National parks seem to be run according to the privatized business model that guides health insurance companies: raise rates and reduce services. Over the past decade or so, the entrance fees and camping fees have increased and the free interpretive programs have diminished, almost disappearing in some instances. For low and lower middle income families today, spending a weekend camping in a national park is beyond their budgets.
Winter Camping or Primitive Camping:
When the Apgar Campground is closed during the winter, camping is available at the picnic area. The picnic area is next to the lake and in some respects in a nicer area for camping. For those in tents, however, the pit toilets are somewhat less luxurious than the bathrooms in the regular campground. Shown below are some photographs of the picnic area and, more importantly, views of the lake and mountains from this site.
Apgar Campground:
Shown below are some photographs of the unoccupied campground. The white stuff on the ground shown in some of the pictures is a rare form of water known as snow.
Transportation Center:
From the Fourth of July weekend through Labor Day, there is a free shuttle service in the park. In April, however, the transportation center sits empty, awaiting the rush of tourists.