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Marla Jo Fisher, Orange County Register

Crystal Cove State Beach, California, one of the beaches at which you can use these passes to save on parking fees

ENLARGE

Last Chance to buy State Parks Pass before price increase

By MARLA JO FISHER

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Published: May 22, 2012 Updated: March 27, 2013 10:48 a.m.

The state of California just raised the price of its annual parks pass, which gives you the right to enter and park all over the state, to a mind-blowing $195, but only until June 1, you can buy it from the California State Parks Foundation as their "Frequent Visitor Pass" for only $125 per year.

So, you save $70 on parking at state beaches and other parks, and support this fine organization which works to help state parks survive and thrive.

And, if you pay $175 for a year and join as a "Touring Member" you can lock in that rate for three years. This includes a membership to the foundation, admission and parking at 200 state parks, newsletter and also 10% off camping reservations. But hurry this deal ends soon.

Note that the foundation also offers a special $25 introductory membership rate right now that includes seven parking passes that you can use at any state park or beach.

That's worth $105, if you spend $15 each time to park at a state beach here in Orange County. (Note that this pass won't work at beaches run by cities such as Huntington Beach, only at state parks.) I have this deal myself and carry the passes in my glovebox.

Click here to go to the California State Parks Foundation membership page

Here's how to get discounted national park passes: