Texas State Parks

It is theft. If I pulled such a move I would be housed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. I have to pay the tax, I do not have to visit the State Parks on top of it. I have never given our Governor my vote.

Heisenberg wrote:
READ

We have a Sporting Goods Sales Tax which the State has spent elsewhere and is now asking for donations. I will continue to boycott the bait and switch scheme.

You punish the parks instead of the governor and the members of the state government responsible for this act?

READ

We have a Sporting Goods Sales Tax which the State has spent elsewhere and is now asking for donations. I will continue to boycott the bait and switch scheme.

Many states have fees associated with their state park campgrounds in addition to the campground fees. Texas is just one of them. In Wisconsin, it is $10 per day if a nonresident. In South Dakota, it is $5.00 per day. In Virginia, it is a $5.00 fee for the first night only. If we want to keep these places open, states have had to add additional fees. In some instances it is cheaper to stay in a private campground. That is why many (not all) full timers stay away from state parks because they cost too much and we can get better rates at private parks that offer weekly or monthly rates.

2112 wrote:
I totally agree. The SP in Texas are trashed out, over priced rip offs and everyone down there are rude.
That park pass is worthless.

I highly advice everyone to stay away from my parks.

Now maybe I can get a camp site :)

My sentiments exactly!!

^^ My comment was tongue and cheek! ^^
I was spreading false rumors at an attempt to humor but I see it wasn't recognized as such. My apologies.

Of course I love our parks and got into this hobby to spend more time in them. I made this investment for the sole purpose to enjoy Texas to it's fullest potential.

In fact, I'm a member of 'Friends of Garner' and live 450 miles from that park. Our plan is to retire in Rio Frio to be closer to Garner and all it offers. I will some day be an active volunteer and can't wait to get there.

Counting my days and penny's!
Dave

Good to hear from a volunteer park host. They all work hard on keeping our parks clean & bathrooms (some are old need upgrades), the host even cleans up after the campers who do not clean up after themselves or leave a mess in the bathrooms too. Just returned from Cleburne SP had a great visit with the park host. The employees of the state parks have always been helpful. Our site was $30 for FHU well worth it to us.

Sharon

afrescop wrote:

2112 wrote:
I totally agree. The SP in Texas are trashed out, over priced rip offs and everyone down there are rude.
That park pass is worthless.

I highly advice everyone to stay away from my parks.

Now maybe I can get a camp site :)

You know it is opinions like this that spread like wildfire and are taken as gospel.

We have volunteered at a Texas state park two of the past three years. Our park is spotless and well maintained. The employees are courteous and ALWAYS helpful. People come here year after year for many years because of their wonderful family experiences.

The TPWD reservation system guarantees a spot but not a specific spot. It is first come, first served.

Yes, there are daily use fees in addition to the cost of the site. Sites are $25 per day for 30 amp and $26 for 50 amp. Day use fees add $7 per day. A Texas State annual park pass is presently $70 for the first pass and $25 for an additional pass at the same address. This pass gets the pass holder into the park with day use fees waived as it will for up to 14 additional people in the same vehicle. Children under age 13 are always free. When you buy a park pass you get four electronic coupons that get you 1/2 off one night on camping stays of two or more nights. There are 90+ TX state parks and the pass is good at any of them.

What I have read in many of the above posts are outright lies and distortions of facts. Texas state parks are beautiful and well worth the price. Yes, having full hookups in all the parks would be nice but with the current economy there is little money in the TX budget for such improvement. Presently there are many TX state parks with full hookups, you just have to check out the TPWD website.

Sarcasm escapes you, don't it.. :D

I think some of your numbers are off too... campsite and day use fees vary from park to park but your numbers make a good average.

2112 wrote:
I totally agree. The SP in Texas are trashed out, over priced rip offs and everyone down there are rude.
That park pass is worthless.

I highly advice everyone to stay away from my parks.

Now maybe I can get a camp site :)

You know it is opinions like this that spread like wildfire and are taken as gospel.

We have volunteered at a Texas state park two of the past three years. Our park is spotless and well maintained. The employees are courteous and ALWAYS helpful. People come here year after year for many years because of their wonderful family experiences.

The TPWD reservation system guarantees a spot but not a specific spot. It is first come, first served.

Yes, there are daily use fees in addition to the cost of the site. Sites are $25 per day for 30 amp and $26 for 50 amp. Day use fees add $7 per day. A Texas State annual park pass is presently $70 for the first pass and $25 for an additional pass at the same address. This pass gets the pass holder into the park with day use fees waived as it will for up to 14 additional people in the same vehicle. Children under age 13 are always free. When you buy a park pass you get four electronic coupons that get you 1/2 off one night on camping stays of two or more nights. There are 90+ TX state parks and the pass is good at any of them.

What I have read in many of the above posts are outright lies and distortions of facts. Texas state parks are beautiful and well worth the price. Yes, having full hookups in all the parks would be nice but with the current economy there is little money in the TX budget for such improvement. Presently there are many TX state parks with full hookups, you just have to check out the TPWD website.

Someone has to complain about something. I have seen good and bad things about all parks in any state being state, COE & private. On the TPW site some of our parks will be getting upgrades. We do have the park pass and has paid for itself many times over. Even our non-camping son has one that has been worth it for just the day fee. On parks being clean I have seen campers pull out with not picking up trash, I guess they think the park host is the maid to pick up after them.

Sharon