9 Best Free Spots for Camping – NSW

Sometimes you’ve just got to get away from the hustle and bustle! You want an adventure, you’re craving an open road, wind in your hair, or you’re destined for a week away to hang out with friends. There is only one thing for it, a campervan road trip hitting up all the best free camping in NSW!

Well, we want to make that trip even easier for you by giving you the tricks of the trade. We’ve got your top 9 free campsites in NSW.

Whether you want to park near a fishing spot in the forest, pitch up near the coast – or even stay in the rainforest with dramatic waterfalls nearby! We’ve got all the top spots right here. Happy exploring…

Quick links

1. Blue Mountains at Cathedral Reserve
2. Gum Bend Lake near Condobolin
3. Swans Creek Crossing
4. Murphy’s Glen
5. Old Olney
6. Ellenborough Reserve
7. Wingello State Forest in the Southern Highlands
8. North Head Campground, Murramarang National Park
9. Oxley Wild Rivers

Blue Mountains at Cathedral Reserve

Mount Wilson, NSW

Who doesn’t love the Blue Mountains? How about free camping in the Blue Mountains? Surely very few people, right? That’s exactly why our #9 free camping spot is right here, amongst the eucalyptus forests, dramatic scenery and waterfalls. Welcome to Cathedral Reserve.

On Mount Wilson, this campground is a flat grassy area nestled in the gum trees. Just a 10-minute hike from the campground is the Cathedral of Ferns trail, a must-see for anyone who loves ferns. There are many bush walks in the local area, so make sure to pack your hiking boots.

Consider an early rise on one or two mornings to see the misty sunrise. It makes for the most perfect shot, whether you’re into your photography or not. Also, be sure to see the fireflies glowing on the warm summer nights, something truly magical about this experience.

This is a good free campsite for all vehicle types, so any vehicle from a 2wd station wagon to a 4WD should have no problem swinging in for the night.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Camp Fires w BBQ Pits
• Waste Facilities
• Good Roads
• 2wd access
• FrVisit Siteee drinking water

Gum Bend Lake

Condoblin, NSW

If you want beautiful lake surroundings, then this is your spot. With great access for 2wd, you’ll be able to get your campervan parked comfortably!

There are many walking trails nearby, so you can be sure to keep active… if you want. This free campsite is peaceful and tranquil for the majority of the year; you’ll be sure to find your Zen here. They offer hot showers and flushing toilets, as well as barbeque pits for cooking some great camping meals — which is more than a lot of other free campgrounds can offer!

Gum Bend Lake was made for boating, swimming, fishing and water skiing. It also sits on 40 hectares of landscaped grounds, so there is plenty of space for on-land activities too. The lake itself is a 25-minute walk from the campsite, but it’s well worth the effort.

This landscaped campground is located 99 km West of Parkes. The nearest village is Condobolin, 5 km away. Here you’ll find a few cosy cafés for your morning coffee.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Showers
• Water
• Pet Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Camp Fires w BBQ Pits
• 2wd access
• Free drinking water

Swans Crossing Campground

Swans Crossing, NSW

Halfway between Taree and Kempsey, Swans Creek Crossing is an idyllic forest campground for a campervan or camping retreat. Just 16 km NW of Kendall, Swans Creek Crossing is a quiet and peaceful free campground with sufficient facilities to stay comfortable in the Kerewong National Forest. Enjoy the wonderful swimming hole and tons of walking trails to stretch your legs.

FEATURED AMENITIES

With a bunch of facilities, you’ll be very comfortable here:

• Toilets
• Camp Fires
• Pet friendly
• Family Friendly
• Water
• 2wd access
• Free drinking water

Murphy’s Glen Campground

Blue Mountains National Park, NSW

We had to give you another free campground in the Blue Mountains, just because there are so many amazing ones. Pack up your belongings and head to Murphy’s Glen; with a number of small pools and stunning lookouts, you will be glad the phone signal isn’t great.

Make sure you come prepared to this spot, as it is very remote and there is no access to running water. You’ll need enough for drinking and cooking. The local nightlife can really put on a show at the Glen, so watch out for the bat displays and possum parties. Very entertaining from a distance!

Please note: there are unsealed roads here, so usually, 4wd access only. There is a steep hill at the bottom of the entrance, and if the weather isn’t perfect, then this section can prove tricky for 2wd vehicles.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• BBQs
• Water
• 4wd access only

Old Olney HQ Campground

Martinsville, NSW

Do you love NSW National Parks and State Forests? Well, 3 border Old Olney: Wyong State Forest, Watagan State Forest and Watagan National Park! The forests have been harvested for timber for over 100 years, and with the history comes a magical sense of mystery. Old Olney is an award-winning campground and you will see why when you’re there.

To get there, travel along the Central Coast of New South Wales. This campsite is located just 16 km West of Cooranbong, a rural suburb of the City of Lake Macquarie. Cooranbong is surrounded by National Park as well, so you can get your fix of trees and bush walks at this spot.

