The Best Free Camping Sites in NSW

Wanna live the roadie dream in NSW without spending a cent on your site? You’re in the right place, RatPacker 🙌. Whether you’re sleeping in a van, pitching a tent, or rolling deep with the crew, this is your go-to guide to NSW’s most epic free camping spots.

These campgrounds are 100% free to stay at (minus maybe a cheeky $6 booking fee), have wicked views, wildlife roaming around, and just the right amount of rugged. You won’t find powered sites, flushing loos or Insta influencers here, just real-deal roadtrip vibes.

Real Talk: This info’s bang-on as of April 2025, but always double-check the booking links before you head off. Road closures, fire bans and cheeky weather can mess with plans real quick.

Bendeela Recreation Area 

Location: Near Kangaroo Valley

Vibe: Open, social, wombat wonderland

One word: wombats. They run this place. Camp up by the Kangaroo River and watch the little legends waddle past your tent at dusk. It’s grassy, spacious and totally free (just book online + $6 admin). You’ll find campers, families, vans, caravans, it’s got that relaxed, social feel.

Swim, float, kayak or just chill out and wombat-watch. No fires allowed here though, it’s in a water catchment area, so gas stoves and BBQs only.

Hot Tips:

• 100% FREE camping (+ $6 admin online booking)
• 2WD accessible year-round
• Proper toilets and drinking water
• No pets, no campfires, limited phone signal
• Max stay: 7 nights
• Wombats WILL try and raid your snacks. Don’t feed them, but defs take pics 📸

Delicate Campground 

Location: Goolawah National Park, near Crescent Head  

Vibe: Beachside cruisy, salty air and surf missions

Looking for a low-key coastal camp with direct beach access and laidback vibes? Delicate Campground has your name all over it. Tucked inside Goolawah National Park, right near the surfy little village of Crescent Head, this spot is pure Aussie beach camping bliss.

You’ll score easy access to Delicate Beach (ideal for a morning surf or a lazy arvo swim) and epic walking trails through wild coastal bush. Facilities are basic, think pit toilets and picnic tables, but the real magic is parking up, wandering over the dunes, and hitting the sand.

Hot Tips:

• Free with $6 NPWS booking
• 2WD campervan-friendly access
• Pit toilets and picnic tables – no showers or drinking water
• Beach is dog-friendly (on-leash) in sections – double-check signage
• Killer surf break right out the front if you’re keen to paddle out
• Short drive to Crescent Head for supplies, bakeries, and good coffee

Bendethera Valley Campground 

Location: Deua National Park

Vibe: Off-grid adventure, 4WD-only paradise

This one’s for the off-road legends. You NEED a 4WD (with low range) to make it in – there’s steep trails, river crossings and serious bush terrain. But once you roll into the valley? You’ll be surrounded by mountains, a river, open grassy meadows, and stargazing that’ll blow your mind.

Set up wherever you like, swim in the river, hike to Bendethera Caves if you’re keen, and embrace the absolute wilderness.

Hot Tips:

• Free + $6 booking
• 4WD access only – don’t risk it in a 2WD
• No marked sites, pick your patch
• Pit toilets and fire pits (BYO firewood)
• No water, no bins, no shops – go full self-sufficient
• River crossings can flood – avoid in wet weather

Thredbo Diggings Camp Ground 

Location: Kosciuszko National Park, near Thredbo

Vibe: Alpine river magic, summer chill, winter adventure

Snow gums, crystal-clear rivers, and mountain views for days, Thredbo Diggings is an absolute beaut. Set right on the Thredbo River, it’s perfect for summer swims, fishing, hiking, or just soaking up that fresh alpine air. In winter, you’re only a short drive to the Thredbo ski fields (yep, roadtrip + snow mission = sorted).

It’s flat, open, 2WD-friendly, and free with a NPWS pass. Plus, there’s heaps of room to roll in the camper or pitch a tent.

