justnorth posted on August 15, 2005 15:08 :: 1177 Views
MADISON – Campers at Wisconsin State Parks and Forests will pay slightly higher camping fees beginning August 16, under fee increases that were approved as part of the recently approved state budget.
The budget increased the cost of state park campsites by $2 per night per site. As a result State Park and Class A State Forest campsites will cost $12 per night for residents and $14 per night for non-residents. Class B State Forest sites will cost $9 per night for residents and $11 per night for non-residents. Class B sites are those in forest campgrounds that do not provide additional amenities such as flush toilets and showers. Discounted rates are available when camping during the week at some locations.
This is the first across-the board increase in camping fees for Wisconsin parks and forests since 1995, though fees to camp during the peak season at eight of the state’s most popular parks were increased by $3 per night in 2004.
“Camping in state parks and forests continues to be a very good value and even with the increase, our rates are comparable to or lower than many other states,” notes Bill Morrissey, director of the Wisconsin State Parks program.
“We never like having to raise fees for people to enjoy our parks and forests, but the cost of maintaining our facilities at the quality standards visitors expect from Wisconsin State Parks and Forests continues to increase, especially in the areas of increased fuel costs, and in keeping up drinking water, waste water and electrical facilities. These increased costs necessitated a fee increase.”
Wisconsin State Parks and Forests offer more than 5,200 campsites at about 50 different state park, forest, recreational area, and state trail properties. Approximately 70 percent of the people who camp at state parks and forests are Wisconsin residents.
The fee increases will not apply to people who have already made reservations through the automated park reservation system for to camp at state campsites after August 16. The campsite reservation fee will also increase 50 cents beginning Nov. 30 2005, bringing that fee to $10.
The budget also included an increase in the state park admission fee of $5 that will go into effect in January 2006. The new admission sticker will cost $25 for residents and $35 for nonresident. There is also a resident senior admission sticker for $10.
[EDITOR'S NOTE:The budget bill had contained an increase in the senior admission sticker to $12.50. Governor Doyle vetoed that increase, which had been cited in an earlier version of this news release.]
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Dave Benish – - (608) 267-9534
Article Source:
http://justnorth.com/Articles/tabid/105/articleType/AuthorView/authorID/12/justnorth.aspx