07-02-2025
Visiting Arizona State Parks just got more expensive. Here's how much it costs
Scenic vistas are about to get more expensive.
Arizona State Parks and Trails announced Thursday, Feb. 6 that it will raise entry fees, camping fees and tour ticket prices for more than 30 parks it operates statewide.
State parks staff said in a statement that the price increases will support park operations such as staffing and maintenance. Higher park fees were needed because of new parks opening, increased park visitation and inflation.
"Of course, spending more is never anyone's favorite thing, but I think the public will be happy to know that the fees go directly into supporting the parks they love," Arizona State Parks and Trails Director Bob Broscheid said in a statement.
The higher prices will take effect on Feb. 25.
Starting Feb. 25, the cost to enter Arizona state parks will increase by $3, from $7 to $10 per vehicle for most parks, said Michelle Thompson, deputy assistant director for Arizona State Parks and Trails.
Parks that charge per vehicle such as Picacho Peak, Oracle, Catalina, Dead Horse Ranch and Rockin' River Ranch are raising their prices to $20 per vehicle with 2-4 people and $10 per vehicle with one person. That's up from the parks' current entry fees of $7 per vehicle with up to four people. Lost Dutchman State Park will follow the same price structure, up from its current entry fee of $10 per vehicle with up to four people.
Parks that charge per person such as Tonto Natural Bridge, Red Rock, Fort Verde and Jerome will charge $10 for adults and $5 for children from 7-13, up from the current rates of $7 for adults and $4 for children. Children 6 and younger can still visit for free.
Slide Rock State Park, the popular swimming area in Oak Creek Canyon with a natural water slide, will cost $30 from May to September and $20 for October to April. The park's current rates vary by the time of year and day of the week, with entry fees as low as $10 for November to February visits and as high as $30 for summer weekend visits.
A full list of park fee increases will be available at when the fees take effect.
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Annual passes for state parks will change with the higher prices.
In past years, visitors could choose between a standard annual pass with restrictions for $75 or a premium pass good for all parks with no restrictions for $200. Now, only one annual pass will be available: it will cost $200 and include entry to all parks with no restrictions for up to four adults in a single vehicle.
Camping fees at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area in Show Low will increase, ranging from $25 for rustic sites with no hookups to $75 for oversized sites with full hookups.
Tours at Kartchner Caverns State Park in Cochise County will increase to $30 for people age 14 and up, up $7 from its current price of $23.
Tours at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff will increase to $18, up $6 from its current price of $12.
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who's covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic's consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona State Parks increase prices to visit. What to know