Hot Tips:

• Free with NPWS day pass (book online)
• 2WD access (sealed roads)
• Pit toilets and picnic tables, no showers
• BYO drinking water
• Fires allowed in provided fire rings (seasonal restrictions apply)
• Close to Wild Brumby Distillery and epic alpine hikes

Brou Lake Campground

Location: Eurobodalla National Park, Far South Coast NSW

Vibe: Beach, bush, and pure off-grid bliss

If you’re chasing a free spot that’s all about nature, salty air, and chill beach strolls, Brou Lake Campground is calling. Tucked in a grove of spotted gums, you’re just a stone’s throw from Brou Lake and Jemisons Beach, perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing or paddling around like a legend.

It’s super low-key with only basic facilities, but that’s half the charm. Limited spots for small campers, vans or tents, so roll in early and soak up those sunrise and sunset vibes over the ocean. This one’s about proper back-to-basics camping. No crowds, no worries.

Hot Tips:

• 100% FREE camping (+ $6 online booking fee)
• 2WD accessible (dry weather recommended)
• Limited spots for small vans, first come first served
• Pit toilets and picnic tables, no showers, no drinking water
• Bring all your water, food and firewood (no supplies nearby)
• No marked sites,  pick your patch but respect the bollards
• Top spot for dolphin watching, paddling, and beach hikes
• No fires unless permitted, check conditions before you light up

Coxs Creek Campground

Location: Coolah Tops National Park

Vibe: Snow gums, stars + solitude

Up in the hills, this one’s often overlooked, but it’s a banger. Coxs Creek is surrounded by snow gums and native forest, with grassy spots to pitch up and plenty of space to spread out. Best bit? You’re allowed to collect fallen wood here (rare for national parks!).

Super chill during the week and great for birdwatching, campfires, and a quiet cuppa by the fire.

Hot Tips:

• Free with $6 NPWS booking
• 2WD access (unsealed roads)
• Pit toilet, picnic tables, fire rings
• No water (some tank water down the road, but don’t count on it)
• Bins might be provided, but still pack it out just in case
• Gets chilly, it’s 1200m up, bring the beanie

Gum Bend Lake 

Location: Condobolin, Central West NSW

Vibe: Lakeside chill zone, water sports and wide open skies

If you’re after a peaceful spot with plenty of space to park up and stretch out, Gum Bend Lake is a beaut hidden gem. Just a few clicks west of Condobolin, this man-made lake is all about lazy days on the water, birdwatching strolls, and kicking back under big blue Aussie skies.

You’ll find everything you need for a comfy stay, picnic tables, BBQ areas, toilets, showers, and best of all? It’s free to camp here. Perfect for throwing the kayak in, chasing a few fish, or just pulling up the camp chair and watching the sunset over the lake.

Hot Tips:

• FREE camping, no booking needed
• 2WD and campervan-friendly access
• Public toilets, hot showers, picnic tables and BBQ areas
• Top spot for fishing, canoeing, waterskiing and birdwatching
• Dog-friendly – but keep ‘em leashed and clean up after them
• Short drive into Condobolin for supplies
• Wide open area – plenty of space even in peak times

Alright legend, let’s cut to the chase. Free camping in NSW? Absolutely doable. We live for it. But if you think you can just swing off the highway, crack a tinny, and set up your swag anywhere that looks peaceful… not quite.

We’re not here to kill the vibe, but if you wanna camp free and keep it legal, clean, and drama-free, there’s a code to follow.

This isn’t red tape, it’s road trip wisdom. 

So here it is: the unofficial-official RatPack guide to free camping in NSW without being a muppet.

Only Camp Where It’s Allowed

Just because you see a flat bit of grass and no one around doesn’t mean it’s fair game. If there’s no signage, no listing, and no one else camped up, there’s probably a reason.

NSW has plenty of legal free camps: state forests, rest stops, Crown land and more. But if you’re unsure? Don’t chance it.

Nothing kills the vibe faster than a ranger rocking up mid-noodle boil.

Don’t Linger Too Long

Some sites are dreamy. River views. No one around. But if there’s a 24-48 hour limit (and most have one), you gotta move on when time’s up.

No cheeky extras. No “she’ll be right.” Overstaying ruins it for everyone and gets spots shut down.

