Free or cheap camps close to major cities

There’s nothing worse than returning from a holiday feeling like you need another one to recover from the trip. So instead, head to one of these free or low-cost destinations within 200km of a capital city.

Whether you’re planning a holiday or need some inspiration for a weekend caravanning trip away, this list of free or low-cost camping destinations – all with something beautiful to recommend them – might just be the ticket for a bit of relaxation that won’t break the bank or your odometer. 

Booderee National Park 

Relax in one of Booderee National Park’s beautiful and low-cost bushland campsites. Located roughly a three-hour drive south from Sydney – or a slightly shorter stint east of Canberra – this national park is nestled against the breathtaking Jervis Bay and offers a premium experience through both the summer and winter months. 

The park is caravan, motorhome and tent friendly, however all campsites are unpowered. Bookings are required and can be made online, although the site itself will be first come-first served, so make sure you arrive early. Booderee’s campsites are a popular destination through the peak season, so book well in advance.  

Prices start at around $50 per night for two adults and a caravan, but this cost does include park entry fees. 

Nearby attractions include Point Perpendicular Lighthouse (est. 1899) on the Beecroft Peninsula, across Jervis Bay. There is a gravel access road to the carpark and a short walk to the lighthouse. Access is free. Enjoy stunning vistas and spot whales through the cooler months as they migrate south, as well as resident seals and white-bellied sea eagles. 

Jervis Bay Rd, Jervis Bay NSW 2540
 W: www.parksaustralia.gov.au/booderee/camping

Bendethera Valley Campground 

Less than three hours from Canberra, Bendethera Valley Campground is ideal for travellers looking to enjoy a relaxing holiday spent swimming, cycling, picnicking and walking or hiking through the lush Deua National Park. And while there is a $6 booking fee – camping at the site does not come with an additional cost. Book well in advance. 

A caveat to be aware of is that access is via the Bendethera fire trail, an unsealed road which is 4WD only. Check weather conditions before you head off, as rain can mean the road is cut off by river crossings. 

Facilities include picnic tables, wood barbecues and fire rings and toilets. However, it is a remote site – so make sure you bring all the provisions you might need, including drinking water and firewood. As no rubbish bins are available, please take all rubbish with you when you depart. 

Visit in spring for wildflower and birdwatching, while summer brings with it the joys of swimming or floating down the Shoalhaven and Deua rivers. For the adventure seekers, gear up appropriately to explore the nearby Bendethera Cave accessed via an 8km round trip hiking track. 

Bendethera Camp Trail, Deua NSW 2537
 W: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/bendethera-valley-campground

Cathedral Reserve Camping Grounds

Cathedral Reserve Camping Ground is a free campsite just outside Mount Wilson, located halfway between Sydney and Bathurst on the western edge of the Blue Mountains. Access off the Bells Line of Road towards Mount Wilson – any newcomers to this highway should prepare themselves for the steep turns and switchback corners when towing, particularly if you’re coming from the east. 

A humble camping ground in itself, the environment around it can make it a magical place to visit. Autumn brings with it an explosion of colour from the bounty of deciduous trees and rolling mists will transport you to an ethereal plane. Visit in summer to spot fireflies as the evening sets in.

For a true experience, enjoy a walk through the Cathedral of Ferns, a tranquil track surrounded by enormous tree ferns – allow approximately 30 minutes for a round trip. 

There is a large carpark, wood barbecue and picnic facilities, two composting toilets and garbage bins available. There is tank water available, however treat it first or bring your own drinking water. The campgrounds are first-in first-served, with no bookings available – so plan ahead. 

117 Mount Irvine Rd, Mount Wilson NSW 2786
 W: www.mtwilson.com.au/things-to-do/camping

VICTORIA

Beauchamp Falls Campground

Situated in Victoria’s beautiful Otway Forest Park, roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne, Beauchamp Falls Campground is the perfect basecamp to explore the Otway’s lush surrounds, complete with rainforests, waterfalls, walks and towering trees. Beauchamp Falls is an absolute must and can be reached via a one-hour return walk from the picnic area.  

Camp facilities include toilets, picnic tables and wood-fired barbecues. The spacious site is flat and has dedicated spots suitable for tents, campers, caravans and RVS. All sites are unpowered. 

