For the first time since 2001, fees for overnight accommodations, boating and picnic pavilions will be increased to help maintain the quality of State Parks and support their operation and maintenance.

The new price schedule will be effective on January 1. (official notice)

"An overnight stay in a state park cabin or a family reunion picnic at one of our pavilions is still a great bargain," DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said. "This new pricing schedule makes Pennsylvania state parks comparable to neighboring states, and is well below the inflation rate for the period since 2001.

"Pennsylvania remains one of only a few states that do not charge an entrance fee to visit our state parks," Secretary DiBerardinis said.

For 2008, prices will represent about a 10 percent increase over the current rates, with the exception of camping where the base price will increase by $3 per night. In 2009, prices will increase about 10 percent over the 2008 prices with a camping base increase of $2 per night.

Elsewhere, a rustic campsite with no electricity on a weeknight now costs $10. The cost will increase to $13 next year. Fees that are added for weekends, sites with electricity, modern campsites and other additional amenities will also be modestly increased.

A modern cabin that sleeps eight for a week at the current weekly rate without sales tax is $371. The 2008 rate will be $408.

"Since 2002, we have invested more than $175 million in state park facilities by upgrading bathhouses and restrooms; improving marinas; repairing and replacing dams that create lakes; improving environmental education centers; adding trails and other recreational opportunities; and working to eliminate a backlog of maintenance," Secretary DiBerardinis said. "All of the money collected through state park fees is used for their operation and maintenance, and we will use this price increase to continue that work."

Reservations made prior to January 1 for the use of facilities in 2008 will not be affected by the new price schedule, unless the reservations are changed after January 1.

The new fee schedule is available online. To make an online reservation at a Pennsylvania state park, visit www.visitPAparks.com .

11/16/2007