Budget cuts, increased costs in maintenance and operations, coupled with overcrowding and vandalism has forced overnight fees to soar in nearly every state.

Ruth Coleman, California's Parks Director is quoted: “After repeated budget directions, we have reached the point where there is no choice.” She continued by saying, “without raising fees we are faced with closing more than 100 parks and laying off more than 1,000 employees.”

“People are just going to have to realize that it costs more to recreate, than it used to.” States Kraig McLeod, owner of Vista Resorts, a leader in private resort sales. “You know, it wasn't that long ago that Motel 6 was only $6.00 per night and state parks were about the same.” McLeod adds, “Now Motel 6 is $40.00 to $60.00 a night and state parks if they are to survive will have to follow suit.”

Hillary Criner, Customer Service Director of Vista Resorts shares with California Resorts News, “this is exactly why the private campground industry has seen a huge increase in new member enrollment over the past few years.”

Criner continued, “It only makes sense. Private camping plans offer clean secure locations, full amenities, a hedge against inflation, and pay for themselves over a short period of use.” One thing is for sure, with all of the issues we have with government parks, the high fees and limited access to public resorts, outdoor enthusiasts are hungry for alternatives. RV enthusiasts across America can agree on one thing:
Public campgrounds aren’t what they used to be…

“State and National parks are harder to get in, and you can't trust the people next to you,” states Jim Miller of Renton WA. Jim and Betty have been camping for decades on the west coast and have noticed the changes that budget cuts and over-crowdedness have caused in public parks. “Years back we would just point to a park on a map and show up,” says Betty with a smile, “things are different now. Most of the desirable public parks have gone to reservations and are completely booked for the summer months by February or in some cases a year in advance.”

“We gave up even trying to make reservations a few years back,” Jim added. “There were several times I was on hold over an hour only to find out there was no availability.” Betty Said, “We saw the writing on the wall, and started looking into alternatives.”

The Millers checked into buying a recreation lot and visited several locations, but decided against it due to cost and limitations. “Heck, the lots we looked at were nice but for $50,000.00 they should be." Jim said, “It was out of our budget, besides we got wheels on our 5th wheel because we want to go to different places.” They also looked into time-share condominiums and decided against them, “They would be nice for a special vacation once a year, but we love the outdoors and the freedom we have in
our RV,” Betty added. The Millers chose to enroll in a private campground: “We joined K/M Resorts (a Washington based private resort company) several years ago, and have never regretted it,” Jim exclaims with a smile. “We got parks with hookups and clubhouses with pools and Jacuzzis, and as a member we just show our card and go find our spot. We never have to worry about where we are going. They have parks in the mountains, by lakes and rivers and even in eastern Washington. When we travel we have a directory with hundreds of resorts we can use all over the country for only $8.00 to $10.00 per night.”

Kraig McLeod, Owner of Vista Resorts, informed us that the Millers aren't alone. Private
campground membership sales have been on the rise for the past ten years. “With more folks buying RVs and looking to get away from the hassle of public campgrounds, we offer the best alternative.”

When asked about crime rate, when out camping, McLeod’s reply was, “The crime rate has continued to soar in our state and Federal Parks. I think it's due to the lack of rangers (due to budget cuts), overcrowdedness, drugs and alcohol. Vista Resorts has been in business over 7 years and has never had a violent crime or theft reported. (Kraig smiles). All of our people that get involved are doing so to get away from all that.”
Other western states are reporting huge numbers of families enrolling in private campground plans.

Lynn Adams, Sales Manager at Canyon Creek Resort in Winters CA, a Vista Resorts Property boasts, “We plan to double our enrollment rate in 2008. RVers are tired of the high prices of KOA and Good Sam Parks, the over crowdedness and increased crime in Government Parks. We offer the best alternative out there; low overnight fees, luxurious amenities, planned activities and 24-hour security. If you camp or travel in an RV you can't go wrong.”

CAMPGROUND CHATTER…
There is quite a buzz in camping and RV circles across northern California. How can they do it?
…No overnight fees? ...You can always get in? …They are half the price of many of their competitors?
--Hundreds of excited campers, RV owners and outdoor recreation minded families are claiming they
have found the greatest camping value ever.

VISTA RESORTS
A northern California based private campground company is improving the way folks take vacations and weekend get-a-ways. In just seven years Vista Resorts has helped thousands of northern Californians save money with marvelous, fully equipped resort campgrounds; created a venue for short, spur of the movement get-a-ways and changed the way people feel about private camping. No overnight fees! With comparable facilities charging $40 to $60 per night, Vista Resorts offers unlimited camping on most plans with no overnight fees, subject to only a low annual maintenance fee. Quite simply, the more you use their facilities, the more you save! Vista Resorts restricts the number of enrollments at each facility so getting in is very easy. And with a toll free live operator, reservations are a breeze.

Vista Resorts has become increasingly popular with its no over night fee, luurious amenities and hundreds of affiliated locations nationwide. There are not a lot of traffic jams in the extra mile,” states Alan Clarey, Public Relations Director. “That’s exactly what we promote within our company, The Extra Mile. Going above and beyond the call of duty with our customer service is the key to our success. There are so few companies that offer the Service and Amenities, the vast number of locations and the affordability of Vista Resorts. That’s what I mean by: It’s never crowded at the extra mile.” Exclusive to members and their guests, Vista Resorts offers 24-hour security and a full activity schedule. Those who care to partake can enjoy Barbecues, Dancing to live music, Children’s planned activities, Arts and Crafts, Seminars and more, while others who seem to like to keep to themselves can just take in the scenery and relax. It's apparent by the overwhelming response of their members;

Vista Resorts is doing things right no matter how you enjoy the outdoors.
For your complimentary 2 night and 3 day Free Camping Pass to a Vista Resort nearest you, call 800-880-8039 -- or just click here! Free Camping Pass