No fees apply and bookings cannot be made, so arrive early to secure your spot, particularly during peak times. The campgrounds are accessed via an unsealed road that is suitable for 2WD and caravans.  

Flannagan Road, Beech Forest, VIC 3237
 W: www.exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au/activities/camping/beauchamp-falls-campground

Toolangi Recreation Reserve

Nestled beside the Yea River, approximately 90-minutes’ drive north-east of Melbourne, the Toolangi Recreation Reserve is a premium spot for a daytrip out of the city, or a stop-over as you tour through Victoria. 

The campsites are set up around the local cricket oval and surrounded by tall mountain ash trees for a true bush camp experience. The nearby Mount Saint Leonard Lookout is well worth a visit. 

Pets are welcome, and facilities include tank water for washing (bring your own drinking water), flush toilets, barbecues and a covered picnic area. Enjoy the atmospheric creek nearby, but the water is not suitable for fishing, swimming or drinking. Take care not to camp or park vehicles across the river access – a clear path is required for fire-fighting vehicles to refill when needed. 

While there are no fees to stay at the reserve, donations towards the volunteer committee of local residents who maintain it are welcome (PO Box 250, Healesville 3777). No bookings are required – but get in quick to secure your spot. 

Sylvia Creek Road, Toolangi VIC 3777
 W: www.findacamp.com.au/camp-site.php?camp=136

Mount Franklin Reserve

Camping inside a volcano crater might not be on your bucket-list, but it should be. Off the beaten track, but still within a two-hour drive from Melbourne or shorter trek from either Bendigo or Ballarat, Mount Franklin Reserve works on a first-come, first-served system, and best of all – is free. 

Huge conifer pines and deciduous trees line the crater rim and provide wind protection and shade for campers, while the birdlife and lush grasses establish relaxing natural surroundings. Visit in Autumn for an explosion of colour. 

A circuit road connects all the sites, although be prepared for uneven or sloped options. Toilets and woodfire barbecues are available but bring your own firewood. Campfires are only permitted in the provided fireplaces – but check local fire restrictions. Bring your own drinking water. Non-potable water may be available.

This small volcanic crater is a favourite among day-trippers and picnickers, so plan ahead. 

4 Powells Lane, Mount Franklin VIC 3461
 W: www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/lalgambuk-(mt-franklin)-camping-area

TASMANIA

Mayfield Beach Free Camping Area

Located on Tasmania’s east coast, Mayfield Beach Free Camping Area is a mere 90-minute drive from Hobart and only a stone’s throw from the water. The camping area works on a donation system and a donation box is available on site. All proceeds go towards the maintenance of the camping ground. 

Caravans, campers, motorhomes and tents are all welcome, and there is even a boat ramp for any aquatically inclined. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads. There are minimal facilities on site, with no showers, drinking water or bins. Picnic facilities and toilets are available on site, and the shops, supermarkets and restaurants in Swansea are only a 15-minute drive away. 

Enjoy fantastic views across to Great Oyster Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula and the nearby family-friendly beach. Popular summer activities include swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing – not to mention using the campground as a base camp for exploring Tasmania’s stunning eastern coast that includes sites such as the famous Bay of Fires, Freycinet Peninsula and Douglas-Apsley National Park.   

Tasman Highway, Rocky Hills TAS 7190
 W: www.campingtasmania.com/directory/mayfield-bay-camping

Hobart Showground Motorhome and Caravan Park

Hobart Showground Motorhome and Caravan Park is the closest camping grounds to this small state’s capital. And with prices between $25 per night for an unpowered site or $35 for a powered site (not including the $4.95 booking fee), you won’t come close to breaking the bank. And if you stay six nights, you get the seventh free. 

Bookings are required and can be made online. Stays are a maximum of 10 days, as of 31 January 2023. There are shower, toilet and laundry facilities on site, as well as a dump point. 

Please note, the campground will be undergoing major development starting in February 2023, meaning a lower number of sites and these may be affected by dust during the day. The park is closed for bookings in October for the Royal Hobart Show. 

Public transport is only a two-minute walk from the camping ground and gives visitors easy access to the CBD and all the amenities and adventures Hobart can offer, such as Cascade Brewery. Other nearby attractions include Mount Wellington, Bruny Island and Lake St Clair. 