A lot of cyclists also fleet to Old Olney; the trail runs are epic, and of course, you have the stunning views to match.

FEATURED AMENITIES

You can access it with a 2wd car or campervan with no problem, and facilities aren’t too bad either, with the following:

• Toilets
• Camp Fires w/ BBQs
• Family Friendly
• Pet friendly
• Water
• Mobile Reception
• 2wd access

Ellenborough Reserve

Ellenborough, NSW

Ellenborough Reserve campsite provides a spacious rest area 500 m North of Oxley Highway. If you love canoeing, kayaking and seeing wildlife, this should be your first destination! It’s home to a wide range of birds, including kingfishers, king parrots and bowerbirds. If you’re into bird watching, then make sure to pack the binoculars.

On top of all that, and if you still want to see more wildlife, look out for native animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. There will be plenty hanging around.

Bring your own water and firewood, as this campground won’t offer the basics like many others. That said, if you want to experience a true-blue Aussie camping trip, that means getting back to basics, mate — including learning how to understand Aussie slang (true-blue means ‘authentic’ or ‘real deal’).

FEATURED AMENITIES

Please note: this free camping spot is only accessible by 4wd.

• Toilets
• Camp Fires
• Pet friendly
• Family Friendly
• Maximum Stay: 14 days
• 4wd access only

Wingello State Forest in the Southern Highlands

Wingello, NSW

Wingello State Forest is an exotic forest full of plantations! There are over 50 campsites to choose from, and it is just a 5-minute drive from the small town of Wingello, a village in the Southern Highlands. With access to 2wd vehicles, you’ll be able to get a perfect spot for your van, car or tent!

The forest management practices ensure environmental responsibility and also a sustainable timber industry. Wingello State Forest is best known for its great mountain biking trails spanning over 1,200 hectares of land. You certainly won’t run out of trail! If biking isn’t your thing, then why not test out your riding legs on a horse? Horse trailers are just as popular in this spot.

FEATURED AMENITIES

You’re lucky with the free facilities here:

• Toilets
• Water
• Mobile Reception
• 2wd access

North Head Campground, Murramarang National Park

Benandarah, NSW

Tucked away in the bosom of Murramarang National Park, North Head Campground is nothing short of an oasis on the NSW South Coast. It’s so serene and secluded, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled upon a secret retreat, yet it’s just a hop, skip and a jump from the lively Batemans Bay. This spot is a siren call for those intrepid campers who have a taste for the wild and a thirst for adventure.

What sets North Head Campground apart is its VIP access to pristine beaches and rugged headlands. Think of it as your backstage pass to Mother Nature’s greatest hits – leisurely coastal walks, invigorating swims in crystal-clear waters, fishing expeditions, and explorations of untouched beauty spots like Honeysuckle Beach.

As twilight descends, treat yourself to a starlit dining experience, with the ocean waves providing the perfect dinner music. Greet the dawn with a revitalising dip at Oakey Beach, just a brisk walk or a quick drive away. In short, North Head Campground isn’t just a place to visit, it’s an experience that captures the very essence of the NSW South Coast, and leaves an indelible imprint on your memory.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Swimming & Fishing spots
• Walking trails

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Yarrowitch, NSW

And finally… if you’re into dramatic rainforests and waterfalls, look no further. This is why we’ve coined Oxley Wild Rivers as our #1 free campground for your campervan road trip.

It is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Oxley Wild Rivers features rare dry rainforests, waterfalls, dramatic gorges, scenic rivers, gigantic wilderness areas and jaw-dropping wildlife. Take a scenic drive along the Waterfall Way, explore the Apsley Macleay Gorges and visit Wollomombi, the highest waterfall in NSW! Bush walkers will love the massive Green Gully trail and massive 65 km routes to explore.

It is a magnificent landscape that will mesmerise all!

There are often events going on nearby, and local farmer markets are often set up on the weekend in Walcha, so you can enjoy the local produce.

There are 2 free campsites with free holiday park access at Oxley: Budds Mare and Dangars Gorge. Both campsites are suited for campervans and 2wd vehicles. A third free campsite, Long Point, is built for car or tent camping.

FEATURED AMENITIES

All free sites include:

• Toilets
• Camp Fire w/ BBQ Pits
• Pet Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Mobile Reception (most of the time!)
• 2wd access

Now remember, for some of these free campgrounds you may need to pay for parking, especially the ones located on National Parks. There are local numbers you can call to find out, a great website containing all park fees is National Parks. You’ll get all your questions answered there if we haven’t already.

Travellers Autobarn also provides you with several accommodation options to reduce your spending when it comes to selecting prime locations during your trip. All customers will receive on pick-up a booklet that will highlight free campgrounds all around Australia – meaning instead savings for you. You will also get a discount on specific holiday parks we partner with! The benefits are endless.

If we have got you excited to explore one of our top 9 spots, then come and chat with our friendly staff for more information. Don’t forget to check out our latest deals & specials on campervan hire in Sydney.

For more information about free camping all around Australia or to access our free camping Australia article library come and explore today!