Free Camping Spots in Australia: State-by-State Caravan Guide
Free camping in Australia gives caravanners a flexible, low-cost way to explore more of the country. From coastal rest areas to inland riverbanks and station stays, there are thousands of free camps across every state.
Answer summary
- Free camping means staying overnight in designated low-cost or no-cost areas outside traditional caravan parks
- You can only camp in approved rest areas, reserves and public camping zones
- Many free camps suit caravans, but access, space and facilities vary
- Apps and maps make it easy to find and filter suitable sites
- Off-grid readiness is key for a smooth, safe experience
State-by-state free camping overview
| State | Top free camp pick | Road type | Big rig friendly | Facilities |
| NSW | Thredbo Diggings Campground | Sealed + gravel | Yes | Toilets, picnic areas |
| QLD | Babinda Rotary Park | Sealed | Yes | Toilets, water |
| VIC | Meredith Park | Sealed | Yes | Toilets, water |
| SA | Kimba Recreation Reserve | Sealed | Yes | Toilets, showers, BBQs |
| WA | Ellendale Pool | Unsealed | Yes | Toilets, BBQs |
| TAS | Bay of Fires | Mixed | Yes | Toilets |
| NT | Little River Rest Area | Sealed | Yes | None |
Why free camping works for caravanners
Free camping gives you more control over how you travel.
You’re not locked into bookings, peak pricing or crowded caravan parks. You can stop when it suits, adjust your trip according to weather, and stretch your budget across a longer trip.
That flexibility matters on longer trips. It reduces pressure on travel days, improves pacing and makes it easier to adjust as conditions change.
It also opens up parts of Australia that don’t have any paid parks or official facilities, from quiet inland routes to smaller regional towns and less-developed coastal stretches.
For caravanners, that means access to:
- riverfront stops
- remote outback settings
- simple overnight stays between long driving days
Free camping rules you need to know before you go
There are a wide variety of free camp options around Australia, but only in designated areas.
These areas are set by councils, state authorities or land managers, and each location has its own rules. Many allow only short stays, typically between 24 and 72 hours, with signage clearly outlining what’s permitted.
This means:
- you can’t just pull up anywhere and stay overnight
- urban and residential street camping is usually prohibited
- many areas require self-contained setups
Rest areas are one of the most common options, but they are intended for short stops rather than extended stays. Longer free camps are usually found in reserves or regional camping zones.
A good rule of thumb: if it’s not clearly marked as a camping area, don’t assume it is.
Best free camping spots in New South Wales
Thredbo Diggings Campground (Kosciuszko National Park)
Thredbo Diggings Campground is a scenic alpine riverside camp set among snow gums, offering a quieter, nature-focused stay within Kosciuszko National Park.
Location: Bullocks Walking Track, Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Road access: sealed access via Alpine Way with short gravel sections
Big rigs: yes (space available, conditions dependent)
Facilities: toilets, fire pits (byo firewood), picnic tables
Good for:
- longer stays in a natural setting (up to 14 days)
- caravanners comfortable with off-grid camping
- travellers wanting river access, walking tracks and alpine scenery
You’ll need to be self-sufficient here, with no drinking water or bins provided, and limited mobile reception. Park entry fees apply (from $17 per vehicle), and conditions can change quickly in alpine areas, especially in winter.
Swans Crossing (Kerewong State Forest)
Swans Crossing is a flat, open riverside campground in Kerewong State Forest, about 60km from Taree. It’s an easy-access, family-friendly stop set beside the shallow waters of Upsalls Creek, with space to swim, relax and explore nearby walking tracks.
Location: Upsalls Creek Road, Upsalls Creek NSW
Road access: sealed roads with short gravel sections into the site
Big rigs: yes
Facilities: toilets, picnic tables, barbecues, playground
Good for:
- overnight stays or relaxed short breaks
- families and larger caravans
- easy-access camping close to regional towns
Nymboida River Campground
Nymboida River Campground is a quieter bush camp that suits travellers looking for a more secluded stop surrounded by nature.
