We're hooked on state parks as they are generally in the $20 - $30 dollar range and are, in our experience, quieter with more seperation between sites. I'm yet to find a private campground who's in-season rates compare favorably.
Have RV....Will Travel
2007 Forest River Sunseeker 2860 LTD
2000 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Poster is probably referring to the entry fee for both MH & toad, plus camping fees. Not too many states assess a double entry fee, and many others don't have entry fees at all.
As far as I'm concerned, as long as the park entry fees go to the parks and not to the state's general fund, that's fine with me. Seems many of the states that charge them have better SPs, Michigan included.
Poster is probably referring to the entry fee for both MH & toad, plus camping fees. Not too many states assess a double entry fee, and many others don't have entry fees at all.
I think the vehicle entry fees are slightly higher for out of staters, also. I am not sure but I think the camping rates are the same.
Here in Canada, the equivalent of your state parks is our provincial parks. Just as different US states have different public policies, so do Canadian provinces. Ontario provincial parks used to fall under the "Natural Resources" umbrella, but several years ago, the gov't set up "Ontario Parks", and their mandate is to run a self-sufficient business model without having to dip into the public purse; i.e. a "user-pay" system. As a result, our fees are now over $30 per night, but there are still advantages compared to private parks:
* the sites are larger with privacy buffers between them
* educational programs are provided
* they are on "crown" land which tends to be more pristine
* the hiking trails are excellent and plentiful
* summer college students are hired which is good social policy
I realize that some US and Canadian jurisdictions have state/provincial parks that are heavily subsidized from the taxpayer. One could argue that this is also a good model, because it brings in tourists, thus benefitting the total economy.
Regardless of the financing model that your state/province uses, these public parks serve a very important purpose, and let's hope that we can all benefit from them in the years to come.
Poster is probably referring to the entry fee for both MH & toad, plus camping fees. Not too many states assess a double entry fee, and many others don't have entry fees at all.
I think the vehicle entry fees are slightly higher for out of staters, also. I am not sure but I think the camping rates are the same.
Here is the info from the DNR website:
Annual Resident State Park Motor Vehicle Permits (MVP) $24
Annual Non-Resident Motor Vehicle Permits $29
MVPs are required for entrance into all posted state parks and recreation areas except the five linear trail state parks. For further information about MVPs, definitions of each type and locations where they can be obtained, visit the Motor Vehicle Permit web page.
Senior Annual (65 years of age or older with a vehicle registered in Michigan ) $6
2007 Bridge Card Annual (available to individuals who possess a Michigan Bridge Card ) $18
Resident Daily State Park Motor Vehicle Permit $6
Non-Resident Daily State Park Motor Vehicle Permit $8
Towed Vehicle Permit (only available to individuals who tow a second motor vehicle with a motor home) $6
Daily State Park Motor Vehicle Permit for a Commercial bus or van $15 per day
Poster is probably referring to the entry fee for both MH & toad, plus camping fees. Not too many states assess a double entry fee, and many others don't have entry fees at all.
I think the vehicle entry fees are slightly higher for out of staters, also. I am not sure but I think the camping rates are the same.
Here is the info from the DNR website:
Annual Resident State Park Motor Vehicle Permits (MVP) $24
Annual Non-Resident Motor Vehicle Permits $29
MVPs are required for entrance into all posted state parks and recreation areas except the five linear trail state parks. For further information about MVPs, definitions of each type and locations where they can be obtained, visit the Motor Vehicle Permit web page.
Senior Annual (65 years of age or older with a vehicle registered in Michigan ) $6
2007 Bridge Card Annual (available to individuals who possess a Michigan Bridge Card ) $18
Resident Daily State Park Motor Vehicle Permit $6
Non-Resident Daily State Park Motor Vehicle Permit $8
Towed Vehicle Permit (only available to individuals who tow a second motor vehicle with a motor home) $6
Daily State Park Motor Vehicle Permit for a Commercial bus or van $15 per day
Exactly, it's all of 5 bucks *a year* more for non-state. Wow, that's really bending over the out of staters.
My feeling is that with the run-up in fuel prices, states like Michigan have concluded that fewer out-of-state folks (except for those close to the MI border) will be visiting the MI state parks. They're probably expecting more MI campers in MI state parks as a result of the general trend of people vacationing closer to home. Since MI residents pay taxes in MI, it seems appropriate that they receive even a small benefit (i.e. $5.00 less per year) for using the facilities supported by their taxes. They could have increased the rate for everyone, right?
In Ontario, the same rate is charged for all visitors to our provincial parks, except that only Ontario seniors get the reduced rate. Not too many jurisdictions offer the senior rate to those from out-of-state.
These are tough times for many of our local governments as they try to balance their budgets while maintaining public services.
C'mon folks our state really needs the help and $$$........seriously, our park system is wonderful. I have been to about 12 different state parks over the last 5 years and for what you get it is CHEAP. Beautiful trees, many are waterfront on the great lakes or inland lakes, good facilities and privacy for the campers.
Hard to beat michigan state parks and PLEASE someone tell me where I can get a campsite in a private park for under $40 and those parks usually stink!
Jim , MJ & Spirit of Sambuca Bear
2006 Winnebago Vectra
Jeep Liberty Toad
Gosh, I am amazed at some the responses. I confess, my wife and I stay in State campgrounds whenever possible. From those on the ocean in S.C. and into Ohio, Ky, Mi, and lots of others. I have never found a comparable campground for less in the private sector.
And if $25 to $40 is too much to pay....stay in a motel!!! and find out what overnite and weekly visits cost.
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