camping rates

[Claw]

I just checked the site of my county forest preserve district and discovered the camping rates increased this year by $2/night. I'm not complaining as I would rather the fee go up than the tax rate on everyones property bill.
We have three parks in our county and at $10-$12/ night and $5/night (optional)electric, I think this user fee is still a great deal.

What are some of the camping fees around the country?
What do you consider overpriced fees?
What is the most you have paid?

[Miriam C.]

We range from free to $12 with electric. Paid $14 at Lake of the Ozarks and $16 at Crawford State Lake in KS. I noticed a couple of KS lakes have some free zones too.

[satch]

I don't normally go to our state parks (not family friendly), I belong to a camping resort, It has a steep yearly fee, but it is great for the wife@kids.

[Bodyman]

Miriam
What can you tell me about Crawford State Park?
I am considering it for my first night's stay on my trip south in a couple weeks. I need to get south of KC before I will get out of the cold, so it is about the right distance for the first day.
Randy

[mandy]

I usually go to the NM state parks, they charge $5.00 for day parking and 10.00 a night for camping.

http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/FeesPermits.htm

Heres what everything usually cost. On the up side I can buy a yearlong camping pass for 180.00. I think that would save me money on the long run.

Have Fun
Mandy

[Bodyman]

Jim
Our county parks are going up a buck. I believe that makes them $8 and $14. That's not bad, we have some nice local parks. If I remember right though some people get to camp for free

State park fees
Modern Area $16 per night/electric site
$11 per night/non-electric site.

Non-modern Areas $14 per night/electric site
$9 per night/non-electric site

Sewer and Water Hook-up Additional $3 per night

Equestrian Sites Additional $3 per night
Iowa doesn't have a Park User Fee yet, but they have been talking about it.
Randy

[cherokeegeorge]

State parks out here in Calif. along the ocean charge $25 a night, 2nd car is another $10. and you better book 6 months in advance.

[jeep_bluetj]

State parks out here in Calif. along the ocean charge $25 a night, 2nd car is another $10. and you better book 6 months in advance.

ReserveBastardAmerica is currently quoting $34 per night for San Clemente State Park. It's booked solid 5-6 months in advance. Schwarzenegger says we need to close it because of lack of revenue. Somehow that doesn't ring true to me.

ReserveAmerica is the devil incarnate. It's WORSE than ticketbastard, as I don't _need_ to go to concerts. I _need_ to go camping.

[Miriam C.]

Miriam
What can you tell me about Crawford State Park?
I am considering it for my first night's stay on my trip south in a couple weeks. I need to get south of KC before I will get out of the cold, so it is about the right distance for the first day.
Randy

Crawford State park may not have elec or water yet. You need to call. There is a campground on 69 South at LaCygne that is open all year. Think hot shower and the fishing is great because the power plant keeps the water warm all year.

Crawford State park
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/state_ ... s/crawford

LaCygne:
http://www.lasr.net/pages/city.php?City ... 610014b002
http://www.linncountyks.com/html/lakelacygne.html

Both are wonderful places, one just offer power and LaCygne is $12-14. Can't remember which.

Drive safe

[Claw]

Jim
Our county parks are going up a buck. I believe that makes them $8 and $14. That's not bad, we have some nice local parks. If I remember right though some people get to camp for free

Randy

Yeah there at Bailey Ford the guy never did come around to collect the fee. Plus it included a tour of the county parks and the fishery in a '62 Ford

The Corp of Engineers sites along the Mississippi River ran $4 a night if I recall correctly.

[Bodyman]

Miriam
No water or electric doesn't matter. I just want somehing easy to find with maybe a little exploring the next morning.
This would be just a stop over for the first nite. Crawford would be about 7 1/2 hours from home. Once I make it that far it should be warm enough that I will just take my time. Last year I spent the first nite in northern Ok , but it took me 3 days to make it the rest of the way (normally a 4 hr drive). That's Teardrop Time!!!
Randy

[Jst83]

State Parks here in Indiana are $25 with Elec. night and you have to book 2 nights, you can't stay just one of the weekend nights.


Scott

[cherokeegeorge]

I hear you Jeff they suck but if you want to go camping at the beach you have to play ball with them. unless its raining

[dreadcptflint]

I am a big fan of free. My wife and I like to get away from it all when we camp. (We are not big fans of camping on mowed grass). I have been pouring over maps and books for years to find spots that are nice. One of the local guidebooks that I can recomend is from 'Ray's Guides. (I have only found a few problems).


I do pay from time to time at various locations. I do think the most I have paid was $40 a night for a cabin at the base of Devil's Tower KOA watching Close Encounters there was worth it. In state, it depends on what amneties and who runs it. Generally it is about $12 a night for a tent spot with water in most areas.

[AmyH]

The state parks up here in Washington aren't cheap, so I have been looking for free campgrounds. After all, who doesn't like "FREE". I found a guide with a bunch of free campgrounds listed in it. It is written by a guy who lives up here in Washington, and he sells the guides for Washington, Oregon and Idaho. They are called "Ray's Guides". If you want to check into it go to his website here. I picked up the one for Washington, and I plan to check some of the free sites this summer. He shows campsites for tents and/or tiny trailers, so you won't find larger trailers or motorhomes at most of the sites he lists. The price for the books is reasonable (around $14.00).