Community Forums

DaveInman · 03-23-2023, 08:04 PM

Is it necessary to buy the $60 annual parks pass for Alaska? We mainly plan to visit the state parks for camping purposes and if I read the Alaska State Parks website correctly, the cost of the campground includes the daily use fee. If that is correct I see no use in the annual pass. Am I missing something? We will be in Alaska for approx 2-1/2 to 3 months.

Triangle Drifter · 03-28-2023, 05:00 PM

Do three or four nights at state recreation areas & you have paid for the annual pass. 2 1/2-3 months I would think that you will use that pass up many times over.

We plan on being in the state for about a month & a half. Was not aware of the annual pass. Must look it up. This will be our 5th trip & the state recreation areas by far give the best Alaskan 'experience' over the run of the mill jammed packed private CGs.

They don't match the Yukon Government CGs but if you don't have the local knowledge for free dry camping locations they are very good.

There is something special about sitting watching a fire wondering if a bear is behind you watching you.

DaveInman · 03-29-2023, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triangle Drifter

Do three or four nights at state recreation areas & you have paid for the annual pass. 2 1/2-3 months I would think that you will use that pass up many times over.

We plan on being in the state for about a month & a half. Was not aware of the annual pass. Must look it up. This will be our 5th trip & the state recreation areas by far give the best Alaskan 'experience' over the run of the mill jammed packed private CGs.

They don't match the Yukon Government CGs but if you don't have the local knowledge for free dry camping locations they are very good.

There is something special about sitting watching a fire wondering if a bear is behind you watching you.

Yes, but that does not answer my question. We already plan on staying most nights (when not boondocking for free) at Alaska State Rec areas and campgrounds, most of which are $20/night. We have a class A motorhome and are towing a jeep. If I read the Alaska state website correctly it appears that the $5.00 parking pass for the state parks and rec areas are included in that cost. What other benefit would I have by buying the $60 annual pass??

TacomaJoe · 03-29-2023, 11:19 AM

The pass will cover stopping for lunch along the way between overnights. My camping pass covers my in this park (in WA) but if I want to make a run over to one of the other parks, I would need a pass.

twogypsies · 03-29-2023, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveInman

Yes, but that does not answer my question. We already plan on staying most nights (when not boondocking for free) at Alaska State Rec areas and campgrounds, most of which are $20/night. We have a class A motorhome and are towing a jeep. If I read the Alaska state website correctly it appears that the $5.00 parking pass for the state parks and rec areas are included in that cost. What other benefit would I have by buying the $60 annual pass??

No.... if only camping you don't need to purchase the $60 annual pass. That pass is for day use or boat launch only. Plenty of beautiful spots to have lunch while driving.... no need to find a state park.

"Do I pay a daily parking fee if I also camp overnight?
Only if you park in the daily parking area. If you intended to camp overnight and park at a campsite, you do not need to pay the daily parking fee."

The above quote is from this document:

https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/feesfaq.htm