TOPIC:

The National Parks has a senior pass program that allows free entry and half price to camp. We do some National Park camping and take advantage of this benefit.

You can go to the entrance or camp host at most parks and get the card. I belive the cost is $10.

that is correct if you are under 65. over 65 and the pass is free and its for Life..

I'm kinda new at this (64 yrs old, yet!). Do these campgrounds at Nat Parks allow primitive camping (tents, etc) or just RV camping? Does the senior discount still apply if they do?

Senior pass is accepted at most NP's in the country. IT's use is for camping, but usually does not include any 'vendor operated' features.

And most NP's allow for tents, backpacking, RV's, Vans, pretty much anything provided you can fit on the site. Occasionally, a NP will have W/E, but most are 'site only' ... most have restrooms, very few have showers, and the more primitave NP and NF have pits.

NOTE: IN some areas, vendors are either running or attempting to engage the NP service to allow a vendor to run the camping facility, instead of rangers. When that happens, the vendor attempts to 'disallow' the discounts. Over the years, we've been communicating to our congress that this senior discount is earned, and it should continue to allow senior and disabled to camp for half-price, instead of fulling the vendor pockets with the extra. THe vendor knows aboutthe discount when he signs the contract, them begins immediately to find a way around it. Watch out for this action, and write your congressional representives whenever you see it.

Hammar66 wrote: that is correct if you are under 65. over 65 and the pass is free and its for Life..

I don't belive this is true anymore. Quote from the National Park Service Website is as follows:

Senior Pass

$10 Lifetime pass
For U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over.
May be obtained in person at a federal recreation site or through the mail using this application form. The cost of obtaining a Senior Pass through the mail is twenty dollars ($20). Ten ($10) for the Senior Pass and ten ($10) for processing the application. Applicants must provide documentation of age and residency or citizenship.
May provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services.
Generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.

I'm curious. Is the Golden Age Passport still honored at National Park and Forest facilities?

Sizzors wrote: I'm curious. Is the Golden Age Passport still honored at National Park and Forest facilities?

Yes. However, many places will want to exchange your card (free) for the new Inter-agency Pass (America the Beautiful). Some people prefer to keep their old Golden Age cards instead. Also keep in mind that if the facility is operated by a private concessionaire, "they" may not accept the pass, or at least not for 50% of camping.