| Cost | FREE (some sites have booking fees) |
|---|---|
| Location | NSW South Coast (Illawarra to Bega Valley) |
| Pet Friendly | Selected sites (Robertson Bowling Club, Cobargo Hotel, Scrubby Creek, Newtons Crossing) |
| Campfires | Allowed at selected sites (Meroo National Park, Scrubby Creek, Newtons Crossing) |
| Facilities | Toilets available at most sites, showers at Cobargo Hotel |
| Vehicle Access | Varies by site – some 4WD only, some self-contained only |
| In Camps App | Yes – check for latest details |
Do not despair, you can still find free camps on the NSW South Coast …
Made up of Illawarra and Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley or Sapphire Coasts regions, we loved our New South Wales South Coast adventure.
However, it can be difficult to find camping options that aren’t caravan parks or sometimes expensive National Park campgrounds. Pet friendly options may also be harder to find. This list has both!
Expect swimming and fishing at most of these (make sure you have a permit) so pack your togs and your fishing gear!
Here are our recommendations if you are stretching your budget whilst travelling the NSW South Coast:
FREE CAMP NO PETS
Bendeela Recreation Area, Kangaroo Valley
- No pets
- Toilets
- Wombats and wildlife
- Booking fee
Meroo National Park, near Ulladulla
- No pets
- Tent only (walk in) or 4WD only sites
- Fires
- Booking fee
Brou Lake Campground, Eurobodalla National Park, near Dalmeny
- No pets
- Toilets
- Booking fee
FREE and PETS ALLOWED
Robertson Bowling Club
- Pets allowed
- Self contained vehicles only
- Toilets
- Robertson is where the movie “Babe” was filmed
Cobargo Hotel
- Pets allowed
- 72 hours
- Toilets and showers
- TIP: always purchase drinks or meals when you camp for free at a pub or club
Scrubby Creek Rest Area, south of Eden
- Pets
- Toilets
- Fires allowed
- Lovely bush camp, close to highway
Newtons Crossing, south of Eden
- Pets
- Toilets
- Fires allowed
- State forest bush camping
- TIP: worth the road in for swimming holes and cascades – see it here!
Also check out pet friendly rest areas like Bodalla Forest or Lake Views. Here is a list of budget camps on the NSW South Coast.
Of course, this information does change – so check your FREE Camps Australia Wide App for the latest, and plan your NSW South Coast getaway with a CAMPS guide – it features free and budget sites allover Australia.
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there really free camping options on the NSW South Coast?
Yes! While the NSW South Coast can be expensive, there are several free camping options available across the region from Illawarra down to Bega Valley. Some sites like Bendeela Recreation Area, Scrubby Creek Rest Area, and Newtons Crossing offer free camping, though some may have booking fees.
Which free campsites on the NSW South Coast allow pets?
Pet-friendly free camps include Robertson Bowling Club (self-contained only), Cobargo Hotel (72 hour limit), Scrubby Creek Rest Area south of Eden, and Newtons Crossing south of Eden. National Park sites do not allow pets.
Can I have campfires at these free campsites?
Campfires are allowed at selected sites including Meroo National Park, Scrubby Creek Rest Area, and Newtons Crossing. Always check current fire restrictions before lighting any fires.
Do I need a 4WD to access these campsites?
It depends on the site. Some locations like Meroo National Park have 4WD only sites, while Robertson Bowling Club requires self-contained vehicles only. Other sites have standard vehicle access. Check the Camps App for current access requirements.
What facilities are available at these free camps?
Most sites have toilets available. Cobargo Hotel also offers showers. Robertson Bowling Club and Cobargo Hotel have toilet facilities, and when camping at these venues, it’s recommended to purchase drinks or meals to support the business.
Are there swimming and fishing opportunities at these campsites?
Yes, swimming and fishing are available at most of these locations. Newtons Crossing is particularly worth visiting for its swimming holes and cascades. Make sure you have a valid fishing permit before fishing.
Do these free campsites require bookings?
Some sites like Bendeela Recreation Area, Meroo National Park, and Brou Lake Campground have booking fees. Others like Scrubby Creek and Newtons Crossing don’t require bookings. Check the Camps App for current booking requirements.
How long can I stay at Cobargo Hotel?
Cobargo Hotel allows camping for up to 72 hours. Remember to support the venue by purchasing drinks or meals during your stay.
