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FAQs: One of the most asked questions we get at the Camping and RV Sho

By Shellie AnnePosted October 10, 2012

This series will focus on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at our Virginia State Parks. Part 5 asks the question which is one of the most asked questions we get at the Camping and RV shows is: “Why isn’t there a senior discount for camping?”

Campground C at Chippokes State Park

Campground B at Chippokes State Park

Hungry Mother State Park Campground A

Campground A at Hungry Mother State Park

Campground at Natural Tunnel State Park

Cove View Campground at Natural Tunnel State Park

James River State Park Bathhouse

James River State Park Bathhouse

WHY ISN'T THERE A SENIOR DISCOUNT FOR CAMPING?

Nancy Heltman, Visitor Services Manager explains:

"Senior discounts were developed in the private sector as a tool for attracting new business. It was a marketing ploy that has been successful in many areas. In the public sector, our goal is to treat all of our visitors and state residents equally. There is a real issue of fairness as to whether one demographic group or another should be entitled to a discount for services provided by the government. Should a young family pay more to camp than a senior citizen? Should that young family pay less because they take grandma along camping with them? Additionally, because we rely on our fees to operate our parks and campgrounds, there is a very real possibility that providing discounts for some segments of the population would mean we would have to raise fees to offset that loss in revenue. Yes, our budget is that tight."

Learn more about Virginia State Parks Campgrounds and Camping here.

CAMPGROUNDS

Twenty-four state parks have campgrounds (click here for park rates). Site sizes and configurations vary. Some parks provide sites with electric and water hook-ups, which tend to be larger to accommodate recreational vehicles and campers. Kiptopeke and Hungry Mother campgrounds offer sewer hook-ups. Most campgrounds are open from March 1 through the first Monday in December; primitive sites are available year-round.

The maximum camping period is 14 days. While campers cannot be assured of access to their reserved sites before the reservation start time of 4 p.m. arrive early to avoid lines at check-in and enjoy the park until your site is ready. Check-out is 3 p.m.

Reservations for camping, cabins and picnic shelters can be made by calling the Virginia State Park Reservation Center weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-800-933-PARK (7275). Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. We allow same day camping reservations through the reservation center up until 2 p.m. Payments must be made in full to the Reservation Center within 14 days after the reservation is made or prior to the arrival, whichever is soonest. The Reservation Counselor will give the payment due date at the time the reservation is made.

Reservations can also be made online. Each park’s Web page has a “Reserve Now” button on the right side of the page. Clicking it takes you to the Web reservation page for that park. Web reservations require credit card payment at time of the reservation.

ANNUAL PASSES OFFER A WAY TO GET A 10% DISCOUNT

Naturally Yours Passport Plus. Covers parking and admission to all state parks. The pass also entitles holders to a 10 percent discount on camping, all state park merchandise, equipment rentals (may not apply to non-park operated concessions), and picnic shelter and amphitheater rentals. Lifetime pass prices vary by age. It is valid for one year from date of purchase. This pass is $66, and just $36 for Senior Citizens (as of January 2012).

More on park passes and fees click here (PDF).

A WAY TO STAY FOR FREE

Have you ever considered being a campground host or park host?

Become a Virginia State Parks Camp Host or Park Host. It's one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself and Virginia's outdoors. Camp for free for from 30 to 60 days at any of 19 participating parks across the state in exchange for volunteer services.

Looking to visit and explore Virginia? Want to stay near friends or family somewhere in the state? Interested in learning new skills or trying a new outdoors experience? Becoming a Virginia State Parks Camp Host or Park Host is one of the easiest, most exciting ways to do these things and more.

Hosts receive:

Campsite and pet fees waived for the duration of the host's assignment
Free or reduced fees for usage of park offerings, including boating, swimming and rentals, in certain parks. (Check with park staff: - not all sites offer this benefit.)
Hosts are eligible for seven nights of camping after completing one 30-day assignment. Hosts who complete two or more 30-day assignments in the same season are eligible for 14 nights of camping or seven nights in a cabin. The cabin benefit is offered only to hosts who serve two or more months in one season. Cabin benefits must be claimed during off-season.
We use the terms assignments and seasons and not years because in some parks, hosts work in two calendar years on one assignment. For example, (A volunteer may host from Nov. 7, 2008, through Jan. 30, 2009, which would count as one assignment.)
Camping and cabin benefits earned must be used prior to Memorial Day weekend or after Labor Day. They cannot be used during prime season.
Benefits earned are subject to availability of the given facility.
Benefits earned are for the use of the host only and must be used in their entirety in one reservation (or, in the case of camping, seven-night increments). Any portion of a week used counts as the use of a seven-night benefit.

Learn more here (host responsibilities, and specific park information).

VIRGINIA STATE PARKS IS ALL ABOUT FAMILY - FRIENDS - FUN!