While the possibility of Department of Conservation camping grounds being leased to private management has concerned campers in the North Island, it is a process that is already under way in Otago.
Doc was consulting the public on its plans to let a concession to 12 Mile Delta Ltd for 48 years for the management of Twelve Mile Recreation Reserve, near Queenstown.
In the North Island, the possibility of similar moves, denied by Doc, has led to concerns it could push up camping prices and lead to more freedom camping.
Labour tourism spokesman Kelvin Davis said any moves to hand Doc camping grounds to private companies, to be run at a profit, might signal the end of the "genuine Kiwi" camping.
"The Kiwi camping holiday can't be priced out of the range of everyday Kiwis who just want to get away for an inexpensive holiday over the summer break."
If camping grounds became too expensive, it could lead to more freedom camping, with its associated problems with rubbish dumping, or people would not go camping.
"If camping grounds become too flash, we may as well just pitch our tents and caravans in our driveways at home ...
"It would defeat the purpose if we escaped the suburbs, just to camp in a canvas subdivision," Mr Davis said.
Doc Coastal Otago Ken Stewart said the Papatowai camp site in the Catlins was another camping ground where awarding a lease to a private party had been considered.
"The department has tried to encourage the private sector to take on a lease of this established site and upgrade it.
"We have not been successful in formally attracting any takers, although we do get casual interest from time to time."
There are 16 Doc camp sites in Otago, the majority in the Southern Lakes area, two in the Catlins and two in North Otago.
Most charge about $6-$7 a night and provide toilets and tap water.
New Zealand Holiday Parks Association chief executive Fergus Brown said he did not believe many Doc camp sites would be financially viable for a commercial operator because of their seasonal nature.
"A commercial holiday park needs all-year-round business."
While statistics on Doc camping grounds use in Otago had yet to be collated for the summer, staff believed they were being well patronised.
Wanaka area manager Paul Hellebrekers said there had been a steady use of Doc camp sites in the area over the Christmas-New Year period.
Coastal Otago community relations manager Rebecca Hiscock said it was difficult to gauge the number of people who stayed at the camp sites because some campers did not fill in self registration envelopes or pay fees, unless they were visited by a ranger.
Anecdotal evidence indicated there had been an increase in camping numbers, in particular in the Catlins, she said.
Submissions to the Twelve Mile concession close on March 1.
