I believe some are playing the system.
We've been RVer's since the mid 1980's starting out at the next KOA or whatever we found. We started really hitting state parks in Florida (no Keys) and Georgia after retirement in early 2006. Several close by state parks were our go to destinations when we had the time. Soon those vacant parks were gone requiring a reservation to get a site a few weeks away. It's now become a problem for us even when we book 11 months out to find sites, not just here but in Georgia also. Those same state parks have not touched the potholes, bolder graveled sites, fixed the broken electric plugs or upgraded to 50 amp pedestals with full hookup. Contrary to what another member posted, there are no new state run campgrounds we are aware of within 150 miles of us. Most of these parks we visit have little local history or no recreational draw activity.