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Old 10-22-2017, 08:56 PM   #1
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My recent Senior Pass Experience

Several years ago I purchased a National Senior Pass, for a $10 Lifetime fee; principally because my local (military) campground gives a daily discount of $5. The very next weekend it repaid me; and now - as of this summer, many times over.

But even better, recently my bride and I toured from lower Alabama up to Utah then back down to LA, eventually returning home with a few additional stops. During this 7200 mile trip we hit numerous Federal sites ($20 admission) and breezed thru the checkpoints for free. Now it's become an even better investment.

Unfortunately, as of late August the price rose to $80 for a lifetime pass. Still if you're doing a long trip - like we did - it'd be worth it.

https://store.usgs.gov/senior-pass
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Old 10-22-2017, 09:12 PM   #2
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This provided link to the legislation for the price increase should be a wake up call to everyone.

ONE THOUSAND FORTY ONE pages.

A laymen could have simply wrote:......Fees for the senior pass will be increased from $10 to $80. Thank you so much for visiting your Nat's parks.

Is it any wonder why the wheels of Congress works so slowly....
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Old 10-22-2017, 09:14 PM   #3
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Like Wrascal, we've had our National Senior Pass for years. One long trip or multiple short trips, the $80 one-time fee is still a bargain.
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Old 10-23-2017, 05:22 AM   #4
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$80 one-time fee is still a bargain.
Agreed
I've had mine for 4 years and use it all the time. I got my wife one too before the increase, you never know when she might need it when I'm not around.
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Old 10-23-2017, 05:39 AM   #5
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We recently camped in a county park for 4 nights. When the attendant came by to register us, he asked if I had a Golden Pass. I showed it and got a 50% discount for the stay.
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Old 10-23-2017, 06:14 AM   #6
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Several years ago I purchased a National Senior Pass, for a $10 Lifetime fee; principally because my local (military) campground gives a daily discount of $5. The very next weekend it repaid me; and now - as of this summer, many times over ....snip
Curious which military CG your talking about. Our son lives in Grand Bay and a close CG might be a nice change from parking in his front yard.
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Old 10-23-2017, 10:16 AM   #7
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Have had my senior pass since the first year I was elgible. Got my wife her's before the increase. You can only get the discount on one site and the passengers in one vehicle. If camping with family the 2nd pass comes in handy so you can get the discount for 2 sites.

I have visited several federal CG's that post a smaller discount when using the senior pass. They have all been facilities where you put your registration in an envelope and drop it in a box. I have continued to " take" the full 50% discount and have never had anyone come back even when we have stayed for several days with plenty of time for them to come to the site if they want to collect the higher fee. The Federal website still states that the senior pass will get you a 50% discount so until someone tells me different that is what I pay. I suspect these CGs are operated under a private contract but I have seen no info that they are allow to give a smaller discount.
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Old 10-23-2017, 10:27 AM   #8
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We certainly have used ours over the years. Lots of government places that have entry charge is free with the card... Up on Skyline Drive the pass gets us in for free and then the campground fees is 50% off... Can't beat that...

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Old 10-23-2017, 05:38 PM   #9
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I decided to get one for my DW in case I lost/mislaid or for some reason I was not with her. Sent the money and info in 3 weeks before the deadline. Still have not hear back or check cashed.

Anyone else finding this a reallllly long wait?
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Old 10-23-2017, 07:17 PM   #10
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Anyone else finding this a reallllly long wait?
I have heard on another forum where I hang out that they were just swamped with the last-minute volume.
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Old 10-23-2017, 07:32 PM   #11
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Curious which military CG your talking about. Our son lives in Grand Bay and a close CG might be a nice change from parking in his front yard.

I suspect your gas expense (and seat time) would be more than the savings.
For you Ft. Rucker, AL. is about 3.5 hours away.

Daily rate is $18.50, $13.50 with this pass. Includes power and water, single dump station avail at the entry point.
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Old 10-24-2017, 06:25 AM   #12
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I suspect your gas expense (and seat time) would be more than the savings.
For you Ft. Rucker, AL. is about 3.5 hours away.

Daily rate is $18.50, $13.50 with this pass. Includes power and water, single dump station avail at the entry point.
Your right, 3.5 hours would be a little much. Looks like we stay in the front yard. We have tried to get in at Ocean Springs but no luck yet. Thanks for the reply and happy camping.
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Old 10-24-2017, 01:36 PM   #13
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Senior pass for NPS marinas

Bought our pass up on Skyline Drive, VA. When we took our sailboat to Ocracoke Island, NC and docked at the NPS docks we received 50% off the already reasonable per foot docking rate. We've saved many $$ with our pass.

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Old 10-24-2017, 04:22 PM   #14
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I have heard on another forum where I hang out that they were just swamped with the last-minute volume.
Ordered mine in mid-July. It arrived in mid-October. They were slammed but are working their way through the queue.
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Old 11-02-2017, 10:40 PM   #15
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and now there's talk about significantly raising the entrance fees at many of these same National Sites (like up to the same $80).

I don't know about y'all but I wouldn't pay those prices - I'd simple go elsewhere.

Fortunately I got my pass, I just hope I never lose it.
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Old 11-03-2017, 05:56 AM   #16
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and now there's talk about significantly raising the entrance fees at many of these same National Sites (like up to the same $80).

I don't know about y'all but I wouldn't pay those prices - I'd simple go elsewhere.

Fortunately I got my pass, I just hope I never lose it.
The last time we went out to dinner and a movie it cost us more than $80. If I had to choose between that and the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, or anyone of our wonderful National Parks...
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Old 11-03-2017, 08:46 AM   #17
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Like I said before, people write checks for having their grass cut, their cable bill [monthly], a couple steak dinners, or a ride for 2 on a zip line but balk at $80 to spend a week in Yellowstone or Rocky Mtn NP??

What p**es me off is the price for a frozen burger pattie or cheap hot dog at a park concessaire stand. I just bring my own lunch and a portable grill. Now that saves enough in a couple days to pay for that entry fee.
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Old 11-03-2017, 09:53 AM   #18
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Our national parks are embarrassingly "cheap". O.K with me if they change more.
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Old 11-03-2017, 07:04 PM   #19
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As I only spent a couple of hours there it's not worth $80 to me; now for a couple of days, sure. Personally I'd rather spend my $ at the gun range.
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Old 11-03-2017, 09:45 PM   #20
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As I only spent a couple of hours there it's not worth $80 to me; now for a couple of days, sure. Personally I'd rather spend my $ at the gun range.
Which of these tier 1 NP's can you only spend 2 hours??
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