Best free camping spots Australia: save thousands in 2025

Looking for an adventure that won't break the bank? Discover Australia's best-kept secret: over hundreds of free camping locations across the country. Whether you're dreaming of waking up to ocean views or seeking solitude in the outback, this comprehensive guide will show you how to experience the real Australia without spending a cent on accommodation. Last updated: January 2025

With accommodation costs soaring in 2025 , free camping has become the smart traveler's secret weapon. Not only will you save hundreds on camping fees , but you'll also discover hidden gems that most tourists never see. From pristine beaches to remote outback locations, free camping lets you experience Australia's raw beauty while keeping your budget intact.

Here at Camplify, Australia's leading van sharing platform, we connect you with local van owners to make your camping dreams a reality. Hire campervans, motorhomes, or caravans directly from people in your community.

By combining affordable van hires through our platform with free camping spots , you can maximise your travel budget and experience the freedom of van life. In this comprehensive guide to free camping in Australia, we'll show you how to make the most of your adventure without emptying your wallet. You'll discover:

• The 3 types of places where you can camp for free in Australia

• The 9 best free camping spots in the country

• Essential tips for a successful and budget-friendly camping trip

• The 5 rules to abide by when free camping in Australia

Let's explore how you can make your budget-friendly adventure a reality.

Where can you camp for free in Australia?

There are three areas where you can camp for free in Australia:

National Parks: Nature's playgrounds

Imagine waking up to the sound of kookaburras laughing or the gentle rustle of gum trees - that's the magic of camping in Australia's National Parks. With around 700 National Parks dotting the mainland, you're spoilt for choice:

• Free camping gems: While not as common, some National Parks do offer free camping sites. These are often more basic but provide an authentic bush experience.

• Affordable options: Most National Parks charge a nominal fee, typically ranging from $10 to $30 per person per night. Consider it your contribution to preserving these natural wonders for future generations.

• What to expect: Facilities vary widely, from basic toilets and fire pits to more developed sites with showers and barbecue areas. Always check the park's website for specific amenities and booking requirements.

• Pro tip: Look for multi-day passes if you're planning an extended stay. They often offer better value for money.

Roadside rest stops: The road traveller's oasis

For those embracing the freedom of the open road, roadside rest stops can be a budget traveller's best friend:

• Free overnight stays: Many rest stops allow free overnight camping, perfect for breaking up long drives.

• Location, location, location: Often situated at scenic spots, these rest stops can offer unexpected views and experiences.

• Safety first: Always look for signs indicating overnight camping is allowed. Some rest stops have time limits (e.g., 24-hour maximum stay).

• Basic but practical: Facilities usually include toilets, picnic tables, and sometimes barbecue areas. Don't expect luxury, but appreciate the convenience.

• Hidden gems: Some rest stops, particularly in remote areas, can be surprisingly beautiful and peaceful.

Community campsites: Local hospitality at its best

Community campsites are like the friendly neighbour of the camping world, often offering a unique blend of affordability and local charm:

• Free or low-cost: Many community campsites are free, while others charge a small fee (often less than commercial campgrounds).

• Local flavor: These sites often provide a more authentic experience and a chance to meet locals and fellow travellers.

• Varied eperiences: From beachside spots to outback stations, community campsites come in all shapes and sizes.

• Follow the signs: Always respect local guidelines. Look for signs indicating camping is allowed, and adhere to any rules or time limits.

• Support local: Even if the site is free, consider making a small donation or supporting local businesses to show your appreciation.

The best free camping spots in Australia

Discover the best free camping spots across the country below! While these recommendations welcome campers at the time of writing, please make sure to double-check the free camping regulations for your favourite campsite before you spend the night.

