One of the best things about traveling in an RV is the ability to see the country on a budget. This is especially great for seniors, many of whom are living on fixed budgets in order to remain retired.
Of course, the trick to traveling on a budget is finding budget-friendly campsites. While some people choose to boondock to save money, others may want the comforts offered by hookups and a bathhouse. This is where a senior pass for state parks and other camping passes come into play.
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Senior State Park Pass Options
Below is information on where you can get a senior pass for state parks and what kind of pricing and benefits to expect. If you find one that sounds especially good to you, consider spending some time in that state to take advantage of it!
Alabama
Alabama state park annual passes are only good for day-use admission at the park they are purchased from. A senior pass to any one Alabama state park costs $80 per year.
Alabama also offers a 15% discount on camping fees for seniors. This discount is applied whether or not you own a camping pass.
Alaska
Unfortunately, Alaska does not currently offer a camping pass to the general public. That said, they do have a Disabled Veteran’s Annual Camping Pass option, which is free to those who meet the eligibility criteria. Those who hold this card are able to camp free of charge in Alaska State Parks.
Additionally, Alaska does offer day-use state park passes. These are $60, and there is no discount for age.
Arizona
There are several Arizona State Parks day-use pass options. That said, none of these cover camping fees. These passes range in price from $75–$200, and there are no senior discounts, but there are discounts for veterans.
Arkansas
Day-use at Arkansas State Parks is absolutely free. That said, the parks do charge for camping. Fortunately, they also offer a discount on camping fees for seniors. All you have to do is have proof of age and you’ll be given this discount.
California
A number of annual passes are available for the California state park system.
The Golden Bear Pass is available for free to those who meet certain criteria, including seniors under a certain income threshold. This pass provides free day-use entry to many (but not all) state parks. Meanwhile, the Limited Use Golden Bear pass is available to all seniors, regardless of income level and grants the cardholder and their significant other day-use access to many California state parks during non-peak season.
Additionally, those with permanent disabilities can get a pass that entitles them to 50% off of camping fees. Meanwhile, those who qualify for the Distinguished Veteran Pass can camp free of charge.
Colorado
Like so many other states, Colorado offers a variety of day-use annual passes for their state parks. For seniors aged 64 and older who are residents of Colorado, the Aspen Leaf Pass is the best deal. This pass grants the cardholder free day-use entry to all Colorado State Parks as well as a $3 per night discount on most campsites.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, only non-residents pay to enter the state parks.
Those who visit often and wish to avoid these entrance fees can purchase a season pass for $112, which allows them unlimited access to any state park. This does not help with camping fees, but can lower the overall cost of your Connecticut adventures.
Additionally, the Charter Oak Pass is available to residents of Connecticut who are 65 years of age or older. This pass gives the pass holder free admission to the few Connecticut State Park exhibits that change an entrance fee.
Delaware
Another state with a day-use-only pass, Delaware’s pass allows year-round entry to all state parks at no additional charge. The resident price for the senior version of this pass is only $18. Meanwhile, senior out-of-state visitors will pay $35 for a pass. While the pass doesn’t discount camping fees, it can still be a huge money saver if you plan on day trips to various parks.
Florida
Florida State Parks passes are available for $60–$120, depending on the type of pass you need. There is an active duty military and honorably discharged veteran discount of 25% off each pass. On top of that, Florida residents who fall into any of the following categories qualify for a free state parks pass:
- Disabled veterans
- Surviving families of deceased veterans
- Families of deceased law enforcement officers and firefighters
- Licensed family foster homes
- Those who adopt a child with special needs
These passes don’t discount camping fees, which fall between $16 and $42 a night. That said, Florida residents who are 65 or older or 100% disabled receive a 50% discount on camping fees/
Georgia
No camping discounts are available for Georgia’s state parks. There is a day-use annual pass though. This pass is available for $25 for those ages 62+ and gives the user access to all Georgia state parks at no additional fee.
Hawaii
Hawaii State Parks don’t charge entrance fees, nor do they offer any kind of annual pass. The vast majority of Hawaii’s state park campsites are for tents only and are incredibly cheap at $18 a night for non-residents ($12 a night for residents).
