Park Rate Increase A Downer For Campers

Get ready to pay a little extra if you're going camping this summer. Starting Monday, all Oklahoma State Parks will increase the nightly fees for camping out.

The News On 6's Jeffrey Smith reports the new price will change the way guests spend their vacations.

It's only a two dollar increase for campers, but depending on what side of the tent you sit on, the small rate hike is going to be a big deal this summer.

"It still hurts. It still hurts the rest of us," said Vonda Myers.

Myers isn't mincing words. She's reacting to the two dollar price hike for camping at state parks. The new fee is $10 a night.

"Add it up, for two weeks, two bucks a night, that's 14 bucks, $24. Twenty-four dollars every two weeks makes a difference," said Myers.

At Keystone Park near Mannford, long-term campers like Myers say the increase will take its toll.

"Eight dollars ain't that bad, so $10 wouldn't be that much more," said Cari Fry.  

Weekend warriors like Fry say it's no big deal.

"I love being outdoors. Fishing, being here with the kids, it's great to get out of the house," said Fry.

Oklahoma parks need to generate their own revenue for upkeep. Officials say like everybody else, their bills for water and electricity have been skyrocketing.

"It's just one of those things, that the times came, and it's time to increase," said Donna Larson of Keystone State Park.

"It cuts in when you want to spend a lot of time to take a vacation. I mean, if you go a weekend, it's alright, its perfect," said Madelyn Bish.

Bish camps out for most of the summer. She says she'll have to cut back on vacation extras.

"The extra little stuff, like the extra bag of marshmallows or the extra water toy for him," said Bish.

Bish says it's just a sign of the times. Even in the middle of Mother Nature, you can't seem to catch a break these days.

The rate increase takes effect first thing Monday morning at all 50 Oklahoma State Parks. It only applies to camp sites where vacationers pitch tents. RV campgrounds are not affected by this increase.