Indiana SP's raising rates to $50

[Garrett]

check out the link below.  For 2006 Indiana SP's will price their campsites based on supply and demand.  A popular park on a holiday weekend could be as much as $50 per night for an electric hook up site.  I will sure be changing some of my plans for next year.

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/13180390.htm

[ForestCreature]

WOW that's quite a plan they have.  with rates like that they may price themselves out of the game. How many will seek out private parks and pay less and have water and sewer on site.
 
 MI has had increases for 2006 too, but nothing that drastic. 35 of the most popular parks will increase $4 per night as well as other small increases.
 http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10365-125213--,00.html

[tlhdoc]

Wow, that is way too much for a campsite.  I wonder how many of their sites will stay empty.

[GeneF]

And I always thought that state and national parks were there for the enjoyment of the people and not a competitive retail operation.

I realize that many state and national parks are cash strapped but if fees keep on going up, it will be camping for the well-to-do only.

My main concern is that with these increases, it will mainly hurt the people who camp because it is what they can afford to do and share the time with their familys and friends.  Not everyone can afford commercial rates.

[vjm1639]

Wow..that is one heck of an increase!  $50 a night?? Unreal..Nope, personally, I'd find someplace else to stay! :eyecrazy:

[cyclone]

Wow!  I hope other states don't follow their lead.  That's ridiculous.  I've only camped in one state park in IN, and while it was ok I sure wouldn't be in a hurry to return except for the group of people I camped with.  I can't imagine paying anywhere close to $50 for a state park.

[BigJohn]

That is why Indiana is known world-wide as the "Land of Taxes" I may have to take my "tourism money" to another state over the holidays. Perhaps Kentucky, Michigan or Ohio maybe.

I am sure that the Department of Tourism is doing backflips over this one....
I just wonder how many out-of-staters will not be coming to Indiana on those oh so special days.....

[lushy]

John,
You're absolutely right! I hope noboby shows up at the SP campgrounds. I will definitely NOT being staying at an Indiana SP if I have to pay $50 a night. I wonder what's next?? It wouldn't surprise me if we see "coin operated" electrical and water meters at each site. :screwy:

[BigJohn]

Geesh, Don't give DNR and New Ideas....  :yikes:
If you joke about something like that, next thing you know, our wonderful legislature will vote it into reality.....

[sacrawf]

Even last year I was visiting with Indiana campers who were coming over to Illinois State Parks from the Terre Haute area, because of the differential in camping rates BEFORE the Indiana rate increase.  It sounds like Illinois parks may be even more crowded this year.

[lushy]

Geesh, Don't give DNR and New Ideas....  :yikes:
If you joke about something like that, next thing you know, our wonderful legislature will vote it into reality.....

Yes John ...I probably should keep my trap shut.... while I'm ahead! :eek:

[unclejeff]

Yes John ...I probably should keep my trap shut.... while I'm ahead! :eek:

Wow! $50 clams is alot to spend on a state park.  I'll make sure to check rates, info and availability before trudging out.
I've hooked up with some nice mom & pop places around here that will give a good rate for the weekend after you get to know them, but that makes it hard if you want to go to other states.  
We live across the river in St. Louis from Il. Lots of nice state parks in Il. and MO.  I have become fond of state parks because I know what to expect.  I don't mind spending for a nice place but $50 is just to much.

[sully349]

As much as I love Indiana State Parks and Rec Areas even I wont stay in them on popular weekends. Ill stick to weekday camping.........For the weekends try Illinois Parks. Cheaper then Indiana(most anytime) and better fishing.....

[unclejeff]

What kind of rates do the state parks in Tennesee charge.
I hear Fall Creek Falls is a nice park.  Do they require reservations?

[cyclone]

Fall Creek Falls is a great park (was just there two weeks ago).  They are one of the few state parks in TN that takes reservations; I'm sorry I don't know the details since they only use that system during the "prime" season which doesn't include November.  It cost us $18/night for water and electric.  One loop also has sewer hook-ups which is higher.  We camped in the B loop; good sites and while the bath house could use some updating, I've seen much worse.

The rates do vary depending on the park, but the average is about what we paid above.  Actually, FCF is $17.50 per night for two people.  We had 3 adults, thus the extra .50/night.  Not a biggie in my book; and that included tax.  I will definitely return.