Anita Beasley’s love for national parks runs deep. After seeing a moose, her calf, and waterfalls during a boat tour at Glacier National Park in Montana last September, the retired teacher from South Carolina was captivated by the park’s beauty. But the high lodging costs are now putting a strain on visitors like her.
Beasley, along with her husband and three sons, have been visiting national parks for over 20 years. Glacier has always held a special place in their hearts, but after spending a hefty $4,600 for a six-night stay last fall, they are reconsidering their future visits. The rising costs are making it difficult for them to continue exploring these natural wonders.
Struggling to Afford a National Park Experience
While the Beasley family is not alone in feeling the pinch of high lodging costs, many other visitors are facing similar challenges. National park visitors are finding it increasingly difficult to afford stays inside the parks due to the privatization of park lodges. For lower-income families and individuals, these costs are becoming prohibitive, limiting their ability to experience the parks fully.
Jackie Ostfeld, the Sierra Club’s campaign director for the program Outdoors for All, highlights the impact of these high costs on park accessibility. She emphasizes that while the parks are meant to be enjoyed by everyone, the escalating lodging expenses are creating barriers for many.
The Financial Realities of Park Lodging
The cost of lodging inside national parks, managed by concessioners like Xanterra Parks and Resorts, Inc., has been steadily increasing. Room and cabin rates at Glacier National Park can start at $150 per night, but prices can soar to as much as $766 per night in certain areas. Despite the steep prices, reservations are still being made well in advance, indicating strong demand for park stays.
Xanterra, one of the major concessioners, operates lodging in several national parks and generates significant revenues from these operations. However, the company is also responsible for maintaining historic buildings and covering other operational expenses, which contribute to the overall cost of park lodging.
Proposals for a More Inclusive Park Experience
Experts like Sarah E. Light and Emily Douce have proposed solutions to make park lodging more affordable and accessible to all visitors. By implementing sliding scale fees or reducing lodging costs for underserved communities, the National Park Service could ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy these natural treasures.
However, there are concerns that privatization efforts could further drive up costs and limit access to national parks, especially for lower-income individuals. The Sierra Club warns against the potential consequences of turning public lands into exclusive playgrounds for the wealthy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining affordable and equitable access to these shared spaces.
As visitors grapple with the financial realities of experiencing national parks, the debate over park privatization and accessibility continues. While the allure of these natural wonders remains strong, the rising costs of lodging are reshaping the park experience for many, prompting a critical examination of how to ensure these spaces remain accessible to all.