Idaho
State parks passes in Idaho remove the need to pay day-use fees, and they cost a mere $10 for residents and $80 for non-residents. These passes do not discount camping fees. However, there are campsite discounts available for seniors over the age of 62, as well as Idaho residents with limited income.
Illinois
No annual passes are available for Illinois State Parks. That said, seniors and disabled individuals who are residents of the state do receive a discount on camping, dropping nightly camping rates to between $17.50 and $25.
Indiana
An annual state parks pass in Indiana is $50 for residents, $25 for senior residents, and $70 for everyone else. This does not discount camping fees, which are between $12 and $44 a night depending on the park, time of year, and even day of the week.
Iowa
Iowa is another state that doesn’t charge entrance fees to most parks. That said, Lake Manawa and Waubonsie State Parks both charge a $5 non-resident vehicle fee. If you plan to visit these parks often and are not from Iowa, the $40 annual permit might be worthwhile. Otherwise, plan to pay per visit for these two parks.
There are no discounts on Iowa State Park camping, but fees are relatively cheap.
Kansas
Kansas has an unusual setup. An annual parking pass can be purchased for $25 and removes the need to pay day-use fees. Seniors and disabled individuals who are residents of Kansas can purchase this vehicle pass for only $13.75.
From there, guests can choose to purchase an annual camping pass for either $202.50 or $252.50, depending on when it is purchased. This covers camping fees but does NOT cover utility fees, which range in price from $9–$12 per night, depending on how many utilities you use during your stay.
Kentucky
There are no annual passes available for Kentucky State Parks. However, the system does offer camping discounts for military, seniors, and even those with AAA.
Louisiana
Looking to visit Louisiana? The annual pass for the state parks here is $80. Active military and seniors pay half price to camp at the already affordable state park campgrounds.
Maine
An annual parks season pass in Maine is available for $55 for individuals and $105 for a vehicle pass. Seniors who are residents of Maine are admitted to all state parks free of charge and these individuals also have the option of purchasing a vehicle pass for only $45. These passes only cover day-use fees, but since these are wrapped into the camping fees, you will save on camping should you choose to purchase this pass.
Maryland
Maryland offers a state park pass to residents of the state for $75. Out-of-state visitors will pay $100 for the same pass, which offers free admission to all state parks as well as a discount on concessions and boat rentals.
The better deal for seniors looking to visit Maryland State Parks is the Golden Age Pass. At $10, this is a super affordable lifetime pass. It’s for those ages 62 and up and includes free admission to all Maryland state parks, as well as a 50% discount on camping.
Massachusetts
Valid for a calendar year (Jan–Dec), the Massachusetts State Park pass gives you access to most DCR parks without day-use fees. Unfortunately, it is only available to residents of the state. Cost is $60 for the year, but is reduced to just $10 for senior citizens. Those with handicapped license plates or hang tags will not be charged a parking fee, and therefore do not need a pass.
This state park pass does not discount camping fees.
Michigan
Annual state park passes are available in Michigan. These cover day-use fees and range in price from $7–$40. An annual pass or day-use sticker is required when camping in Michigan state parks, so this pass is useful if you plan on staying in the Michigan state park system for more than a night or two.
Minnesota
An annual Minnesota State Park pass costs $35 with discounts for disabled individuals and covers day-use fees. This pass is free for active duty military personnel and their families, as well as for Purple Heart recipients. Meanwhile, K-12 teachers are entitled to free day-use passes, making the annual pass unnecessary.
Keep in mind that campsites are an additional fee and senior discounts are not available.
Mississippi
The state of Mississippi offers an annual state park pass for $50 per year. This covers day-use fees. Camping fees vary, and disabled and senior discounts are available.
Missouri
Missouri State Parks offer free entry, meaning no annual pass is needed to visit. That said, camping fees do apply. These range in price from $10–$62 per night and a $2 per night discount is available for military members, disabled individuals, and seniors over 65.
Montana
Residents of the state of Montana do not pay day-use fees at Montana State Parks. Everyone else can purchase an annual pass for $50 to cover day-use fees and get camping discounts. There is also a short term non-resident pass available. This costs $35 and is good for 7 days.