Location: T-Ridge Road, Jackadgery NSW
Road access: unsealed
Big rigs: limited
Facilities: basic
Good for:
- short stays in quieter locations
- smaller caravans or camper trailers
- travellers comfortable with basic facilities
Gum Bend Lake (Condobolin)
Gum Bend Lake is a spacious lakeside campground just 3km outside Condobolin. Set around a man-made lake, it’s a popular spot for water skiing, fishing and bird watching.
Location: Gum Bend Road, Condobolin NSW
Road access: sealed
Big rigs: yes
Facilities: toilets, showers, BBQs, picnic tables, playground, boat ramp
Good for:
- longer stays (up to 14 nights)
- caravans and motorhomes
- travellers wanting space, facilities and easy town access
Best free camping spots in Queensland
Babinda Rotary Park Campground
Babinda Rotary Park is a well-maintained, easy-access stop 60km south of Cairns, right on the banks of Babinda Creek. With plenty of space and greenery, it’s a favourite for caravanners heading through Far North Queensland.
Location: 29 Howard Kennedy Dr, Babinda QLD
Road access: sealed
Big rigs: yes
Facilities: toilets, water
Good for:
- overnight stops or a few nights
- larger caravans and motorhomes
- travellers wanting a simple, reliable stop
Clem Walton Park at Corella Dam
Clem Walton Park at Corella Dam is a remote inland free camp with wide-open space, water access and a true off-grid feel, just outside Cloncurry. Set beside the dam with grassy banks and shaded areas, it’s a popular spot for fishing, kayaking and relaxed camping, but you’ll need to arrive fully prepared with supplies as there are no services on site.
Location: Clem Walton Park Road, Cloncurry QLD
Road access: unsealed (3km dirt road off Barkly Highway)
Big rigs: yes (conditions dependent)
Facilities: none – no water, no power
Good for:
- off-grid stays
- self-sufficient caravanners
- A relaxing spot for fishing or kayaking
Linville Overnight Rest Area (Brisbane Valley Rail Trail)
Linville Overnight Rest Area is a convenient, short-stay stop set within Linville Railway Park, offering easy access to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. It’s a practical and well-equipped stop for a quick break, with easy access for larger rigs.
Location: Linville Railway Park, Linville QLD
Road access: Sealed
Big rigs: Yes
Facilities: Toilets, coin-operated showers, drinking water, BBQs, playground
Good for:
- overnight stops (maximum 20 hours)
- caravans, RVs and pet-friendly travel
- travellers passing through or exploring the rail trail
Best free camping spots in Victoria
Meredith Park (Lake Colac)
Meredith Park Camping Area offers open, grassy sites and easy access just off the highway. Set right by the lake, it’s a great spot for kayaking, fishing or simply relaxing by the water, with free sites available on a first come, first served basis.
Location: Meredith Park Road, Colac VIC
Road access: Sealed
Big rigs: Yes
Facilities: Toilets, drinking water, BBQs, boat ramp
Good for:
- short lakeside stays
- large caravans and easy setups
- travellers wanting water access and open space
Beauchamp Falls Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Beauchamp Falls Campground is a rainforest campsite in the Otways, offering a quiet stay just off the Great Ocean Road. It’s the starting point for the 3km walk to a large waterfall, and as a popular free site with no bookings, it’s best to arrive early.
Location: Binns Road, Beech Forest VIC
Road access: Unsealed (2WD accessible)
Big rigs: Small caravans or camper trailers only
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, shelter
Good for:
- overnight stays in a natural setting
- smaller caravans, camper trailers and vans
- travellers wanting walking tracks and waterfall access
Doctors Creek Reserve Campground (Goulburn River)
Doctors Creek Reserve Campground is a spacious, grassy riverside camp along the Goulburn River, offering an easy, family-friendly stop in Victoria’s High Country. Set along the river, it’s a popular spot for fishing, swimming and unwinding, with no bookings or fees required.
Location: Jamieson-Woods Point Road, near Jamieson VIC
Road access: Sealed with short gravel entry
Big rigs: Yes
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, fire pits
Good for:
- overnight or relaxed short stays
- caravans and camper trailers
- travellers wanting river access for fishing and paddling
Best free camping spots in South Australia
Kimba Recreation Reserve
Kimba Recreation Reserve is a spacious, well-equipped free camping area set close to town, offering an easy and comfortable stop along major South Australian touring routes and access to nearby walking trails.
