A plan for keeping state park campgrounds open

With the imminent closure of 70 state parks, some with campgrounds, is there some creative way that could keep them open?

Maybe we should look to the state of Nebraska, where the forward-thinking Game and Parks Commission just approved campground stays of up to 90 days from the current maximum stay of two weeks.

The rule will begin in January for 25 state parks and recreation areas across the state. The commission made the change after feedback from campers said the high cost of fuel made it expensive to drive their RVs back and forth, said Roger Kuhn, administrator of the parks division.

About 5 percent of the campsites in a designated state park (photo - Lake Ogallala State Park, NB) or recreation area will be set aside for longer stays, Kuhn said, adding that they will be in low-use areas.

A fee schedule was approved Friday at the commission's meeting in Lincoln. Campers who stay longer will receive the following discounts on their nightly overnight camping fee: 20 percent for 15-to-30 days; 30 percent for 31-to-60 days, and 40 percent for 61-to-90 days.

It makes a lot of sense to fill campgrounds with people--like fulltimers and extended timers--and give them a break on fees rather than leave the sites empty. It will not increase the parks expenses, will be gladly welcomed by seniors and retirees, and will bring revenue in to the state. A win-win situation for everybody. Maybe the California State Parks could offer a similar plan to raise revenue and keep parks open.