Robert Posted on 20 August 2025

State vs national parks — untangling the rules before you roll in

Words Allison Watt and Robert Crack Pics: Robert Crack

To the average punter the camping landscape in national parks and state parks can seem to be a labyrinth of bureaucracy, so we try to peel away some of the myth and folklore and provide you with the facts.

Anbangbang Billabong, Kakadu National Park. You aren't permitted to camp here, but Djarradjin (Muirella Park) Campground and Sandy Billabong Campground are less than 5km away (Credit: Robert Crack)

Confused about where you can camp, what it costs and whether the dog can come along? You’re not alone. Think of this as your no-nonsense primer — part myth-busting, part survival guide — for navigating Australia’s patchwork of park rules.

The big picture

If you’ve ever swapped the bustle of a holiday park for a riverside campsite or chosen a quiet bush clearing over a powered slab, you’ve almost certainly camped in a state or national park.

They’re not the same thing — and knowing the difference can save you headaches, fines and wasted trips.

National parks are protected for their outstanding natural, cultural or ecological value. That means stricter rules, fewer high-impact activities and a focus on preserving landscapes, biodiversity and cultural heritage.

State parks (where they exist) still protect nature but allow more recreational use — think bigger picnic areas, better-developed campgrounds and sometimes even interpretive centres.

Dandos Campground in Otway Forest Park (dogs on leash permitted) is located near but outside Great Otway National Park (Credit: Robert Crack)

Despite the ‘national’ label, almost all parks are run by state or territory agencies. The exception? Six federally managed national parks, including Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kakadu National Park, which fall under Parks Australia and have their own booking systems and fees.

What you'll pay

Fees at Australia’s national and state parks vary wildly — from free bush camps to $50 per family per night at prime coastal spots.

Some parks also charge vehicle entry fees on top of camping. Examples:

NSW park entry: $4–$12/day, or $29/day in Kosciuszko during ski season.
QLD’s island recreation areas: $14.40/day for a 4WD access permit.
WA annual all-parks pass — good value if you’re touring.

When to book: Many parks open reservations 6–12 months ahead, and popular sites (think Wilsons Promontory National Park, K'gari / Great Sandy National Park or Cape Range National Park) can sell out within minutes.

The 'Ghost Camping' problem

One reason you might see empty sites in a ‘booked out’ park is ghost camping — people reserving spots they never use, without cancelling. It’s not just rude, it’s now a fineable offence in some states. Here’s a quick summary:

NSW: The NSW NPWS is working to simplify its camping fee and booking system, and in doing so reduce the number of ghost bookings. These proposed changes include bringing in state-wide pricing tiers, 80 per cent refunds for cancellations and scrapping separate booking fees.
Victoria: The Victoria Government pulled the pin on a free-camping trial after ghost bookings left top sites empty over Easter this year. Half-price fees returned in July 2025 and will remain in play until June 2027.
Queensland: Has introduced a new $322.60 on-the-spot fine for no-shows or leaving gear unattended more than 24 hours, with a $3,226 maximum fine if the infringement goes to court.

How Australia's state and national parks are run

Here’s the roll call of who’s in charge:

And federally via Parks Australia :

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park , Kakadu National Park
Booderee National Park (Jervis Bay)
Christmas Island National Park
Pulu Keeling National Park
Norfolk Island National Park
Plus 60 marine parks and Australia’s botanic gardens

Now, we acknowledge that — unless you own a submarine — you probably won’t be taking your recreational vehicle to Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Norfolk Island or any of the marine parks any time soon, but we wanted to illustrate just how broad the remit of Parks Australia truly is.

State-by-state camping guide

New South Wales

About: 895 protected areas covering 7.6 million hectares — national parks, nature reserves, flora reserves, World Heritage areas, alpine peaks, beaches, rainforest and cultural heritage sites.

Bookings: Online only; see site details, photos, facilities and caravan suitability.

Fees: $0–$35/night camping; entry fees at 45 parks from $4–$12/day.

Pets: No dogs in national parks; OK in some regional parks; and OK in all state forests (on leash).

Dead Horse Gully campground in Sturt National Park is suitable for caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers and camping beside your vehicle (Credit: Robert Crack)

Victoria

About: 3000 land and marine parks and reserves covering 18 per cent of the state, from High Country peaks to rugged coast.

Bookings: 131 bookable sites; online only. Min/max stays at hotspots such as Wilsons Promontory National Park, Great Otway National Park and Buchan Caves Reserve.

Fees: $15.50–$17.30/night (half price from July 2025).

Pets: No dogs in national parks; many dog-friendly regional park options.

