LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. -- Campers will pay $5 more per night starting Jan. 1 to stay in recreational vehicle and boating sites at Larimer County parks, including Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir.

The Larimer County commissioners on Monday night unanimously approved the increase, recommended by staff and the Parks Advisory Board. The increase is for camping at full-service, electric and boat-in sites, while all other permits including tent sites, annual passes and all fees at Hermit Park will remain the same price.

The new camping fees -- $30 per night at full hook-up sites, $25 at electrical sites and $20 at boat-in sites -- are expected to bring an extra $70,000 into the Department of Natural Resources.

Resident Bob Garner, a local pastor, worried that increased camping fees would put the activity out of reach for many, according to Commissioner Tom Donnelly.

“He takes a lot of kids camping, so he was concerned this would make camping less affordable for disadvantaged children,” said Donnelly. “We re-emphasized this is a fee increase that is not going to impact those people. These are people that own RVs, that have more income.”

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