We stayed at a GA State Park back in July. I reserved 2 sites for 2 nights, in advance, through Reserve America. Put it on my credit card and credit card bill was paid on my July bill. My daughter and some friends stayed at one site and my wife and I stayed on the other. They arrived and set up their site before I arrived. When I got there to sign in, I was asked for my credit card to be put on record, "in case there was damage done, like a hotel room". I didnt agree with this policy but was just ready to get set up for the weekend. Well this months credit card bill came in and had a $5 charge from that park. I called to inquire about the charge and was told it was for a parking permit. I was told that it is a GA State Park policy that any vehicle entering the park must pay $5 for a permit, even for those paying for the site. I didnt question about why we only got charged for 1 permit since we had 2 sites and 2 vehicles. Didnt want next months bill to have another $5 charge. I had my TV and camper and my daughter had her suv and a tent. Does this sound correct or did they just rip me off for $5?

I stayed at Skiddaway Island State park, and they were honest with me right up front. Sorry you were blind-sided. As for the extra vehicles, I have no insights.In a very recent experience, Stone Mountain charged us for our toad as well. $10. Then we were given a pass for our car for the remainder of the visit. I don't understand why parks charge us for our cars when we are already paying to be there. But, I guess it is what it is, and that's the price of admission to play.

It is because we do not collectively complain about it and demand change. Indiana does the same thing. Michigan is even worse, I am told they charge for every time you go in or out of the gate with your toad. This is just so unreasonable. I don't think Vladimir Putin would do this to his people.

Homer wrote:It is because we do not collectively complain about it and demand change. Indiana does the same thing. Michigan is even worse, I am told they charge for every time you go in or out of the gate with your toad. This is just so unreasonable. I don't think Vladimir Putin would do this to his people.Michigan does not charge each time you enter or leave. The Michigan state parks require a vehicle pass to enter. You can purchase a daily or annual pass and it is not included in the camping fee.

GA State Parks charge fee for parking pass with campsite

bgum
Explorer
Aug 29, 2013
Sounds about right.
paulsang
Explorer
Aug 29, 2013
I stayed at Skiddaway Island State park, and they were honest with me right up front. Sorry you were blind-sided. As for the extra vehicles, I have no insights.

In a very recent experience, Stone Mountain charged us for our toad as well. $10. Then we were given a pass for our car for the remainder of the visit. I don't understand why parks charge us for our cars when we are already paying to be there. But, I guess it is what it is, and that's the price of admission to play.
Homer1
Explorer
Aug 29, 2013
It is because we do not collectively complain about it and demand change. Indiana does the same thing. Michigan is even worse, I am told they charge for every time you go in or out of the gate with your toad. This is just so unreasonable. I don't think Vladimir Putin would do this to his people.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Aug 29, 2013
Revenue.....plain and simple
mich800
Explorer
Aug 29, 2013
Homer wrote:
It is because we do not collectively complain about it and demand change. Indiana does the same thing. Michigan is even worse, I am told they charge for every time you go in or out of the gate with your toad. This is just so unreasonable. I don't think Vladimir Putin would do this to his people.

Michigan does not charge each time you enter or leave. The Michigan state parks require a vehicle pass to enter. You can purchase a daily or annual pass and it is not included in the camping fee.
prichardson
Explorer
Aug 29, 2013
Some states charge a daily entrance fee on top of the camping fee, some its part of the camping fee, some charge a weekly entrance fee over the camping fee, some have no additional charge. It all depends on the state.
eabc5454
Explorer
Aug 29, 2013
It's all about revenue. Virginia State Parks charge $5 per dog per night. We only take one of the four dogs at a time, but if we took more it would add up quickly.
EsoxLucius
Explorer
Aug 29, 2013
A state park admission fee is rarely, if ever, associated with camping. It is an entrance fee entitling one to enjoy the amenities of the park, excluding camping. It usually is in the form of a vehicle sticker and can be for a day, week , month or year. Some states charge one admission fee for residents and non-residents, others charge non-residents more. 36 of the 50 states charge some kind of entrance fee to their state parks. In almost all cases camping fees are in addition to an entrance fee.
EsoxLucius
Explorer
Aug 29, 2013
If you are there to enjoy the state park, camping or not, you are going to pay for the privilege. Its a use fee, either you pay, or Georgia's taxpayers will. In states that don't have entrance fees, you are paying with every purchase in that state if they have a sales tax.

Homer, hear say can get you killed. What a crock! You probably believe everything you read on the Internet too.
gotsmart
Explorer
Aug 29, 2013
In Washington state, your camping fee includes park access. linky.

The Discover Pass now can be used on either of two vehicles!

Annual pass: $30
One-day pass: $10
(Transaction and dealer fees may apply)
A Discover Pass is required for motor-vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

Exemptions: Your purchase of the Discover Pass supports recreation on state lands. However, the Discover Pass is not required if you are camping or renting overnight accommodations, for the duration of your stay at that state park. For additional exemptions and more information, please visit the Discover Pass website.