This will shake up the RV world……

[Wench]

https://www.floridarambler.com/florida-outdoors-resources/florida-residents-state-parks-camping/


If true…….Absolutely cutthroat trying to get into a FL state park in the wintertime ……now only have to complete with my 1 million or so FL neighbors!

[dbircky]

Strange how the Florida tourism board spends money advertising people to travel to Florida. No big deal if I can't get reservations there, will just spend my money elsewhere.

[chuckbear]

I sincerely doubt this will shake up the RV world. It will probably be forgotten completely in a short period of time. Florida is not the only state that gives preference to its citizens. Chuck

[Mudfrog]

Below quoted from the link to article.

In recent years, visitors from out of state have pounced on vacant campsites within minutes on the day they become available, virtually shutting out state residents.

I hate that things have changed to the point that we can't go camping on the fly like we used to. It's bad enough here so I can really imagine how bad it is in Florida.

Still, and imo, no one should be given preference. The current system allows everyone, resident and non resident, the exact the same opportunity to reserve a site. It's not fun but a person has to plan ahead and be fast on the draw these days. Unfortunately, there's going to be some disappointment since there aren't enough campsites available to accommodate the hordes of people wanting to camp these days.

[Psneeld]

This only affects state parks. Still plenty of other places to stay and it's only a month head start for residents

Most locals are not thinking of a "getaway" camping trip 10 months out so not sure how big a deal it is unless a park at a HIGHLY desirable place, only in the winter months.

All those that are saying they will never visit Florida again, especially from states that cater to their residents, I say...."with that attititude, please don't come here".

Lot's of Floridians travel without all the whimpering of being second rate citizens in other states.

[2cyber71]

If someone pays taxes for the upkeep of the state park, I thinks it’s appropriate for them to have preference.
What I don’t like is President Obama passing the increase in the senior national park pass from $10 to $80 in his last month in office. It’s always get the seniors at the end of a presidency. Bush added the IRMA at the end of his.
I should add,
1983 goofy idea of taxing Soc Security benefits, then in 1993 increasing that tax.
It was tax free until 1983.

[Bigceasar]

State parks in Florida have 3600 +\- campsites. There are around 1200 campgrounds in the state. The RV world isn’t going to be shaken by this minor change in reservation policies at an extremely small percentage of camping spots.

[petrel]

I love going to Florida. I hate the difficulty in finding a campsite. However, I believe it is reasonable to give residents priority for the sites. They pay the taxes.

I say Thank You Florida residents for sharing your beautiful state. Sorry you get mobbed every winter.

[US1]

I already reserved my spot again for next winter in Cortez (Sarasota Bay RV Park). I'm good!
I dont see the problem. Everyone has the exact same chance to get a campsite as the next guy. Local or out of state. I'm here in IN and see out of states plates here too. Perhaps Florida residence should have to wait a month before they can make out of state reservations too

[Wench]

You would not belive the number of private parks that cost big bucks that are springing up here in Tampa Bay. Massive, well planned out, full hook up, tons of amenities, and big. But the cost to stay there for any portions of January, February, or March in the dead of winter when it is 70* compared to the frosty North is $$$$$. State Parks however have always been significantly cheaper and the locations are usually desirable. That being said I challange anyone to get reservation in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp during the winter.......it is a sure fire way to get yourself frustrated at 8 am in the morning.

When we are trying for a reservation we have all the devices logged in, spot picked, cc ready, and fingers at the ready. I have contemplated 5 G, google chrome vs safari, LTE, wifi, etc as to which is a faster connection to no avail. You cannot simply show up and say, "got a spot" anymore.

We did get very lucky and get to stay at a beautiful park next spring (11 months out) near the dump station. #grateful

signed a Florida resident and a senior one at that

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by 2cyber71

What I don’t like is President Obama passing the increase in the senior national park pass from $10 to $80 in his last month in office.

Oh my! As volunteers in the national parks it seems some don't realize how reasonable $80 is for a LIFETIME fee. This money is kept in the parks and goes towards upkeep. $80 is very reasonable.

[F4Gary]

"Perhaps Florida residence should have to wait a month before they can make out of state reservations too."

[SavnTheWales]

The REAL problem is cancellations. There is little to no significant cost to cancel at the last minute. So people make 2 week or longer reservations and are only charged $20 or less to cancel at the last minute. So the site goes unused and everybody loses.

I have stayed at many parks that said they were 100% booked only to find dozens of empty sites. Owners say it was last minute cancellations.

The cost to cancel should go up EVERY day you get closer to arrival day. This would reduce this behavior.

[Newmar2856]

Their state, their rules but they sure do love their tourism tax dollars although this will hardly impact that.