Free and budget campsites: New South Wales

Words Julija Zivanovic Pics Julija Zivanovic, Robert Crack and Supplied

Welcome to part six of our free and budget camping spots series by state — this time we’re covering multifaceted New South Wales. Keep reading to discover some fantastic free campsites, and more!

The country’s most iconic city, Sydney is the capital of New South Wales (Credit Getty Images)

If you missed the first (Queensland), second (Northern Territory), third (Western Australia), fourth (South Australia) and fifth (Victoria) parts of this series, just hit the corresponding links to catch up. Otherwise, welcome to part six where we’ll cover the best free and budget campsites of our country’s most populous state, New South Wales. If you’re after historic destinations, bucket-list activities and unbeatable nature, then look no further than NSW for your next camping road trip. 

NSW regions

New South Wales — known for its beautiful beaches, being home to the famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the stunning Blue Mountains, the country’s tallest peak (Mount Kosciuszko at 2228 metres) and for being Australia’s most populated state — is made up of 13 regions.

As can be seen on the map above, these are known as Outback NSW, New England North West, North Coast, Central Coast, South Coast, Hunter, Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central NSW, Riverina, The Murray, Snowy Mountains and Capital Country (including Canberra). We’ll try to cover as many of these as we can as we delve into some of NSW’s best budget-friendly and free campgrounds.

New South Wales is home to the breathtaking Blue Mountains (Credit Getty Images)

Camping grounds

*FREEBIE* Coorongooba Campground, Blue Mountains

What better way to kick things off than with an ~almost~ freebie right in the heart of the Blue Mountains? This camp in Wollemi National Park could be NSW’s best-kept secret considering the all-round postcard-like views. We couldn’t believe its price point of $6 per booking, no matter the number of nights or people. If you really wanted, you could book your whole family in for a week for the tiny fee of $6. 

How’s the serenity at Coorongooba Campground? (Credit Robert Crack)

Just over a three-hour drive northwest of Sydney, Coorongooba offers scenic bushwalking, paddling in the shallow river and world-class birdwatching. Sites are suitable for tents and camper trailers and amenities are basic with only toilets, barbecue facilities and picnic tables. Campers must be fully self-sufficient.

Bookings must be made via the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website (linked below). Please be advised that although this campground is accessible for most two-wheel drive vehicles, a four-wheel drive is required in wet weather.

Contact: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au or 02 6370 9000

Hobart Beach Campground, South Coast

This popular campground in Bournda National Park on NSW’s South Coast — about a six-hour drive south of Sydney and close to the town of Bega — offers a tranquil environment for campers seeking to soak up the secluded serenity. This camping ground is a great place to base yourself for nearby swimming, fishing, paddling, walking trails and much more. 

Offering 66 unpowered sites suitable for tents, campervans, camper trailers and caravans, there are plenty of options for campers. Facilities include an amenities block (with hot showers and toilets), picnic tables and barbecues, however there is no drinking water so campers must bring plenty.

Sites are fairly priced at $24 per night (maximum six people per site) and bookings must be made via the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website (linked below). All conventional vehicles can access the campground. 

Please be advised that a Parks Pass ($8 per vehicle per day) is required to enter Bournda National Park. You can obtain yours here. 

Contact: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au or 02 6495 5000

The Ruins Camping Area, North Coast

Boomerang Beach is just a 10-minute drive southeast of the Ruins Camping Area

This stunning campground in the heart of Booti Booti National Park (three hours northeast of Sydney by car) is in the perfect location to explore nearby natural attractions, including your author’s NSW favourite — Boomerang Beach (pictured above) — which is just a short drive (10 mins) southeast of the Ruins Camping Area, or a 1.5-hour walk if you want to work up a sweat while witnessing some incredible coastal scenery. 

The popular camping and picnic area — with a massive 96 unpowered sites suitable for tents, camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes — is in the perfect spot to explore nearby beaches, swimming, walking and even whale watching. Facilities include picnic tables, barbecues, drinking water, showers, toilets and rubbish bin. 

Fees are low at $34 per site per night (six or eight people max. depending on site type), with sites varying in size and suitability for intended camping medium. All conventional vehicles can access the camp. 

Please be advised that a Parks Pass ($8 per vehicle per day) is required to enter Booti Booti National Park. You can obtain yours here. 

Contact: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au or 02 6591 0300

Caravan parks

Alpine Tourist Park, Snowy Mountains

The park for all seasons, Alpine Tourist Park in the town of Adaminaby is located five hours southwest of Sydney by car and is in a great spot to enjoy the surrounding high country, including nearby Kosciuszko National Park. Awesome fishing, skiing, bushwalking and cycling are all also nearby. 

This well-priced caravan park offers several accommodation options, including varying caravan and tent sites for camping, cabins and mobile homes. Park facilities include an amenities block, well-equipped camp kitchen with gas barbecue, microwave, toaster etc., dump point, laundry and much more. Fees apply and all vehicles can access the park.

Contact: alpinetouristpark.com.au or 02 6454 2438

Corowa Bindaree Holiday Park, The Murray

This family owned and operated caravan park not far from the NSW/Victoria border (about a six-hour drive southwest of Sydney) is a great budget-friendly option for campers. The park offers varying accommodation options to suit all travellers and is a great base for exploring the nearby Murray River. 

Options for staying include executive cabins, self-contained one- and two-bedroom apartments and varying powered and unpowered sites to suit all budgets and requirements. The park features a private boat ramp, swimming pool, kids’ playground, jumping pillow, laundry facilities, dump point, recreation room, undercover barbecue facilities and seating, giant chess set, half basketball court and more. Fees apply and all conventional vehicles can access the park.

