Top 7: Free Camping in NSW

Our top seven NSW free overnight stays

What better way to escape New South Wales' metropolitan hot spots than a night in the wilderness. There is a sense of freedom that comes with packing up the van and hitting the road, and for those who enjoy escaping to nature, camping is a fantastic way to heighten your senses and immerse yourself in beautiful surroundings.

NSW is a metropolis for adventure and camping, and lucky for you, it is also home to some of the most incredible free campgrounds. Getting off the grid is easy, and campgrounds are scattered throughout the state. They might have limited facilities or take a little longer to reach, but they are primed for a good time and ready for your humble abode on wheels to roll right in.

Know before you go

Does the campground require a booking?

All campgrounds in NSW National Parks require a booking, and the booking fee is $6. If you are outside the national parks, you may not need a booking, but it is always important to check before going.

Is it legal to free camp in NSW?

You are only allowed to stay at appropriate overnight camping sites in Australia. It is essential to get friendly with the rules to avoid fines.

How do I protect the environment?

First and foremost, dispose of your waste correctly. Keep an eye out for disposal areas during your road trip. Reduce, reuse, recycle your way around NSW and be mindful of what you bring in and out of your motorhome; having a reusable coffee cup and water bottle is a great place to start. Lastly, respect wildlife and the environment. Our precious animals rely on us humans to keep their homes clean and undamaged. Leaving no trace is vital when free camping in Australia.

Time to check out the best free camping spots in NSW

1. Cathedral Ferns Reserve, Mount Wilson

Cathedral Ferns Reserve is for you if you are looking for something pretty, secluded, and back to basics. They are located on the outskirts of Mount Wilson, north of Mount Tomah in the Blue Mountains. You will find a flat, expansive grassy area dotted with trees. A short ten-minute walk will have you under the canopy of the rainforest surrounded by mother nature’s best.

• Facilities include bins, toilets, fire pits and BBQs

• Bring your water and food

• Explore the Blue Mountains at your leisure from this campground

2. Ingar Campground, Blue Mountains

If getting back to nature is your top priority on your next road trip, we recommend escaping to Ingar Campground. One of the most sought-after and popular campgrounds in NSW - and for a good reason. This incredible spot is a stone's throw from Wentworth Falls, perfect for a refreshing dip in the warmer months. Pack the paddle and head down to the nearby dam if you are a keen kayaker. With scenic mountain walks in the vicinity and wildlife aplenty, this could be the retreat you have been searching for.

• Only 90 minutes east of Sydney, nestled in the Blue Mountains National Park

• Basic facilities include toilets, BBQs and picnic areas

• Plenty of exploring to be done right from your van's doorstep

3. Bretti Reserve, Barrington Coast

The campground is the perfect spot for any vehicle type or size. From rugged rigs to laid-back layouts, you will find just about everyone at the Bretti Reserve. Located between four national parks and offering up to 50 sites, you can take your time here as the maximum stay is 14 nights.

Bushwalking, exploring swimming holes, and relaxing in the great outdoors are on the agenda here.

• Four-legged friends welcome

• Bretti Reserve has everything you need, including fresh drinking water, wood BBQ, and basic toilet facilities

• No showering on-site, so be sure to hire a van with an onboard shower

4. Swans Crossing Campground

Surrounded by eucalyptus trees and direct access to a nearby creek means you and your camping buddies are in for a treat at Swans Crossing. All dirt roads lead to incredible destinations, and this is no exception. The Kerewong State Forest is a mecca for bushwalking lovers. Pack up the van and the family and head for a relaxing stay at Swans Crossing.

• Lush backdrops surround this expansive camp area

• Popular picnic and camping area for day visitors and overnight stays

• Explore quiet, cool swimming spots

5. Dunphy’s Campground, Blue Mountains

Are you looking for a cracker? Dunphy’s is pretty magic. With day walking right on your van doorstep, and uninterrupted views of Mount Cloudmaker and the Wild Dog Mountains, we can't think of a better place to unwind, wake up and sip your morning brew. This well-equipped spot is the perfect base for exploring the Blue Mountains. If you are a keen fisherman or hiker, this diverse national park is for you.

• Access to undercover BBQs, toilets, and picnic tables

• Plenty of space and parking for campervans and trailers

• The campground is home to plants, animals, and birds

6. Green Patch, Jervis Bay

Does waking up to the ocean crashing on the shore sound like the perfect escape? Pack up the family for a road trip into the picturesque and forever fabulous Jervis Bay. Explore the expansive white sandy beaches, the clearest of waters in this tropical paradise in New South Wales.

• 2WD access to a remote beachfront campsite

• A secluded bush camping experience

• Basic toilets and firepits

7. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

We don't like to brag, but leaving the best till last is somewhat our specialty. Oxley Wild Rivers is precisely that. Wild, lush, immersed in Australian rainforest and the # 1 free campground for your next adventure. Take a scenic drive along Waterfall Way before dropping into the gorges and gully trails. Park up and enjoy the magnificent natural landscape, with 65km of trails surrounding you and Wollomombi, NSW's highest falls nearby.

• With only two sites available, choose your timings wisely

• Pet-friendly, family-friendly and BBQ pits on site

• 2WD access, and mobile reception is available

Hire a van for your next escape

Are you ready for your next road trip adventure? Check out the vans for hire in NSW and hit the road.