AUGUSTA -- Campers will notice slightly higher campsite fees at state parks starting in July if the budget passes as proposed.

And those who live out of state will be expected to pay an additional $5 fee.

The camping fees are small parts of the $190 million supplemental budget that's designed to plug a hole in the two-year $6.3 billion budget.

Although the state Department of Conservation has always charged the 7 percent meals and lodging tax on campsites, it was included in the $15 fee. The budget change will mean the cost will be passed along to campers, increasing the cost of a $15 a night campsite to $16.05.

"We think campgrounds are bargains," said Eliza Townsend, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Conservation.

The additional tax money is expected to raise $85,570 a year for the state and the additional fee for nonresident campers will bring in $151,000 a year, Townsend said.

The state decided not to extend the additional $5 fee to resident campers because Mainers supported a bond issue last year to pay for campground improvements.

"We wanted to put the burden on out-of-staters," she said.

The camping fees were approved in both the Democratic and Republican versions of the budget.

The issue has not come up for debate in either the House or Senate. The budget will be up for more votes on Monday.

The state park system includes 12 campgrounds. In 2007, visitors used the parks on 229,000 camping nights, according to the department.

In a recent statement released by the department, reservations through the end for February for the 2008 camping season were at an all-time high.

"With current higher gas prices, people may vacation closer to home," said Conservation Commissioner Patrick McGowan.

"So, we expect this year to be just as busy as last, if not more so," he said.

Susan Cover -- 623-1056

scover@centralmaine.com