Proposed changes would add fees at two picnic pavilions and increase rates at Balsam Lake Lodge.
Western North Carolina (Smokies.LIVE Adventure Center) – The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public input on proposed recreation fee changes at three sites in the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests.
The 60-day public comment period begins Friday, Aug. 7, and runs through Oct. 5, 2026.
The proposed changes would establish fees at two picnic pavilions and increase the rental rate for a popular lodge.
The Forest Service says the proposed fees would help maintain and improve recreation facilities as visitation and operating costs continue to increase.
Under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004, at least 80% of recreation fees collected at recreation sites must be used by the local unit to operate, maintain and improve those sites.
The proposed fees are:
- Poplar Boat Launch Picnic Pavilion: A proposed $50 day-use fee for groups of up to 16 people. The pavilion is currently free.
- Rocky Bluff Picnic Area Pavilion: A proposed $50 day-use fee for groups of up to 24 people. The pavilion is currently free.
- Balsam Lake Lodge: The proposed weekend rate would increase from $200 to $250, while the weekday rate would increase from $170 to $210. The lodge accommodates groups of up to 16 people.
The Forest Service said the proposed fees for the Poplar and Rocky Bluff pavilions would apply only to reservations of the picnic pavilions. The recreation areas themselves would remain free to the public.
The proposed changes are subject to public comment and review by the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee.
Forest Service officials said the proposed rates would also bring the sites closer to fee levels charged by other nearby public and private recreation providers.
The agency is encouraging visitors, residents and other members of the public to submit comments during the 60-day period.
Comments submitted through social media will not be included in the Forest Service’s analysis.
How to comment
Public comments can be submitted online through the Forest Service’s recreation fee proposal page and its online public input portal.
Forest Service recreation fee proposal
The comment period closes Oct. 5, 2026.
One response
I dont mind paying to enter but it’ll run alot of tourist off that can’t donate,it takes all people have to go on vacation and that’s one of the reasons why tourists go to the Smokies,waterfalls is on our bucket list even if we’ve saw them a 100 times,like to see them a 1000 times more if we could,Think about it!