Location: North Terrace, Kimba SA
Road access: Sealed
Big rigs: Yes
Facilities: Toilets, coin-operated hot showers, BBQs, camp kitchen, drinking water, dump point, playground
Good for:
- mid-length stays (up to 5 days)
- caravans and larger rigs
- travellers wanting facilities and easy town access
Koonalda Campground (Nullarbor National Park)
Koonalda Campground is a remote outback campsite offering a quiet, off-grid stay in the heart of the Nullarbor. It’s a simple, low-cost stop ($14.90 per vehicle per night) where preparation is essential and the appeal is the wide-open landscape.
Location: Koonalda Road, off Eyre Highway, Nullarbor SA
Road access: Unsealed (14km dirt road, conditions can be rough)
Big rigs: Yes (conditions dependent)
Facilities: Toilet, fire pits (seasonal), unpowered sites
Good for:
- off-grid stays in remote locations
- self-sufficient caravanners and camper trailers
- travellers crossing the Nullarbor
Best free camping spots in Western Australia
Ellendale Pool (near Geraldton)
Ellendale Pool is a scenic natural waterhole along the Greenough River, surrounded by gum trees and rocky gorge walls, offering a peaceful stop in an otherwise dry landscape. About 45 minutes from Geraldton, it’s a popular free camp with shaded areas and river access, making it an easy and worthwhile stop along the Greenough Tourist Drive.
Location: 24 Chapman Road, Greenough (via Ellendale Road)
Road access: Unsealed
Big rigs: Yes
Facilities: Toilets, BBQs, picnic tables (no drinking water)
Good for:
- scenic short stays (up to 5 days)
- caravans and larger rigs
- travellers wanting swimming, birdwatching and a relaxed stop
Mount Robinson Rest Area (near Karijini National Park)
Mount Robinson Rest Area is a convenient roadside stop set at the foot of low mountain ranges, offering an easy overnight option just 20km from the iconic Karijini National Park.
Location: Unnamed track, 800m off the Great Northern Highway. Approx. 108km north-west of Newman WA
Road access: Sealed (short access road off highway)
Big rigs: Yes
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables (no drinking water)
Good for:
- overnight stays (rest area, 24-hour limit)
- caravans and long rigs
- travellers passing through or visiting Karijini
Wubin Rocks (near Wubin)
Wubin Rocks is a quiet bush campsite set just outside the small town of Wubin, offering a simple overnight stop with plenty of space and easy access off the highway. With multiple open areas to free camp, it’s easy to find a spot to spread out, with some natural wind protection among the rocks.
Location: Manuel Road, Wubin WA
Road access: Unsealed (approx. 10km from town)
Big rigs: Yes
Facilities: Basic (no formal facilities)
Good for:
- overnight stopovers
- caravans and larger setups
- travellers wanting space and a quiet bush setting
Best free camping spots in Tasmania
Bay of Fires
The Bay of Fires offers designated beachside camping areas set among white sand, clear water and coastal bushland, creating one of Tasmania’s most iconic and scenic free camping experiences.
Spread across multiple campgrounds from Binalong Bay to Ansons Bay, it’s a golden opportunity for caravanners to camp right by the ocean for free, with stays of up to four weeks allowed.
Location: Bay of Fires Conservation Area, north of Binalong Bay TAS
Road access: Mixed (sealed and unsealed depending on campground)
Big rigs: Yes, depending on the sites
Facilities: Basic (toilets at most sites, no drinking water)
Good for:
- extended coastal stays (up to 4 weeks)
- travellers prioritising location and scenery over facilities
For bigger caravans and easier access, Cosy Corner (South), Swimcart Beach and Policemans Point are the best suitable options, with more space, flexible access and toilet facilities nearby.
Liffey Falls Campground (Liffey Falls State Reserve)
Liffey Falls Campground is a peaceful rainforest campsite set within a World Heritage-listed reserve, offering a cool, nature-filled stay near one of Tasmania’s most impressive waterfalls.
