This Land, Your Land

North Carolina State Parks this month initiated their first fee increase since 2003 for camping, cabin and boat rentals, admission to some swimming areas and picnic shelter rentals at all state parks and state recreation areas.

The amount of the increase varies, the state Division of Parks and Recreation news release says. "For example, the fee for a standard campsite without utilities will increase from $15 to $17 per night, admission to swim areas will increase from $4 to $5 per day and rental for a medium-sized picnic shelter will change from $60 to $70 per day."

Parking at Jordan Lake, Falls Lake and Kerr Lake state recreation areas will be $6 per vehicle.

Thirty-four of more than 50 State Parks properties have no admission fees, the news release says.

The General Assembly improved the fee increase in its 2009 session.