National and State Parks
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Differences
One of the first things we did was to purchase a National Parks Pass, to enable me to stay overnight, park and access the many National Treasures of the USA. However most States have their own State Parks and the National Parks Pass does not apply.
National Parks
How the status of a National Park is defined I have not been able to work out but most States have at least one. The standard of facilities is very good and the cost of $50 for an annual pass well worth it. Do not expect them all to be the same as some do not have electricity and most do not have shower facilities. Most do have dumping facilities. However if you want peace and quiet, certainly in the off peak season then they are a must. Most National Parks remain open all year unless there has been adverse weather conditions.
State Parks
State Parks are a law unto themselves. No doubt in the summer season they are all open however in the off peak season only some are open. We also discovered that many are policed by volunteers, whether this only applies to the off peak season I do not know. The system works on a self registration basis and fees vary from $5 a night to $13. The facilties are similar to the National Parks however they tend to be usually smaller areas but well laid out and not overcrowded like commercial sites.
