New Hampshire Debates Visitor Fees as Out-of-State Reservations Hit 69% in State Parks

CONCORD, NH – A recent tweet from "Maggie BadLander" has reignited public discussion in New Hampshire regarding the implementation of differential pricing and priority access for state residents at popular tourist destinations and state parks. The tweet advocated for a system akin to "surge pricing just like Uber" for out-of-state visitors, asserting that "NH residents should get priority and a lower price." The sentiment expressed in the tweet, which also critically remarked, "Don’t count on SuNoNo_2.0 to do anything logical," highlights a growing frustration among some New Hampshire residents. This frustration stems from the perceived impact of high visitor volumes on local access and resources, particularly given that a significant portion of state park reservations originate from outside the state. New Hampshire currently maintains a varied fee structure for its state parks. While some popular attractions like the Flume Gorge and Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway charge uniform admission fees regardless of residency, other general day passes and annual passes do differentiate. For instance, a daily state park pass costs $10 for residents and $20 for non-residents, with annual passes priced at $35 and $70 respectively. However, New Hampshire stands out regionally for not generally differentiating camping fees based on residency, unlike neighboring states. This debate gained legislative traction earlier, with a bill proposed by State Senator Keith Murphy seeking to authorize state park administrators to charge non-residents up to 50% more for admission. This legislative effort was spurred by data revealing that in 2023, 69% of state park reservations were made by out-of-staters, compared to just 31% by residents. However, the proposal faced opposition from state officials and tourism managers who warned of potential harm to New Hampshire's reputation as a welcoming destination. The reference to "SuNoNo_2.0" in the tweet is widely understood to allude to former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, who concluded his term in January 2025. While Sununu's administration focused on fiscal conservatism and business-friendly policies, the tweet suggests a public desire for more direct action on resident benefits regarding tourism. The ongoing discussion reflects a broader challenge for New Hampshire in balancing its vital tourism economy with the concerns of its resident population.