National parks relying on fee increases to help address maintenance woes

Be prepared to pay a bit more if you're headed to some national parks and recreation areas this summer.

The federal government is increasing the price of admission at some public lands and raising the fees charged for camping, boating and other activities after a six-year moratorium.

The National Park Service says it hoped to generate as much as $45 million annually from the increases. But that total is just a fraction of the $11.5 billion needed to repair and maintain roads, trails and park buildings.

Some lawmakers have expressed concern about the increases. National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis says visitors are still getting an incredible deal when compared to other recreational pursuits.

Fees have increased in eight parks, including Yosemite. Several dozen more are pending.