Minor Changes in State Parks and Reservoirs Policies

INDIANA - Three fees for using Indiana's State Parks and Reservoirs will change Jan. 1, 2008, and a clarification on the use of annual gate passes has been made.

With the turn of the year, the fee for C class camping will increase to $9, Sunday-Wednesday, and $10, Thursday-Sunday, respectively, from the previous prices of $6 and $8. The daily swimming rate will be $3/person instead of $2/person. The price of a pool pass, good for 25 daily pool admissions, has increased from $35 to $40. These are the only state park/reservoirs fees that will increase in 2008.

"We encourage everyone to take advantage of the tremendous value of enjoying the many amenities at our properties," said Dan Bortner, director of the DNR Division of State Parks and Reservoirs.

A policy clarification in the valid use of annual entrance passes (AEPs) in 2008 has also been made. The AEP, which sells for $36 for Indiana residents, grants those riding in the user's vehicle gate admission to any state park, reservoir or forestry property that charges gate admission. The clarification for 2008 is that only one vehicle may be admitted per AEP per visit. That vehicle can be a single private, family-type, non-commercial vehicle, or a car or truck pulling an attached camper or a recreational vehicle. If one group or family brings multiple vehicles, each vehicle must present an annual pass or purchase a daily admission ($4 Mon.-Thurs., $5 Fri.-Sun. and holidays).

The '08 AEP does still allow for two motorcycle-type vehicles (two 2-wheeled motor vehicles) arriving together with persons of the same family driving each of the 2-wheeled motor vehicles to enter on a single AEP.  

Institutional-type vans and commercial busses or vehicles cannot use the AEP. The gate fee for such a vehicle is $2/person, the same as in '07.

"The AEP is a great value that's intended to allow family and friends of our most loyal customers to get together and enjoy a great day at one of our properties without having to break the bank," Bortner said. "People who invest in these passes deserve to know exactly what they purchased and what to expect when they get to the gate. These clarifications do that."

A complete listing of fees for state parks and reservoirs is listed at http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/properties/park_rates_fees.html.

Annual Entrance Passes and Golden Hoosier Passes are now available in person at the Indiana Government Center Customer Service Center (402 W. Washington St., Indianapolis) or online at Mother Nature's Mercantile, http://www.innsgifts.com/. They are also available at local state park and reservoir offices beginning Dec. 1.

Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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