Higher fees at California state parks start today: Where to find details
Starting today, Aug. 17, it will cost you more to visit and camp at many California state parks. In some cases, the cost has doubled.
The increases stem from California’s budget crises, which has put the state billions of dollars in debt. “In these dire economic times, we can longer afford to keep our fees at their current levels,” State Parks Director Ruth Coleman said last week in announcing the fee hikes.
Officials waited until today to release a park-by-park rundown of the new fees for day use and camping. Among Southern California parks affected, with sample fees:
> Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Parking went from $6 per day year-round to $5 to $8, depending on the season. Borrego Palm Canyon developed campsites with hookups were $24 to $29 per night, depending on season; now $35 year-round.
> Bolsa Chica State Beach: Parking went from $10 to $15. Developed sites with hookups were $29-$34, now $50. Premium (beachfront) sites were $39 to $44; now $65.
> Carpinteria State Beach: Parking went from $8 to $10. Primitive campsites were $20-$25; now $35. Hike-and-bike sites doubled, from $5 to $10.
> El Capitan State Beach: Parking went from $8 to $10. Primitive campsites were $20-$25; now $35. Hike-and-bike sites were $5; now $10.
> Leo Carrillo State Park: Parking went from $10 to $12. Drive-in, developed campsites were $20-$25, now $35. Hike-and-bike sites were free; now $7.
> Malibu Creek State Park: Parking went from $10 to $12. Drive-in, developed campsites were $20-$25; now $35.
> San Clemente State Beach: Parking went from $10 to $15. Drive-in , developed campsites were $20-$25; now $35. Group camping was $150; now $280.
> San Onofre State Beach: Parking went from $10 to $15. In the San Mateo area, drive-in, developed campsites were $20-$25; now $35; developed sites with hook-ups were $29-$34; now $60.
— Jane Engle, assistant Los Angeles Times Travel editor
Photo: Carpinteria State Beach, a popular camping spot in Southern California. Credit: Tim Hubbard / Los Angeles Times
10 Comments on “Higher fees at California state parks start today: Where to find details”
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August 17th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Raising parking fees can backfire. When day parking was $3 or $5, I paid because it was the easiest solution. Since rates have doubled or tripled over the last few years, I see more people parking on the street, even if that means hiking another half mile or more.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:16 am
I’ve already paid (~$60) for a two night camping stay next week at our local state park. Will the Rangers be wanting further into my pockets when I arrive?
August 18th, 2009 at 6:06 am
It used to be that the lure was to state at a State parks because of the lower fees, but now we’ll be taking a closer look at KOA and private RV parks - they have more to offer for what is now the same rate.
August 18th, 2009 at 7:58 am
Does this mean that the state parks will remain open after summer?
August 18th, 2009 at 8:01 am
It’s still a fun and cheap vacation for the family……I’d still pay it. I don’t mind if the family has fun…..
August 18th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who has kept up with happenings in Sacramento. You can write your no-increase-taxes (under any conditions!)Republican state representatives and thank them. Now the rich and well-to-do keep their taxation low, and the rest of us dig deeper into our pockets when we want to relax and enjoy a piece of nature!
August 18th, 2009 at 11:34 am
I have used San Onofre State Beach for the summer at 10 bucks to park and have had to endure long lines up to 90 minutes just to surf in a very crowded place next to a Nuke facility. Now that the Republican led so-called fiscal conservatives have driven the state to levy taxes on families and workers, NOT BIG OIL, corporations that send our jobs out of state or overseas, I’m wondering if its time to going back to re-thinking why I vote in this phony two party system.
September 11th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
The State should simply lease the park property to private vendors. Let them set the price and maintain the park resources. The state would probably earn a respectabe income from the parks: whereas, they are now threatening to close parks because they (the State) cannot afford to keep them open.
October 20th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Hello??!!! Who in the world can afford to pay $35 to $65(!!!!!) a night FOR CAMPING????
Last winter we spent several months in CA state parks and we spent a lot of money on groceries, etc. in the nearby communities. There is no way we can afford to pay this level of fee increase. We could get a motel room for less! This is going to KILL the CA state parks — which is probably just what Arnold and his Republican buddies want, so they can tell the parks off to their rich friends for development. It’s outrageous and I can’t believe there isn’t more of an outcry.
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Who is the Executive Director of the Monterey County State Parks. When did this person take office. And, when did Ruth Coleman take over as Executive Director, and when did the no dogs on leash rule actually go into effect??