Funding
Arizona State Parks and Trails receives no general fund (taxpayer) dollars to operate and maintain its parks. All revenue generated from entrance fees, camping, and tours goes directly back into supporting the operations of the more than 30 parks across the state.
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Visitors have told us how much they love the well-maintained trails, the clean restrooms, and the beautiful campsites. They love tours of Kartchner Caverns State Park's amazing underground caves, which we work hard to preserve and keep alive. They love the programs we offer, like guided hikes, Family Campout weekends, star parties, and music in the mountains. To continue to offer these things, Arizona State Parks and Trails need to bring in the revenue needed to keep up with inflation.
Invest in adventure! With your help, we’re preserving Arizona’s favorite outdoor spaces, one visit at a time.
Fees Changing at Arizona State Parks and Trails
- First across-the-board fee increase since 2012: Rising operational costs make this necessary. Over the past decade, inflation has climbed more than 40% and costs have increased, making it necessary for us to bring in more revenue to keep parks open and continue the high level of service we provide today.
- Annual Pass Update: The $200 pass includes all state parks, with no restrictions for weekends or holidays, providing access for up to four adults daily. These fees go directly back into supporting and operating the parks. The pass is a convenience for people who visit the parks often. At less than $4 per weekly visit for one person, the $200 pass is still a good deal for our frequent visitors.
- Cancellation Fee: A $20 cancellation fee will now be applied to all campsites and cabins. This will help reduce the number of campsites that are reserved up to a year in advance and then canceled at the last minute. This will improve availability for everyone seeking an outdoor experience.
- Reservation Fees: Non-refundable reservation fees, which go directly to Tyler Technologies, the organization that operates the reservation system, will be increasing from $3.20 per campsite reservation to $3.60.
- No Taxpayer Support: Unlike many other states, Arizona's state park operations are entirely funded by visitor fees. If you think state parks should receive taxpayer funding, we value your support with our legislature and Governor.
Where Does Your Money Go?
Fees are collected for park entry, campsite or cabin reservations, for cave and historic tours, and through annual pass sales. Your fees directly support park operations by funding the following items:
- Clean facilities and safe, well-maintained parks
- Trail upkeep and facility improvements
- Park ranger and law enforcement ranger staffing and recruitment
- Programming and operational hours
- Existing amenities and infrastructure improvements
Without this fee adjustment, the future of your favorite parks could be at risk. Raising fees was not an easy decision, but it was a necessary one. Arizona State Parks and Trails operates without taxpayer funding, which means we must generate our own revenue to maintain park operations and make critical improvements to aging infrastructure. Like any business adapting to changing times, we are adjusting to ensure our parks remain safe, well-maintained, and available for generations to come. Your support directly funds the trails, facilities, and experiences you love. You can support parks by visiting parks. It’s that easy.
Donations Accepted!
Arizona’s state parks are where families make memories, adventurers find inspiration, and history comes to life. With no taxpayer funding, every trail, campsite, and scenic view is made possible by visitors like you. Your support, through visits, reservations, passes, or donations preserves these cherished places for future generations to explore and enjoy.
