State Park permits - is there a better way?
I am making reservations for our first big camping trip and have found 3 state parks in 3 different states that require a state park permit to enter the park. I see all the options for buying in each...
Forum Discussion
The "daily" entrance fee for any state park or state recreation area in Indiana is $5.00 for in-state residence (based on the license plate on your car or your ID if you are a walk-in or on a bicycle). However, the annual pass is now $40. (I know, I just bought one).
That means, in order to make the annual pass pay for itself, you have to visit the Indiana parks at least 8 times. If you visit the 9th time, the pass has now more than paid for itself.
When camping, (in state or not), you still pay an entrance fee (Fee is higher for out-of-state). But the entrance fee is only 1 time (per camping visit). Your "entrance" is then permitted during your stay as much as you want, in and out of the park, provided you have your camping ticket hanging on your dash mirror so you can get flagged on in upon return.
So, for Indiana at least.... the annual pass does not help anything (or hurt anything either), when it comes to making your reservations. It's strictly a separate fee to enter the park ... period.
Other states have different rules. Considering you are looking at a one-time visit to each state, I'd do the daily option for that state.
That means, in order to make the annual pass pay for itself, you have to visit the Indiana parks at least 8 times. If you visit the 9th time, the pass has now more than paid for itself.
When camping, (in state or not), you still pay an entrance fee (Fee is higher for out-of-state). But the entrance fee is only 1 time (per camping visit). Your "entrance" is then permitted during your stay as much as you want, in and out of the park, provided you have your camping ticket hanging on your dash mirror so you can get flagged on in upon return.
So, for Indiana at least.... the annual pass does not help anything (or hurt anything either), when it comes to making your reservations. It's strictly a separate fee to enter the park ... period.
Other states have different rules. Considering you are looking at a one-time visit to each state, I'd do the daily option for that state.
