Several of the fees for overnight accommodations and other facilities in state parks across Pennsylvania will be increased in 2022.
Increases will range from 4.8% to 49.1% and average 18.8%.
In announcing the new rates, DCNR said, “The updated price schedule is needed to fine-tune the existing rates and to increase revenue to the Bureau of State Parks.
“In addition, the schedule, which is comparable to those of state parks in neighboring states, will narrow the gap between state parks in this Commonwealth and private facilities, resulting in a more favorable competitive climate for the private sector.”
The new weekly rental rate for modern family cabins will increase to $449-816 for state residents and $536-897 for non-residents; rustic cabins, $212-578 for residents and $256-680 for non-residents; deluxe cottages, $346-517 for residents and $415-626 for non-residents; camping cottages, $235-339 for residents and $279-370 for non-residents; and yurts, $266-430 for residents and $346-556 for non-residents.
Current weekly rates for modern family cabins are $407.55-637.74 for residents and $486.79-747.17 for non-residents; rustic cabins, $143.40-481.13 for residents and $171.70-566.04 for non-residents; deluxe cottages, $330-410 for residents and $396-495 for non-residents; camping cottages, $212-292 for residents and $230-314 for non-residents; and yurts, $242-384 for residents and $302-448 for non-residents.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, “A modern cabin is a great home base for exploring and having fun is a state park. Modern cabins are beautiful log cabins with the modern conveniences of home.” A modern cabin includes electric heat, restroom with shower, full kitchen (with microwave oven, refrigerator, sink, stove, oven and table), carpeting, master bedroom with a full-sized bed, wooden cathedral ceiling in the main living area, seating, picnic table and fire ring.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, “A modern cabin is a great home base for exploring and having fun is a state park. Modern cabins are beautiful log cabins with the modern conveniences of home.” A modern cabin includes electric heat, restroom with shower, full kitchen (with microwave oven, refrigerator, sink, stove, oven and table), carpeting, master bedroom with a full-sized bed, wooden cathedral ceiling in the main living area, seating, picnic table and fire ring.
“Rustic cabins are quaint stone or log historic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.” A rustic cabin has a refrigerator; fireplace, wood stove or gas heater for heat; gas or electric kitchen stove; running water and restrooms in a nearby shower house; wooden cathedral ceiling in the main living area; seating; picnic table; and fire ring.
Deluxe cottages have wooden walls and floors, and windows with a few modern conveniences, such as stovetop, microwave, refrigerator, countertop, table, chairs, electric heat and outlets, adjacent water pump, picnic table, and fire ring.
A yurt is a round, walled tent on a wooden deck and has stovetop, refrigerator, countertop, table, chairs, electric heat and outlets, adjacent water pump, picnic table, and fire ring.
Nightly rates also will increase: modern cabins, $61 to $209; rustic cabins, $29 to $162; deluxe cottages, $49-144; and yurts, $39 to $126.
Nightly room rates at The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park in Centre County will increase to $110 to $264 for a single room, $127 to $288 for a double, $139 to $288 for a basic suite, $198 to $324 for a small suite and $220 to $342 for a large suite.
Seasonal fees for state park marinas will increase to $22 to $50 per square foot and for boat storage racks will increase to $37 to $140.
DCNR is also changing its reservation cancellation and change policy to make it clear there will be no refunds of fees for visitor reservations except under those circumstances outlined in DCNR’s published policy.
Reasons for which refunds will not be given include but are not limited to natural disasters, drought, bugs, weather, campfire bans, death, pandemics (for example, COVID-19), water conditions or pool closures due to staffing.
For more information on state parks, visit DCNR’s website.
— Marcus Schneck/PennLive via Associated Press
