Visiting camgrounds

3oaks wrote:

GizmosMom wrote:
We have asked for permission to drive through and look at many public campgrounds (State Parks, COE, NFS, etc.) We have never been asked for a fee and have always been made to feel welcome.

We have. We wanted to see the campground before committing ourselves to camp for a couple a days while passing through the area. We weren't allowed past the entrance without paying the entrance fee first. Needless to say, we made a "U" turn and never been back. That was at Indiana Dunes State Park.

Do they really think we were trying to sneak in and set up our camp without paying? :S

Happens all the time. Drive in, use there restrooms and other sanitary facilities, maybe fill a water tank and dump the holding tanks while they are at it. Heck, nobody is watching, so lets have a picnic lunch and maybe fish for an hour or two. We have found drive thrus trying to do just about anything and everything the full paying guests paid for.

3oaks wrote:
Do they really think we were trying to sneak in and set up our camp without paying? :S

An overreaction. :S Fact is, many public parks have day use fees and anyone entering for the day, for whatever reason, is required to pay that fee. What you do while you're there is your business ... once you've paid the fee. ;)

GizmosMom wrote:
We have asked for permission to drive through and look at many public campgrounds (State Parks, COE, NFS, etc.) We have never been asked for a fee and have always been made to feel welcome.

We have. We wanted to see the campground before committing ourselves to camp for a couple a days while passing through the area. We weren't allowed past the entrance without paying the entrance fee first. Needless to say, we made a "U" turn and never been back. That was at Indiana Dunes State Park.

Do they really think we were trying to sneak in and set up our camp without paying? :S

GizmosMom wrote:
We have asked for permission to drive through and look at many public campgrounds (State Parks, COE, NFS, etc.) We have never been asked for a fee and have always been made to feel welcome.

And likewise we have been required to pay ... no payment, no entry. ;) So ... as the OP can see the "correct answer" is not so simple as some would suggest. :W

It varies, depending on policy at the park and who you talk to. Some folks would like to help you but don't think they have the authority to deviate from the rules. But just tell them what you want to do, don't try to make up a different story.

At a number of COE campgrounds they've let me look around, and for many the gates are not even attended for the day.

Some state parks with day use fees want the fee no matter what your reason for visiting the park. Other states, there is no entry fee.

Strangest one for me, I was following a state highway in Indiana that went through the park, they wanted a day fee or an annual pass to drive across the park. They did let me come in to turn around, without a fee.

lgarcia wrote:
Have only found two state parks that were adamant on no access without actually camping there - one would charge us a fee if we wanted to look around, though.

Many state park, COE etc. places have no one at the entrance, so if we do go in, we look for the camp host site and tell them that we are looking around.

Some states, such as Illinois do not charge an entrance fee, but most do. If there is no one at the entrance, there is almost ALWAYS a self-registration kiosk for both overnight camping and for a day-use permit. If you are entering a state park you should stop at the kiosk and get a day use permit and leave your payment in the payment slot or tube.

The campground host is there to provide assistance in the campground. They are not running the state park and are not policing the entry permits. Just because there is no one at the entrance station doesn't mean that the entrance fee is waived.

Have only found two state parks that were adamant on no access without actually camping there - one would charge us a fee if we wanted to look around, though.

Many state park, COE etc. places have no one at the entrance, so if we do go in, we look for the camp host site and tell them that we are looking around.

CWDoc115 wrote:
Tell them just that. Why make it more difficult??? :h

Simple correct answer to your question.

We usually check out the state parks in the vicinity of others we are staying at. Since we have already paid the fee (included in our campsite registration $$), we can and do check out the nearby parks. We get a campground map and mark the sites we might be interested in. Having those really help when it comes time to make a reservation.

Yes, stop in the office and check in. We have signage (three actually, sign at entry gate saying all guests must register in the office, 2nd sign at registration parking area stating the same and a third sign stating registered guests only beyond this point)expressly stating all visitors must check in at the office and have ZERO tolerance for people who cannot follow that simple rule.
One of the reasons our guests stay with us is we provide them with a measure of security. Random people driving thru lessens that security. Our guests are comfortable enough to leave valuable items sitting on picnic tables and the like. Driving around the park a person is likely to see an $800 fly rod or a $3000 camera and lens sitting on a table. Those can be taken in an instant. If a thief wanted to spend 30 extra seconds, they could pick up a top line bicycle or carryout satellite.
You know you are not a thief, we do not. If you drive into my parks, ignore the signage, fail to check in at the office, we WILL stop you and request you leave and never return.