Contact: corowabindareeholidaypark.com.au or 02 6033 2500

Reflections Byron Bay Holiday Park, North Coast

Reflections Byron Bay is across the road from the stunning Main Beach 

Located right across the road from the Main Beach in Byron Bay (about eight hours northeast of Sydney by car), this fairly priced caravan park gives campers the option to enjoy Byron without the usual high fees the tourist town attracts. Stay in this prime spot to easily enjoy all the sights and activities Byron offers. 

Accommodation options are numerous, such as powered and unpowered camping sites, glamping tents and a range of cabins, villas and tiny homes. Facilities include a camp kitchen, amenities blocks, barbecue area, children’s playground, kiosk, dump point, laundry facilities and much more. Fees apply and all regular vehicles can access the holiday park.

Contact: reflectionsholidays.com.au/parks/byron-bay/ or 02 6685 6496

Bush camps

Brambles Green Campground, North Coast

This popular, walk-in bush camp found at the end of the Mungo walking track in Myall Lakes National Park is an awesome spot to enjoy riverside activities including fishing and kayaking, but you must get in first as there are only two sites available (max. six people each).  

Located just over a three-hour drive northeast of Sydney, this campground on the Myall River doesn’t offer much in the way of facilities apart from barbecues, but for $24.60 per night (split across six is less than a fiver each) in such stunning surrounds, we think that’s OK. Just remember to be self-sufficient including drinking water and food if planning to camp here.

You can only access this campground by boat or foot, so make sure you’re well prepared before setting off, including identifying a suitable spot to leave your vehicle if walking from it.

Please be advised that a Parks Pass ($8 per vehicle per day) is required to enter Myall Lakes National Park. You can obtain yours here.

Contact: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au or 02 6591 0300

*FREEBIE* Paddys Flat Camping Area, New England North West

Paddys Flat Camping Area (Credit VisitNSW.com)

This free bush camp located about a nine-hour drive northeast of Sydney is in a beautifully lush area, offering a tranquil base for self-contained campers. Beside the Clarence River, this pet-friendly campground has no booking system so sites operate on a first come, first served basis, but if you nab one of the spots you will be well rewarded. 

The camping area is suitable for tents and camper trailers, but no caravans or big rigs. Nearby activities include swimming, fishing and great 4WD tracks. Again, being a bush camp, there are no facilities so all campers must be fully self-sufficient including drinking water. 

While a four-wheel drive is not required to access this campground, it may become impassable for 2WDs in wet weather. We advise checking conditions prior to setting off if you don’t have a 4WD.  

*FREEBIE* Tilpa Weir Bush Camp, Outback NSW

This free bush camp located deep in the NSW outback and about 10 hours by car northwest of Sydney offers a peaceful spot for campers. The camp overlooks the beautiful Darling River and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the surrounding area including fishing, bushwalking and sensational birdwatching. 

The camp can accommodate tents, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs with large trees that provide plenty of shade. Being a true bush camp, this camp offers no facilities therefore all campers must be fully self-sufficient including drinking water and food. A 4WD vehicle is required to access this camp.

Contact: 02 6837 3928

Overnight rest areas

*FREEBIE* Bodalla Forest Rest Area, South Coast

This free overnight rest area just off the Princes Highway in Bodalla State Forest is about 4.5 hours south of Sydney by car. The forest is picturesque with tall spotted gums and plenty of native birds and animals, perfect for nature lovers.

Sites are suitable to tents, caravans and campervans and there is plenty to enjoy in the nearby area including bushwalking and scenic drives. Facilities are limited to picnic tables, toilets and barbecues. All vehicles can access the rest area. 

Contact: 1300 655 687

*FREEBIE* Sandy Point Reserve, Riverina 

Sandy Point Reserve offers free short-term camping in a stunning location

This free overnight rest area located on the Murrumbidgee River is about an eight-hour drive west of Sydney. In the beautiful Riverina region, this is free camping at its best. This camp is often busy due to no booking fee and its handy location but there’s plenty of room to spread out. 

Facilities include toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and a boat ramp, and for $2 you can have yourself a hot shower at the Visitor Centre in Moppett Street. All conventional vehicles can access the camp.

Contact: visithay.com.au or 02 6993 4045

*FREEBIE* Woolomin Camping Reserve, New England North West

This free overnight rest area — provided by the Tamworth Regional Council — about five hours north of Sydney is the perfect place to stay for travellers keen to explore the New England North West region. The rest stop/camping reserve is on the Peel River and there are plenty of nearby nature activities, plus the towns of Nundle, Tamworth and Walcha.

While the unpowered camping is free, there are also powered sites available for the small fee of $11 per night, paid at the general store. Facilities are decent for a free rest area/camping reserve, including toilets, picnic tables, kids’ playground and barbecues — and there are lots of places to get supplies nearby. Tamworth Regional Council encourages campers using the reserve to purchase from the businesses in nearby towns. All vehicles can access the rest area.

Contact: tamworth.nsw.gov.au or 02 6767 5901

Get your copy today!

If you enjoyed learning about NSW’s best free and budget camping spots and would like more information on each of the above (and more!) grab a copy of Hema’s Where to Camp Guide Australia available on the Hema Maps website and at leading outdoor retailers. 

This guidebook was prepared in collaboration with the CMCA, Australia’s largest RV club. Listings are categorised as camping grounds, caravan parks, bush camps and overnight rest areas so you can easily determine which is right for you and your family.

Related articles

Free and budget campsites: Queensland 

Free and budget campsites: Northern Territory

Free and budget campsites: Western Australia

Free and budget campsites: South Australia 

Free and budget campsites: Victoria