CA Parks Contractor Sued Over Hidden Junk Fees

Lawsuit claims ReserveCalifornia.com adds illegal reservation fees, raising costs for state park visitors across California

California (Times Media Service) – A new lawsuit alleges the contractor behind ReserveCalifornia.com, the official California State Parks reservation website, is illegally adding hidden junk fees to bookings, surprising visitors with higher costs and raising questions about transparency for outdoor enthusiasts across the state.

Lawsuit Alleges Hidden Junk Fees on ReserveCalifornia.com

The “ReserveCalifornia.com junk fees,” is at the center of a new class-action lawsuit filed by California residents. The suit claims Tyler Technologies, the Texas-based company operating ReserveCalifornia.com, is violating state law by tacking on undisclosed reservation fees at the end of the booking process. These fees can increase the total cost of a campsite by more than 20%, catching many park visitors off guard.

California’s Honest Pricing Act and Its Impact

California’s Honest Pricing Act, which took effect in July 2024, requires all mandatory fees to be included in advertised prices. According to the lawsuit, ReserveCalifornia.com junk fees are not disclosed upfront, leaving customers to discover the extra charges only at checkout. This practice, known as “drip pricing,” is now illegal under state law.

How ReserveCalifornia.com Junk Fees Affect Park Visitors

For Imperial Valley families and outdoor lovers, these hidden reservation fees can make trips to California State Parks less affordable. The lawsuit highlights that the extra money from these fees goes to Tyler Technologies, not to support state parks or improve facilities. Over the life of its 10-year contract, the company could collect up to $400 million in fees.

Legal and Consumer Reactions to Hidden Reservation Fees

Attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that ReserveCalifornia.com junk fees mislead the public and violate both state law and the company’s contract with California. They emphasize that the fees do not benefit the parks and are exactly the type of charges the new law was designed to prevent. Tyler Technologies has not yet commented on the lawsuit.

What’s Next for California State Parks Reservations?

If the lawsuit succeeds, Tyler Technologies could be forced to refund millions in reservation fees and change how prices are displayed on ReserveCalifornia.com. This outcome could set a precedent for other online government services and ensure more transparent pricing for all Californians.