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 individual state (daily, annual pass, etc). My question is: does a national pass/permit exist to enter all state parks? I doubt it because the states need their revenue! I am just wondering if there is a better way than buying permits for every state we plan to visit a state park in?Thanks!

There is no nationwide pass for all state parks, although a few parks do honor the federal "America The Beautiful" passes. In most cases, the campground fee for your site also includes any required vehicle/day passes.

It is the sign of the times. It is really a user fee. You would think that they could give out-of-state folks a break since they are adding to their economy. In TX this yearly price is around $70 with discounted camping to bring down to around $50 (I think). In our near future probably all states will sign in to this. And don't get me started on the individual state fishing licenses...lol

We've never had to buy a pass for our state park stays. The daily fee was incorporated in the camping fee. You better check before purchasing the pass.

The easy answer to your question is don't use the state parks. Usually a lot of nice private even some corporate campgrounds and for less $$$'s with more perks than the state parks offer.

I was checking reservations at one of our favorite state parks a couple weeks ago. The gal said the daily rate had gone up $3 this year and next year the entry permit fee was going up $3, but still electric only sites. Several private campgrounds in the same area for less money with full hookups, daily games and activity's for the kids.

State Park permits - is there a better way? | Good Sam Community

fla-gypsy
Explorer
Jan 31, 2015
No permit required in Florida just entry or camping fees if using the CG.
deereone
Explorer
Jan 31, 2015
I was checking reservations at one of our favorite state parks a couple weeks ago. The gal said the daily rate had gone up $3 this year and next year the entry permit fee was going up $3, but still electric only sites. Several private campgrounds in the same area for less money with full hookups, daily games and activity's for the kids.
travelzoo
Explorer
Jan 31, 2015
The easy answer to your question is don't use the state parks. Usually a lot of nice private even some corporate campgrounds and for less $$$'s with more perks than the state parks offer.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Jan 31, 2015
We've never had to buy a pass for our state park stays. The daily fee was incorporated in the camping fee. You better check before purchasing the pass.
LynnandCarol
Explorer
Jan 31, 2015
It is the sign of the times. It is really a user fee. You would think that they could give out-of-state folks a break since they are adding to their economy. In TX this yearly price is around $70 with discounted camping to bring down to around $50 (I think). In our near future probably all states will sign in to this. And don't get me started on the individual state fishing licenses...lol
Dutch_12078
Explorer II
Jan 31, 2015
There is no nationwide pass for all state parks, although a few parks do honor the federal "America The Beautiful" passes. In most cases, the campground fee for your site also includes any required vehicle/day passes.

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State Park permits - is there a better way?

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