Soak it up, snap the sunset, and hit the road like the free-rolling legend you are.

Fires? Only When You’re Allowed

NSW can go from green to crispy real fast, and fire bans are serious business. Always check if fires are allowed before you strike a match.

If there’s a fire pit, sure, roast those marshies. If not, stick to the gas cooker. It’s safer, simpler, and still makes a mean cup of billy tea.

If you’re not 100% sure it’s allowed, don’t light it. Full stop.

Know If You Need to Be Self-Contained

Some spots only allow self-contained vehicles, that means your own toilet, greywater tank, the works.

If you’re rocking the ol’ mattress-in-the-boot setup, double check the rules. If it says “self-contained only,” you’re not gonna make the cut.

Don’t Mess with the Wildlife

Wombats don’t want your leftover toast. Possums aren’t keen on your muesli bars. Feeding wildlife messes with their health and the ecosystem.

Respect the critters, stay on the tracks, and if you brought a dog? Only take them where they’re allowed, and keep ‘em close.

If You Brought It In, Take It Out

Everything. And we mean everything. Rubbish, food scraps, the weird sock you found under the van seat, all of it goes with you.

This one’s non-negotiable. It’s how we keep NSW looking as mint as the day you rolled in.

If it didn’t grow there, don’t leave it there.

Keep It Down (Especially After Dark)

We’re all here for a good time, but blasting tunes across the valley at midnight? Nah. Read the room, respect your neighbours, and keep the noise down when the stars come out.

Nature’s soundtrack is unbeatable anyway.

Doggo Rules Change Everywhere

Wanna bring the four-legged co-pilot? In some places, yes. In others, especially national parks, it’s a hard no.

Always check before you rock up with the pup. And if dogs are allowed, keep ‘em leashed, loved, and not chasing wildlife.

Always Check Local Rules

One last golden rule: council areas, parks, Crown land, they’ve all got their own quirks.

A five-minute check on the relevant website or app before you roll in can save you a fine, a warning, or a late-night pack-up.

TL;DR – NSW Free Camping Rules in One Hit

• Only camp where it’s allowed.
• Most sites = 24-48hr max.
• Fires? Only if they’re permitted – and use the pit.
• Some sites require self-contained vans.
• Don’t feed the wildlife, don’t trash the place.
• Check dog rules before bringing the pooch.
• Keep the noise low, especially at night.

Always check local rules before setting up.

When it comes to free camping in Aussie land, it’s all about pulling into designated spots where you’re sweet to camp for free (or maybe just chuck a cheeky $6 booking fee their way).

You can’t just set up anywhere you fancy, but don’t stress, there’s heaps of wicked free camps across NSW if you know where to look.

Keen to suss out the full lowdown on how free camping’s different to wild camping down under? We’ve broken it all down here.

Bush Camping

Bush camping is the raw deal, no WiFi, no neighbours, no reception (bliss),  just you, your crew, and the Aussie bush buzzing around you.

NSW is full of spots where you can still get that real off-grid vibe, especially in national parks and state forests, but there’s a few rules to keep the vibes legal and the rangers happy.

Important: You can’t just chuck your swag anywhere. Some areas allow it, some don’t, and rules can vary between parks.

RatPack Tip: If you’re keen to go bush camping in a national park, suss out that park’s Plan of Management online. This doc gives you the lowdown on where you can and can’t go wild. Here’s an example for Kosciuszko: Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management.

National Parks 

National parks are where NSW seriously shows off, think waterfalls, mountains, coastlines, all rolled into one epic playground. 

You can camp in national parks, but there are two main types of camping:

• Bookable campgrounds with basic facilities
• Backcountry sites, walk-in only, no marked spots, just you and the wild

Most of the time, you’ll need to book ahead, and if you’re heading off-grid, you might need to fill in a trip intention form too (it’s a safety thing).

RatPack Tip: Every national park has its own rules when it comes to where you can camp.

If you’re unsure, check out the park’s Plan of Management, it spells out exactly where you’re good to camp (and where you’ll risk annoying the rangers).

