Gulf State Park Increase rates.....again

Just like any business: You charge too much you won't make money or if you charge too little you won't make money.

It is true that they are looking to keep all of the state parks alive. Some have already closed. This one park has, by far, the highest capital value of any of Alabama's state parks and is depended on to produce income based on this fact. This is better, IMO, than selling off assets to developers to produce income.

Camping at the park is still a bargain when compared to other lodging in the area.

We just got back from 8 days at Gulf State park.

We had made our reservations back in August.

When we arrived we were told there would be a $7 per day resort fee.

The part that made me mad was no email, no letter, nothing to let you know they were pulling a price switch till I had driven 750 miles and was checking in.

There were a lot of empty spots in what I assume is the "short term" areas.

I was planning to meet a group there in Oct during Seafood Festival. I just calculated my costs for three nights... and because it is during Festival, must be paid at time of reservation and is non-refundable..... approx $160 for three nights.. That is the cheapest standard site weekend rate of $40.. an 11% lodging tax, a $7 a day resort fee, and a $4 transaction fee... I may have to change my mind when I add in the cost of gas to get there.

Yes I am referring to 'CG's' in Florida that charge extra for electric. I Did not experience that anywhere from Lake Michigan to the Georgia line! :C

I do not stay in State parks. When I first came down here that 'was' going to be my intention. But the rates were much higher in the state parks compared to to the surrounding CG's AND you you were 'limited' to how long you could stay. Don't know if it is that way in all states but it sure was in Florida.

I would guess State Parks as a destination camping trip would be just fine. But first as a snowbird and then full time the state parks didn't cut it for me. Usually too far off the interstate to use as a nightly stop and when I do stop I like to stay a couple of weeks or so before moving on.

rockhillmanor wrote:
The first time I crossed the GA/FL line RV'ing is when I learned what a 'bed' tax was. :R

Florida CG's charge the state tax AND a 'bed' tax. I asked what the hey is a bed tax? A bed tax is what you are charged when you stay in a motel/hotel and in Florida they consider a CG the same as a hotel so you get charged a bed tax. By the time you are done you are paying around 14% tax per night. and Florida is in the process of trying to raise the bed tax.

Not to mention at the time I also did not know that Florida CG's charge separately for electric use either. Yup being a newbie full timer back then was definitely a learning curve for me. :C

I know of no state parks in Florida that charge extra for power! Maybe you are speaking of some private parks? And for extended stays ?

Tom N wrote:
This is what I like about RVing. If not happy, your wheels can take you elsewhere. Takes less than an hour to pack up and be on the road.

And that is exactly what is happening . The nearby RV parks are sure loving it .... $480 a month wifi, cable, indoor pool and hottub!

rockhillmanor wrote:
The first time I crossed the GA/FL line RV'ing is when I learned what a 'bed' tax was. :R

Florida CG's charge the state tax AND a 'bed' tax. I asked what the hey is a bed tax? A bed tax is what you are charged when you stay in a motel/hotel and in Florida they consider a CG the same as a hotel so you get charged a bed tax. By the time you are done you are paying around 14% tax per night. and Florida is in the process of trying to raise the bed tax.

Not to mention at the time I also did not know that Florida CG's charge separately for electric use either. Yup being a newbie full timer back then was definitely a learning curve for me. :C

The bed tax actually depends on the county/city the state park is in and it is labeled as a Local Option Tax. It also varies by county/city in its amount. We are currently staying at Lake Louisa SP near Clermont and the Local Option Tax is 4% and is added to the normal sales tax of 7% which includes a county sales tax of 1%.

I believe you a incorrect about separate electrical charges as I have been visiting our state parks for 10 years now and never paid a separate electrical charge, including our current stay with a 50 amp hookup.

The first time I crossed the GA/FL line RV'ing is when I learned what a 'bed' tax was. :R

Florida CG's charge the state tax AND a 'bed' tax. I asked what the hey is a bed tax? A bed tax is what you are charged when you stay in a motel/hotel and in Florida they consider a CG the same as a hotel so you get charged a bed tax. By the time you are done you are paying around 14% tax per night. and Florida is in the process of trying to raise the bed tax.

Not to mention at the time I also did not know that Florida CG's charge separately for electric use either. Yup being a newbie full timer back then was definitely a learning curve for me. :C

Bird Freak wrote:
Their state government is stealing money from the state parks and spending it elsewhere. They closed some parks and the ones making a good profit are having to make it up.

The Alabama State parks have always operated in the green and have been quite profitable. They used to deposit their money into a State Park account and then at the end of the year transfer a percent of their profits over to the State General Fund. About two years ago Gov Bentley made them close their account and deposit all of their funds into the general fund. Now the state is taking out the money faster then it can be made. In my opinion the Gov has ruined a good thing. The parks not only bring in a lot of money but the tourists spend a lot of money in the local markets.

Supply and demand! Disney and Sea World seem to raise their rates every six months here in Florida! Staying for a month for six to eight hundred , at a nice clean park still seems to be good.