Free Camping ……. and caravanning is one of the more rewarding ways to explore and experience a place. This is especially true in a country like Australia, famous for the great outdoors.
There are plenty of campsites tucked away – but if you don’t know where they are you can easily miss them. People often assume that it won’t be difficult to find a place to stopover on a budget but soon discover it can be a lot more expensive than anticipated. Or worse, they can’t find somewhere to stop and continue driving when they are tired.
These “free camping” sites include rest areas, picnic areas, parklands or parking areas next to a business. You can also stay for free at some hotels, state forests or RV Parks – we even come across free caravan parks!
Some would only be suitable for a brief overnighter on your journey and may have a maximum time limit. Others are next to pools or rivers, with toilets and you are welcome to bring along your pets and stay for longer.
Generally, less pricey means less facilities. However, we list free camps with pools, showers, playgrounds, near boat ramps and wonderful views. Some are close to world class destinations, and Aussie icons.
Just use the symbols or the filters to find them in our comprehensive guide books and Camps Australia Wide App!
When you are in the dry Pilbara region of Western Australia, how good is it to find a campground that has riverside frontage, a beautiful red gorge and it is free! Access is for 4WD vehicles and offroad RVs.
Have you visited Pinjarra, near Mandurah, only an hour south of Perth? And did you know Australia had another Murray River? Pinjarra RV Parking Area in Western Australia is a free camp and within walking distance of the town centre. You’ll find picnic tables, shade and the dump point is about 100 metres away. Additionally, it is pet friendly and there is room for Big Rigs. There is space for 15 recreational vehicles, with a maximum stay of 24 hours only. There must be 5 consecutive nights between any of your stays here. Where to eat Make sure you stop at Pinjarra
CAMPS Ambassadors Dale and Tracey from Adams Family Travels show that creek crossings are a way of life in some parts of Australia, like here in the Pilbara. It looks like it is worth it! This camping spot at Kalgan Pool, 54km north of Newman, is all about the journey to get there and not the destination. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89BdRLpSROc We love taking the road less travelled and this was such an epic 4wd track. Most of the 30 km of dirt road travels in or along the Kalgan Creek. There are 6 creek crossings, two of which the creek is actually
At CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE, we don’t only follow up with authorities, but we also have roaming travellers. CAMPS Ambassadors Manda and Daniel advised us about the Eucla Old Telegraph station free camp. Manda said: “We went for a drive and a sticky beak and there is a day use area clearly marked out, but then an additional large cleared gravel area that looks like the area for free camping just to the west and near the track to the beach. We stayed the night here with a few other campers and no-one came to move us on. Just thought the
Boolaboola Parking Area – image Sue McKee One of our great camps spots thanks to you guys. “This spot was about 62ks east of Madura WA. We are travelling from Snowtown in SA and heading west, then up to the Kimberleys across to Cairns and Port Douglas, back down to Rockhampton to cross over to Longreach, down to Lightning Ridge, over to Broken Hill and head back home….we’ve only got 4 months so if by the time we get to Katherine we may head to Longreach and do Cairns etc. or extensively next year. Travelling with my husband who has
As well as a wonderful camping spot amongst carpets of Western Australia wildflowers, during the season, the Old Canna Camp Site has sad history, and was send in by CAMPS Traveller, Michael Lennon. He said, “After the trenches in France during World War I this old soldier probably thought that this was a palace. The story and photos are a sobering reminder to be grateful for what one has.” The Old Canna Camp is for self contained vehicles and by donation. Fires are allowed – there is shade and mobile coverage. If you are after facilities or power, stop at
Score 15% off Camps 12 B4 (Easy to Read with Photos) by adding in the below code at checkout.
Add the code EXPLOREAUS into the checkout and SAVE today!
Want to stay in touch? Receive our weekly newsletter!
Join our I Love Camping Facebook community group and discover like-minded travellers across Australia!
Stay up to date with our free weekly email newsletter and get the latest travel tips, reviews and news straight to your inbox.
