What State Park Passes do we love using as full-time RV travelers? How did we get them? What is the cost, and what are the benefits? Which ones are the best?
This post is updated from the previous July 2023 post. Updated May 2024
South Dakota
I also qualify for different state programs. South Dakota has discounts at state parks. I also get a free fishing and hunting license in South Dakota. Here is a link to the South Dakota Disabled Veterans State Parks Pass. Here is a link to the other pass. South Dakota State Park License
Alaska, Texas, Florida, Virginia, and Oregon Disabled Veterans Pass
Texas, Florida, Virginia, and Oregon give discounts associated with my veteran’s disability status, even for non-residents. Many states have programs for veterans, which leads to discounts on multiple programs in that state.
Alaska
Alaska has a program for disabled veterans that provides discounts at Alaska State Parks for disabled veterans from any state. Here is a link to that program. Alaska State Parks Disabled Veteran Camping Pass. The Alaska State Park Pass for disabled veterans is available by mail or in person, and you do not have to be from or in Alaska to get this free pass. Unlike other programs on this page, the Alaska Camping Pass only allows for free park access while camping at that park. If you go to an Alaska State Park as a daytime visitor, you will pay the full rate.
Texas
Texas has a program for disabled veterans that provides discounts at Texas State Parks for disabled veterans from any state. Here is a link to that program. Texas State Parks Pass The Texas State Park Pass for disabled veterans is only available in person, and you do not have to be from Texas to get this free pass.
Oregon
The best program for disabled veterans is from Oregon State Parks. The program is so good that I made a dedicated post to it. Oregon State Parks Special Access Pass
If you are a disabled veteran, click on the article for the Oregon State Parks Special Access Pass.
Florida
Florida also has a State Park pass. This pass, for me, was a lifetime pass, but typically, they only last one year. Here is a link to that program: Florida State Parks Annual Pass
Virginia
Virginia also has a State Park pass. This pass also gives me a 50% discount on campground fees. For me, this pass was also free. Here is a link to the program. Virginia State Parks Pass As a special for disabled veterans, here is a link to the application form for the disabled veteran’s program. Virginia Veterans Application Form
Other State Park Passes we use
Washington
Washington also has a State Parks Pass for disabled veterans, but unlike the previous states, they only give it to Washington state residents. If you are from Washington State and are a disabled veteran, then you also get free camping. Here is a link to the disabled veteran’s pass. Washington Disabled Veterans Pass. Since we are from South Dakota, we purchased this pass at full price. Washington Discover Pass
California
California also has a State Parks Pass, but we have not spent enough time in California to warrant a purchase. Here is a link. California State Parks Pass. Similar to the Washington Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass, the California Distinguished Veteran Pass and California Disabled Veterans Pass are only for residents of California.
North Carolina
North Carolina State Parks Annual Pass gives the purchaser discounts while in the park. North Carolina does not charge entrance fees to state parks. North Carolina State Parks Annual Pass
Utah
Utah has a State Parks pass, and a separate State Parks pass for resident disabled veterans. Here is a link. Utah Veterans Honor Pass We have not spent enough time in Utah State Parks to warrant an annual pass, so we haven’t purchased one. Here is a link to that program: Utah State Parks Pass
New Mexico
New Mexico has a unique program that I have not seen matched in other states. We used the New Mexico camping pass in 2018. If you buy the camping pass, you can stay at New Mexico state parks nearly all year. Stay limits still apply. We went from park to park all spring as we toured New Mexico.
If you are a resident of New Mexico, you can buy a camping pass for New Mexico State Parks for $180. If you are not a resident of New Mexico, you can buy a camping pass for the state parks for $225. Here is a link to the program. Anyone can purchase a day-use pass for $40 (prices checked in 2022). New Mexico State Park Pass
Summary
We love staying in state parks. I can’t think of any commercial campground that equals state park campgrounds. Of course, we also stay in national parks, forests, and other places. This link will take you to the program describing our national park pass. America The Beautiful Pass
Please subscribe and join us on our journey.
We will add you to our email list and send you updates once a week. Here is a link. Subscribe
About our links
As you know, our blog income is zero, allowing us to be independent and tell the truth. We do not get income or commissions. No, we don’t make paid endorsements. We don’t make recommendations; instead, we will tell you what we like (or dislike). The links are only provided as a quick reference to help our readers.
Links
South Dakota Disabled Veterans State Parks Pass
South Dakota State Park License
Alaska State Parks Disabled Veteran Camping Pass.
Oregon State Parks Special Access Pass
Florida State Parks Annual Pass
Virginia Veterans Application Form
Washington Disabled Veterans Pass.
California Distinguished Veteran Pass
California Disabled Veterans Pass
North Carolina State Parks Annual Pass
About Comments
We love seeing your comments, but they are not automatic. I get about twenty spam comments every day, and thus, I don’t have automatic comments. I read and then publish every comment personally to protect the blog and keep it on the subject and real. So this means that you will not see your comment right after you hit submit. Sorry for the delay in publishing your comments. Please know that we would love to hear from you.
I could not agree more about state parks vs. commercial campgrounds.
We do not qualify for discounts, so they can be a bit pricy – but always more enjoyable, with larger sites, walking and hiking opportunities, less proximity to train tracks or highways, etc.
Of course, federal campgrounds are our number one favorite because of the “half price” old age discount! And thanks in advance for all of your Pac Northwest posts . . . going to start reading through them in detail, as I plan our 2024 summer.
Pingback: How to Plan (and Take) an Epic RV Trip Through Alaska - FoxRVTravel
I just found your blog and love it. One note: I just applied for the Oregon Special Access Pass today (June 26, 2024), and it is now available online. I thought you might like to know that in case you want to update your information for it.
Thanks, I am sure that other veterans will benefit from your update.