We Asked the Public for Feedback on the Plan for Supported Camping in NSW National Parks (Because the Government Hasn’t)

In September, we broke the news that the NSW Government was looking for expressions of interest from commercial suppliers for a new supported camping option for 23 select campgrounds around the state.

When we originally asked for further insight into the process and thinking behind the supported camping plan, the government shared a brief and general statement, attributed to an unnamed spokesperson, that gave little further insight into what the public should expect.

Since then, the story has been covered more broadly by mainstream media and slammed by other political parties.

An Update on NSW National Park’s Supported Camping Model

We recently asked the NSW Government to supply an update on the EOI process. Here’s what an National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) spokesperson said:

‘Expressions of Interest submissions from qualified businesses to provide supported camping services at 23 campgrounds across 16 national parks and reserves in NSW have closed and licences are expected to be granted around February 2026.’

When questioned if there are plans for public consultation on the supported camping model, the spokesperson didn’t supply a direct answer, but said;

‘The Government strongly supports recreational access and more people visiting our incredible network of National Parks and is exploring new ways for more people to enjoy them…Supported camping will operate side by side existing campsites.’

A few more minor details have emerged about how the model will operate, including:

• An indication of the number of sites per campground to be included in the model. The NPWS spokesperson said many locations have a limit of 2-5
• Confirmation that there’ll be no exclusive use of any campgrounds by a private operator
• Less than 1% of overnight stays in NSW national parks are booked through a licensed operator

However, the public who use these campgrounds haven’t been given the opportunity to have their say over this major change to how camping in NSW national parks operates. So we asked you instead.

Here’s what you said:

Ian Jameson, Retired Spectacle Maker

‘I’m a retired spectacle maker who loves the outdoors and nature. We live on the Far South Coast of NSW and have brought our children up on loving the outdoors and camping in national parks. Unfortunately there has been a decline in so-called ‘free camping’ down here since Covid hit.

Of the two [Far South Coast] camping areas that are mentioned by national parks, Bournda recreation area and Picnic Point, Bournda is serviced with flushing toilets and hot showers, and has tens of campsites, some suitable for large caravans, great for people used to mod cons!

Picnic Point on the other hand, is a very small camping area with one pit toilet. What concerns me is that these companies will get first pick of ALL of the campsites at Picnic Point!’

@patcorden

Peter Wolfe, President of Dungog Walkers

‘I’m president of Dungog Walkers, a small bushwalking club. We have about 50 members here in the Lower Hunter and we have written objecting to the camping plan. We are affiliated with NSW Bushwalking who are encouraging all their clubs and members to object.’

‘A point I made in our submission is that most of our members are seniors and incomes are fixed. Using national parks needs to remain affordable.’

Photo by Rhys Tattersal

Alan Gospel

‘I’m Alan, a passionate camper who found the outdoors later in life through a close friend, now escaping the pressures of city living by exploring NSW’s national parks with simple gear, long hikes, and off-road adventures that bring clarity, gratitude, and a love for the basics.

I’m genuinely concerned about the direction this plan represents – particularly the absence of community consultation and the broader implications of outsourcing public access to private operators. It’s surprising to see this approach from a Labor government, given their historical stance on public stewardship and equitable access.

There’s an important distinction between glamping, cabin stays, or caravan parks – which clearly operate within a commercial tourism model – and the tradition of camping in national parks. The latter has always been one of the most affordable and accessible ways for families and individuals from all backgrounds to experience the outdoors. You can buy a full set of camping gear at Kmart for less than the cost of a single night’s stay under a privatised ‘supported camping’ model.’

Read more: Testing Everything Including The (Camp) Kitchen Sink From Kmart’s Camp Cooking Range – Reviewed & Tested

‘National parks are shared community assets – spaces to be enjoyed, respected, and protected, not converted into tourism revenue streams.’

@alex_mitcheson_writes

Jenny Burn

‘I am very cynical about this proposal. The Minns Government has repeatedly demonstrated that it pays only lip service to public/community consultation (e.g gambling, housing/construction). The government is very interested in revenue generation and keeping favours with the lobbyists/potential political donors.’

‘I’m all in favour of everyone having greater access to public assets and learning more about our wonderful national parks. But it needs to be done transparently, with a genuine commitment to doing it responsibly, within a sustainable framework, then accepting feedback, and modifying what isn’t working.

We see it working well in other states (Tassie – Cradle Mountain, Three Capes) and across many parks in New Zealand. There are plenty of examples where it really does increase access for people – and doesn’t damage the environment. And the process really matters!’

Photo by Brody Webb

‘I’m over 50 and drive an old Landrover Defender. I still camp in a tent, love exploring, 4WDing, hiking, and camping under the stars. My wife and I camp in national parks at least ten a year.

This new privatisation of NSW national parks is a joke. It doesn’t cost much to go camping, cheap gear can be found in most big department stores or second hand online. How can it be cheaper for people to pay commercial operators rates? Have you seen how much caravan parks are now since COVID? Cheap camping is the Australian way of life.’

Read more: Cheap Camping Gear: What To Splurge on and Where You Can Save

@timclark1

Jonathan Riemann

‘I’m both excited and concerned about the ‘supported camping’.

I’m a General Manager in construction and have three children. Although I’m based in SEQ, I spend a fair amount of time enjoying the NSW national parks. I’ve spent many days and nights walking, hiking, and camping both as a solo adventurer and also with my family and friends.

On the positive, I’ve travelled for work quite a bit and often travel to different states, and have had the opportunity to camp overnight and do some fantastic walks.’

‘Also on the positive side, I do know a lot of people who would love to try camping or multiday hikes, but really don’t know where to start or what to buy. So I think the supported camping would break down the barrier for these guys and hence give a lot of people an opportunity to try it and get some experience before venturing out alone.

On the negative, once something is commercialised, the operators will look to make profit over all else, so the supported camping could detract from the whole experience if it’s not controlled.

Also I fear prices will increase substantially and force many existing customers out. Hence cannibalisation of the market is a concern for me.

Overall I think moderation will be the key. It could be a great concept as long as numbers are controlled.’

Scott Osborne

‘If they start opening/reopening other campgrounds, so the rest of us still have somewhere to camp, play on. Would also be good if they actually started managing the land they have already got.

The ‘boots on the ground’ staff for NPWS are great, but the upper echelons and decision makers need a clean out.’

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We’ll continue to pay close attention to the changes in NSW national parks campgrounds. What do you think about the incoming changes? Let us know in the comments below.

Feature photo by @tim_ashelford