A new Game Fish and Parks commissioner wants to raise prices on cabins in state parks.
Bruce Cull, who was recently appointed by Gov. Kristi Noem, said the increase can be used to offset the cost of maintaining the structures, which are booked less than half of the year.
State-owned lodging facilities were a topic of conversation at the recent Game, Fish, and Parks monthly commission meeting.
The structures allow visitors provides the opportunity for any outdoor enthusiast to stay the night indoors in a state park. Cull argues the prices are often cheaper than privately-owned hotels or rentals.
Commissioner Cull said the commission should re-evaluate its prices.
“I really want to stress that, kinda, officially. I think that you made the comment that you hear people say, ‘Wow how can I get it for that.’ And I know it is a tough dilemma, pricing yourself out of business. But man, prices on all the things we seem to offer is like really cheap,” said Cull.
Under the current pricing structure, the state reports lodging was booked for about 120 nights last year.
The state offers three types of lodgingin state parks: group lodges, modern cabins, and suites.
Jeff VanMeeteren is the Division Director of Parks and Recreation for GF&P. He said he has stayed in the cabins in the past.
“I personally used to use this with a large group of guys from my hometown and every time I took them up there, they go, ‘I can’t believe you offer this for $280 a night.’ So, it’s just a neat old farm house,” said VanMeeteren.
Any timeline for potential price changes is unclear.
The next GFP commission meeting is scheduled for July 20-21st.
