Washington State campground fees

ScottG wrote:
I have just the opposite opinion - I don't think there is a private CG in the state that can compare to most of our state CG's. Especially considering how tightly the private places jamb them in.

Certainly mostly correct, compare Mary Hill SP vrs the Peach Beach (right next door)
Mary Hill is like camping in a city park, with a great deal of room between rigs. Peach Beach, well, you better like your neighbor.

I have family in Goldendale, as a result I've stayed in every park nearby. The two SP's are my preferred location.

A little background on the "non-resident fee"

Washington added that when Oregon started charging a non-resident fee, originally it was -only- charged on Oregon residents, then on the resident of any state charging a non-resident fee.

I have just the opposite opinion - I don't think there is a private CG in the state that can compare to most of our state CG's. Especially considering how tightly the private places jamb them in.

There are some really nice COE campgrounds in that area. I don't recommend WA state parks, as they are nothing special and are horribly overpriced. Not far from Maryhill is Boardman, OR, city marina & campground which is far, far nicer and cheaper, too. The beautiful museum at Maryhill is definitely worth visiting, however.

Washington charges a "Reservation Fee" and a "Non-Resident Reservation Fee" - both should only be collected when a non-resident makes a reservation online or by phone. I'm not going to defend this as I believe Washington State has gone crazy lately increasing camping fees, but I don't understand how the state collected these fees from you if you had no reservation. Who exactly did you pay these fees to?

Yes, I believe they are still in effect.
What money you don't leave, we'll find a way to take.

Non-Resident Reservation Fee
An additional $5 non-refundable reservation fee will be charged to non-residents when making a reservation for campsites, cabins, yurt, marina slips, and other reserved services. This fee is in addition to the regular reservation fee.

Where do you plan to stay. I would suggest Crow Butte near Patterson. Its a really nice, well kept secret country park right on the river. Probably needs reservations during the summer.

Crow Butte