10 Best Free Camping Spots in NSW 2025

NSW is blessed with a swagload of great campsites. But there’s only one thing better than finding a beaut campground, and that’s finding a free camp that doesn’t cost you a penny. Time to check out the best spots for free camping in New South Wales.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

When we asked our crew of seasoned Explorers to recommend their favourite places to free camp in New South Wales, there was no doubt that they’d deliver, and just like a regular bunch of legends, they’ve come up with some absolute belters of low-cost campgrounds. Yes, some of these free camping spots might have limited facilities; yes, some of them require a jaunt along short walking trails from the car; and yes, they’re all worth checking out.

So you’d better get your calendar out because these free camping spots are primed for a cheeky micro; or better yet, a full-blown NSW assault.

Please note! Since this article was first published, NSW National Parks has introduced a $6 booking fee on all campgrounds. Unfortunately, some of the listed campgrounds that were once 100% free now incur this small fee, but we still wanted you to know about them!

Looking for NSW adventures? Head to our NSW Adventure Hub!

Best Free Camping Sites in New South Wales

1. Sunburnt Beach Campground

Time from Sydney: 4 hours
Location: South Coast
Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables, BYO water and firewood

Sat in Meroo National Park, on the NSW South Coast, this beachside campsite is simple and sweet. Not quite a full-on hike in experience, nevertheless you’ll need to carry your camp gear 50-100m from the car park. Not great for luxury campers, but the perfect free camp for keeping the crowds away.

Enjoy relaxing in the natural bush setting, watching the abundant wildlife, exploring the beach or catching waves when the swell is just right.

Important info: This free camp requires 4WD access and camping spots are suitable for tent camping only – no camper trailers or vans. This campground has picnic tables and toilets, but you’ll need to bring your own water and firewood.

Book Here

Photo thanks to Jon Harris

2. Cascades Campground

Time from Sydney: 5 hours
Location: Wadbilliga National Park
Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables, BBQs, BYO water and firewood

Head south to Cooma and instead of continuing onto the Snowy Mountains, head east into Wadbilliga National Park for a stay at Cascades Campground. With just six sites for trailers and tents, there’s every possibility you’ll be able to camp completely by yourself (and we all know that free camping spots don’t get any better than when you’re the only one there!). Set up camp, then explore the beauty of the Tuross River.

Don’t just stick to the banks, bring your SUP, kayak or canoe and get on the water for a different experience.

Important info: Make sure you’ve planned this one out as bookings are essential year-round. This free campground has picnic tables, BBQs, and toilets, but you’ll need to bring your own water and firewood.

Book Here

Photo thanks to Jackie Martin

3. Bendethera Valley Campground

Time from Sydney: 6 hours
Location: Deua National Park
Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables, BBQs, BYO water and firewood

Load up the 4WD and head deep into Deua National Park for a slice of remote valley life. Nestled between the South Coast and Snowy Mountains, Bendethera Valley Campground is a stellar free camping spot for a peaceful getaway.

The Deua River flows through the valley, offering the chance for a cool swim or a paddle. This large open space has plenty of room to spread out the trailer, bring a crew, and fire up a barbie.

If you’re chasing more adventure, head (safely) into the Bendethera Caves or check out the extensive hiking trails. Free camping in NSW doesn’t get much better than this!

Important info: There’s 4WD access only to this very remote campground, so travel safely and be prepared. This campground has picnic tables, BBQs, and toilets, but you’ll need to bring your own water and firewood.

Book Here

@Pseudosargent

4. Thredbo Diggings Campground

Time from Sydney: 5.5 hours
Location: Kosciuszko National Park
Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables, BBQs, BYO water and firewood

This free camping mountain beauty is open year-round and has great access to the start of Kosciuszko National Park. Come in winter and you’ll need to be prepared for the cold, as there’s often snow to be found next to the frozen Thredbo River. Or come in summer, the water might still be frigid, but there’s plenty on offer by bike, foot, or tube.

There are basic facilities at the campground and a decent number of sites for vans, trailers and tents.

