Arizona State Park camping fees

The "geezer" passes at age 65 restricted so they know we won't use them very long. :) :)

toedtoes wrote:

Naio wrote:
It's funny how the states differ in their pass programs. Maybe we should have a separate thread about it, gather all the details in one place. Would it be ok if I quoted your info about New Mexico?

Be sure to include age restrictions (for the pass holder - not the RV) with the details. It's frustrating to keep reading about these great passes only to find out you can't enjoy them for another 20+ years.

I agree!

Naio wrote:
It's funny how the states differ in their pass programs. Maybe we should have a separate thread about it, gather all the details in one place. Would it be ok if I quoted your info about New Mexico?

Be sure to include age restrictions (for the pass holder - not the RV) with the details. It's frustrating to keep reading about these great passes only to find out you can't enjoy them for another 20+ years.

It's funny how the states differ in their pass programs. Maybe we should have a separate thread about it, gather all the details in one place. Would it be ok if I quoted your info about New Mexico?

2oldman wrote:
This all depends on the OP's budget.

Thank you!

The budget is the factor here. It's not that we can't afford an occasional night @ $35 dollars. I have just recently retired from 40 years of nursing and we sold our house and are fulltiming now. It has been my long time dream to head out West with no time restraints. Our vacations have always been rushed 1-2 weeks so this is an awesome experience to be able to do this. We are on a very limited budget so have to save when we can.

I guess we have just gotten spoiled her in New Mexico where we bought an State Parks ANNUAL PASS ($225) and we have been camping for "0" for no hook ups, $4 for electric and $8 for full Hook-ups. We have spent a lot of time here and will spend more in the next year so we will more than earn our money back.

We never "go to the movies", rarely eat steak, do occasionally soak in the Hot Springs. We just love the scenery and enjoy being in our beautiful country that has so much to offer. I was not complaining really, just making an observation. We have a couple of small solar panels so "boondocking" and dry camping is not a large problem. Just want a place with nice hot shower sometimes.

Anyway, thanks for all the informative posts made here. They are appreciated!

At least the west has plenty of boondocking sites in SE California and West & Central Arizona. The Rates around D.C.; Delaware and Maryland are high as well as Southern Florida.

monkey44 wrote:
Unfortunately, California (me a former resident) camping falls right in there with a lot of other mismanagement in that state. I can remember when it was a absolute delight to go camping in its state parks. Then last year, we traveled thru California and the neglect of the campgrounds and the raised fees just about made me cry with those memories.

I suspect we all might be better off it the state simply abandoned the campgrounds and allowed the land to return to the incredible wilderness it once was.

No..imperfect as they are, they're still fun. But they should consider demand based pricing. I was in Crystal Cove last May. $50ish per night no hookup "tent" site (sufficient for 25' RV). Full on weekend, very light mid week. I think they could generate more revenue mid week with lower prices-or at least break even and serve the public with lower prices. Some of these parks are in very desirable locations.

That's why we all have wheels, so we can move on to something we like better.

Unfortunately, California (me a former resident) camping falls right in there with a lot of other mismanagement in that state. I can remember when it was a absolute delight to go camping in its state parks. Then last year, we traveled thru California and the neglect of the campgrounds and the raised fees just about made me cry with those memories.

I suspect we all might be better off it the state simply abandoned the campgrounds and allowed the land to return to the incredible wilderness it once was.

Try New Mexico, they have a lot of nice State Parks