Western Australia

About: More than 31 million hectares of national and marine parks, state forests, nature reserves, forests, coral reefs and desert.

Bookings: Online for busy campgrounds; self-service kiosks and/or on-site staff or volunteers elsewhere.

Fees: $10–$20/adult/night; entry fees at 30+ parks. Other small fees for parking or certain activities may apply.

Pets: Mostly banned; a few exceptions listed online.

South Australia

About: More than 350 parks and reserves; 40 have campgrounds, 29 suitable for caravans and camper trailers.

Bookings: Online — the ‘Find a Park’ tool filters by facilities, activities, dog-friendliness, free camping, caravan access and more

Fees: $21–$46/night, some free sites.

Pets: Mostly no, but 24 parks allow dogs on leads. The ‘Find a Park’ tool has a filter for ‘dog walking’ in the activities section.

Northern Territory

About: More than 80 parks and reserves from the Red Centre to the Top End; many require 4WD access and are not suitable for towing. Check access conditions before travelling.

Bookings: Online for most; some privately managed campgrounds collect fees on arrival.

Fees: NT Parks Pass ($10/day adult or $60/year). Camping $10–$20/adult depending on facilities. The NT Parks Pass does not include Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park or Kakadu National Park.

Pets: Mostly no; a few allow dogs in day-use areas or carparks.

Queensland

About: More than 1000 national parks, state forests and marine parks and other protected areas — including five UNESCO World Heritage areas and five Ramsar-listed wetlands.

Bookings: Online only; permit emailed.

Fees: $7.25/adult/night or $29/family/night. Vehicle access permits may be required at certain locations such as Bribie Island (Yarun), K'gari (Fraser Island), Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), Cooloola and North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) recreation areas (fees range from $14.40 a day to $466 a year).

Cylinder Beach, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) (Credit: Robert Crack)

Pets: Not in national parks; some state forests, conservation parks and recreation areas are OK on leash. Check rules and restrictions when booking camping areas.

Tasmania

About: 19 national parks, three World Heritage Areas, more than 800 reserves.

Bookings: Mostly first come, first served; parks pass required and is booked online.

Fees: Parks pass $46.60/vehicle entry; camping varies from $10–$20 typical.

Pets: No dogs in most national parks; some reserves allow dogs and have dog-friendly campgrounds.

ACT

About: More than 90 parks including Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Canberra Nature Park’s 39 reserves.

Bookings: Online; full payment up front.

Fees: $6.88–$17.28/night.

Pets: Rules vary — check before visiting.

Parks Australia (Federal)

Kakadu National Park: first-come, first-served camping ($15/adult/night). Parks Australia parks pass is booked online with pricing from $40/adult/7 days.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Pa: Camp only at Ayers Rock Resort and Campground at Yulara ($40/night unpowered site); Three-day parks pass $38/adult or $50 for an annual pass.
Pets: Not allowed in any Parks Australia national park.

Practical planning tips

Book early in peak season

Easter, Christmas and school holidays see demand skyrocket. For icons like Cape Le Grand or Great Otway national parks, set an alarm for when bookings open.

Check road access

Some campgrounds need low-range 4WD and a bit of sand-driving skill. Others are sealed-road friendly — but that doesn’t always mean there’s room for a big van. So if you’re towing a caravan or camper trailer, make sure your intended campground destination will allow it.

Be self-sufficient

Don’t expect power, water or mobile reception unless clearly stated. Even ‘flushing toilets’ can be out of order in remote areas.

Know the pet rules

Bringing the dog? Check the map and the rules before you go. Many parks ban pets entirely to protect wildlife.

Avoid ghost camping

If your plans change, cancel the booking. It’s just good camp etiquette — and in some states, it’ll save you a fine.

Why bother with parks?

Because these are the landscapes that define Australia — the places where you can watch sunrise over a misty gorge, hear a lyrebird mimic half the forest, swim in waterholes without another soul around or get to enjoy coastal views like this one of Gunyah Beach in Coffin Bay National Park...

Gunyah Beach, Coffin Bay National Park (Credit: Robert Crack)

Yes, the rules can be fiddly, but that’s the trade-off for having them preserved for the next trip, and the one after that.

Field tip

Keep a small notebook in your glovebox with your go-to booking sites, pass details and renewal dates. Mobile reception is patchy, and you’ll thank yourself when you’re planning the next leg from a roadside rest area.

With this guide, you can hit the road knowing which parks suit your style — whether it’s a fully-serviced site by the beach, a bare-bones bush camp or a mountain hideaway with the best sunrise you’ve ever seen.

Now all that’s left is to pack the billy, grab your map and go find your spot.