Maricopa County Parks to raise usage fees starting in 2026

PHOENIX — The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department will be raising its usage fees for visitors in 2026, it announced Wednesday.

The increase will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026 and comes after the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved the department’s proposed fees.

According to the department, a recent assessment found that the current fee structure for county parks was no longer fully supporting the costs to operate them.

“The public loves our county parks,” Vice Chair of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Kate Brophy McGee said in an announcement. “Aligning fees to costs will allow us to continue to deliver great services and amenities to our community.”

As part of the approved changes, there will also be additional fee increases in 2027 and 2028.

What will the increased usage fees be at Maricopa County Parks?

The day-use vehicle entry fee will increase from $7 to $10 next year and by 2028 will cost $12.

Meanwhile, the cost for individual annual passes will go up from $85 to $120. That price will then increase to $140 in 2027 and $160 in 2028.

Visitors who are wanting to camp at county parks will also see a change to camping and reservation fees, for both tents and RVs. In addition, there will be a rise in cost for developed, semi-developed, primitive and shaded RV sites.

Other fees that will see a change to reflect actual service and administrative costs include special-use permits, land-use permits, event-area rentals, vendor fees and other specialized uses.

This is the first fee increase that county parks have seen since 2018. The changes are to support park operations, protect the parks’ natural resources as well as enhance visitor experiences.

“Our parks are not just open spaces, they’re vital community assets that need care, investment and protection,” Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Waller said. “These fee adjustments will help ensure our parks continue to remain clean, safe and accessible.”

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