State Parks vs. Private Campgrounds What makes camping at State Parks different from other private campgrounds? If we are just going camping for a weekend or maybe a week long camping vacation, is there really a difference? I know how I feel about this question, but what intrigues me the most is the comments and thoughts I have gotten from other campers. One of the great things about living in the United States is the amount of different choices we have on just about anything. From electronics, foods, cars, houses, jobs, recreational vehicles, etc. What ever we do, wherever we go, we are able to decide or choose what we feel is the best for our families and us. The same applies to camping gear and campgrounds. I am going to focus on the difference between State Parks and private campgrounds. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so I am going to discuss a few pros and cons for State and Private campgrounds, not just my opinions but those comments I have received from other campers throughout the many years of camping.

State Parks State Parks over the years have seen the growing interest in camping and have catered to those interests. Many State Parks have upgraded their campgrounds by supplying better accommodations in rest rooms and shower houses, upgrades in electric from 30 amp service to 50 amp service, some have added more camping sites and have added better security in their parks. The fees are usually set by the State depending on the State’s budget. Some States have added a percentage paid by each taxpayer, some States call this a mileage and that percent goes directly to the State Parks system. In Indiana, the State decides how much money is appropriated to the State Parks according to its budget and they do not use a mileage. So what is the difference? State Park fees may be higher or lower depending on the amount of funding coming into the State Parks. I have been at State Parks that have a mileage where you could have full hook-up for $17.00 a night, where in Indiana the nightly fees run about $30.00. I have found that no matter how the parks are funded, you still can be assured that accommodations are still outstanding. Here are some advantages at staying at a State Park: Camping fees are generally lower. DNR Rangers provide security for the park. Well maintained and updated restrooms and bath houses. Reservations can be made on-line for most State Park. So what about some of the disadvantages? Most State Parks will only let you stay on the site for 14 days in a row. After that time, you must actually pack up and leave the park. Most State Parks reserve their sites by on-line reservation and have very few first come first serve sites. Some State Parks also require you to pay for a whole weekend rather than just one night. For instance, you may just want to camp from Saturday to Sunday. The State Park will charge you for a 2-night stay instead of just one as is the case in Indiana. Overall, the choice is yours to make on whether you stay at a State Park or not. With the internet so widely used now, most States have a web site with a Park link that will give you information on their parks system.

Private Campgrounds When I first started camping, I had a favorite private campground that I always went too long before I ever thought about staying at a State Park. The great thing about a private campground if you stay there often is getting to know the owners. You can develop a friendship with them and be on a first name basis. Often times they will give you discounts on your stays or provide you with extra things like extra firewood. It is a great feeling when you can go into a campground and the owners call you by your first name. Some the Advantages of staying at a private campground are: You usually do not have a time limit on how long you can stay and most of their sites are at a first come first serve basis. They do not usually charge you for a two-night stay on the weekend if you only plan to stay one night. Most of the owners have a wide range knowledge of the area, they can easily and accurately give you directions to the nearest stores and shops should you ever need to go to one, especially if you are from out of town. Most private campgrounds close their front gates at night which provide a bit of security for their campers. Some of the disadvantages: Nightly fees are generally higher than in State Parks. Some do not allow individual campfires; some have all year residents where the trailers are rarely ever moved which make the campgrounds a little unpleasing to the eye. Some private campgrounds do not have an on-line reservation system so you must go in person or send payment by mail to reserve your site. Restrooms and shower houses are not always up-to-date and while most of them are clean, because of the oldness or being outdated they do not always look pleasing to the eye. There are other advantages and disadvantages, I only mentioned a few but whether you choose State Parks or private campgrounds, you have decide your self where you would rather camp. One other thing I would like to mention here, if you enjoy camping in private campgrounds than it would be worth your while to check out camping clubs if you haven't already done so. One big club is called the Good Sam Club. While I am not trying to promote this club, (I am a member of this club) they do offer discounts for nights stayed if the campground is a member and have met the guidelines. They also provide campers with insurance for their rv's and camping trailers. Each State has their own chapter(s) where you can join. There are several other clubs available also, so my suggestion would be, is to search for them on the internet and find one that meets your needs and interests the best.

You Decide The choice is yours to make. If you don’t camp in your own back yard, then you will have to decide on a State Park or private campground. Like anything else in this web site, you can post your comments on our blog by clicking the camping blog link on the left of this page. We love to see your comments and want to encourage you to leave them. You can post your comments of suggestions, corrections or add more information to a topic. We want you to think of us first when it comes to giving or getting information about camping and hope that you will share this site with other camping friends.