Joshua Tree National Park fees going up as of June 1

Joshua Tree National Park officials have announced that park fees will increase, effective June 1.

According to a news release issued Friday, the increases came about after extensive civic engagement from Oct. 21 to Nov. 22, 2014 with a "high level of support from federal, state and county stakeholders as well as commercial operators."

The release wentt on to say that, "Generally the public was in support of the fee increases despite some concern that the increases be made in smaller increments than orginally planned."

In consideration of those concerns, the park is maintaining the current fees for the annual park pass and reducing the proposed fee increase for motorcycles.

"No one likes fee increases but the new money raised will be targeted at improving visitor facilities throughout the park," Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent David Smith said in the release. "Best of all, we have received permission to use some of the increases to cover labor costs for increased maintenance and interpretive staffing in campgrounds".

New entrances fees:

7-Day Single Vehicle Pass will increase from $15 to $20 (The fee is scheduled to increase to $25 in 2017).

7-Day Motorcycle Pass will increase from $5 To $10 (The fee is scheduled to increase to $12 In 2017).

7-Day Person Pass will be increased from $5 To $10 (The fee is scheduled to increase to $12 in 2017).

The Joshua Tree National Park Annual Pass will not increase at this time.

New camping fees:

Reservation campground (Indian Cove and Black Rock, Black Rock Horse Camp and Cottonwood) - individual sites increase from $15 to $20 per night/site.

First come, first served campground (Belle, White Tank, Jumbo Rock, Ryan, and Hidden Valley) - individual sites increase from $10 To $15 per night/site.

Group camping sites (Indian Cove, Sheep Pass, Cottonwood) - increase from $25-$40 to $35-$50 per night/site.

There is backcountry camping fee implementation approval using recreation.gov however that may take place at a later time.

New interpretive tour (Keys Ranch) fees:

Adult ticket will increase from $5-$10

Child ticket (6-11 years) will increase from$2.50 to $5

Child ticket (5 years and under) - admission is free.