FWP proposes fee for Bear Paw Lake camping

Fees paid by overnight campers at Bear Paw Lake may soon be collected by the state rather than the county.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has asked the Hill County Park Board to amend the contract between the two parties to allow FWP to charge visitors $7 for an overnight camping permit.

FWP officials said they need the money to help offset maintenance costs.

Campers now must purchase an overnight permit from the county for $6 or an annual permit for $25 to camp at Bear Paw Lake. People who use the lake during the day are not required to purchase the county permit, and that...