Important info: Thredbo Diggings is a free campsite, but you’ll need to make sure you’ve paid for the National Parks Pass (obtainable in Jindy or from the ticket gate on the way in). This campground has picnic tables, BBQs, and toilets, but you’ll need to bring your own water and firewood.

Book Here

Thredbo Diggings Campsite – photo by Jon Harris

5. Newnes Campground

Time from Sydney: 3.25 hours
Location: Wolgan Valley
Amenities: Toilets, BBQs, BYO water and firewood

Please note! Newnes Campground is now a walk-in-only camp due to Wolgan Road collapsing and ongoing landslide risks at Wolgan Gap.  The hike in is about 10km. Please check the NPWS website for current updates.

Far enough from Sydney that you’ll be away from the day-trippers, but close enough for an after-work overnighter surrounded by natural beauty.

Newnes Campground sits in the Wolgan Valley in Wollemi National Park, to the west of the Blue Mountains, and is surrounded by sandstone cliffs by the banks of the Wolgan River. 

This free camping spot is also a perfect home base for checking out the nearby Glow Worm Tunnels or Newnes Industrial Ruins walk.

Important info: This free campsite has BBQ facilities and toilets, but you’ll need to bring your own wood for campfires and water.

Book Here

Photo thanks to Rhys Tattersall

6. Spring Gully Campground

Time from Sydney: 4.5 hours
Location: Goulburn River National Park
Amenities: Toilets, BBQs, BYO water and firewood

If you don’t mind sharing camp with kangas and wombats, then Spring Gully Campground in Goulburn River National Park is the perfect getaway. Relax around this beautiful free camping spot or take a dip in the Goulburn River if the water levels allow.

The open campground has space for all your needs, so go minimal with the hammock or fully loaded with the trailer, the choice is yours.

Spring Gully’s surrounding area has a rich history thanks to the people of the Wiradjuri, Gamileroi, and Wonnarua Clans. The valley where the river runs through Goulburn River National Park was an important trading route between the Aboriginal people who lived on the East Coast and the western plains.

If you’re up for the hour-long drive, don’t miss The Drip walking track and Hands on the Rock Aboriginal art site in Ulan as a worthwhile opportunity to pay respect and learn more about the history of this area.

Important info: This free campsite has BBQ facilities and toilets, but there are no water drinking facilities here, so make sure to BYO water. Also, take your rubbish with you as there are no bins. Everything you take in, you take out.

Book Here

Photo thanks to Jessica Mutton

7. Bretti Reserve

Time from Sydney: 4 hours
Location: Barrington Coast
Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables, BBQs

Cows may wander through this grassy free campsite, but there’s plenty of room for everyone to park up the van or pitch their tent.

Bring your watercraft for a paddle on the Barnard River, take a swim or cast your line. This free camping spot is also pet friendly, so let the pooch out to stretch their legs.

Fire pits are permitted, but make sure you’re responsible and check local fire warnings.

Important info: Bretti Reserve has everything you need, from picnic tables and wood BBQs to drinking water. However, there’s no power available at this campground and the amenities has basic toilet facilities only.

Book Here

Bretti Reserve – photo by Lara Apollonov

8. Roses Park Rest Area

Time from Sydney: 6 hours
Location: Bellingen
Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables, BBQs, rubbish bins, BYO firewood

If you haven’t explored Waterfall Way, near Dorrigo National Park, ‘water’ you waiting for! Roses Park Rest Area is right off the side of the road, so might not be the most peaceful site you come across. However, as a free campsite (pay by donation) in such a great part of NSW, you can’t really complain.

Head west from Roses to explore more of the National Park, or head back east to Bellingen for coffee and small town hangs.

Important info: Don’t exceed your welcome, 48 hours is the longest you can stay here.

Photo thanks to Liam Hardy

9. Shelley Head Campground

Time from Sydney: 7.5 hours
Location: Yuraygir
Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables, BYO water

7km along the Yuraygir Coastal Walk, you’ll arrive at the semi-remote beauty of Shelley Head Campground in Yuraygir National Park, NSW. This ocean-fronted, free camp is perfect for swimming, surfing or sea fishing. It’s also a great spot for relaxing away from any crowds, so maybe just pack a book and put your feet up.

Try this one in winter and you might get treated to views of migrating whales!

