State Park fees still a bargain!

State budget cuts resulted in increased fees for state parks. Despite that, state park fees are still one of the best bargains in the outdoors as far as I’m concerned. The Lake D’Arbonne State Park between Farmerville and Bernice is an absolute jewel and our area is blessed with several really good state parks.

The new state budget relies on $1.3 million in self-generated funds from park operations to make up for state dollars taken away. The self-generated funds will come from a $1 increase in park admission fees and a $2 increase on the rental of campsites at the parks. Park admission will now be $2 for adults.

Campsite fees vary depending on type of facilities. A premium campsite will now rent for $28 a day April through September and $20 a day from October through March. An improved site with water and electrical hook-up will be $22 and $18 for the same time periods while an unimproved site without water or electrical hook-up will be $14 a day year-round.

The state parks budget for the fiscal year that began July 1 is just under $32 million, of which $9.3 million is generated from park operations. The $9.3 million includes the new fees that began this month.