Example? Suss out the Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management.

State Forests

If national parks are the popular kids, state forests are the chill ones with the best party spots. Managed by the Forestry crew, these spots are often less busy, way more relaxed, and bonus, you don’t usually need to book.

You’ll find some cracking places to set up camp here, open grassy patches, forest clearings, even little river spots where you can float around on a lilo all afternoon. Some have pit toilets or fire rings, but plenty don’t, so bring your gear, bring your firewood, and (as always) leave no trace behind.

And the best bit? Dogs are usually welcome too (just keep them close, no one likes a wildlife chaser).

A few faves to chuck in your GPS:

• Chichester – Forests, waterfalls, and wombats.
• Olney – Peaceful and perfect for hammocks + stargazing.
• Coopernook – Coastal forest near the beaches = chef’s kiss.

Crown Land

Crown land is basically public land that hasn’t been turned into parks or farms. Think old stock routes, riverbanks, or scenic bushland tracks you’ve never heard of. The best part? You can camp in some of these spots – totally free – you just need to register before you roll in.

There are zero facilities out here, it’s wild camping, not glamping, so it’s strictly self-sufficient crew only. That means water, food, toilet situation, rubbish bags – all on you.

RatPack Tip: Crown land rules can change from spot to spot, so double-check online before you head in. If in doubt, ring the local council or hit the Crown Lands NSW site.

Beach Camping

We all wanna park up, throw open the back doors, and have the ocean as our backyard. But real talk? You can’t just camp anywhere on the sand in NSW.

Most beaches are protected zones, and you’ll cop a fine if you pitch up where you’re not supposed to. That said,  there are some sweet legal spots in coastal national parks where you can still score a sunrise view and sleep to the sound of the surf. Parks like Yuraygir or Meroo have top-notch beachside camps, you just gotta book.

So yeah – beach camping is defs a vibe, just make sure it’s above board.

Roadside Pull-Ups

If you’re mid-roadie and need to crash for the night, roadside rest areas are the go. You’re allowed to kip there for the night (usually up to 20 hours), but don’t go full set-up with the awning, BBQ, and deck chairs, that’s not what these spots are for.

They’re made for a proper rest stop, not a campsite hangout. No bookings, no fees, just a solid spot to pull in, recharge, and get back on the road safely. Some even have toilets and picnic tables if you’re lucky.

Chuck on some chill tunes, lock up the van, and catch some zzz’s before the next leg of your roadie.

A Few Final Free Camping Nuggets

• Scope out the rules for wherever you’re heading, it can vary heaps.
• Bring your own everything, especially in the wild stuff.
• Don’t be that person, pick up your rubbish, respect the wildlife, and leave it better than you found it.
• And always, check fire bans before lighting up, this ain’t the place for rogue campfires.

But while there are plenty of free spots to call home for the night, there are also a few places where camping’s a big no-no. Let’s talk about where to steer clear, so you don’t end up getting booted out by a ranger or copping a fine…

Alright RatPacker, let’s get real for a sec. Free camping around NSW? It’s an absolute dream, rivers, forests, beaches, cheeky kangas hopping past your camper. There’s a heap of epic free and low-cost campsites where you can pull up, kick back, and soak it all in.

But even when you’re chasing that free camping buzz, not everywhere’s fair game. Some spots are off-limits, and crashing there overnight could mean fines, ranger wake-up calls, or worse, ruining the vibe for the next RatPacker. And that? Ain’t how we roll.

If you’re keen to keep the road trip running smooth and drama-free, here’s where not to set up for the night.

National Parks: You Can’t Just Camp Anywhere

National parks are unreal, waterfalls, beaches, mountain views, but you can’t just roll up and park anywhere overnight.

You can only camp in national parks at either a bookable campground or in designated backcountry zones (walk-in only, no marked spots). If you’re not in one of these approved areas, you’re risking a fine or a ranger wake-up call.

Stick to the official camping areas, and you’ll be sweet.