2 Howard Rd, Glenorchy TAS 7010
 www.hobartshowground.com.au/motorhome-park

Lime Bay State Reserve campground

Just over a 90-minute drive from Hobart, the Lime Bay State Reserve campground offers beautiful beachside campsites suitable for caravans, campers and tents. Relax and recharge in the 1300-hectare secluded reserve and enjoy the coastal bliss with stunning views across Norfolk Bay. 

Pricing starts at $13 for two adults per night, which is paid in cash at the self-registration box on site. Sites are not numbered and operate on a first-come first-served basis and can get quite busy during peak periods. There is a maximum stay of 28-days – so feel free to take time and explore Tasmania’s eastern coast. Pets are not allowed. 

Flush toilets, and fire pits are available. Bring your own firewood but be sure to check the fire restrictions before lighting any fires in the designated pits. Tank water is available, however boiling it for three minutes before use is recommended. There are no dump points on site, so all rubbish must leave with you.    

There are two beaches close by the camp, Lime Bay and Lagoon Beach. Local attractions include the remains of the 1833 coal mine site where convicts from Port Arthur were sent as punishment. Allow two hours to complete the whole Coal Mines Historic Site walking circuit.   

Sloping Main TAS 7186
 W: www.parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/lime-bay-state-reserve/lime-bay-camping

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Belair National Park Holiday Park

Surrounded by rolling hills and wineries, Adelaide has a lot to commend it. Belair National Park Holiday Park is a low-cost option only 11-kilometres from the CBD and, as the name suggests, is located on the outer rim of the Belair National Park. 

There are plenty of facilities to enjoy, including a swimming pool, playground, camp kitchen, barbecues and tennis court, as well as laundry and bathroom amenities. An unpowered caravan site will only cost you around $33, or $50 for a powered site. And for an even better deal, the park offers a stay seven pay six deal. 

There is plenty to see and do in Belair National Park. Enjoy the bike and walking trails throughout the national park (dogs are welcome throughout the park, but be kept on lead). Bring along your camera and spot echidnas, emus, kangaroos and koalas. Visit the beautiful Victorian-style Old Government House located in the heart of the park, open Sundays 1pm-4pm. Entry is free, although a gold coin donation is appreciated. 

If you have exhausted this natural playground, head into South Australia to see why it is called the city of churches or go visit one or two of the numerous wineries that call the surrounding hills their home. 

101 Upper Sturt Rd, Belair SA 5052
 W: www.belairnpholidaypark.com.au

Pink Gum Campground – Onkaparinga River National Park

Onkaparinga River National Park’s Pink Gum Campground is low-cost camping site approximately 45km south of Adelaide’s CBD. This is another beautiful natural landscape where you can enjoy environment while having the added bonus of only being a short walk or drive from plenty of activities. 

There are 11 allocated campsites at Pink Gum Campground. All sites are flat and unpowered, and each have their own fire pit. Sites are $27 per night, which must be paid before entry to the park. There are basic amenities, including flush toilets and washing-up facilities, however there is no drinking water, so be sure to bring your own. Onkaparinga River National Park is a no-dog zone.

Explore Onkaparinga’s River Hike which leads you down to the gorge and its many rock pools – a perfect spot to sit back and relax – or go for a more extended hike along the gorge to one of the park’s new trails. Experienced rock climbers and abseilers can bring their own equipment and head to the Rock Climbing Zone, only a 20-minute walk from the camp. Alternatively bring your mountain bike or kayak for a full back-to-nature getaway. 

Blewitt Springs SA 5171
 www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/onkaparinga-river-national-park

Burra Creek Gorge Reserve (Worlds End Gorge)

Heading somewhat further afield, Burra Creek Gorge Reserve – Worlds End Gorge – is a free camping ground approximately a 2.5hr drive north of Adelaide. Park the van beneath one of the towering gum trees and soak up the scenery. Put on your walking shoes and explore part of the Heysen Trail, which passes through this area.  

This scenic campground is pet friendly (on lead) and has basic amenities, including drop toilets, rubbish bins and picnic facilities. There are no showers or drinking water provided. 

All campsites are caravan, camper, motorhome and tent suitable. There are no powered sites, however generators are permitted. The campground is large and grassy, however there is no booking system, and it is a popular destination during holiday periods, so plan accordingly. 

Burra is a mere 20-minute drive away, and has plenty of historic landmarks to check out, including the old miners’ dugouts along Burra Creek that were created between 1846 and 1851, and the Bon Accord Mine Museum. 

