Loop Tourists

In Indiana, no one gets inside the park without paying unless they have a season pass.

Camping areas are always restricted to ONLY paying camper and are stopped at the gate house before entering the actual campground area. Sometimes, they will let someone pass through if they want to see the campground for future camp site selections (which we've done ourselves). But mostly, if you are not a paid camper, you are not permitted in the camping area.

Personally, I like this rule.

Even in those State Recreation areas and State Parks that have horsemen campgrounds, if you are not a paid camper in the horse campground area, you don't get in, even if you are a paid camper in the regular campground in the same park.

Now if you are walking a trail or riding a bicycle, almost anyone can get past the campground entrance. But if in a car, you're not getting in unless you have a reason to be there.

Personally, I like that!

Dutchmen, It's similar in Michigan, residents in Michigan can pay $11/yr for a recreation passport that gets you in to all the state parks and other state fee areas. Visitors from out of state, or residents who didn't pay for a passport have to pay a day use fee to get in.

What they're talking about is separating the campground from the "day use" part of the park, so I guess adding a second gate house?

I noticed a lot of drive bys during my last camping trip. When I took a walk around the campground, I realized most all were other campers. Looked like a few used my loop to turn around, but most seemed to be just sightseeing.

We've been to many state parks where you can't drive through the campgrounds unless you're staying there. It's not just a Michigan thing. It really does make sense. There are always walkers and children playing so extra traffic could be dangerous. It also adds more congestion, lack of privacy and noise for the campers that paid for their site. Some folks also stop to use the bathrooms or if they see an empty spot they'll stop to have their picnic or do a little fishing in the river or lake.

When did they start letting anyone in?

Been camping in Michigan State Parks for decades and you needed both the state park sticker and the campsite tag on your rearview mirror.

No real cost/effort as you typically have to drive by the registration station and stop until they wave you thru.

Are you possibly thinking of some of the more remote parks?

I will admit to being one of those that like to check out a campground when I am in an area that I am visiting. I always stop by the office and ask If we can take a look, even at the state parks. There is no day use fee for state parks here in TN so anyone can come in and use them. I have not found it to be too big a problem when I have been camping anywhere we have gone. The bigger problem for me is people who cant drive slowly in the campground.

The looky loo's are just envious. In a way the extra traffic may be an additional unintended security force. Extra eyes etc. A thief will get in regardless.
I can only speak for east coast state parks for now but PA, MD, VA, NC, SC, and FL have only signs about camp ground entrance. If you pay your entry fee it's all wide open from there.

bucky wrote:
The looky loo's are just envious. In a way the extra traffic may be an additional unintended security force. Extra eyes etc. A thief will get in regardless.
I can only speak for east coast state parks for now but PA, MD, VA, NC, SC, and FL have only signs about camp ground entrance. If you pay your entry fee it's all wide open from there.

We are currently hosting at a small old (built in 1944) SP on the Oregon Coast, we get many drive throughs as many of the sights are very desirable being right on the Ocean. One sight in particular is booked Opening day through the entire season.

ken56 wrote:
I will admit to being one of those that like to check out a campground when I am in an area that I am visiting. I always stop by the office and ask If we can take a look, even at the state parks. There is no day use fee for state parks here in TN so anyone can come in and use them. I have not found it to be too big a problem when I have been camping anywhere we have gone. The bigger problem for me is people who cant drive slowly in the campground.

2X. Many campground maps are not to scale, and the site photos (if there are any) don't show some of the problems that may exist. A drive through the campground may be the only way to choose an acceptable site. My favorite was a New England campground that friends & I reserved next door sites (according to the map). Only problem was there was a playground between the sites that was not on the map. We were 150' apart...

The looky looks in their cars don't bother me near as much as the ones who come through on their noisy motorcycles. Not impressed at all by the racket.