State Parks vs. private parks

[Sandersmr]

I do get the TX state park pass every year so I don't have to pay the day use fee plus I get half off the 2nd night on up to 4 visits per year. It does pay for itself for me. I prefer the more spread out feeling of the state parks over private parks. At one private park we stayed at last year, we had one woman - full time resident I believe - that would wander through our site in her housecoat, picking up pecans. And the sites, while big for private parks, were still tight. And we had to bring our own fire pit to be able to have a campfire.

I want room to be able to set my camp kitchen and be able to cook outside. I want a place where I can have the dogs outside and not have to worry about them encroaching on someone else's site. And most of the private parks I've stayed in have been more expensive than the state parks without the day use fee (since I've already paid that with my state park pass).

And for those of you not from TX, TX is in danger of losing some of its state parks - in fact, one went back to the water authority this year and the price immediately jumped $12/night. At least two parks were hit hard by wildfires last year and almost all of them suffered from the drought. They are just getting Sea Rim back up and running after Ike wiped it out 4 years ago and Galveston State Park is much smaller than before Ike.

[Dawn309]

Maggie, I so agree! I have only been in state parks in Texas and Oklahoma so far but they by far have much bigger sites than the private CG's I have been in so far. The private CG's don't normally let me set up the dog pen. It would be much better for the CG if I could. If they are not in their pen, they can get into the next site even on their leashes, they are so close. With the dog pen, I could control exactly where they could be. They are really good about coming out of the rig and going to their pen and then back in the rig again. They understand, get in the house. Going forward, I think I am going to try to stay in state parks when we are only able to stay a week or two in one place. Don't know about KOA parks. Do they have larger sites, do you know?

[havingfunnow]

I'm frequently shocked at the absence of both space and privacy in campgrounds, whether they're public or private. If I wanted to be that close to that many people, I'd stay home! Lots of people in my apartment building.

My overall impression is that conditions vary from one campground to the next and even from one campground section to the next. The last time we went to the state park in MI, my sister and I rented one of the cabins, then set up a tent next to it. The cabin sites were the only ones that were large, separated from others by heavy shrubbery, and gave a view of the Great Lake. We had a fine time there, but I wouldn't have wanted to be on one of the tiny tent sites with no screening between neighbors that were part of the same campground

Louise

[rvgrammy1953]

Dawn, the only time we do a KOA is for an overnite....and just get the w/e hookups.....We find that they are way over priced....many have sites that are unlevel...and can be tight....they do have lots of activities for families with kids.....but alot of them are also old campgrounds that need upgrading....


We mostly do military Campgrounds as Ernie's retired Army and it's one of our benefits....but they are getting over priced, too...especially in CA, MD, and WI.....over $40/night......most others are under $20/night....

[Dawn309]

Lori, Mom can get in military campgrounds since my stepdad was retired Air Force. Don't know if Paul's VA benefits would let him use those campgrounds too. He was a submariner and started having strokes from the pressures so had a medical discharge.

[rvgrammy1953]

Dawn.....As long as your Mom has her Military Dependent ID card she can use the military Campgrounds....If your brother is a 100% VA Disabled VET he can use them, also...but if he hasn't done it yet, he needs to get a special Military ID Card to use them.....You, as your Mom's driver, get in with her..... I'll send you the link to the military campground site....

[Dawn309]

Lori, thanks.

I saved the link you sent me so we will have it for future travels. Hope to be able to see you in GA sometime in April as we make our way up the East Coast toward Vermont.

[VickieP]

KOA prices are crazy! We just paid $53.58 for a site last night! It was more expensive because it was considered a "Big Rig" site. We tried the regular sites, but hung out in the road, both front and back. Even the regular sites were over $40.

[retiredhappy]

You know that KOA stands for "Keep On Adding". If I was camping more I would buy the Texas annual pass but for the little I'm going anywhere right now, it wouldn't pay. That said, I don't like the big RV parks where you're right next to your neighbor either. I try to find smaller parks, check the pictures on their website and often ask for a specific site as I like end sites with no one on one side of me. What I dislike most about close sites is when your picnic table and door are right next to your neighbor's sewer hookup. YUCK!!

When I had my bigger rig and was towing I didn't like to get too far off the freeway just to overnight. Now that I have my little Roadtrek I'm more adventuresome.

[BirdbyBird]

And don't forget to look for COE and Wildlife Refuges and National or State forests. Stayed in a Wildlife Refuge 15 minutes from BJ's last night for only $10. ..using the Old People's Pass... Tonight I am parked in an National Forest with one other rig in the entire campground....The sign at the front gate said that after October 15 fees for electric sites are $8.....and, yes, I only had to pay them 50% of that cost! Another cheer for the Old People's Pass! During high summer season the cost is only $20 for electric but then this place doesn't have a pool or hot tub. It does have lots of nice trees and two nice small kayaking lakes near by.....

[mtngal]

I'm in Gilbert Ray Campground (Pima Co AZ) tonight; $20, but so worth it. Much more Sonora desert than campsites. There is a big saguaro right next to my rig! But back to the point, the sites are HUGE, and there are only 4 other rigs on this loop. I can't do those parks with rigs right next to each other. Makes me very uncomfortable. Oh, and did I mention, the Tucson Desert Museum is just five miles from here? (thanks for the tip Beth)

[Bethers]

So glad you like it. I think that's a gem. Glad it still is. And it was great spending the.day with you.

[snowball]

have been to that museum and it's so worth it!!!
sheila

[JudyJB]

It is a great museum, but if you are looking for something else, try the Pima Air museum. I spent a lot more time there last weej than I expected to, and the tour of the military airplace "boneyard" is also worthwhile, however, the tour is only offered M-F, so plan accordingly.