To combat a large budget shortfall in the parks department after the new California state budget was recently adopted, state parks have decided to increase their fees to raise money in an effort to prevent closures of up to 100 parks.  In yesterday's Orange County Register, this article highlighted the increases pertaining to San Clemente State Beach.  Day use camping has increased by $5 per day, and tent camping sites have increased by $10 per day.  RV camping saw the largest increase, going from $34 to $60 per day.

While price increases in a bad economy are never a good thing, in this case the ends definitely justify the means.  One of the great things about being a California resident is our access to a variety of campsites and recreational areas throughout the state.  From the mountains to beach camping, this is a relaxing and affordable way to take a vacation and makes California such a great places for residents and visitors alike.  With California in a budget crisis, the state legislature had to make cuts to a variety of areas, including $14.2 million from the parks department.  Facing potential closures of up to 1/3 of the total state parks and recreation areas in California, the department was left with no choice but to increase fees.  To risk the closing of 100 of these natural treasures is something this state should avoid at all cost.  I for one would be very disheartened if my wife and I would lose the ability to take our yearly camping trip to San Clemente State Beach.  Even though we now have to pay a little more to enjoy this fantastic place, the thought of losing the ability to go there at all makes the extra cost an easy decision and investment into our struggling parks department.

For more information on California state park fee increases and potential closures, please visit the parks department's official website.