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Discounted State Park Entrance Fees
Date: February 10, 2006
Author: David Smidt, SeniorDiscounts.com

State parks are a great way to see the beauty a state has to offer and
most state parks offer some form of senior discount. State parks also have discounts for
children, the disabled, the financially strained, and annual passes for frequent users.

The majority of senior discounts offered at state parks are for those 62 years
of age or older, although some discounts start at age 50 or 55. There are even a few states that
offer both a senior discount for younger seniors and free admission for people over 70. There are
no age restrictions for the disabled or for frequent use passes. Children younger than age 7
usually can get in free at many of the state parks.

The discounts for seniors can vary from state to state. Some states
require that you purchase a pass which can be used at all of the parks, while others offer
a discount on the entrance fee, which you can obtain when you arrive. Be sure to bring an
ID with proof of age with you. Some states may require that you are a current resident of
that state to receive the discount, but it is uncommon.

Frequent use passes or annual passes can be purchased at most parks that
charge admission, but also check the park’s web site for information on purchasing these passes
online, through the mail, or via a toll free number. Passes for the disabled and the financially
strained can typically be obtained this way as well. Be prepared to fill out a form and to have
documentation that proves your disability or financial status.

State parks that offer passes usually only charge a nominal fee for the initial
purchase. Once you have the pass, admission is either free or discounted. Passes may also provide
discounts on other park services, such as cabin rentals, camping, or fishing, but check with the
state park beforehand. Not all states offer discounts on their other facilities and services.
State Parks that don’t offer a discount pass will usually provide discounts on the entrance fees.
These can range anywhere from 25% to 75% off.

One can visit our web site to locate the state park discounts, but due the
sheer number of state parks within the US, SeniorDiscounts.com is not able to list them all,
although we are working on it.

To find out the specifics of the discounts available in a particular state,
visit that state park’s web site. There, you should be able to locate all of the details and
restrictions. If you do not see information about these discounts, call or e-mail the local
park or inquire about the discounts available when you arrive.

© SeniorDiscounts

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