More on Mich state parks

Yes, there is a lot of variation of quality but usually the price matches the quality better than in Mich. and most states do not charge an entrance fee on top of the camping fee, or if they do the total is usually closer to $25.

Many states charge an entrance fee to their parks through a vehicle sticker. In Wisconsin, the annual State Parks vehicle sticker is $25 for vehicles with Wisconsin plates and $35 for vehicles with out-of-state plates. Campsite prices are the same for everyone, usually $17.00 a day for an electric site. There are no water or sewer hookups in any Wisconsin State Park I'm aware of. So, in Wisconsin, you out-of-state folks only pay marginally more, especially the more you visit. If you only visit once, you only pay $10 more than a resident.

I think it is well established here that the amount Michigan charges for admission and camping in state parks is reasonable and in line with what other Great Lakes States charge. The annual non-resident $30.50 state park admission fee in the form of the Recreation Passport is cheaper than the park entrance fee in Wisconsin. Minnesota is less ($25) and doesn't differentiate between in and out state vehicles. Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois don't charge state parks entrance fees, Indiana and New York do. Many states without entrance fees charge a variety of other fees to help offset costs. 36 of the 50 states charge some kind of entrance fee to their state parks. In almost all cases camping fees are in addition to an entrance fee. 40 years of camping experience doesn't necessarily provide one an accurate perspective.

Perhaps the OP should just stay in Illinois and go to their wonderful state parks and camp. Or as we have always said in Wisconsin, GBTI! If one wants to go elsewhere for a true northwoods experience they will have to pay the piper! I think the OP is off base. Bringing their crankiness here is getting the appropriate reception.