With the economic slowdown many states are cutting back on their state parks and campground services while raising prices. I was saddened to learn Indiana has reduced their park programs and decreased the budget for parks and campground's maintenance and upkeep.

As of March 1, 2003, the rates at Indiana State Parks' campgrounds will increase to $30 for a full hookup site and $22 for an electric site. Currently, sales tax is included, but next year sales tax on campsites will be extra.

In addition Indiana State Parks require a $6 per day gate fee or an annual gate fee of $26 and a $6.00 fee for each campsite reservation. My wife and I recently visited two Indiana State Parks and asked if we could drive in and look at the campgrounds since we were considering staying there. Both parks told us we had to buy a day pass just to drive in for five minutes so we will not be staying at any Indiana State Parks.

I think we will see this trend in other states. It is a shame state parks are pricing themselves out of business.