Free camping sites in New South Wales & ACT

If you are exploring the East Coast on a budget you will be particularly eager to find a free place to stop over that has sufficient facilities. New South Wales is a fascinating state and not to be underestimated – with the Great Dividing Range and Pacific Ocean beaches, beautiful National Parks and the only location in Australia you’ll be Back of Bourke and see the Dog on the Tuckerbox!

Here’s a preview of free NSW and ACT campsites we have found during our travels, discover more with our App and comprehensive Camps Guidebooks.

Molong Bowling Club NSW Free Camping

Molong Bowling Club now open for free camping in New South Wales! 

Molong Bowling Club in New South Wales is now open for self contained vehicles – just find a spot under the trees. It is FREE camping with no time limit! The club will be looking at a donation box soon. This private, flat grassed area behind the bowling club, is pet friendly and central to town. Volunteers run the club which opens in the late afternoons most days, with meals available one day of the week (check with club). The organisers said, “Thanks for including us, we love having caravanners, great for us and our small community.” Also note the latest phone number is in

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Hickeys Falls New South Wales image by Adams Family Travels

Waterfall and FREE camp: Hickeys Falls, New South Wales

Hickeys Falls New South Wales image by Adams Family Travels Swim and FREE camp at Hickeys Falls, near Coonabarabran, NSW. There is shade, picnic tables, mobile coverage, bins and firepits. Yes to Big Rigs and pets but no tents at this sealed parking area. As you can see from the photos, it is set off beside the road – so you might expect some noise. Currently it is for 24 hours only, and note that time limits may change for the Devil’s Hole Rest Area – so please observe local signage. You’ll need to be self-sufficient, as there are no

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Rocky Creek Glacial Area near Bingara NSW by Nicole Piper

Free camp at Rocky Creek Glacial Area and explore Mt Kaputar National Park, New South Wales

Image by Nicole Piper Isn’t it amazing what good rain can do? A year ago we showed you photos of Rocky Creek Glacial Area – a freedom camp south west of beautiful Bingara, New South Wales, literally metres off the road to Narrabri, New South Wales. Check out the video we took when we were there, it looks different to this gushing view snapped by Nicole Piper. https://youtu.be/nuYboaLx_Mw You can see how you can swim in a series of natural spas! Note: there is no ice or glaciers now, but the geological wonder is a good place to cool off. It’s NSW

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Urbenville Forest Park, New South Wales image Jenny Woodley

2 free camps and budget showground at Urbenville, New South Wales

Isn’t it wonderful when a small country town offers not one, but two FREE camp areas and a budget site? Urbenville Forest Park is on the northern town boundary, bordered by Clarence Way and Tooloom Creek. This special area is south of Woodenbong and the Queensland border. It is surrounded by waterfalls, national parks and state forests. Jenny Woodley shared photos in our Facebook group “I Love Camping Australia WIde”. Jenny said “nice little free camp just out of Urbenville in N.S.W. Toilets, firepits and an abundance of birdlife.” The park is pet friendly with picnic tables, shade, mobile reception

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NSW Bretti Reserve

A free camp that the cows love as well: Bretti Reserve, NSW

This is a beautiful camping and picnic area located in a serene environment. Although the facilities are basic, Bretti Reserve features large open spaces and a flowing river that makes for a refreshing swim. The river is frequented by birdlife and don’t be surprised if a few cows graze close to your site! The site has toilets, fireplaces, shade and access for a big rig; the maximum stay is one month. There are no showers and taps, however you can drink water from the river if you boil it for at least 15 minutes. If you have packed your canoe, you

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“Hanging Rock “Jackadgery NSW

Free and pet friendly: Cangai Bridge at Jackadgery, New South Wales

This FREE pet-friendly camp spot is 20 km west of Jackadery via Gwydir Hwy. Small vehicles only, narrow bridges – we call it Cangai Bridge in CAMPS 11 – NSW site 245. Or find it on the Camps Australia Wide App! Photographer Anne Meagher says this area is also known as Hanging Rock, Jackadgery. It is for self contained vehicles, and Anne said there were plenty of caravans on site, with a good gravel road in from the highway. They camp on the grassy slopes just after the wooden bridge, probably about 8 km in from Gwydir Hwy. Fishing allowed

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All-natural playground at the popular Swan’s Crossing in Kerewong State Forest

Swans Crossing Campground is a top spot for kids

Forestry Corporation of NSW has worked with a local contractor to unveil a new all-natural playground at the popular Swan’s Crossing in Kerewong State Forest. Swans Crossing is a camping and picnic site located just 15 minutes from Kendall and a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to come and experience the beauty of State forests. Forestry Corporation’s Partnerships Leader, Sandra Madeley, said the new playground is just another great reason to visit the scenic state forest. “There are so many things to do when visiting Kerewong State Forest, and the new playground is an excellent addition,” Ms Madeley said.

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Newnes Campground - image Bec Conroy

Everything money can’t buy is at Newnes Campground, New South Wales

Newnes Campground – image Bec Conroy Love kangaroos, campfires, towering rock faces and sunsets that blow your mind? Then Newnes Campground is the place for you. Newnes Campground really is (as the sign at the entryway states) everything money can’t buy. Deep in the NSW Wollemi National Park, just outside of Lithgow, Newnes Campground is a hidden (and free) gem.  There are a couple of loos and loads of fire pits, but no running water or trash facilities. Bring all you need in and pack it all back out. Multiple hikes leave from the campground to explore the surrounding Wollemi

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NSW Cowra Overnight Rest Stop

Cowra Overnight Rest Stop, New South Wales has location, location, location!

This overnighter is opposite McDonalds in Cowra, a pleasant walk to the Australia’s World Peace Bell, 50 metres to the river, and just over the bridge you’ll find the shops. There are toilets and a dump point, plus an Information Centre and even a rose garden! This bitumen parking area is surrounded by parkland and sports fields, and is adjacent to Edgell Park, with BBQs and a good dog area. Cowra is best known for the largest Prisoner of War breakout in modern military history. It has a cemetery, POW theatre and hologram, military and migrant camps. There’s even more

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