COLUMBIA, S.C. - An increase in fees hasn't meant a drop in the number of visitors to South Carolina's state parks.

In September, the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department implemented a $2 per person fee for all noncoastal parks. Rates for seniors also were bumped up.

Agency officials hoped to raise an extra $1 million a year, but some people predicted a drop in attendance might keep them from reaching that goal.

However, figures from September and October 2003 show state park campgrounds were about 2 percent busier than during the same months in 2002, and the park service has no immediate plans to reconsider its rates, director Van Stickles said.

Of the 12 busiest campsites in the system, usage rose at six and declined at six. Table Rock went up nearly 24 percent. The biggest drop among the larger parks was nearly 18 percent at Lake Wateree.

While the fall is a popular weekend camping period, Stickles said the agency would like to see an entire year of statistics before determining the impact of the fee change.

Some people still aren't happy about the increase.

"I realize there's a budget crunch, but I think they were too drastic ... we are citizens of this state, and it seems like they're pushing us out," said Mary Birchmore of Greenwood.

Information from: The State