Location: Gulf Road, Liffey TAS
Road access: Unsealed (steep and winding)
Big rigs: Yes (via lower car park)
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, fire pits
Good for:
- overnight stays in a rainforest setting
- caravans and campervans (via lower access)
- travellers wanting walking tracks and waterfall access
Best free camping spots in the Northern Territory
Gunn Point Camping Area (Gunn Point Peninsula)
Gunn Point Camping Area is a remote coastal bush camp north of Darwin, offering a simple, off-grid stay with access to beaches, fishing spots and wide open space.
Location: Gunn Point Road, Gunn Point NT
Road access: Unsealed (conditions vary, can be affected in wet season)
Big rigs: Yes (conditions dependent)
Facilities: None (no toilets, no water, no bins)
Good for:
- off-grid coastal camping
- self-sufficient caravanners
- travellers seeking remote, low-impact stays
Camping is only permitted in designated inland areas, not on the beach or near cliff edges, and you’ll need to bring everything with you and take all waste out, as there are no facilities on site.
Little River Rest Area (near Cape Crawford)
Little River Rest Area is a quiet riverside stop in the Northern Territory, offering a simple place to pull up and unwind among remote landscapes and unique rock formations.
Location: 10km west of Cape Crawford NT (259km east of Daly Waters)
Road access: Sealed highway with short dirt access
Big rigs: Yes
Facilities: None (no toilets, no water, no bins)
Good for:
- overnight roadside stops
- Self-sufficient caravans and campervans
- travellers crossing remote NT routes
Set beside the river with some natural shade, it’s a peaceful stopover, but you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient with no water, reception or facilities available.
How to Find Free Camps: Apps, Maps and Resources
The easiest way to find free camping spots in Australia is to use a dedicated app that shows real locations, access details and user reviews in one place.
Popular tools include:
This allows you to search by location, filter for caravan access and check recent feedback from other travellers, which makes a big difference when planning your stops.
Before heading into remote areas, download maps for offline use and save a few backup options along your route. Mobile and internet coverage can drop out quickly, and having alternatives nearby gives you flexibility if a site is full or unsuitable.
Off-grid camping tips for caravans and towed rigs
Free camping works best when your setup is ready for it. Being prepared is essential for safety, but it also opens the door to some of the most rewarding camping experiences, where being self-sufficient means access to more remote stops, with hidden gems to uncover and a strong sense of adventure.
Caravan free camping essentials:
- water storage for at least 2–3 days
- battery capacity to match your usage
- waste management (grey water where required)
- simple, reliable food and cooking options
- a small kit of tools and essential spares
- lighting and offline navigation for low-signal areas
When you’re moving between remote camps, conditions can change quickly, from uneven roads to long descents and sudden stops. This is where towing performance and a quality braking setup is crucial.
With an all-in-one towing system like Elecbrakes, you can:
- fine-tune braking response as load and terrain change
- switch between preset braking profiles for different trailers or conditions
- benefit from built-in SwayControl technology that helps maintain stability when conditions become less predictable
- maintain consistent control across sealed and unsealed roads
- reduce strain on both vehicle and trailer over long distances
If you’re heading off-grid regularly, it’s worth having a setup that adapts with you. With saved presets and integrated sway control working in the background, you can focus on the drive.
FAQ – free camping in Australia
What is free camping?
Free camping refers to staying overnight in designated public areas that are either free or low cost, rather than booking into a traditional caravan park.
Can you free camp anywhere in Australia?
No, you can only free camp in approved or signposted areas set by councils or land managers.
How do you find free camps?
Most travellers use apps like WikiCamps to find locations, check facilities and read recent user reviews.
Can you park and sleep anywhere in Australia?
No, sleeping in your vehicle is restricted in many areas unless it’s a designated or clearly approved camping location.
Can I sleep in my caravan on the road?
You can only stay overnight in your caravan in designated rest areas or legal camping zones where it’s permitted.
What is the best free camping app in Australia?
WikiCamps is the most widely used app in Australia due to its large database, filters and offline capability.
Hit the road with confidence
Free camping gives you the freedom to travel further, explore longer and experience more of Australia on your terms.
When your braking is consistent and predictable, towing feels smoother, safer and easier to manage across changing conditions. Elecbrakes braking systems are built for that kind of travel, giving you reliable control wherever the road takes you.