Louisiana State Park fee increases

westernrvparkowner wrote:
Contrary to what we all believe, most legislators are actually pretty dang smart. Even though all the site fees often flow to the general fund, it is very easy to track the incomes versus the expenses for state park campgrounds. It is never going to be popular in legislative circles to subsidize a very small segment of the voting population. Use fees are going to become more and more popular as states grapple with how to balance budgets and keep the voting public happy. Use fees are pretty much a voluntary tax, which makes it a popular choice when states look to add to their coffers.

I don't doubt the overall intelligence of the collective bodies of state's ('cept the occasional ones I know are only out for selves;)) legislatures but having to do the math on your own leads to misunderstanding, a lack of transparency, and the infrastructure of our SPs looking much like many an interstate road. Treating state parks like cash cows is inherently wrong IMO if the wrong 'uns get into office and use the income for pet projects or to fill a need they neglected to fund in the past.

To me, state parks, should reflect the same ethos of federal parks- a treasure for the ages that reflect pride in our lands.

Contrary to what we all believe, most legislators are actually pretty dang smart. Even though all the site fees often flow to the general fund, it is very easy to track the incomes versus the expenses for state park campgrounds. It is never going to be popular in legislative circles to subsidize a very small segment of the voting population. Use fees are going to become more and more popular as states grapple with how to balance budgets and keep the voting public happy. Use fees are pretty much a voluntary tax, which makes it a popular choice when states look to add to their coffers.

drsteve wrote:
Are you sure about the three night minimum? I just went to the LA parks reservation page, requested a single night, and it returned a list of available sites.

The reason I tried is because I've never heard of such a policy midweek, when many sites are empty--here in MI, major holiday weekends have minimum stay restrictions, but no other times.

New policies do not go into effect until tomorrow March 1st so it will be interesting to see how reserve America handles things.

Happy Mardi Gras!

DwnSth wrote:

NYCgrrl wrote:

I get that it's a hike in price but eventually the shock will wear off, DwnSth. Hopefully, the increased taxes will go towards something useful to the state.

Well, in LA the park fees end up in the general fund and we all know LA politics and funding. I'll still camp at my local parks, too nice and close to skip.

However one new policy that I think is slipping through the cracks is the 3 night minimum mid week. That will be a deal breaker for me...sometime we go for just a couple of nights mid week since we know it will be very quiet. I think they may want to purposefully kill mid-week stays. I even use state parks in other states as overnights when traveling - not possible in LA anymore. Is this done anywhere else?

You are right on the minimum nights:

For cabins, lodges, group camps, rally shelters and campsites a two-night minimum reservation is required for weekends and a three-night minimum reservation is required for weekdays. The weekend minimum applies to any reservation containing a weekend night (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) consecutive with other nights. The weekday minimum applies to any reservation not containing a weekend night.

I realise this is how many use the parks anyway particularly on wk/ends but still....required 3 night minimum on weekdays is a bit nervy. Maybe it has to do with promoting the local economy or just more stable work schedules for camp staff. Don't know for sure.


I know states that have minimum nights on cabins but don't know of any with minimums on dry camping or campgrounds. Hope this isn't a trend for the future.

State parks do fill a need, unfortunately many states treat them poorly when it come to funding. Based on some of the feed back on this site, some are getting less and less funds.

This is a shame as many SP are more than campgrounds. Many have large natural areas for hiking, horseback riding, boating, swimming and biking. Some have large areas of responsibility for upkeep.

The worst thing for many states is inconsistent funding, not having much idea of what funds they will be allowed to operate.

Many on this forum say great things about Oregon State parks, part of this is a stable funding source. We get user fees, a large percentage of RV licensing fees, and a percentage of Lottery dollars.

This is one of the reasons as an Oregon resident I don't mind spending about $200 every two years to license our 32' 5er. I know a large percentage goes to OPRD to keep our parks great.

I will add the the LA rate schedule looks like the person that came up with has worked in the Hotel/Motel business in the past!!

Are you sure about the three night minimum? I just went to the LA parks reservation page, requested a single night, and it returned a list of available sites.

The reason I tried is because I've never heard of such a policy midweek, when many sites are empty--here in MI, major holiday weekends have minimum stay restrictions, but no other times.

PawPaw_n_Gram wrote:

craftyfox wrote:
I thought I read somewhere that the America The Beautiful pass was honored at Louisana state parks as well as Corp of Engineers parks..anyone know if that is true?

LA is one of four states whose state parks honor the pass for a discount on over night camping. Those states are Arkansas, Delaware, Louisiana and Maryland. If you are a resident of one of those states - you are eligible for a discount at Louisiana state parks. Your drivers license will be checked. If your drivers license: vehicle tags are from any of the other 46 states, no camping discount.

Look at the FAQ on discounts

Thanks for the info! We don't usually do state parks due to the increased rates in most of them but we really like the C.O.E parks.

unintended post

NYCgrrl wrote:

I get that it's a hike in price but eventually the shock will wear off, DwnSth. Hopefully, the increased taxes will go towards something useful to the state.

Well, in LA the park fees end up in the general fund and we all know LA politics and funding. I'll still camp at my local parks, too nice and close to skip.

However one new policy that I think is slipping through the cracks is the 3 night minimum mid week. That will be a deal breaker for me...sometime we go for just a couple of nights mid week since we know it will be very quiet. I think they may want to purposefully kill mid-week stays. I even use state parks in other states as overnights when traveling - not possible in LA anymore. Is this done anywhere else?

drsteve wrote:
Seems pretty reasonable.

Agreed. Certainly less expensive than staying at home.
I get that it's a hike in price but eventually the shock will wear off, DwnSth. Hopefully, the increased taxes will go towards something useful to the state.

I remember 5, maybe 6 years back, when CT, raised it's camping rates to prices similar to what goes into LA. in March, and the hullabaloo that people made. To me, the price was reasonable, since I'd rented summer homes in the state before.

Still the price was lowered, and last year 3 or 4 SP campgrounds were closed. Cause and effect in action:(.