The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved the Parks and Recreation Department's proposed fees, effective January 1, 2026, with additional phased adjustments in 2027 and 2028. The fee changes reflect a carefully considered approach to sustaining park operations, enhancing visitor experiences, and protecting the natural resources.
“The public loves our County parks,” said Kate Brophy McGee, Vice Chair of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 3. “Aligning fees to costs will allow us to continue to deliver great services and amenities to our community.”
Why the Changes Matter
The Parks and Recreation Department relies primarily on user fees to fund daily operations, maintenance, natural resource protection, and visitor services, including wildfire prevention and restoration; trail repairs; invasive species removal; animal-habitat improvements; and facility upkeep.
A recent assessment confirmed that the current fee structure no longer fully supports the rising costs of utilities, staffing, maintenance, and resource management. Without adjustments, the park system's sustainability would be at risk.
What’s Changing at A Glance
Among the approved adjustments:
- Day-use vehicle entry fee will increase from $7 to $10 in 2026, and to $12 by 2028.
- Individual annual passes will rise from $85 to $120 in 2026, then to $140 in 2027, and $160 in 2028.
- Camping fees (tent & RV) and reservation fees will be adjusted; developed, semi-developed, primitive, and shaded RV sites will also see increases.
- Fees for special-use permits, land-use permit fees, event-area rentals, vendor fees, and other specialized uses will be revised to reflect actual service and administrative costs.
These changes are part of a phased approach and are the first fee increase since 2018. In addition, they are designed to balance affordability with the long-term sustainability of the park system.
“Our parks are not just open spaces, they’re vital community assets that need care, investment, and protection,” said Jennifer Waller, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director. “These fee adjustments will help ensure our parks continue to remain clean, safe, and accessible.”
What This Means for Park Visitors
- All revenue from these fees remains within the Maricopa County Parks system; funds will be used exclusively for maintenance, operations, ecological preservation, and visitor-service enhancements.
- The phased structure allows for gradual increases rather than abrupt hikes, giving visitors time to adapt.
- County residents will continue to enjoy the well-maintained trails, updated facilities, enhanced safety, ongoing efforts to protect natural resources, habitat management, and park services they’ve come to expect.
The adopted fee schedule is available at https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/fees/.