1. Dunphys Campground - NSW (Blue Mountains)

Site price: Free ($6 booking fee, no pets allowed)

Stay at Dunphys Campground , a well-maintained and free camping spot in the Blue Mountains National Park near Sydney. This beautiful site is situated within the Megalong Valley and offers views of Mt Cloudmaker and the Wild Dog mountains. There's a range of short and long walking tracks from the campsite, leading you to sights like the Kangara Walls, Kangara Waterfall, Narrow Neck Cliffs and Bellbird Point.

There are 15 grassy camping sites available. Facilities include toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and a carpark. Bookings are required and can be made online.

Ready for a quick adventure in the Blue Mountains? Kick off your journey by hiring a van in Sydney . In just 2.5 hours and 120 kilometers of scenic driving, you'll find yourself at the beautiful Dunphys Campground.

2. Blue Pool Campground - Victoria (Briagolong State Forest)

Site price: Free

The Blue Pool campground is a free camping area within the Briagolong State Forest (East Gippsland). Surrounded by tall fern trees, this campground is named after the popular swimming hole that is just a few minutes' walk away. The kids will love the rope swings, cliff jumping and swimming in Freestone Creek. Facilities include composting toilets, non-potable water, wood barbecues and picnic tables. No bookings are required.

Make Melbourne your starting point for this camping trip. Hire a van and embark on a 3.5-hour journey covering 250 kilometers of Victoria's stunning landscapes to reach the serene Blue Pool Campground.

3. Babinda Boulders - Queensland (Cairns)

Site price: Free

This free camping spot is located beside the famous Babinda Boulders . Take a dip in the sparkling pools that swirl around the Boulders or stroll along the 2km rainforest boardwalk t o discover less popular swimming holes nearby. Overlooking the campsite is Mt Bartle Frere (Queensland's tallest mountain) and downstream is the Devil's Pool (a place of Aboriginal legend). Facilities include toilets, cold showers and barbecues. Bookings are not required (first come, first served). Campers are allowed to stay a maximum of 72 hours at this free camping spot.

For a tropical adventure, begin your trip in Cairns . Hire a campervan and enjoy a short one-hour drive spanning just 70 kilometers to reach the mesmerizing Babinda Boulders.

4. Cosy Corner Campground - Western Australia (South Coast)

Site price: Free, pets alllowed

The Cosy Corner campground is a free campsite next to a sheltered beach, surrounded by granite cliffs and limestone islands just offshore. If you have snorkelling or diving equipment, you can see multicoloured reefs and marine life of the Ngari Cape Marine Park, just a few metres offshore. Alternatively, take a walk to the nearby coastal platform and watch as water spurts up to 6m high from the blowholes.

Facilities include a toilet, dump point and rubbish bins. Just a short distance from the campsite, you will also find more toilets, a cold shower, barbecues and picnic tables. There is also a café nearby. Campers are allowed to stay a maximum of 7 nights at this free camping spot.

Turn your Perth visit into an unforgettable road trip. Hire a van in Perth and set out on a 4.5-hour journey covering 420 kilometers of Western Australia's picturesque south coast to reach Cosy Corner Campground.

5. Mt Conner Lookout - Northern Territory (Petermann)

Site price: Free, pets allowed

Mount Conner Lookout is a free camping spot that sits in the Red Centre of Australia - not far from Uluru. Pull off the highway and enjoy magnificent views over the desert toward Mt Conner, a large mesa often mistaken for Uluru and thus nicknamed 'Fooluru'. Cross to the other side of the Highway, climb the dune and you can also enjoy views over a spectacular salt pan.

Facilities include a toilet, picnic tables, potable water and a barbecue pit. Bookings are not required (first come, first served).

Experience the Red Centre in style by hiring a campervan in Alice Springs . A 4-hour drive covering 370 kilometers of iconic Outback landscape will bring you to the awe-inspiring Mt Conner Lookout.

6. Cockle Creek Camping Ground - Tasmania (South Coast)

Site price: Free, pets allowed in certain areas

Cockle Creek campground is a family-friendly free camping spot within Tasmania's Southwest National Park. There is heaps to keep you entertained here, including swimming, kayaking and fishing. There are also some great short walks from the campsite, including the historic Cockle Creek Cemetery (5-minute return) and the Whale Sculpture Walk (5-minutes return), which leads to the impressive bronze sculpture of a southern right whale.

