States that Non-Residents Pay More To Camp in State Parks

[Keweenaw Bob]

Actually, Michigan does NOT charge nonresidents more to camp at state parks but they DO charge more for the entry fee.

[SherryNPaul]

Originally Posted by drd715

Note: Florida just added a daily utilities fee of $7 to the daily site fee - covers electric and water.

https://content.govdelivery.com/acco...letins/2cdde98

I can actually understand that. Thank you for the info. I put a link to the press release, above.

[AlanKilian]

I've never been upset by the amount I've had to pay at any park anywhere in the USA.

They all seem so fantastically-maintained and CHEAP compared to what I get that I'm always happy to pay.

FIREWOOD costs on the other hand. :-(

[mary and bob]

Maine and Connecticut state parks also charge more for nonresidents.

[bschiff]

As of March 1 Oregon does not charge extra for out of state.
BTW no taxes are used to fund OSP. User fees and Lotto are the
primary revenue sources.

Here is a quote from OSP
The department said last year’s temporary, COVID-related surcharge that added an extra 30% charge for out-of-state campers expired on March 1 and is no longer in effect. Future surcharges are under consideration.

[johnwen1]

Arkansas
Florida (50% senior discount to Florida residents only)
Michigan
Montana
New York
Oregon
Tennessee (All state residents get a discount, non-residents pay full price)
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming


If these states charge extra for non residents, it's only fair they don't get a free ride to visit the rest of our country.

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by johnwen1

If these states charge extra for non residents, it's only fair they don't get a free ride to visit the rest of our country.

You might want to reconsider.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

You might want to reconsider.

Thanks for the informative . We have always prided ourselves on paying our fair share and you have given us something to think about

[Jon Vermilye]

Originally Posted by johnwen1

Arkansas
Florida (50% senior discount to Florida residents only)
Michigan
Montana
New York
Oregon
Tennessee (All state residents get a discount, non-residents pay full price)
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming


If these states charge extra for non residents, it's only fair they don't get a free ride to visit the rest of our country.

Tennessee gives their senior discount to all, residents or not.

[denswaer]

South Dakota

[parmm]

I do not mind one bit paying more to camp in your State's or County Park campgrounds. I understand that you pay state taxes to support them and I don't. I would expect the same from you, if you take advantage of my state's State Park campground. You have to remember that we actually live in 50 little countries!

[Boe and Suzanne]

For Washington state the extra fee 5 dollars as a reservation fee. Nothing extra after that fee. So not as bad as an increased nightly camp fee. ��

[JudyG]

Near the beginning of the pandemic, Oregon posted they were raising state park fees for out-of-staters for the express purpose of cutting down on visitors.

[tua]

Originally Posted by bschiff

As of March 1 (2021) Oregon does not charge extra for out of state......

Here is a quote from OSP
The department said last year’s temporary, COVID-related surcharge that added an extra 30% charge for out-of-state campers expired on March 1 and is no longer in effect. Future surcharges are under consideration.

Originally Posted by JudyG

Near the beginning of the pandemic, Oregon posted they were raising state park fees for out-of-staters for the express purpose of cutting down on visitors.

This appears to be true.
But in trying to find more information about this, I came across two points that were interesting:
1) the OPRD is considering making the non-resident fee permanent and previously (December 2020 and January 2021) let people voice their opinion. Not sure if they are still accepting opinions on the proposal to make it permanent. I found no final ruling one way or the other though.
2) the OPRD implemented the temporary non-resident fee to discourage non-residents from going to Oregon to camp.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by tua

This appears to be true.
But in trying to find more information about this, I came across two points that were interesting.
1) the OPRD is considering making the non-resident fee permanent and previously let people voice their opinion. I found no final ruling one way or the other though.
2) the OPRD implemented the temporary non-resident fee to discourage non-residents from going to Oregon to camp.

At the time of the temporary increase in Oregon, this was absolutely true! We didn't want people from out-of-state traveling to Oregon. We were trying to control the COVID outbreak. Oregon wasn't the only state that was discouraging out-of-state visitors. In fact, the Oregon State Parks system was shut down for a time. Even Oregonians couldn't camp.

[JudyG]

an often overlooked point is buying a state park annual pass. It varies among states. As a strong advocate of my own state park pass, I typically check other state fees vs my length of stay. If its even close, I opt to buy the sticker - state parks need us just as much as we need/want them.

[tua]

Originally Posted by denswaer

South Dakota

Is this something new? I cant find any reference to this. I do know they did an increase for everyone just recently but camping there a few years ago as a non-resident I did not pay extra. Some states make this information hard to find, until you get to the last page of the check out. Where did you find this?

[Bruce H]

Wait until you buy a fishing or hunting license out of your home state.

[tua]

This issue keeps coming up so the following is a list of states (if you know of others, please add them below), that charge non-residents extra fees at state campgrounds:

Arkansas
Connecticut
Florida (50% senior discount to Florida residents only)
Maine
Michigan (Non-resident fee is charged on the required Recreation Passport (annual or daily option) and towed motor vehicle pass (if using the towed vehicle)
Montana
New York
Tennessee (All state residents get a discount, non-residents pay full price, except seniors)
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming

[tua]

Originally Posted by Bruce H

Wait until you buy a fishing or hunting license out of your home state.

Yes! Fishing licenses for non-residents is crazy high!

I have heard there are states that do not charge non-residents more.

Ah, perhaps another thread is coming????