Important info: As with any remote campsite, particularly one that has no road access, make sure you’ve planned your visit, taken precautions and stay safe.

Book Here

Yuraygir Coastal Walk – photo by Jacquie Tapsall

10. Mt York Campground

Time from Sydney: 2 hours
Location: Blue Mountains
Amenities: Toilets, BYO water and firewood

If you’re looking for a quintessential free camping adventure in NSW, Mt York Campground is a perfect spot from which to explore the Blue Mountains. With over 300 climbing routes in the area, this is a rock climber’s paradise, so be sure to check out TheCrag before you head off if you’re keen to send it.

There’s a small limited camping area suitable for tents that’s completely free and doesn’t need a booking, but you’ll have to get in quick to beat all the Sydney climbers. There are also some great views only a short walk away such as the Mt York lookout and Barden lookout.

Important info: This campsite has toilets, but you’ll need to bring your own water and firewood. Campers are also only allowed to stay for four days at a time.

Photo thanks to Kate Reid

Essential Gear For Free Camping in NSW

• Tent
• Sleeping mat
• Sleeping bag
• Camp kitchen set up
• First aid kit
• Camp chair
• Drinking water
• Insect repellent

Read more: Overnight Hiking Packing List with 20+ Essentials (it’s just as useful for camping trips!)

Leave No Trace

It’s always best to assume that every campground you visit doesn’t have basic facilities like rubbish bins and collection – because nine times out of ten, they don’t!

Whether you’re free camping or paying through the nose for a primo site, always come prepared to take out everything you bring in to make sure you leave no trace. Don’t forget the rubbish bags!

@scottysgonewalkabout

FAQs Free Camping NSW

Do you need to book campgrounds in NSW national parks in advance?

All campgrounds specifically in NSW National Parks now require a booking, which charges a $6 booking fee, so take this into account when exploring the ‘free’ camping NSW has to offer.

Some other free campgrounds may be outside of NSW National Parks and therefore may not require a booking or charge booking fees. Either way, it’s always important to check before you head off on your camping trip.

Are there any free camprounds on the NSW North Coast?

There are heaps of great free campgrounds on the North Coast. Moonee Beach Nature Reserve is a great spot with walking trails, stunning views, and plenty of spots for swimming and fishing.

Is free camping illegal in NSW?

Wild or free camping, AKA being able to camp wherever you please, doesn’t exist in Australia in the way it does in some other countries. You’re generally only allowed to stay at appropriate sites that allow overnight camping.

That being said, free camping is allowed in certain national parks, many allow it, but you have to check with the rangers or the park’s plan of management.

If you don’t want to be camping illegally, you need to be pitched up at an official campground, or private property, or somewhere that has a plan of management that incorporates wild camping.

How do I know if a national park campground is open?

Campgrounds may be affected by natural disasters or severe weather, so always check the NSW National Parks website or contact local council areas for up-to-date information on closures before camping.

Are free campgrounds in the Blue Mountains busier than those at Lake Macquarie?

Free or budget campsites in the Blue Mountains tend to be more popular and well known than those at Lake Mac. While the Blue Mountain has some stunning swimming holes and more remote camping areas, Lake Macquarie has just as much beautiful scenery, swimming spots and adventure opportunities to offer.

How can I camp for free in Australia?

There are plenty of free campsites around Australia that won’t cost you a penny to stay at. However, each state and territory runs the booking of campgrounds a little differently to the next so it’s best to check the relevant national park or state forest website for the area you’re planning to camp in before you head out. This list shows that there are plenty of places for free camping in NSW.

Can’t get enough of NSW?

• Best Coastal Hikes in NSW
• Best Dog Friendly Camping Spots in NSW
• Best Camping Spots in NSW
• Best Multi-Day Hikes in NSW [2, 3 and 4-Day Hikes]
• Best Campsites in New South Wales
• Best Beach Camping Spots in NSW
• The 10 Best Winter Getaways in NSW

Want to camp interstate instead?

• 6 Free Camping Sites Near Melbourne 2024
• The 16 Best Free Campgrounds in Queensland 2024
• Best Camping Near Adelaide

Feature photo by Jon Harris