Beaches & Dunes 

Then there’s the beaches. We get it, waking up with the ocean lapping at your toes sounds like the dream. But most beaches in NSW are protected zones, especially in national parks, and free camping directly on the sand is a no-go.

Same with behind the dunes, in coastal carparks, or cheeky little tracks down to the water. These areas are sensitive, and illegal camping messes with the ecosystem, and trust us, rangers know all the hidey spots by now.

Towns, Carparks & Streets

Cruising into town and thinking you’ll stealth camp in a side street or carpark? Careful there. In loads of popular spots, we’re talking Byron, Jervis Bay, Port Stephens, local councils have clamped down hard on overnight stays in vehicles, especially near beaches and in residential zones.

You might get away with it once, but chances are you’ll end up with a fine on the windscreen or a tap on the window at 2am. It’s not worth the stress 

Private Property

And don’t even think about setting up on private property unless someone’s invited you in. If it’s not listed on something like Hipcamp or an actual campground app, it’s a hard no.

You wouldn’t want someone camping in your backyard without asking, right?

So while NSW is packed with epic spots to crash for the night, the trick is knowing which ones are actually legal, respectful, and won’t ruin the freedom for the rest of us.

We’re all about that good karma road trip, where you leave places better than you found ‘em, stick to the rules, and still have a wicked time.

Need the deets on where you can camp for free and still live your best vanlife? Slide back to the last section, we’ve rounded up the top legal free camping zones across NSW (bush, forest, crown land, the good stuff).

Respect the land, travel smart, and camp like a legend. That’s how we do it.

Look, we’re all about the freedom of the open road. No plans, no stress, just you, the van, and the wide-open wild. But even the most chilled-out roadie needs a little help finding that primo patch of earth to crash on for the night, without copping a fine or ending up next to a truck stop dunny. Not the dream.

That’s where these apps come in. Think of ‘em as your digital co-pilot, always up for a mission, never needs a break, and knows all the best spots. Whether you’re chasing a riverside gem, a forest hideaway, or just somewhere to park up and boil the billy, these legends will have you sorted.

Anycamp

This one’s like the Airbnb of camping, clean, easy, and actually enjoyable to use. You chuck in your filters (free, pet-friendly, close to a swim spot, etc.), and boom, it dishes up solid options across NSW and beyond.

And the best bit? You can actually book straight through the app. No dodgy third-party links. It’s free to use, looks schmick, and makes finding a camp feel less like admin and more like part of the fun.

If you like your roadie planning to feel like you’re scrolling Instagram, Anycamp is your mate.

WikiCamps

WikiCamps is the dusty old esky of camping apps, a bit old school, but it never lets you down.

It’s absolutely stacked. Every site you can think of (and plenty you haven’t) is in here, complete with user reviews, photos, and a huge database of campsites, rest stops, dump points, and sneaky free spots.

Biggest win? You can download offline maps so even when you’re out in the sticks with zero bars, you’ve still got the goods. If you’re the kind of camper who wants all the info, and I mean all of it, this one’s a no-brainer.

Camps Australia Wide

This one’s for the detail lovers, every campsite in here has been personally verified by a human. Yep, an actual person. Not AI. Not Karen on Facebook. A real-life legend.

The app’s super informative with filters for showers, pet access, accessibility, toilets, all the essentials. And if you’re the type who likes a good paper map or book on the dashboard, their printed guide is an Aussie road trip classic.

Perfect for the kind of traveller who still knows how to read a compass, but also appreciates a tidy app.

CamperMate

This is the Swiss Army knife of travel apps, campsite finder, fuel deals, live alerts, weather info, booking engine, and community recs all rolled into one.

It’s slick, super reliable, and heaps of budget travellers rate it because it gives you the full picture: is it busy? Is it closed? Can you swim? Are there cheeky possums that’ll eat your bread at midnight?

CamperMate’s got your back, whether you’re in a camper, tent, or the back of the Troopy with the fairy lights strung up.

Park4Night

Originally more Euro-focused, but it’s catching on here in Aus, especially with vanlifers. Great for quick overnighters or cheeky off-grid pull-ins. Kinda like the underground free camping app your mate told you about at the servo.

