Community Forums

cbald51 · 05-21-2019, 09:14 AM

We just received the travel information we had requested from Minnesota to plan for our trip to the east coast this fall. The parks all look very nice with lots to see and do. Just wondering about the cost. It looks like you have to pay an entrance fee in addition to the camping fee. Is this how it works? Anyone have info on other states, fees for camping, particularly on the east coast? Thanks for the help.

RickNC · 05-21-2019, 09:29 AM

Seems to be the trend. Several state parks I looked at in Va and Md to stop at on our trip north this year have an entrance fee, a reservation fee, pet fee, nonresident fee plus a two day minimum. In all but one instance there were private campgrounds nearby for substantially less.

barmcd · 05-21-2019, 09:40 AM

You pay both camping and entrance fees in Texas.

Mark- · 05-21-2019, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barmcd

You pay both camping and entrance fees in Texas.

Yes and if you plan to stay in the Texas park system, which is huge, more than 10 days it is cheaper to purchase an annual pass.

twogypsies · 05-21-2019, 10:59 AM

Each state is different. You'll need to call the Minnesota State Parks for the accurate answer. Have a good camping season! We love state parks.

RichKimball · 05-21-2019, 11:25 AM

Come to Arkansas. We have beautiful state parks all over and NO FEES for entrance.

wildtoad · 05-21-2019, 11:42 AM

I’ve never understood the entry fee + the camping fee. Sometimes you don’t realize there is a entry fee until you get there. Just imbed the entry fee in the camping fee and be done with it.

momdoc · 05-21-2019, 12:36 PM

We stay in state parks as much as possible and have done so in 20 or more states. Fees will vary from state to state. Some include the entrance fee in the camping fee. Some only charge for the first day and some charge a daily fee. Some of the state parks will also give you a discount for seniors, active or retired military as well.

Still much cheaper and MUCH nicer than most RV Resorts.

71Bronco · 05-22-2019, 04:34 AM

I live in Minnesota and the state parks do have a daily entrance fee. The also have an annual entry pass. The pass is required for each motorized licensed vehicle, i.e. one for my motorhome and one for my toad. When I had my 5th wheel, only one was required for my truck. They recently changed the fee structure to allow disabled veterans to get the daily or annual pass for free. Last fall they actually gave me both the motorhome and toad annual pass for free. I'm not sure about the fee structure for non-residents but their web site has all the information regarding fees. Hope this helps.

georgelesley · 05-22-2019, 05:11 AM

We have used state parks some in the past but have found the fees to be usually not worth it for one night. Sometimes if you stay the access fee is not charged again within that state for a month as I recall. As I recall Missouri is run like the federal system and honors the senior pass. Most states offer residents of that state lower rates than non-residents get.

All in all we have found most state parks fees and websites are so complicated we usually pass them by when traveling. We just looked at a state park system a few days ago for an upcoming trip and finally just gave up trying to figure out what it would cost us and booked elsewhere.

If you plan to stay several days they can be well worth looking at especially if you are a resident of that state.

wingnut60 · 05-22-2019, 03:01 PM

Colorado has $7-$9/day entry--10 days pays for annual pass, best way to go.

jimcumminsw · 05-22-2019, 05:31 PM

I first ran into state park entrance fees back in the 70's, Mi and WI had vehicle entrance fees. I would have to buy the annual sticker for a non-resident each year we camped in their state parks. We just paid the fee and enjoyed our stay there, just part of the camping cost.