Price of parking pass for Alaska State Parks will increase in 2024

The cost of an annual parking pass for state parks in Alaska is set to increase in 2024.

The state Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday that passes will cost $75 starting Jan. 1. The passes, currently $60, can be purchased at that rate through Dec. 31.

Parking passes for 2024 can be purchased starting Wednesday on the DNR website. They’re good for the remainder of 2023 and all of 2024.

DNR said the “moderate” price increase will provide additional revenue to help maintain Alaska State Parks facilities and support outdoor recreation.

Passes can also be purchased at DNR public information centers in Anchorage and Fairbanks and retailers in the state by Nov. 30.

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2024 boat launch passes will also be available Wednesday for $150 each. Disabled veterans with appropriate documents can get a free Disabled Veteran Camping Pass, which is good for five years.

Parking areas at Arctic Valley, Eagle River Nature Center, Pillars Boat Launch and Eagle Rock Boat Launch are not covered by the state pass, and parking fees must be paid to the managing organization for those areas.

New 2024 fee schedules were also set for public use cabins, park facilities and special use permits as part of a director’s order announced Tuesday. The new schedule includes some fee increases, but they aren’t across the board. For instance, the fee for the popular Dolly Varden Cabin at Eklutna Lake was kept at $100, but Byers Lake cabins at Denali State Park increased from $80 to $90 per night.