![Idaho State Park Pass is a Bargain](https://townsquare.media/site/95/files/2021/04/Dunes-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Idaho State Park Pass is a Bargain
I grew up in state parks. My dad worked for many years as a park superintendent. At one house I could open a bedroom window and go to sleep hearing the sound of a nearby waterfall. My brother and I used to climb gorges. We went fishing all year long and spent summer days on beaches and swimming.
I was surprised by how many park gates are unattended and people simply ignore paying a fee based on the honor system
The old man also talked constantly about a lack of money available for needed park maintenance. When I was in my early 30s and working as a television reporter, I did an interview with one of his successors. When I was wrapping up I explained my dad’s old gripes. “Nothing has changed,” is what the guy told me.
When I came to Idaho, I was surprised by how many park gates are unattended and people simply ignore paying a fee based on the honor system. It’s not free! I renewed the registration on my car December 31st and I decided to add the park pass. This was after someone beeped a horn behind me as I was stuffing a park fee in an envelope a couple of years ago.
On Saturday I made a drive to Bruneau Dunes. There was an attendant. When I told her my family history was the cause for the yearly pass, she grinned. When I was leaving she gave me a hearty wave.
Bruneau Dunes is an absolute gem within the Gem State! Camping is a bargain. The views are a bargain. It’s also kid friendly. The ones I saw sledding were having a ball. It’s worth five bucks for a single visit and for me it was worth the small fee I paid last winter. Now any weekend I’m looking to get away for a few hours I’ve got this great option. It’s cheaper than a movie. It’s cheaper than a burger and fries at most restaurants. It’s a better deal than any other recreational experience I can find.
ALSO SEE: 30 Most Decade-Defining Memes
More From 98.3 The Snake
![The Smithsonian Says This Idaho Town is One of the Best in America](http://townsquare.media/site/95/files/2021/06/attachment-Wallace-DL.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Some Say Idaho is a Terrible Place for Camping](http://townsquare.media/site/95/files/2023/03/attachment-Camp-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Idaho Pets May be the First Casualties of a Collapsing Economy](http://townsquare.media/site/95/files/2022/06/attachment-Cat.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Do I See 6 Dollars a Gallon on Idaho’s Horizon?](http://townsquare.media/site/95/files/2022/06/attachment-G-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Twin Falls Grows But Loses Ground Against Other Idaho Cities](http://townsquare.media/site/95/files/2022/06/attachment-Twin-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![As Inflation Rages Idaho’s Grocery Tax Looks Immoral](http://townsquare.media/site/95/files/2022/06/attachment-gemma-stpjHJGqZyw-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![A Day May be Coming When You Can Afford a New Home in Idaho](http://townsquare.media/site/95/files/2022/06/attachment-A-11.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![5 Dollars a Gallon Appears a Couple of Weeks Away in Idaho](http://townsquare.media/site/95/files/2022/06/attachment-erik-mclean-w85wCFelnmw-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![To Protect Idaho’s Kids, Let’s Protect Cops in Schools](http://townsquare.media/site/95/files/2022/05/attachment-antonio-grosz-HmMVzPlwM4E-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)