There are many unmarked campsites for self-contained caravans and motorhomes. Facilities include composting toilets and untreated water. Bookings are not required (first come, first served).

Begin your Tasmanian adventure by hiring a van in Hobart. A scenic 2.5-hour drive spanning 150 kilometers will take you to the southernmost camping spot in Australia at Cockle Creek.

7. Tattersalls Campground - NSW (North Coast)

Site price: Free ($6 booking fee), no pets allowed

Tattersalls campground is a free camping spot in Karuah National Park. Set amongst bushland next to the Karuah River , this remote campground is a great place to spend a few days bushwalking, birdwatching, fishing, boating and barbecuing.

This site offers plenty of unmarked camping spots for camper trailers. Facilities include an amenities block, picnic tables, barbecues, a boat ramp and a car park. Bookings are required and can be made online.

Start your journey by hiring a campervan in Newcastle . In just 1.5 hours and 110 kilometers, you'll find yourself in the tranquil surroundings of Tattersalls Campground.

8. JB Plain Hut and Camping Area - Victoria (Alpine National Park)

Site price: Free, no pets allowed

The JB Plain Hut and Camping Area is a free campsite set amongst the scenic scrub of Victoria's alpine region. It is also one of the highest campsites in Australia , positioned on the side of the Alpine Road (1600m above sea level). If you camp here in winter, you can ski or snowboard at nearby Mount Hotham and watch the sunset over the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

Facilities include composting toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces. The historic J.B. Plain hut also sits in the middle of the camping area and sometimes stocks firewood. Bookings are not required (first come, first served).

For a high-altitude adventure, begin by hiring a van in Melbourne . A 5-hour drive covering 360 kilometers of varied Victorian landscapes will lead you to one of Australia's highest campsites at JB Plain.

9. Chinchilla Weir Campground - Queensland (South East)

Site price: Free (donation for a powered site), pets allowed

The Chinchilla Weir Campground offers a limited number of free campsites on the edge of the dam. Spend your time swimming and relaxing at your campsite, or make the 10-minute drive into the town of Chinchilla and visit sites like The Big Watermelon or the Botanical Parkland.

Facilities include toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, a swimming area and a boat ramp. Some of the campsites are powered. Campers are allowed to stay a maximum of 48 hours at this free camping spot. Bookings are not required (first come, first served).

Turn your Brisbane visit into a camping adventure. Hire a van in Brisbane and enjoy a 3.5-hour drive covering 300 kilometers of Queensland countryside to reach the serene Chinchilla Weir Campground.

How to find more places for free camping in Australia

While we've highlighted some great free camping locations across Australia, there are many more to discover. Here are some excellent resources to help you find free and low-cost camping spots for your next adventure:

1. CamperMate : CamperMate is a comprehensive app and website that lists free campgrounds across Australia. It's user-friendly and regularly updated, making it a valuable tool for budget-conscious travellers.

2. WikiCamps Australia : This popular app provides a wealth of information on camping sites, including free options. Users can filter results, read reviews, and even use the app offline. Visit their website for more information.

3. Camps Australia Wide : This guidebook and accompanying app offer details on thousands of camping sites, many of which are free or low-cost. Check out their official website for the latest edition.

4. National Parks Websites : Each state and territory in Australia has its own national parks website, which often lists free or low-cost camping options within the parks. Here are links to some of the main ones: NSW National Parks, Parks Victoria, Queensland National Parks, Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service NT

5. Local Tourist Information Centers : When you're on the road, local tourist information centers can be a goldmine of information about free camping spots in the area. Find a directory of visitor information centres at Tourism Australia.

6. FreeRange Camping : This website and app focus on free and low-cost camping options across Australia. Visit their website for more details.

