CAMPERS staying overnight at the Allora and Dalveen Park Reserves will soon be required to pay a small charge.

The overnight camping fee was introduced by Southern Downs Regional Council at today's general meeting.

Mayor Peter Blundell said the decision to introduce a nominal fee of $10 was prompted by the costs associated with maintaining the facilities and removing refuse.

The park reserves in Allora and Dalveen are used by large numbers of caravans, motor homes, vans and other vehicles at different times of the year.

"Council believes that it's reasonable to require those using the facilities to contribute a small amount towards the maintenance of the facilities," Cr Blundell said.

A $10 fee will be created and included in council's fees and charges register for overnight camping.

A collection of the fee will be done via an honesty box system.

"Council has been using an honesty box system at the Warwick Aerodrome for landing fees, which has been working well, so a similar system will be implemented at the two reserves, along with the erection of appropriate signage about the overnight stay fee," Cr Blundell said.

"It's important to note that the maximum stay for vehicles in these reserves is 24 hours, and this will certainly be re-affirmed in the signage that is installed at the entrances to the reserves.

"Council is aware that other land under Council control in areas such as Leyburn and Wallangarra are also being used for overnight stays, but at this stage the fee collection system will only apply the Allora and Dalveen park reserves so we can see how it goes."