The Influence of Information on Users' Attitudes Toward Campground User Fees

Public agencies that provide outdoor recreational facilities are seeking additional sources of funding to operate existing facilities and to provide new recreational opportunities. Higher user fees is one potential source of additional funds. However, negative reactions to higher fees on the part of the using public have been cited as one of the barriers to increasing fees. This paper examines users' attitudes about current fee levels and whether an educational program designed to inform users of the cost of substitute sites and the actual cost of providing public facilities would alter user's attitudes about fees. State park campgrounds in Maine are used as an example, and the attitudes of both resident and non-resident users are examined. The results indicate that the information program can significantly alter the attitudes of both user groups, thus perhaps increasing their willingness to accept higher fees and reduce the potential for negative reaction to campground fee increases.