Camps Australia Wide owners, Heatley and Michelle Gilmore talk about the different types of camping you and your family can enjoy. The new Camps book has over 5000 sites, each labelled as one of these categories with their brand new colourful symbols.
Overnight Site – Free or Donation
These “freedom camping” sites include rest areas, picnic areas, parklands or parking areas next to a business, outside the categories below. Many 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.
Just turn up, find a site you like – trying to give other campers their space.
If you need to book somewhere, there will normally be a note in the listing. Most free camps do not required a booking – just turn up. Some places do ask you to scan once you are there.
Generally, less pricey means less facilities. Many sites are free, others may have a donation box, please use it! Our cash helps the communities we travel in, keeping campsites open.
Overnight Site – Paid
Often these sites are privately owned and may be next door to a business. Council or community run premises may also fit into this category. Many are budget priced. More expensive sites tend to have more facilities or may be located in amazing places.
Farm or Station Stays
If you are wanting to expand your horizons – stop the night at a working farm. Station stays tend to be more remote, and facilities vary. Power may be limited. In the CAMPS 11 book, the GPS coordinates are at the gate or entry. Some of our farm stays have cellar doors! And for kids, some offer farm experiences like collecting the eggs, feeding the poddy calf, farm tours or even horse-rides.
Pub or Club Stays
If you are hankering after a chicken parmie, stop the night at a pub or club. A site in their carpark is often free for patrons, and chance to chat to locals. Others have a set charge. Check the listings to see if toilets and showers are available, many are more suited to ‘self-contained’ travellers.
National Park Campgrounds
The majority of National Park campgrounds are not pet friendly, forget power and mobile coverage, expect cold showers and drop toilets but they are famous for their natural beauty – walking trails, wildlife and flora. Better than a classroom indoors, and national parks are very economical! Parks Passes may be required.
State Forest, Nature Reserve or Conservation Areas
In state protected areas, you will also find places to explore and get ‘back to nature’. Depending on the state, the site may or may not allow pets. Although power is still unlikely, some have terrific facilities and playgrounds, too – again for a budget price.
Recreation and Showgrounds or Community Halls
There are a prolific amount of sites in Camps 11, often community or council run offering local facilities at cut price rates. Most have toilets, showers and power. A bonus – is they are roomy, with green spaces where you can throw a frisbee or walk to town. They may be closed for events, like country shows – so best to pre-book.
RV Parks
If you have a self-contained motorhomes or caravan, then this is an option, as they tend not to allow tents or camper trailers. Toilet facilities and power are generally not available.
Caravan Parks
Many start their camping adventures in caravan parks with familiar comforts and facilities. If they are budget priced, remote or offer unique experiences, you will find them in our Camps 11 book.
If you are after water parks, jumping pillows and playgrounds for a tribe or family gathering, the entire list of caravan parks in Australia is in the Caravan Parks book and Camps Australia Wide App.
Find all these sites in the Camps Australia Wide App and books. Order your CAMPS or CARAVAN PARKS GUIDE today!
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