Worlds End Hwy, Burra SA 5381
 W: www.directory.fullrangecamping.com.au/item/burra-creek-gorge-worlds-end-gorge-fc

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Walyunga Campground

Walyunga Campground is an easy 45-minute drive from Perth’s CBD and is located on the edge of the Walyunga National Park. Bookings are essential, and with only five sites available it is recommended to book well in advance (up to six months). The campground is open during the dry season, from April to November. 

Camping fees are a minimal $11 per adult and $3 per child. There is a vehicle entry fee which is paid when booking, alternatively you can purchase a park pass that will provide unlimited entry into any Western Australia park.  

Facilities are minimal, with only pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings available. All drinking water and firewood must be brought with you – collecting kindling and firewood in the park is prohibited. All rubbish must leave with you, as there are no dump points provided. 

Explore the nearby walking trails and bring your own canoes and kayaks for a splash in the Avon River. Visit in the spring to see the landscape carpeted in wildflowers. Learn more about the area’s rich Aboriginal history by walking the Aboriginal Heritage Trails. 

Walyunga Rd, Walyunga National Park WA 6084
 www.exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/site/walyunga-campground

Lane Poole Reserve, Dwellingup

Revel in an adventurous getaway at Lane Poole Reserve in Perth Hills, Dwellingup, approximately 115km from Perth. With almost 50,000-acres to explore, you won’t be short of activities. Head out for a bushwalk or hike, or bring the mountain bikes, 4WD or even horses to explore the area. Pets are allowed in some areas but must be kept on lead. 

Or if you want to get the wind in your hair, head over to Treetop Adventures – a rope course through the treetops that the whole family can enjoy. 

There are eight campgrounds with a variety of facilities and site sizes throughout Lane Pool Reserve. Camping fees vary between $7.50-$10 per night, depending on the site. Park entry fees apply. While there are plenty of sites available, and some do not require bookings, the park can get busy in peak periods so plan ahead. 

Nanga Rd, Dwellingup WA 6213
 W: www.exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/lane-poole-reserve

Belvidere Campground

Belvidere Campground can be found in the Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park, a 155km drive south of Perth (allow around an hour and 40 minutes). A serene bushland campground, Belvidere has the added bonus of being only a few minutes’ drive from Belvidere Beach. A quieter option than Preston and Myalup beaches, Belvidere is a fantastic choice for a coastal escape with great fishing opportunities. 

There are 28 camping sites available, each with its own picnic table and wood barbecue (although bring your own firewood). There is no booking system for this campground, and it operates on a first-come first-served basis. There is no entry fee to the park, and camping fees will only set you back $11 per adult and $3 per child. No dogs are permitted. 

Go for a bike ride or bushwalk and take in the views across the estuary towards the Darling Range and Australind. Or jump back in the car for a day trip to the Margaret River wine region.  
 
 Leschenault WA 6233
 www.exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/site/belvidere-campground

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Gunn Point Campground 

Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin, Gunn Point Campground is a free campground from which to explore the popular Gunn Point Peninsula. Dig your feet into the sand with beachfront camping and take in the views. Please note, camping on the beach or cliff edges is not permitted. Park 10-metres back from the cliff to protect it from coastal erosion. 

No facilities are available, so all visitors must be self-contained and clean up before departing. The campground is 4WD-only access and is suitable for offroad caravans and campers. No bookings are available, so ensure you plan ahead. The unsealed roads and tracks are not maintained, so check weather conditions before departure, particularly during the wet season. 

Bring your fishing rods and enjoy the serene coastal surrounds. Swimming is not recommended on Gunn Point Peninsula, no matter the time of year, due to saltwater crocodiles and stingers. Dogs and horses are both permitted throughout the peninsula, and while dogs are allowed off lead it is recommended to tie them up at your campsite overnight. 

Murrumujuk Dr, Murrumujuk NT 0822
 www.gunnpoint.com.au

Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park

Camp at the beautiful Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park. A mere 90min drive from Darwin, Litchfield is a popular destination for travellers who want to experience the beauty of the Northern Territory without heading too far afield. Seasonal weather can affect access, so check before departing. 

There are multiple campgrounds throughout Litchfield National Park, however The Wangi Falls Campground offers the widest range of facilities. These include toilets, showers, drinking water, barbecues and cooking facilities – not to mention the local cafe. 

