North Carolina State Parks - Heads Up!

wbwood wrote:
Was looking at Labor Day weekend for Stone Mountain State Park in North Carolina. Saw a price of $30/night. Was caught off guard as it was $25 with the reservation fee in the past (water/electric). I don't mind an increase, but that much through me off guard. I emailed them to inquire about it and below is the information I received.

Mr. Wood:

North Carolina's State Parks has begun a program of variable pricing, as regards its campsite accommodations and amenities. So, for example, an RV/trailer site which has water and electric (50amp) service might be $20 in January and the same site might be $25 or $30 in July. Similarly, in any given month, the more popular sites may have a slightly higher rent than those less often occupied. The intent of the program is to increase year-round attendance at all of our parks, including Stone Mountain State Park.

Right now, on our Central Reservation Site (CRS) RV sites at Stone Mountain State Park with water and 50 amp electric services, on loop B, are $20 per night, per the attached link.

http://northcarolinastateparks.reserveamerica.com/campsiteSearch.do

Let me know if you have any further questions regarding this matter or any other matter pertaining to North Carolina's State Parks.

Best regards,
Steve Livingstone

I must be not comprehending it correctly because I don't understand how raising rates is improving attendance. It does help with those that reserve out the weekends way far in advance. But I don't see how it will improve attendance. Any have any insight?

NHDad wrote:
They are saying that by lowering in non-peak times to $20 and raising in peak times to $30 they can average out $25 per night of revenue for more nights of the year. They know they'll fill during the popular times at $30 but also can now get some people who normally wouldn't stay for $20.

NHDad wrote:
They are saying that by lowering in non-peak times to $20 and raising in peak times to $30 they can average out $25 per night of revenue for more nights of the year. They know they'll fill during the popular times at $30 but also can now get some people who normally wouldn't stay for $20.

NHDad wrote:
They are saying that by lowering in non-peak times to $20 and raising in peak times to $30 they can average out $25 per night of revenue for more nights of the year. They know they'll fill during the popular times at $30 but also can now get some people who normally wouldn't stay for $20.

Lantley wrote:
I think the idea is during peak times prices will be higher. It pretty much equates to supply in demand. Many places practice this approach.
During the summer lots of demand , rsates are higher to take advantage of the extra demand.
During the colder months demand is low , rates are cheaper to encourage camping.
Generally I see nothing wrong with it.
Self sufficient state parks that don't rely solely on the tax payers is a good thing.