By Jake Dye

Peninsula Clarion

The cost of parking at Alaska State Parks will increase in 2024, with daily rates going from $5 per day to $7. Similarly, annual parking passes will increase from $60 to $75.

The increase, according to a media advisory from the State Department of Natural Resources, comes as a result of an order from Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Director Ricky Gease that will raise fees for day-use parking, annual parking passes and some State Parks cabins. Additional revenue will be used for facility maintenance and to “support outdoor recreation in Alaska.”

Annual passes for next year can be purchased at the existing rate of $60 until the change goes into effect Jan. 1.

On the Kenai Peninsula, state recreation areas subject to park fees are in Clam Gulch, Crooked Creek, Deep Creek, Johnson Lake, Kasilof River, Bing’s Landing, Cooper Landing, Eagle Rock, Funny River, The Pillars, Lowell Point and Ninilchik. If a vehicle is parked overnight, it is subject to payment for two parking days.

For more information on fees at Alaska State Parks, visit dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/fees.htm.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.