existing Low Season Fees: No fees  

Existing High Season Fees: $10 per group for up to 16 people                                                                  

• No proposed increase for Low Season Fees  

Proposed High Season Fees: $5 per person per day                                                                                                                                                                                          Proposed Frequent Non-Commercial Boater Pass: $30 per person per calendar year for day use boating on Segments 3A/3B and 1A/1B, except for Segment 1A/1B during Fall High Season, passes would be non-transferrable 

Public comments may be submitted via email to BLM_John_Day_River@blm.gov, with “John Day Basin Fee Area” in the subject line. All comments must be received by September 15, 2025. 

For more details or to view the proposed John Day Basin Fee Area Business Plan, please visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-fees/business-plans or contact Monica Morin at  (541) 416-6718, or mmorin@blm.gov.  

-BLM- 

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.