Free is the best type of camping, and it’s sustainable on any budget. Free camping in Australia can be one of the best ways to save money traveling. Overseas travellers seem to use free camping in Australia just as much as the people that live here.
There’s a few differences from paid and free campsites—aside from the free part. Free campsites are often in remote areas, possibly need 4×4 access and have limited facilities. Some sites are even just a rest stop with a certain time limit, such as 20 hrs.
I created this guide because I’ve found there aren’t a lot of resources for campers, aside from WikiCamps. Sometimes it’s hard to rely on the word of mouth to find a good spot.
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Where to Find Free Campsites in Australia
Apps and websites can be very useful in finding free camping in Australia. Wikicamps Australia is the most talked about and used app among travellers. In addition to providing information, location and dialogue through comments. The app also shows spots for showers, points of interest and more. I thought the price tag (A$8) was a bit steep at first. But, for the free campsites and free showers alike I found using it, it’s completely justifiable.
Another good app is AirCamp. It has a minimalist interface for free and paid campsites alike. The comment and photo section is also another pro, but this app isn’t as widely used as Wikicamps and there’s less comments. Another popular app is CamperMate. It also provides filters to distinguish free, low cost and paid campsites from each other.
A few popular but older-looking sites are Free Camping Australia and Free Range Camping. As far as I know, these were once published books which is why their online counterparts aren’t the most up-to-date. I’ve found these aren’t useful for my needs as they aren’t updated regularly and there is nowhere for users to comment. No matter which site or app used it’s best to double check the information. On every site and app I’ve found discrepancies.
Check for Amenities and Restrictions
Free camps come with all different amenities. The most basic free campsites may not even have a bathroom, but many have a drop toilet (an outhouse). I have come across a few with showers, though. And, some campsites only allow ‘self-contained vehicles’ and campers without it risk a fine.
In most states, self-contained means any vehicle with an electric toilet and shower on board.
There’s multiple ways to search for amenities, the most common is Google or the few apps I mentioned. Via Google, I find it best to use Google Maps to find a particular campsite. Then read comments on a campsite which state what amenities it has. This is often also the most up to date information.
As for restrictions, just make sure not to go over time limits on the property. If there are time limits, they’re generally clearly displayed and authorities regularly come by to ensure guests are following them.
Safety is Key
Camping can be inexplicably dangerous, but thankfully rarely ever is. Check out these precautions to prevent a bad situation.
- Don’t camp alone: travelling alone I understand. Camping at a site without anyone else around, this is different. Especially in the middle of nowhere, with no cell phone reception. If there’s no one else camped at your site by the evening, try another site.
- Lock doors and close windows: especially at night. People can and do rob vehicles at night, even when people are sleeping inside. Don’t have your vacation interrupted by this and just lock your doors. Windows can be left open a few centimetres, but make sure a hand couldn’t reach in. And definitely move wallets or other valuables from the front, where they could be seen or taken.
- Be cautious driving at night: to avoid killing a wild animal. Nights and early mornings is when wild animals are most on the road. If possible, avoid driving during those times. Kangaroos are the most killed animals in vehicle accidents, according to the ACT Government. Hitting one would do more than dent your vehicle.
- Sleep in dedicated campsites only: unless it’s at an appropriate rest stop. Otherwise move along to a proper campsite or another safe spot. Pulling over to stop for a nap even for a few hours on an old dirt road may not be safe. If it doesn’t feel safe, it’s better to keep driving.
Plan Ahead to Find Campsites
It’s fun to be spontaneous, and not knowing where to stop next or even camp. This isn’t a bad way to live, except for when it comes to a safe place to camp. Sometimes there’s no campsites around, free and paid.
It’s best to always think a few days in advance for campsites, or even the morning of. Note a few options for campsites to stay in the area just to know what’s available. This can also prevent driving when overly tired.
Stealth Camping in Australia
While free camps are always the best option. There are times travellers will choose to camp, or sleep in their vehicle in a spot not made for that purpose. This could be in the city, an urban area, or near a park. Mostly it can be stressful wondering through the night if you’ll be woken up by police or a ranger. Here I’m sharing some tips for stealth camping to be as discrete as possible.
- Find a spot during the day: If you still choose to do it, it’s best to scope out a sleeping location during the day. If it’s in a city, go for somewhere near apartment buildings as many people come and go. It’s also unlikely someone would complain about a van out front. For making dinner, brushing teeth and final bathroom breaks, do this somewhere else before landing at the sleeping spot. It’s important to be discreet and just sleep, not hanging out for hours talking with friends around the vehicle.
- Wake up early: It’s essential to set an alarm and wake up early, like 6 a.m. and head straight to a different spot for breakfast. Waking up early avoids the early risers walking their dogs or going for a run.
- Understand local and state laws: It’s also important to know the laws in each state. Queensland and the Northern Territory have specific laws against sleeping in vehicles. Whereas New South Whales and Victoria are gung-ho on resting and allow it. Parking and city council specific laws are the final reason one may be fined for sleeping in a vehicle. It’s important to do research before attempting something such as this.
- Be discrete: Problems arise when people are really setting up in public. As in going to the bathroom in a bush, drying clothes on someone’s tree and making dinner on the sidewalk. Though the legality is skewed on fines, the police could definitely be called and tell people to move one.
Always Be Respectful
Treating the campsite, or any site with respect is the most important. Because most are funded by towns, or non-profit organizations. They start a free camp in hopes of bringing more traffic to a particular spot, such as a town or specific business. The idea is: even without travellers paying for accommodation, people attracted to the free camp will spend money in the surrounding areas. And this could bring more money to the local economy.
If people aren’t respect and don’t obey signs, the free campsite will eventually have to shut down or reduce their amenities.
A big problem is people throwing rubbish in drop toilets. When they can’t be suctioned out properly someone has to physically take out all of the rubbish.
For more information on travelling Australia, check out how to choose a vehicle, understanding road tolls and how to find a mechanic.
