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
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
