Sometimes you just need to get away from the city and escape the hustle and bustle. Luckily, NSW is blessed with a number of campsites that suit just about anyone! Whether you’re looking for adventure or a bit of peace and quiet, there is a site for you. And the great thing is, you won’t have to break the bank to stay there! Don’t believe us, well here are the top 6 free camps in NSW.
1. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Oxley
Image Credit: Instagram (@beauoutteridge)
Listed as a Gondwana Rainforests of Australia heritage area, Oxley Wild Rivers is host to a range of scenic delights. Surrounded by rainforest, waterfalls, rivers and gorges, this picturesque campsite offers a multitude of natural wonders to discover.
If the idyllic landscape is not enough, there are often a number of local events such as the weekend markets in Walcha to explore.
At Oxley, there are 2 free campsites with access to parking, including Budds Mare and Dangars Gorge. Both sites are suited for campervans and 2WD vehicles. Also, there is a third free campsite, Long Point, that can accommodate for tents and car-camping.
Amenities:
- Toilets
- Camp Fire with BBQ Pits
- Mobile Reception
- 2WD Access
- Pet-friendly
Additional Details Can Be Captured From The Below Websites
- http://www.findacamp.com.au/park-details.php?park=148
- https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/riverside-campground-and-picnic-area
2. Ellenborough Reserve, Ellenborough
Image Credit: Instagram (@maja_pett)
Ellenborough Reserve campsite provides a grassy rest area among trees on the banks of the Hastings and Ellenborough Rivers in NSW. This is a particularly great spot for canoers, kayakers and birdwatching enthusiasts.
The area is home to a wide range of birds including bowerbirds, kingfishers, king parrots, wedge-tailed eagles and honeyeaters. You may also come across native Australian animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, possums and echidnas if you are quiet enough.
Goannas, platypus and turtles are less commonly seen but are known to live in the area. The camping area itself is a reasonably large grassy area with space for caravans, campervans and tents.
You will need to bring your own water for showering and drinking, as well as your own firewood if you want to use the wood powered BBQs.
- Where: 500m North of Oxley Highway
- Toilets: Yes
- Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Maximum Stay: 14 days
- Big Rig Access: Yes
- Getting There: LOT 7018 Main. 500m North of Oxley Highway on the East side of the bridge.
Additional Details Can Be Captured From The Below Websites
- https://www.aircamp.com.au/campsite/ellenborough-reserve
- http://www.findacamp.com.au/camp-site.php?camp=616
- https://tinyurl.com/u7anymh
3. Wingello State Forest, Wingello
Image Credit: Instagram (@summerofseventyfive)
Details Captured From- https://www.campsaustraliawide.com/faq/free-camping-sites-nsw/
his free camping site is located on a large grassy area among Wingello State Forest in NSW. There are over 50 campsites to choose from and it is just a 5-minute drive from the small town of Wingello, where you can pick up some supplies.
The surrounding forest is a mixture of pine plantations and native forests with peppermint, manna gum and stringybarks. Forest management practices in the area ensure biodiversity, soil, water quality and cultural heritage sites are protected while also allowing sustainable timber production.
Wingello State Forest is a popular area for horse riding and mountain biking and it is also a popular camping area for all types of campers.
Where: 4 km South-East of Wingello
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Water: Yes
Mobile Reception: Yes
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: From Wingello, head SE along Wingellow Forest Road (dirt).
Additional Details Can Be Captured From The Below Websites
- https://directory.fullrangecamping.com.au/item/hq-camp-wingello-state-forest-fc/
- http://www.findacamp.com.au/camp-site.php?camp=409
- https://www.visitsouthernhighlands.com.au/operator/hq-camp-wingello-state-forest/
Additional Details Can Be Captured From The Below Websites
- http://www.findacamp.com.au/camp-site.php?camp=608
- https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMW9HM_Swans_Crossing_Kerewong_SF_Kendall_NSW_Australia
- https://www.campsight.com.au/catalogue/great-lakes—manning-valley/swans-crossing–kerewong-state-forest–west-of-kew-kendall
4. Cathedral Reserve, Blue Mountains
Image Credit: Instagram (@soph.e.strong)
Cathedral Reserve is located just outside of Mount Wilson. This campground is a flat grassy area, lined with gum trees. With so many walking trails nearby, there is much to explore at this spot.
Just a short 10-minute walk from the campground is the picturesque Cathedral of Ferns trail, a definite must-see for visitors. Taking approximately 30-minute to complete, this hike is sometimes shrouded in mist and is aglow with fire flies on a summer evening. So, definitely remember to pack your hiking boots!
Amenities:
- Toilets
- BBQ Pits
- 2WD Access
- Picnic Tables
- Trailer Sites
Additional Details Can Be Captured From The Below Websites
- https://www.mtwilson.com.au/mt-wilson-progress-association/sites-managed-by-the-mwpa?id=60
- https://www.campsight.com.au/catalogue/greater-sydney—blue-mountains/cathedral-reserve–mt-wilson–lithgow-region
- http://www.findacamp.com.au/camp-site.php?camp=1707
5. Green Patch, Jervis Bay
If clear waters and sandy white beaches are at the top of your camping checklist, then look no further!