Hipcamp

This one’s more for private land (think farm paddocks, bush blocks, off-grid retreats). Sometimes free, sometimes by donation. Worth checking if you’re into quirky stays or wanna support locals.

NSW National Parks App

If you’re heading into any park, get this. Book campsites, check alerts, browse hikes. It’s not flashy, but it’s essential.

Fuel Map Australia

Not a camping app per se, but when your fuel light’s flashing 80km from the nearest servo, you’ll be glad you downloaded it.

If there’s one RatPack tip you take from this whole blog, download your offline maps before you hit the bush. Nothing kills a vibe faster than losing reception and not knowing where you’re sleeping tonight.

With these apps locked and loaded, you’re ready to hit the backroads, find the real-deal free spots, and do it all without the stress. Bush smarts + tech tools = road trip magic.

Let’s be honest, free camping is the dream. No bookings, no rules, no reception (bliss), and no one to tell you to turn your music down. But here’s the thing, the good times only roll if you’ve got your s* together.

If you rock up with no water, no power, and no idea? You’re not “doing it raw”, you’re doing it wrong.

So if you wanna free camp like a proper road dog, not a rookie with melted ice cream and a flat battery, here’s how to get it done RatPack style.

Pack Like You’re Camping on the Moon

Out here, it’s just you, your rig, and whatever you remembered to bring. No shops. No service. No chance of a top-up if you forgot your lighter or didn’t fill the water tank.

So what’s essential?

• Water. Loads of it. Drinking, cooking, cleaning, you’ll go through more than you think. Always bring extra.
• A gas cooker – because fire bans are common and cold noodles don’t hit the same.
• A way to charge your stuff – solar, battery packs, whatever. Just don’t rely on your car battery or a power pole that doesn’t exist.
• Bug spray. First aid kit. A light that works. Don’t wing it.

Basically: if you couldn’t survive two nights in the bush with just what’s in your van, you’re not ready yet. 

If you can camp for two nights and not ask anyone for a thing, you’ve earned your stripes.

Set Your Rig up Right (Or Regret It Later)

Wanna stay longer, go further, and unlock the better spots? Make your setup self-contained. That means your own loo, a proper greywater plan, and a system that doesn’t rely on powered sites or a camp kitchen.

It’s not about having the flashiest van on the road – it’s about being able to pull up anywhere and stay put.

Solar panels = gamechanger.
A second battery = stress reducer.
Flyscreens = sanity savers.
Shade = life.

If your whole setup works off-grid, you’ll spend way less time on WikiCamps looking for powered sites and way more time parked in paradise.

Know What the Sky’s Doing

We love the bush, but she’s a wild one. Weather changes fast, especially in NSW – one minute you’re sunbaking, next minute you’re in a flash storm with your awning doing somersaults.

So check the forecast. Look out for fire danger ratings. Avoid thick bush on scorching days. And if you’re in a low-lying area, maybe don’t ignore that little voice saying “this looks like it floods…”

Also: download your maps. The best campsites usually live somewhere you’ll have zero signal. No bars, no dramas, as long as you’re prepped.

Don’t Be a Hero on Sketchy Roads

We love a dirt road mission. But know your limits, and your vehicle’s. If it’s been raining, that scenic backroad might be more like a slip-and-slide. If it says 4WD only and you’re in a rental Hiace? Turn around.

And when you are on the rough stuff, take it slow. It’s not a race. Unless the race is for who can snap the most epic sunrise by the river without losing their axle.

You’re prepped, packed, and know how to camp like a legend, now it’s time to hit the road.

NSW is full of epic free spots just waiting for you to roll in, switch off, and soak up the good stuff. No bookings, no crowds, just you, your crew, and a sky full of stars.

Need the wheels to get there? That’s where we come in.

At RatPack, we’ll hook you up with the perfect camper for your trip, no hidden fees, no stress, just top deals and real advice from people who’ve lived the vanlife.

Click here to get your camper sorted and let’s get you rollin’.

Yewww, the road’s calling.