State Park permits - is there a better way?

[Anaj06]

I am making reservations for our first big camping trip and have found 3 state parks in 3 different states that require a state park permit to enter the park. I see all the options for buying in each individual state (daily, annual pass, etc). My question is: does a national pass/permit exist to enter all state parks? I doubt it because the states need their revenue! I am just wondering if there is a better way than buying permits for every state we plan to visit a state park in?

Thanks!

[DutchmenSport]

The "daily" entrance fee for any state park or state recreation area in Indiana is $5.00 for in-state residence (based on the license plate on your car or your ID if you are a walk-in or on a bicycle). However, the annual pass is now $40. (I know, I just bought one).

That means, in order to make the annual pass pay for itself, you have to visit the Indiana parks at least 8 times. If you visit the 9th time, the pass has now more than paid for itself.

When camping, (in state or not), you still pay an entrance fee (Fee is higher for out-of-state). But the entrance fee is only 1 time (per camping visit). Your "entrance" is then permitted during your stay as much as you want, in and out of the park, provided you have your camping ticket hanging on your dash mirror so you can get flagged on in upon return.

So, for Indiana at least.... the annual pass does not help anything (or hurt anything either), when it comes to making your reservations. It's strictly a separate fee to enter the park ... period.

Other states have different rules. Considering you are looking at a one-time visit to each state, I'd do the daily option for that state.

[agesilaus]

dahkota wrote:
The only states I have been in that required a camper to pay a day use fee were Wisconsin and Texas. The rest included it in the site fee. Which states are you going to? Also, you can just pay the fee when you arrive...

Georgia does I know. If you camp for X number of days you have to pay park entry fees for every day. Unless you don't leave the park I suppose.

[agesilaus]

Just a note, if you are a Florida resident and a disabled vet you can get a free annual park pass. I haven't camped using it yet so I don't know if it gets you a camping discount. All I needed was my VA card. When they gave it to me they said I'd have to renew it every year but they goofed and punched the 2017 hole, I asked at the a park if I needed to renew anyway and they just laughed and waved me along.

[powderman426]

I know that Michigan requires a pass.

[dahkota]

The only states I have been in that required a camper to pay a day use fee were Wisconsin and Texas. The rest included it in the site fee. Which states are you going to? Also, you can just pay the fee when you arrive...

[wildtoad]

No park fees here (SC) for campers. I find it a PITA when visiting the states that have a separate park pass from the camping fee. I can see a park pass for those that just want to visit for a day, or visit multiple parks. But it should be included in the camping fee.

I for one prefer state parks, at least the ones we have visited over most commercial campgrounds. Yes the commercial campgrounds may have pools, game rooms, and other activities. But I have seen hundreds of kids having a good time at state parks without all that.

[fla-gypsy]

No permit required in Florida just entry or camping fees if using the CG.

[deereone]

I was checking reservations at one of our favorite state parks a couple weeks ago. The gal said the daily rate had gone up $3 this year and next year the entry permit fee was going up $3, but still electric only sites. Several private campgrounds in the same area for less money with full hookups, daily games and activity's for the kids.

[travelzoo]

The easy answer to your question is don't use the state parks. Usually a lot of nice private even some corporate campgrounds and for less $$$'s with more perks than the state parks offer.

[2gypsies1]

We've never had to buy a pass for our state park stays. The daily fee was incorporated in the camping fee. You better check before purchasing the pass.

[LynnandCarol]

It is the sign of the times. It is really a user fee. You would think that they could give out-of-state folks a break since they are adding to their economy. In TX this yearly price is around $70 with discounted camping to bring down to around $50 (I think). In our near future probably all states will sign in to this. And don't get me started on the individual state fishing licenses...lol

[Dutch_12078]

There is no nationwide pass for all state parks, although a few parks do honor the federal "America The Beautiful" passes. In most cases, the campground fee for your site also includes any required vehicle/day passes.