Welcome to the sixth instalment of our free and budget camping spots series by state or territory — this time we’re covering our country’s most populated state: New South Wales.
If you missed the earlier parts of this series, catch up by clicking on Queensland (parts one, two and three), the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria (parts one and two). Otherwise, welcome to part six, where we’ll explore New South Wales and its top free and budget-friendly camping spots. If you’re looking for iconic destinations, unforgettable activities and stunning natural landscapes, NSW is the perfect place for your next camping adventure.
But with NSW being home to mainland Australia’s highest mountain (Mount Kosciuszko; the highest peak on Australian soil is Mawson Peak on Heard Island), continental Australia’s most easterly point (Cape Byron), the southernmost coral reef ecosystem in the world (off Lord Howe Island), the world’s largest blowhole (Kiama Blowhole), the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere (the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands), Australia’s oldest wine region (Hunter Valley), the longest section of Australia’s longest and widest river (the Murray River, which is also the world’s third-longest navigable river after the Amazon River and Nile River), the world’s steepest railway line (the 52-degree / 127.994% gradient incline of Scenic World’s Scenic Railway in the Blue Mountains) and Australia’s first national park (Royal Botanic Park^), we reckon that such geographical, historical and culinary variety in our most populous state merits bringing you NSW in two parts.
Join us on our NSW road trip and keep reading to discover some awesome spots in the great outdoors that won’t break the bank!
NSW regions
New South Wales is famed for its gorgeous beaches, the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the majestic Blue Mountains and the country’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, which stands at 2228 metres.
The state is divided into 13 official tourism regions: Sydney, Blue Mountains, Capital Country, Central Coast, Central NSW, Hunter, New England North West, North Coast NSW, Outback NSW, Riverina, Snowy Mountains, South Coast and The Murray. Capital Country and Snowy Mountains envelop — but do not include — the Canberra tourism region. We’ll highlight as many of these areas as possible while showcasing their best free and affordable campsites. Plenty of free camping spots have only pit toilets, fire pits and no showers, rather than flushing toilets, fireplaces and hot showers. But hey, the camping life is all about contrasts, so when you do stay somewhere with the latter rather than the former, it will seem downright luxurious by comparison!
Camping grounds
Burren Junction Bore Baths and Camp Ground, Outback NSW
If your travels take you from Wee Waa to Walgett (or vice versa), you’ll come across Burren Junction and the Burren Junction Bore Baths and Camp Ground a short drive east of the township. At time of writing, these are amidst a seasonal closure and are scheduled to reopen in April 2025. When they do, this the perfect place to pull up for a relaxing dip in the therapeutic artesian after you’ve set up your camper trailer at the RV Friendly campground next door which has unpowered sites. There are toilets and showers, wood-fired barbecue facilities (BYO firewood) and a dump point. The campground itself is open all year, and fees apply ($5 per night per vehicle).
Contact: Walgett Shire Council or 02 6828 6100
If you want a powered site, the Junction City Hotel (aka the Burren Junction pub) in the township has powered and watered sites behind the pub (fees apply), amenities block and laundry facilities. The bistro serves lunch and dinner seven days per week.
Contact: Junction City Hotel or 02 6796 1440
Another unpowered option about 40km north of Burren Junction is the beautifully rustic Rowena Village Inn which offers free camping (unpowered sites), access to amenities, free wi-fi and a communal fire pit. Be sure to buy a meal and an icy cold frothy at the pub!
Contact: 02 6796 5109
Coorongooba Campground, Blue Mountains
How’s the serenity at Coorongooba Campground? (Credit Robert Crack)
What better way to begin than with an affordable gem located in the heart of the lush forests of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Blue Mountains Area? This serene spot offers breathtaking, postcard-worthy views. Amazingly, the cost is only $6 per booking at this great place, regardless of the duration of your stay or the number of campers. For just $6, your whole family can enjoy a week here at this great spot.
Located just over three hours northwest of Sydney, the drive through the scenic Blue Mountains National Park via Katoomba and Blackheath to Coorongooba Campground in Wollemi National Park is one to be savoured. The campground features opportunities for bushwalking, paddling in a shallow river and birdwatching. Sites accommodate tents and camper trailers, with basic amenities including toilets, barbecue facilities and picnic tables. Visitors must be self-sufficient.
