Free Camping in NSW

Bookings are now required for all campgrounds and campsites in NSW national parks, including those without camping fees. All free campgrounds now have a non-refundable $6 booking fee. This is to manage numbers in each location to support social distancing. Make an online booking or check the NPWS COVID-19 update page for more information.

Camping is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the beautiful nature of NSW. Sleeping under the stars, with nothing but the canvas of your tent separating you from the elements, so you can really relax to the sounds of the wildlife, rivers and ocean surrounding you. NSW has some fantastic free campgrounds, meaning you can have a great value break too.

Blue Mountains

Spend the night at Ingar Campground on Kings Tableland. This is a popular camping spot on the Wentworth Falls to Woodford trail and you can enjoy a post hike swim at the nearby dam on Ingar Creek.

Surrounded by sandstone cliffs, eucalypt trees and positioned alongside the Wolgan River, Newnes Campground is a beautiful free camping spot. It’s a great base for exploring Newnes Shale Oil Ruins and the nearby Glow Worm Tunnel.

South Coast

Located on a grassy flat beside Yadboro River, Long Gully Campground is a spectacular free camp spot to get away from it all. The remote campsite is a great base for bushwalking in the Budawang backcountry. Facilities are minimal so bring everything you need with you.

In Moruya, stay at Bendethera Valley Campground, where the Deua River flows through the valley. You can swim in the river, spot birds, wombats and wallabies and explore Bendethera Cave and hike the Bendethera Cave track.

Country NSW

Camp in Australia’s first dark sky park in Warrumbungle National Park and marvel at the Milky Way as you fall asleep. There are a number of free campgrounds in the park including Burbie Camp located between iconic Mount Exmouth and Belougery Split Rock and Gunneemooroo campground, set in the shadows of Mount Naman.

For something a little arty, sleep at Sculptures in the Scrub in the vast Pilliga Forest. This free campground features five unique art pieces which reveal the cultural history of Pilliga, located at a once secret location of the Aboriginal Gamilaroi People.

In the beautiful Snowy Mountains, you can camp at Cooinbil Hut Campground, high on the country plains of Kosciuszko National Park. Or sleep at Geehi Flats Campground by the banks of the Swampy Plain River, with the soaring high alpine peaks as a backdrop.

North Coast

Discover ancient Gondwana rainforests and eucalypt forests when you stay at Brushy Mountain Campground in Werrikimbe National Park. Look out for the rare spotted-tailed quoll among the tall ribbon gum and blackbutt trees.

Further north on the bank of the Nymboida River is the Nymboida River Campground. Bring your canoe for a paddle along the river or swim in the warmer months. A 4WD is required to access this remote and tranquil camping spot.