Campers now have to pack more than a tent and s’mores when going on a trip.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his administration are considering raising camping fees to help with the state’s budget.

For campers who have electricity and water hook-ups, the cost of camping will be $20. For others, the cost will be $11 to $15, an increase of $9.

Tim Schweizer, a spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources, said he has heard negative reactions from loyal campers who have been going to the same locations for several years.

“The fees have not been raised in 12 years,” Schweizer said.

The camping fees charged depend on the camping site, not on the number of people using the site.

The price increase will be used to maintain the camping areas and parks.

About six months ago, Blagojevich increased boat registration fees.

The cost for boat registration and renewal depends on the kind of boat and its size.

Becky Carroll, a spokeswoman for the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, said it’s not definite whether the camping fee increase will pass.

“There are hundreds of items under consideration,” Carroll said. “Gov. Blagojevich made a lot of progress [on the budget], but the state is still in trouble.”

Shane Carpenter, manager of outdoor sports store Northlander, 209 E. Lincoln Highway, said he hasn’t heard any reaction from his consumers about the proposal.

“The reason people camp is because they can’t afford to travel outside of the state,” Carpenter said. “I don’t know if it’ll keep people from camping.”

The higher fees could go into effect March 1 if approved, according to a press release.

Michigan, Indiana and Minnesota all have raised camping fees within the last year.