Virginia State Parks and dogs

Also the max fee is 3 days. We have stayed at VA state parks where the ranger said you didn't tell me about the dog and wouldn't charge us. Guess she didn't like the policy either. That said, between the dog fee and $5 reservation fee (even for walk in) it makes the state parks too expensive for just one night, even with the discount for the lifetime park pass.

It is not a secret. Sure it's a way to raise revenue to offset the additional cost of dealing with pets. Most states don't charge but maybe they should.
If it helps keep irresponsible owners out of the parks I'm all for it.
Pet owners ultimately require more services since 100% can't figure out how to clean up. Why should we not pay more? Why should the rest of the park system subsidise us vs. paying our own way?

It's rather ironical that a lot of dog owners enjoy camping because they are able to include their companions. Yet, VA wants to discourage "family" camping. The park we used to frequent now costs us $37/nt (water/elec). We can camp at a NC private park with full hookups including cable for less $$. Also, I find it interesting that in SC state parks where dogs camp free, posts/receptacles with doggie bags are provided free! I have seen nothing in VA like this.

I agree with Larry....it is just a money maker....

I make an annual stop at one VA state park. Its convenient enough to my travels that I just pay the fee. Besides annoying, its kind of silly. Like most SPs they have dog rules but don't enforce them. If the fee was going to some ranger overtime to do that it would be money well spent.

I think its nothing but a way to raise some revenue. It has nothing to do with dogs.

I'm okay with the fee and the cost of state park camping is generally less than commercial camping.

Off subject a little but as a kid I remember going to play basketball at the rec center and all I did was show my card to prove I was a county resident and I was in. I take my son to basketball training at the same rec center, yes MANY years later and it's $4:50 each time resident or not. My tax money built it but like already said they will make the money when they can.

I'm OK with the fee. Bottom line is 100% of pet owners are not responsible for their pets. Some/many just don't get it. There are complaints as well as the piles to deal with. Dogs create extra work for the CG's. Pet owners should pick up the financial slack in the end. As a pet owner I am OK with the fee since it allows me to bring my pet.
To those against the fee,if you are observant you will see the need for the fee every time you see a pile on the ground.
Find a way to eliminate the unclaimed piles 100% and the fees can be eliminated.

Golden_HVAC wrote:


I can also recall seeing Virginia charging it's residents a extra fee (like in the $600 range) if they where speeding over a certain speed. They could not apply the same high fee to out of state residents though.

Fred.

That was the abusive driver fee, put in place in 2007 and rescinded in 2008. All of the fees imposed were refunded.

Virginia charges the fee for dogs to discourage people from bringing them.

"We also charge an extra fee for dogs overnight in the campground. This has been a more controversial fee with our customers but I'd like to take a moment to explain why we do it. In short, as a government entity we have the unenviable duty to try and make everyone happy. The number one complaint in our campgrounds - barking dogs. Dogs are territorial. Just today, while I was working from my home office I was reminded as a neighbor floated by in his canoe and the dogs went crazy. They don't understand that the pond is not their territory to protect...So, the camping pet fee is to discourage folks from bringing their pet who doesn't enjoy camping. The compromise is that you can still bring your beloved family member. " - From Virginia Outdoors (http://www.virginiaoutdoors.com/article/more/1678)

Bumpyroad wrote:
why would you exclude a state park? same issues as a private campground.
bumpy

Most state parks are usually tax supported (in addition to the camping fees). You are responsible for cleaning up after your dog, why should you have to pay more? Maybe if the dog carried you over the limit of "occupants" to a site or something, but not the case here.

North Carolina, doesn't charge you extra for your dog and if I remember right, when we were at Topsail in Florida, they didn't charge us extra either.

Golden_HVAC wrote:

I can also recall seeing Virginia charging it's residents a extra fee (like in the $600 range) if they where speeding over a certain speed. They could not apply the same high fee to out of state residents though.
Fred.

why couldn't they charge uniformly? seems like states like to gouge out of staters more than locals.
bumpy