Get Ready to Pay More at U.S. National Parks This Summer

Be prepared to pay a bit more if you're headed to some national parks and recreation areas this summer. After a six-year moratorium, the federal government is increasing the price of admission at some of its public lands and raising the fees charged for camping, boating, cave tours and other activities. The National Park Service says the money expected to be raised is just a fraction of the $11.5 billion needed to repair and maintain roads, trails and park buildings. Some members of Congress have expressed concern about the fee increases, but National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis said at a March congressional hearing that visitors are still getting an incredible deal when compared to other recreational pursuits. "We cannot greet them with failing facilities," Jarvis said of the 295 million people expected to visit National Park Service properties, which also include sites like the Lincoln Mem