7. Facebook Groups : Join camping and RV groups on Facebook. Members often share their favorite free camping spots and up-to-date information. Some popular groups include:Camping Australia and Free Camping Australia

5 Rules whilst free camping in Australia

Free camping sites in Australia offer a fantastic way to explore the country's diverse landscapes while keeping costs down. However, it's crucial to understand the rules and responsibilities that come with this privilege. While regulations can vary between states and territories, here are some general guidelines to help you camp safely, legally, and responsibly.

1. Vehicle requirements

Many free camping spots welcome various vehicles, but a self-contained campervan provides more options. Self-contained vehicles typically include a toilet, waste storage, water storage, and power supply.While not all free camps require self-contained vehicles, having one opens up more camping possibilities.Many self-contained campervans are available for hire on Camplify. If unsure, message the owner via the booking request.

2. Camping in designated areas only

It's important to camp only in designated free camping areas: Free camping is not permitted everywhere. Camping in non-designated areas can result in fines. Use reliable apps like WikiCamps or CamperMate to find official free camping spots. Always look for signs indicating whether overnight camping is allowed. If in doubt, check with the local council or opt for a paid campground.

Regarding sleeping in your vehicle: While generally legal in most states (except Queensland), many urban areas and popular tourist spots prohibit sleeping in vehicles overnight. Always check local regulations before planning to sleep in your Camplify van.

3. Stay prepared and hydrated

Many free camping areas are in remote locations: Carry at least 4-5 litres of water per person per day. Stock up on food and essentials before heading to remote areas. Carry a well-stocked first aid kit and necessary medications. For remote travel, consider an emergency communication device like a satellite phone or personal locator beacon.

4. Leave no trace

Responsible camping is crucial for preserving Australia's natural beauty: Take all your rubbish with you , including food scraps. Use public toilets when available, or if in a self-contained Camplify van, use your onboard facilities.Only empty waste at designated dump points. Respect wildlife by observing from a distance and not feeding animals. Check local fire regulations before starting a campfire, and always fully extinguish fires.

5. Be prepared for basic or no facilities

Most free camping sites offer limited facilities: Expect basic amenities like drop toilets, non-potable water, picnic tables, and fire pits at best. Many sites have no facilities at all, so be prepared to be fully self-sufficient. Ensure your Camplify van's 12V battery is fully charged before setting out, especially if you don't have solar panels.

Additional important considerations for free camping in Australia

1. Length of stay : Many free camps limit stays to 24-48 hours. Always check and respect these limits.

2. Permits and bookings: Some popular free camps require advance booking.Many National Parks require permits for camping, even if it's free. Check park websites for information.

3. Respect for others and the environment : Keep noise to a minimum, especially after dark.Use biodegradable products and wash at least 50 meters away from water sources.

4. Support local communities : While camping is free, consider purchasing supplies from local businesses in nearby towns.

5. Stay informed : Rules and conditions can change. Always check the most up-to-date information from official sources before your trip.

Hire a campervan for free camping in Australia

Here's how to quickly and easily hire a campervan through on our van sharing platform Camplify:

1. Find your Vvan : Enter your pickup location and search for a van. Use filters to find the perfect motorhome, caravan, or campervan for your needs.

2. Book without upfront payment : Request to book your chosen van without paying upfront.

3. Confirm and pay : Once the owner accepts your booking request, verify your identity and complete the payment.

4. Pick up and go : Arrange to pick up your van or have it delivered, then hit the road!

For free camping, consider hiring a self-contained van for more options. Don't hesitate to ask owners about the van's suitability for free camping before booking. For more details, visit our How It Works page.

Ready to start your free camping adventure?

Don't let another day go by dreaming of the perfect road trip. Take the first step towards your free camping adventure today! Head over to Camplify now to find your ideal campervan, motorhome, or caravan. With a wide range of vehicles to suit every budget and style, your perfect match is just a few clicks away.

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