Shaun Burdon, who lives near the Bendigo inlet, said there seemed to be fewer people staying long-term at that spot.
''Most people seem to be there three or four nights and move on.''
There was still scattered rubbish at times, such as bottles and toilet paper, he said.
Last year there were up to 50 tents some nights, and the result was ''disgusting''.
''There was rubbish and human faeces. Some people had been staying there at least five weeks.''
During the day yesterday there were only about six tents at the inlet, but the number was expected to increase last night, he said.
Cromwell Community Board chairman Neil Gillespie said he was ''not convinced'' freedom-camping problems had lessened.
''At Lowburn there are certainly less tents than two years ago, as there were last year, but there are a number of non-self-contained vehicles.''
Before last summer, tents were banned and the site restricted to self-contained vehicles.
He was not aware of complaints about litter in that area.
Land Information New Zealand seemed responsive when complaints were made, he said.
''They don't know what they don't know. There's no point whingeing about it and not telling them.''
Mark Jackson, of Jackson Orchards, in Cromwell, said last year it began enforcing a policy banning its workers from freedom-camping.
''We saw that it was becoming a problem in the area. We've had rooms here for about 15 years, and we have a campsite on site where workers can pay to stay.
''In the past some of them ... freedom-camped instead. Now we make sure they're either staying here or at a legit campground.''
Neighbouring orchard Webb's Fruit had a similar policy, but Mr Jackson said he had not talked to other orchardists in the area.
He heard there were still issues with freedom camping around the lake.
Land Information New Zealand acting crown property group manager Trevor Knowles said it did not collect information on how many freedom campers there were around the lake.
It could not get information yesterday on whether there were an increase in complaints this year, as it was waiting to hear back from contractors.
''Freedom camping is definitely more popular during the summer. Inspections are carried out by our contractors as needed.''
