No more pet fees in Va State Parks

[Crabman]

Looks like Virginia finally listened to what its State Park patrons wanted and got rid of the infamous and dreaded "pet fees" which were 5 bucks PER NIGHT PER DOG. That really adds up.

http://www.virginiaoutdoors.com/article/more/4750





YOU HAVE 36 VIRGINIA STATE PARKS TO CHOOSE FROM, WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO? OR BETTER YET, ASK YOUR DOG WHERE IT WANTS TO GO? "GO? GO!"

And, guess what,
NO MORE CAMPING DOG FEES
BEGINNING IN 2014!

[FPM III]

How much did the 2014 camping fees increase over last year's rates (that everyone will pay) to compensate for the loss of income from dog fees?

[Crabman]

I just looked at the 2014 prices and they do appear to be a about 3 bucks a night higher, which means they are still higher then the neighboring parks in Maryland. And in Maryland you can reserve specific sites (with no pet fees), in Va you can only reserve a spot in the park.

[FPM III]

Yep! It was that old "You get nothin' for nothin'. Santa Claus is dead." ploy. Why charge $5.00 per dog when you can increase the camping fee $3.00 and collect it from every campsite?

[OnTheGo]

Ohio SP's used to have separate "pet loops" and they would fill up quickly. The non-pet loops would have vacant sites. Both were the same price. When we called to reserve a pet site, and was told none were available, we didn't camp there. A few years ago OH went to all pet sites. I'm guessing they lost enough revenue they realized how many campers bring pets.

I have never been asked for a pet fee anywhere. If I was, I would ask what cost the CG incurs because I'm camping with pets. I wonder what their answer would be?
And I hope they would understand my reply. I could come up with a list of extra fees that should be charged to some campers with or without pets. It would actually make a good thread in this forum.

[FPM III]

I started camping in the non-pet areas because the large number dogs in the pet areas was too upsetting for our kitty. She doesn't go outside or meow so the only way anyone would even know we have a cat is if she was seen sitting in a window or doorway.

[Crabman]

In viewing my past reservations it seems they also raised rates in 2012 by $2 a night. So in two years its gone from 30 to 35 per night plus a $5 reservation fee for Kiptopeke.

[Seann45]

Oh GREAT more dog poop to walk through.