Camping fees are inexpensive, with electric sites starting at just $13 for resident seniors in non-peak season and topping out at $60 for an electric site for a non-resident without a park pass during peak season.
Nebraska
A day-use park permit for Nebraska state parks can be purchased for $36 for residents and $71 for non-residents. This covers daily admission but not camping fees, which can range from $12–$20 depending on season and amenities desired.
Nevada
Nevada offers two options. The first is an Annual Entrance Permit for $100. This covers day-use fees but not camping fees.
An All-Access Permit is also available for $250. This one covers day-use fees as well as boating and boondock camping fees. If you wish to use a campsite with utilities under the All-Access Permit, you will only be charged $10 a night.
Finally, there are Senior state park passes and Disabled Permits available. These offer the same benefits as the All-Access Permit, but the cost is only $30 per year.
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, you have the option of an individual, family, and/or Seacoast parking pass. Individual resident passes are only $60 for the season. Meanwhile, those wanting a resident family pass will pay $105. Non-resident family passes are $120 and the cost for a Seacoast parking permit is $175 per vehicle.
New Jersey
State park day-use passes are available in New Jersey for $50 for state residents and $75 for non-residents. Camping fees are not included and cost between $3 and $25, depending on whether you’re a New Jersey resident, the season you’ll be visiting, and the park you plan to stay in.
New Mexico
New Mexico is a very RV-friendly state, and the state parks system is no exception to this rule. Here, you can purchase a state parks Annual Camping Permit that covers day-use fees and offers free dry camping. Want to camp with hookups? Water and electric are an additional $4 a night, and full hookups will cost an additional $8 per night.
For New Mexico residents, the state park annual camping permit is $180, disabled and senior state residents will need to pay $100, and those who are visiting from out of state can expect to spend $225 on this awesome pass.
There is also a day-use pass available for $40 a year.
New York
New York State offers their Empire Pass, which allows pass holders to enter all New York State parks free of charge. Unfortunately, this pass doesn’t cover camping fees at all, so expect to pay $15–$39 per night for your campsite.
North Carolina
Annual Parks Passes are available for North Carolina State Parks for $90. Because North Carolina State Parks are almost all free to enter, this pass is used to cover some day-use fees, but also ferry fees, swimming passes, and boat rentals. It does not cover camping fees, which can cost as much as $36 a night. Luckily, seniors receive a $6 discount on all campsites with the exception of primitive camping spots.
North Dakota
An Annual Pass to the state parks in North Dakota costs a mere $35. As if that wasn’t cheap enough, those who are eligible for senior state park passes and disabled individuals can get this same pass for only $28. That said, this pass doesn’t discount camping fees.
Ohio
State parks in Ohio don’t charge entrance fees. They do charge for camping though, so be prepared to pay $17 to $39 per night unless you qualify for the Golden Buckeye Pass. This senior pass gives the user up to 50% off camping fees in Ohio’s state parks.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma offers a state parks Parking Pass that gives the passholder fee-free entry to all Oklahoma state parks. The pass is $75 for the year, and those with a tribal license plate will pay 20% less. Residents of Oklahoma who are also honorably discharged veterans or seniors will receive a pass for free. Meanwhile, those who are 100% disabled can get one for 50% less.
All that said, this parking pass does not affect camping fees, which can vary from park to park and season to season.
Oregon
Like many other states, Oregon offers a state parks pass that covers only day-use fees. These cost $30 for a single year and $50 for a two year pass. Camping fees vary in these parks.
Pennsylvania
There are no fees to enter Pennsylvania State Parks, nor is there any kind of annual or seasonal pass for these parks.
Camping fees are less for residents, and range in price from $15–$36 a night. There is a $4.50 discount available to seniors.
Rhode Island
The Rhode Island state parks system does not offer any sort of pass. That said, there is a beach parking pass available, which gives users free access to all beach parking lots when parking is available. This pass costs $30 for residents and $60 for non-residents, and doesn’t discount camping fees, which vary from park to park.
