Lot's of discussion, about excess charges etc, on state campgrounds or the reserve America thing.Seems like the average price is about $35 a night, all things considered.Now each of us have different wants and needs, and I respect that.But I feel given all that these CG's have to offer (for me, and what I and Family like to do)And given what it would cost me to buy my own propery, maintain it pay taxes on it. Or to rent a cabin, or motel. I think fair market price, would be north of $100 per night. For me at least to obtain similar accomodationsSo in my opinion $35 per is a screaming deal.Your thoughts?

I figure prices everywhere are self leveling, they will raise the prices until there is a drop in attendance. Yes it will price some out of the ability to go as often but it is a business model if they can get more they will (both private and public) but with the boom in RVing we all knew it was coming, Disney has the same business model if they can get 1/3 more money and 10 percent stop coming it is still cost effective and more enjoyable for those who do pay more to come, ie less crowded.. Capitalism at its best (or worst as the case may be) JMOHappy Camping.

Since as a camp host we park for free I tend to think 35 dollars is close to pricing a lot of families out of the market. Not eneryone makes 50K a year. I would like to see fees down in the 25 dollar range so more could enjoy my parks.

Here in SC our nearest state park is in the low 20's even for lake front. Weekends are full, weekdays not so much. I think it is a fair price for water/electric/showers and allows more people to utilize the campground. I think anything in the 30's (or more) would be excessive unless you have kids and the park has a pool, laundry, and other services that you may take advantage of.

In the four parks around me the lowest is $16 (electric only) a night and the highest is $45 (FHU and pool with theme weekends and entertainment.On edit: In the high end park (private) the year round sites are almost perpetually filled with people from Chicago who consider the $3500-$4000 a year to be a drop in the bucket for them to have a "weekend vacation spot",(I have talked to quite a few of them) and the park owner has converted as many spots as he can (Cement pads) to FHU's for year round rental. The number of weekend spots had dropped by half and the park is always full or close to it.

Since I still have to work for a living, my stays are not extended. Cost for the park is always the smallest line item of expense I incur when using the trailer. State Parks in Texas range from $20 to $30 a night, a few still at $15. When visiting my Mom south of Houston, we stay at a private RV park paying upwards of $50 a night. That hurts a bit, but it makes for the best arrangement, keeps us out of a hotel and certainly much cheaper!Cost of the park becomes an after-thought on my expenses as compared to fuel and the kennel for one or both of our dogs. If we can ever full-time in a trailer, it might turn the tables a bit!

What is a first Run, State campground worth to you

23 Replies

wildtoad
Explorer II
Jul 06, 2013
Here in SC our nearest state park is in the low 20's even for lake front. Weekends are full, weekdays not so much. I think it is a fair price for water/electric/showers and allows more people to utilize the campground. I think anything in the 30's (or more) would be excessive unless you have kids and the park has a pool, laundry, and other services that you may take advantage of.
donn0128
Explorer II
Jul 06, 2013
Since as a camp host we park for free I tend to think 35 dollars is close to pricing a lot of families out of the market. Not eneryone makes 50K a year. I would like to see fees down in the 25 dollar range so more could enjoy my parks.
Roundtwo-40
Explorer
Jul 06, 2013
I figure prices everywhere are self leveling, they will raise the prices until there is a drop in attendance. Yes it will price some out of the ability to go as often but it is a business model if they can get more they will (both private and public) but with the boom in RVing we all knew it was coming, Disney has the same business model if they can get 1/3 more money and 10 percent stop coming it is still cost effective and more enjoyable for those who do pay more to come, ie less crowded.. Capitalism at its best (or worst as the case may be) JMO

Happy Camping.

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What is a first Run, State campground worth to you

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