Reservations are required and can be made on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website. Keep in mind that while accessible to most 2WD vehicles, a 4WD is essential in wet conditions.
Contact: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service or 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS)
Hobart Beach Campground, South Coast
Set within the tranquil Bournda National Park, this budget-friendly campground on the South Coast of NSW is approximately six hours south of Sydney (by car) and close to Bega. It’s a serene escape for campers looking to relax and enjoy nature, with activities such as swimming, fishing, paddling and bushwalking available nearby.
The campground has 66 various unpowered sites suitable for tents, campervans, trailers, and caravans. Facilities include toilets, hot showers, picnic tables and barbecue areas. However, drinking water is not provided, so visitors must bring their own.
Priced at $24 per night (for up to six people per site), it’s a great value. Bookings are required and can be made via the NSW National Parks website. The campground provides easy access for all standard vehicles. Note that a Bournda National Park pass ($8 per vehicle per day) is needed to enter.
Contact: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service or 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS)
The Ruins Camping Area, North Coast NSW
Boomerang Beach is just a 10-minute drive southeast of the Ruins Camping Area
Located within Booti Booti National Park, this stunning campsite is about three hours northeast of Sydney by car. It's ideally situated to explore nearby attractions such as the scenic Boomerang Beach (just a short drive away) or take a rewarding coastal walk.
This popular area features 96 unpowered sites suitable for tents, caravans, camper trailers, campervans and motorhomes. It offers excellent facilities including toilets, showers, picnic areas, barbecues, potable water and rubbish disposal.
The nightly fee is $34 per site (with a maximum of six or eight people, depending on the site type). The campground is accessible for all standard vehicles. Note that a National Parks Pass ($8 per vehicle per day) is required.
Contact: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service or 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS)
Caravan parks
Alpine Tourist Park, Snowy Mountains
Situated in the town of Adaminaby about five hours southwest of Sydney, Alpine Tourist Park is a fantastic year-round camping spot in the high country, near Kosciuszko National Park. Popular activities include fishing, bushwalking, skiing and cycling.
This caravan park offers a range of accommodation, from tent and caravan sites to cabins and mobile homes. Facilities include a well-equipped camp kitchen, laundry, toilets, showers and a dump point. Fees apply, and the park is accessible for all vehicles.
Contact: Alpine Tourist Park or 0433303576
Corowa Bindaree Holiday Park, The Murray
Located near the NSW-Victoria border, roughly six hours southwest of Sydney, this family-owned caravan park is a budget-friendly base for exploring the Murray River region.
Accommodation options include executive cabins, self-contained apartments and powered and unpowered camping sites to suit various budgets. The park features a private boat ramp, outdoor swimming pool, playground, jumping pillow, recreation room, laundry facilities, undercover barbecue facilities, half basketball court, giant chess set, dump point and more.
Fees vary based on accommodation type. All standard vehicles can access the park.
Contact: Corowa Bindaree Holiday Park or 02 6033 2500
Reflections Byron Bay Holiday and Caravan Park, North Coast NSW
Reflections Byron Bay is across the road from the stunning Main Beach
Situated right across from Byron Bay’s Clarkes Beach, this affordable holiday park is an excellent way to experience this iconic location without breaking the bank. It’s about an eight-hour drive northeast of Sydney via the coastal route (Pacific Highway) or about 10 hours if taking the inland route (via the New England Highway).
Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations including powered and unpowered campsites, glamping tents, cabins, villas and tiny homes. The park offers a camp kitchen, barbecue areas, laundry facilities and a children’s playground. Fees depend on your choice of accommodation, and the park is accessible by all vehicles.
Contact: Reflections Byron Bay or 02 6685 6496
Return for part two
We’re not finished yet with the best free and budget camping spots in New South Wales! Come back soon for part two.
^Royal National Park is also the world’s second-oldest national park after Yellowstone National Park or, if you want to split hairs, the third oldest if you count Mongolia’s Bogd Khan Uul National Park, which preceded Yellowstone National Park by around 100 years.