Green Patch camping area is located in the Booderee National Park at Jervis Bay. Situated in a pristine natural setting, campers can enjoy a diverse range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, fishing, boating and bushwalking.
Amenities:
- Toilets
- Camp Fires
- Pet-friendly
- Mobile Reception
- 2WD Access
Additional Details Can Be Captured From The Below Websites
- https://parksaustralia.gov.au/booderee/camping/
- https://www.shoalhaven.com/products/booderee-national-park-green-patch-camping-area
- https://tinyurl.com/uvrbabm
6. Newnes Campground, Wollemi National Park
Image Credit: Instagram (@waztwit)
Just over a 3-hour drive from Sydney, Newnes campground is the perfect spot to escape the city. Situated in the Wolgan Valley, this campground is right on the cusp of the Wolgan River. At this free campsite, you can enjoy an idyllic picnic under the trees before venturing out to explore the tunnels and trails of the historic shale oil ruins close-by.
Amenities:
- Toilets
- BBQ facilities
- 2WD access
- Parking available
Additional Details Can Be Captured From The Below Websites
- https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/newnes-campground
- https://campingaround.com.au/campsite/newnes-campground/
- https://www.campsight.com.au/catalogue/greater-sydney—blue-mountains/newnes-ruins–wollemi-nat-park–lithgow-region
7. Old Olney HQ Campground, Watagan Forest
Details Captured From- https://www.campsaustraliawide.com/faq/free-camping-sites-nsw/
Image Credit: Instagram (@thetraxtribe)
If you are travelling along the Central Coast of New South Wales Olney State Forest is a great spot to stopover.
Located in a popular recreation area, this free campsite is great for both families and small groups. Located west of Lake Macquarie, the area is impressively green and is bordered by Watagan State Forest, Wyong State Forest and Watagans National Park. In both 2012 and 2013, the State Forests of the Watagan Mountains won the Gold Award for Adventure Tourism in the Hunter Central Coast Tourism Awards and won a bronze award for tourist attraction in 2011.
It’s safe to say you won’t get bored during your stay.
- Where: 16 km West of Cooranbong
- Toilets: Yes
- Camp Fires: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Mobile Reception: Yes
- Getting There: Take Martinsville Road and Watagan Forest Road (8 km dirt road)
Additional Details Can Be Captured From The Below Websites
- https://www.live2camp.com.au/old-olney-hq-campground
- https://www.touristplaces.com.au/laguna-nsw/old-olney-hq-camping-ground/
- https://parkmyvan.com.au/parks/old-olney-hq-camping-area/
8. Wooldridge Recreation & Fossicking Reserve, Uralla
Details Captured From- https://www.campsaustraliawide.com/faq/free-camping-sites-nsw/
Image Credit: Instagram (ode2theroad)
If you are looking for a free camping area rich with Australian History, you will find it at Rocky River. A major gold rush ensued in this area in the 1850s after gold was found in 1851.
Although the site is historic, there isn’t much to see other than holes – the traces of eager hands and machinery digging for gold. By 1856 the fields in this area were the largest in northern NSW with approximately 4000-5000 miners working the site.
There is a visitor centre nearby where you can hire equipment to try your luck fossicking. The best way, though, is to explore the fields with Uralla Goldfield Tours (Tel: 02 6772 6828). There is also a picnic located closeby next to the river where you can frolic and explore.
- Where: 6 km West of Uralla
- Toilets: Yes
- Camp Fires: Yes (BYO firewood)
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Water: Yes
- Mobile Reception: Yes
- Getting There: Turn off New England Highway 800m South of the Tourist Information Centre. Take Kingstown and Deconcourt Roads.
Additional Details Can Be Captured From The Below Websites
- http://www.findacamp.com.au/camp-site.php?camp=637
- https://www.uralla.com/Explore/Things-to-Do/History-Heritage/Gold-at-Rocky-River
- https://parkmyvan.com.au/parks/rocky-river-fossicking-area/
- https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/tamworth-area/uralla/attractions/wooldridge-recreation-and-fossicking-reserve
- https://www.uralla.com/Explore/Things-to-Do/Fossicking/Wooldridge-Fossicking-Area
- https://maps.roadtrippers.com/au/nsw/nature/wooldridge-recreation-and-fossicking-reserve-nsw–1
9. Bretti Reserve, Gloucester
Details Captured From- https://www.campsaustraliawide.com/faq/free-camping-sites-nsw/
Image Credit: Instagram (@kevinthetroopy)
Beautiful camping and picnic area located in a serene environment. Although the facilities are basic, Bretti Reserve features large open spaces and a flowing river that makes for a refreshing swim.
The river is frequented by birdlife and doesn’t be surprised if a few cows graze close to your site. There are no showers and taps, however, you can drink water from the river if you boil it for at least 15 minutes.
If you have packed your canoe you can explore the river and look forward to a cooked meal on the wood BBQs after you have worked up an appetite.
- Where: 44 km South of Nowendoc and 34 km North of Gloucester
- Toilets: Yes
- Camp Fires: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Maximum Stay: 1 month
- Big Rig Access: Yes
- Getting There: Approximately 33 km from Gloucester on a sealed road. Proceed past Gloryvale on Thunderbolt’s Way and turn right into Bretti Reserve.
