National Park Service has it all wrong!!??
I believe the NPS should change what they charge for the NPS passes. right now the cost are as follows. America the Beautiful Annual pass- $80 America the Beautiful Senior pass- $10 America th...
Forum Discussion
The $80 America the Beautiful Pass and the $10 Senior Pass are completely different things.
Simply put - the $80 pass is a limited general admission item for people who visit several National Parks, Recreation Areas, etc each year. It is minimally cost effective for most RVers.
The $10 Senior Pass is a discount camping program for those over age 62. For RVers - the half-price camping is a major benefit. And I seriously doubt the NPS gives away near as many 1/2 price camping nights as the US Army Corps of Engineers.
My experience as a NPS volunteer is that the park service full-time employees are happy for eligible citizens to get/ use the pass. Camping fees are minor compared to entrance fees collected at the parks. Note - I said VOLUNTEER - I freely give my time to the NPS, COE, State Parks, etc. I enjoy being able to give my time/ labor to help make recreation better at various campgrounds. I would not be able to afford to volunteer if I had to pay $700-$1,200 per month for an RV spot near those locations. A free campsite helps me be able to volunteer. It is not, and should never be considered, compensation in exchange for labor.
Simply put - the $80 pass is a limited general admission item for people who visit several National Parks, Recreation Areas, etc each year. It is minimally cost effective for most RVers.
The $10 Senior Pass is a discount camping program for those over age 62. For RVers - the half-price camping is a major benefit. And I seriously doubt the NPS gives away near as many 1/2 price camping nights as the US Army Corps of Engineers.
My experience as a NPS volunteer is that the park service full-time employees are happy for eligible citizens to get/ use the pass. Camping fees are minor compared to entrance fees collected at the parks. Note - I said VOLUNTEER - I freely give my time to the NPS, COE, State Parks, etc. I enjoy being able to give my time/ labor to help make recreation better at various campgrounds. I would not be able to afford to volunteer if I had to pay $700-$1,200 per month for an RV spot near those locations. A free campsite helps me be able to volunteer. It is not, and should never be considered, compensation in exchange for labor.