South Carolina
Looking to visit South Carolina? The South Carolina All Park Passport is available for $99. Senior residents of the state can receive the pass for 50% off. It provides entry to all of South Carolina’s 47 state parks and covers everyone in a single vehicle.
Campsite fees are not covered by this pass and vary throughout the system.
South Dakota
An Annual Entrance Pass is available for the South Dakota state parks. This one covers day-use fees and costs $36 for the year. It does not cover camping fees, which can be as low as $17 and as high as $34.
Tennessee
Tennessee is one of the few states that does not charge state park visitors. Therefore, this state doesn’t offer any sort of state parks pass. Camping fees, however, fall between $17 and $35 a night.
Texas
Texas is a popular RVing destination, especially in the winter months, when this state is one of the warmer places in the country.
If you plan to join the many RVers in the Lone Star State, we highly recommend the Texas State Parks Pass, which covers day-use fees and offers the user 50% off the second night of a 2+ night stay. Since campers are charged day-use fees, this comes out to be a big discount, making the pass well worthwhile.
This annual pass costs $70 for the year. There is also a Parklands Passport available to certain individuals free of charge. Texas residents over the age of 65 are on the list of qualified individuals and the pass includes 50% off park fees for these pass holders.
Utah
Utah is another fabulous RVing destination. After all, every RVer must spend some time in the Mighty 5.
Snagging a Utah State Parks Annual Park Pass is a great way to save during your time there. These passes are available for $75, and seniors are offered a discounted rate of only $35. Unfortunately, the pass is only available to Utah residents.
This pass gives the user free entry to all state parks, but no longer includes camping discounts.
Vermont
In Vermont State Parks, you can save on day-use fees by purchasing either an individual pass for $30 or a vehicle pass for $90. A ten-visit punch card is also available for $30, and one punch will be taken per person per visit.
The state also offers the Green Mountain Passport. This pass is available to Vermont residents ages 62+ as well as honorably discharged veterans and is good for day-use entry. The cost for this pass is a mere $2.
These passes do not discount camping fees, so be sure to budget accordingly.
Virginia
The Naturally Yours Passport is the option in Virginia. This pass is $85, and senior state parks passes are available for only $40. Both passes give visitors free parking and admission to all Virginia state parks for a full year. Unfortunately, these passes do not offer discounted camping.
Washington
Washington offers the Discover Pass, which is required for day-use vehicle access to all Washington state parks. The cost for this pass is $30 and it can be transferred between two vehicles.
That said, this pass is not necessary if you’ll be camping in the state parks, as campers are allowed access to the park they are camping in without paying day-use fees. That said, the Discover Pass does give you access to some fee-free boondocking spots.
West Virginia
West Virginia does not offer an annual state parks pass. The system does offer a 10% senior discount on camping though, so be sure to take advantage of this!
Wisconsin
Resident annual state park passes are available in Wisconsin for only $28. Out-of-state visitors will pay $38, and seniors will be charged only $13 for this same pass.
An annual pass grants a person day-use access to all state parks, but does not cover camping fees, which can vary. That said, since an admission sticker is required for each day of a camper’s stay, an annual pass will likely save you money if you plan to camp in state parks for any length of time.
Wyoming
Lastly, there is Wyoming. Residents of this state can pay $48 for a day-use pass and ~$90 for an overnight camping pass. These passes combined will allow them to visit the parks and camp for a full year.
Unfortunately, an overnight camping pass is not available for non-residents. Still, these visitors can save by purchasing a day-use pass for $96 for the year.
Other Camping Passes to Consider
A senior pass for state parks isn’t the only way to save on camping fees. Another great option for the senior camping crowd is the “America the Beautiful” Senior Pass.
This awesome little card can be had for $20 annually or $80 for a lifetime pass, and is available to U.S. citizens ages 62 and up. It offers the cardholder free admission to national parks sites across the country, as well as 50% off many national park camping fees.
Other amazing camping memberships and passes for people of all ages include:
Using a few different memberships in addition to senior state park passes will allow you to travel all over the country without breaking the bank. Why not invest in a pass or two today so you can start saving right away?
