The parking tag program was extremely controversial in communities surrounding the park, with the governments of all six surrounding counties and the N.C. House of Representatives issuing formal statements in opposition. Since it was established in 1934, the park has always been free to enter and visit. Legislation and deed restrictions prevent the park from charging an entrance fee, but rapidly increasing visitation combined with stagnant federal funding meant the park needed another revenue source to do its job well.

The new fee represents a monumental change in park policy but has received high levels of support. Of those who commented on the proposal, 51% were in favor and only 15% were opposed. However, of commenters who lived in one of the park’s six neighboring counties, 25% were opposed and only 25% were in favor.