Commission considering hike in boating fee, adding camping fee

(Tahlequah-AP) -- The cost of floating the Illinois River may soon be going up.

The Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission is considering increasing the fee per boat from one to two dollars. The commission is also considering charging those who camp along the river.

Administrator Ed Fite says a fee of six dollars per four campers per night would not be out of line with what other states charge, and what is charged at other Oklahoma campsites.

Officials say revenue is down because more people are floating the river in rafts rather than canoes. The rafts can carry up to eight people, as opposed to a two-person canoe.

The money helps pay for cleanup and law enforcement along the river, and maintenance of rest rooms, picnic tables and the campsites.