Bookings are required and must be made online before arrival. Camping fees are $12 per adult, $6 per child (5-17 years), or $30 per family (two adults, four kids). There is no entry fee into Litchfield National Park. 

Activities include hiking trails, swimming and visiting any of the 26 waterfalls dotted throughout the park. Local attractions include the Lost City, historic Blyth Homestead and Wangi Falls Art and Cultural Centre. 

Litchfield Park Rd, Litchfield Park NT 0822
 www.nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/litchfield-national-park/wangi-falls

Shady Camp, Mary River

Head over to Shady Camp in the Mary River National Park, approximately two hours from Darwin and set up camp surrounded by the freshwater billabong – and perhaps a few saltwater crocs. Northern Territory rivers are no stranger to crocodiles, but the Mary River has a surplus.

While these neighbours might seem intimidating, the fishing season from March to April is considered worth the effort, with Mary River packed with barramundi. Birdwatchers will be kept busy, with a variety of habitats encouraging many different species to visit the area. 

Camp facilities include toilets, picnic and barbecue amenities. There is also boating access and nearby lookouts to appreciate the Mary River floodplain. For a day trip, the famous Kakadu National Park is approximately 50-minutes from the campground. 

Shady Camp Road, Darwin, NT 0836
 www.northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/see-and-do/shady-camp

QUEENSLAND

Charlie Moreland Camping Area

Set up camp at Charlie Moreland Camping Area in Imbil State Forest, just over two hours from Brisbane. A low-cost camping area, from here you can explore the creek, bushwalking tracks, or undertake an adventure on the Mount Allen shared trail for walkers, mountain bikers and horse-riders. Conondale Range Great Walk is accessible from this camping area. Or strap on your serious walking shoes and attempt the 56km Great Walk that is accessed from Boolumba Creek day-use area in Conondale National Park. 

Access is via a gravel road and is 2WD accessible – however take caution and check conditions before departing. Bookings are required and can be made online. Plan in advance of holiday periods. Camping fees are approximately $6.65 per adult and $3.65 per child, per night. Alternatively, $26.60 per family per night. 

The large campground is an open area with no set sites. Facilities include flush toilets, fire rings and water – however this not suitable for drinking unless treated. All sites are unpowered, and generators are not allowed. 

Sunday Creek Rd, Kenilworth QLD 4574
 www.parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/imbil/camping/charlie-moreland

Bigriggen Camping and Caravan Park

Located on the Scenic Rim, approximately 90-minutes from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Bigriggen Camping and Caravan Park is a stunning destination to experience bush camping. The park is nestled between the Logan River and Burnett Creek, with a 100-acres of hills that roll into river flats.

A dream low-cost destination, camping costs at Bigriggen start at $15 per night for an unpowered site, or $39 for powered. Bookings are required, and peak periods may impact pricing. Facilities include showers, toilets, drinking water, fire pits and a dump point. Please note, the showers are coin operated. 

Explore the stunning natural environment, with fantastic picnic spots, swimming in the local river, and plenty of fishing and wildlife-spotting opportunities. And bring along your furry companions, as dogs are allowed. Or head out and explore the Scenic Rim and its beautiful vistas along the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and surrounding World Heritage-listed national parks. 

196 Bigriggan Rd, QLD 4287
 www.bigriggen.com.au

Poverty Creek Campground

Poverty Creek Campground in Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area is only a 90-minute drive from Brisbane. This campground is located on the shores of Pumicestone Passage, on the western side of Bribie Island, and provides beautiful coastal scenery and bush camping spots. The one downside with this campground, is that it is accessed via high clearance 4WD only or by boat. 

There are 14 numbered sites for tents and a large group area suitable for a camper trailer (all unpowered). Facilities include flush toilets, cold shower, wood barbecue, picnic tables, fire pits and water (not suitable for drinking). Generators are not permitted, and all rubbish must leave with you. Bookings are required and can be made online. Fees are $6.55 per person per night, or $26.20 per family per night, and with a limited choice of large camper sites, book early if this adventurous destination is calling for you. 

The campground offers a large and shaded area, and visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Glass House Mountains and Donnybrook as well as fishing opportunities. Spring brings with it plenty of wildflowers and birdwatching. 

Poverty Creek Road, Welsby QLD 4507
 www.parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/bribie-island/camping