Visitor numbers for the past summer at many Department of Conservation campsites in Queenstown and Wanaka increased by more than 50% compared with the 2010-11 summer.
Wakatipu community relations ranger Susie Geh said Doc estimated visitor numbers based on the revenue collected.
Of the five campsites in the Wakatipu area requiring fees, Moke Lake and 12 Mile Delta proved to be the most popular, with visitor numbers doubling.
The Boundary Creek and Cameron Flat campsites in Wanaka saw a similar increase, with numbers to Boundary Creek increasing by more than 100%.
Doc attributed the increases to "stunning weather in the South, and to families choosing to holiday locally".
Ms Geh said in Wakatipu specifically the installation of wardens ensured people paid campsite fees.
"The reasons can be attributed to both an increase in visitor numbers and improved payment of fees by the public as a result of the wardens we now have at 12 Mile and Moke Lake."
She said it was not only during summer that visitor numbers had doubled; visitor numbers for the 2011-12 financial year showed a 50% increase on the previous financial year.
The financial year was not yet over and Ms Geh said "already we have had a 50% increase in fees collected from the 12 Mile campsite compared to the 2010-11 year".
"We have equalled the previous year's revenue for Lake Sylvan and Moke Lake, and the revenue for Kinloch and Skippers campsites has nearly doubled."
