Valuing visitor experience: a stated preference analysis of congestion in Katmai National Park

Abstract

Katmai National Park is home to more than 2,000 brown bears, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors. Brooks Camp, the most well-known and accessible recreation site in Katmai, has seen a 139% increase in visitation since webcams were installed in 2012 around the site to livestream bear activity on explore.org. This dramatic increase has created management challenges related to visitor experience and resource protection. Therefore, understanding visitor perceptions of crowding and preferences for management alternatives is becoming increasingly important for park management. This study presents findings from a visitor survey administered during the peak visitation at Brooks Camp from July 22 to August 2, 2025. The survey evaluated perceptions of crowding, preferences for different management options, willingness to pay for a reservation system, and demographic data. The research team collected 854 completed surveys. This paper reveals significant findings regarding visitor preferences for congestion, as respondents demonstrated strong support for alternative management strategies. For instance, respondents identified crowding as an issue, with 70% of respondents stating that they would support policies which limit visitation. The study documents broad support for implementing a reservation system, with most respondents indicating willingness to pay for this system. We estimate the value of a reservation system using parametric and nonparametric estimation methods, finding a range of $180-$388. These results provide important evidence for park managers developing strategies to balance resource protection and visitor experience. The documented willingness to pay for a reservation system offers valuable insights that can inform management strategies at Brooks Camp and assist similar studies at other national parks with increasing visitation.