Check out our top spots for camper trailer travellers in the great outdoors of NSW
Welcome to our sixth instalment of our Aussie road-trip series, where we shine a spotlight on the best budget and no-cost camping around the country — this time, we’re heading into New South Wales, our most densely populated state and a seriously underrated camping destination.
If you’re late to the party, check out the earlier stops: Queensland (part one and part two ), Northern Territory, South Australia and Victoria (part one and part two). Now buckle in, because we’re about to tackle NSW’s most scenic and affordable places to pitch your camper trailer or roll out the swag — without blowing the budget.
Why NSW?
From the dramatic Blue Mountains to mainland Australia’s highest peak Mount Kosciuszko, the surf and sunshine of Byron Bay to the outback charm of the state’s west, NSW is bursting with natural wonders and heritage hotspots. It’s home to the nation’s first national park (Royal National Park^), the continent’s easternmost point (Cape Byron), the largest dunes in the Southern Hemisphere (Stockton Bight Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands), the southernmost coral reef ecosystem in the world (off Lord Howe Island), the world’s largest blowhole (Kiama Blowhole) and even the world’s steepest railway (the 52-degree / 127.994 per cent gradient incline of Scenic World’s Scenic Railway in the Blue Mountains). You’ve also got artesian hot springs, wine country, coral reefs, historic towns and more. With that much on offer, we’re splitting NSW into two parts—this is the first.
Let’s hit the road.
NSW Tourism Regions
NSW is officially divided into 13 tourism regions:
Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Capital Country, Central NSW, Hunter, New England North West, North Coast NSW, Outback NSW, Riverina, Snowy Mountains, South Coast and The Murray.
Capital Country and Snowy Mountains surround but don’t include the ACT region. We’ll cover as many areas as we can here, spotlighting wallet-friendly places to stay. Some campgrounds are pretty bare-bones — think drop toilets and no hot water — but that’s part of the charm. When you do roll into a spot with hot showers, it’ll feel like five-star luxury.
Bush Camps and Budget Sites
Burren Junction Bore Baths & Camp Ground – Outback NSW
If you're cruising between Walgett and Wee Waa, swing by Burren Junction for a hot soak and a budget-friendly camp. The Bore Baths are a favourite with locals and road-trippers alike, offering mineral-rich artesian water that’s especially welcome after a day behind the wheel.
The campground right next door is RV Friendly, open all year round and ideal for camper trailers. Sites are unpowered, but there are toilets, showers, wood barbecues (BYO firewood) and a dump point. At just $5 per vehicle per night, it’s a bargain. The baths themselves are closed seasonally so be sure to check first with Walgett Shire Council to ascertain if they are open for your planned dates.
Need mains power? The Burren Junction pub (Junction City Hotel) offers powered and watered sites out the back, plus a bistro serving hearty meals daily.
A scenic alternative 40km north is the Rowena Village Inn, where unpowered sites are free. There’s access to basic amenities, a shared firepit and wi-fi. Grab a cold one and a meal at the pub while you’re there.
Contacts:
Walgett Shire Council or 02 6828 6100
Junction City Hotel or 02 6796 1440
Rowena Village on 02 6796 5109
Coorongooba Campground – Blue Mountains
Tucked away in Wollemi National Park, Coorongooba offers peace and quiet in a UNESCO World Heritage-listed setting. It’s a top pick for nature lovers looking to bushwalk, birdwatch or paddle in the nearby creek.
Located about three hours northwest of Sydney, it’s accessible by 2WD in dry weather, but a 4WD is your best bet when it’s wet. Sites suit tents and camper trailers, and while facilities are basic —think pit toilets, barbecues and picnic tables — the price tag is unbeatable: just $6 per booking (not per night). Great value whether you stay one night or five.
Contact: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service or 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS)
How’s the serenity at Coorongooba Campground? (Image Robert Crack)
Hobart Beach Campground – South Coast
In Bournda National Park, near Bega, this coastal gem offers a peaceful bush-meets-beach setting about six hours south of Sydney. It’s a top pick for swimming, fishing, paddling or just lounging with a book and a breeze.
The site features 66 unpowered spots for tents, camper trailers, vans and caravans. You’ll get access to toilets, hot showers, barbecues and picnic spots. Just remember to bring your own drinking water. Fees are $24 per night for up to six people and an entry pass is $8 per vehicle/day for Bournda NP. Bookings are essential.
Contact: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service or 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS)
The Ruins Campground – North Coast NSW
If you’re heading up the coast and want to camp near the beach, The Ruins in Booti Booti National Park is a great find. About three hours northeast of Sydney, it’s near Boomerang Beach and offers access to some fantastic coastal hikes.
This one’s more popular and a bit pricier, with 96 unpowered sites, good amenities (toilets, showers, barbecues and drinking water) and solid waste facilities. Ideal for camper trailers and all vehicle types. The cost is $34 per night (max 6–8 people per site) plus a vehicle entry fee of $8/day for the national park.
Contact: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service or 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS)
Boomerang Beach is just a 10-minute drive southeast of the Ruins Camping Area (Image Julija Zivanovic)
Low-Cost Caravan Parks
Alpine Tourist Park – Snowy Mountains
High up in Adaminaby, just five hours southwest of Sydney, this park gives you year-round access to the Kosciuszko region. Whether you’re into trout fishing, bushwalking or heading to the slopes in winter, it’s a great base.
You’ll find sites for tents, trailers and caravans, as well as cabins and mobile homes. There’s a camp kitchen, laundry, hot showers and a dump point. Fees apply, but the vibe is relaxed, and it’s open to all vehicle types.
Contact: Alpine Tourist Park or 0433303576
Corowa Bindaree Holiday Park – The Murray
Down near the NSW/Vic border, Corowa Bindaree is perfect for exploring the Murray River. It’s a family-run park with a private boat ramp and a big range of amenities including a pool, jumping pillow, barbecue shelters, rec room and more.
There are powered and unpowered sites, self-contained apartments and cabins. You’ll pay more here than the bush camps, but it’s still solid value for everything on offer.
Fees vary based on accommodation type. All standard vehicles can access the park.
Contact: Corowa Bindaree Holiday Park or 02 6033 2500
Reflections Byron Bay – North Coast NSW
If you want the Byron Bay experience without the Byron Bay price tag, Reflections Holiday Park is a top option. Directly opposite Clarkes Beach, it’s walking distance to shops, cafes and the lighthouse trail.
They’ve got everything from unpowered sites and powered pads to glamping tents, villas and tiny homes. There's a camp kitchen, barbecues, laundry facilities and a playground. It’s not the cheapest, but you’re paying for location.
Contact: Reflections Byron Bay or 02 6685 6496
Reflections Byron Bay is across the road from the stunning Main Beach (Image Julija Zivanovic)
More to Come!
We’re only halfway through our NSW camping guide. Part two will cover even more scenic, budget-friendly locations — so keep your 4WD ready and your camper trailer hitched.
^Royal National Park is also the world’s second-oldest national park after Yellowstone National Park or, if you want to split hairs, the third oldest if you count Mongolia’s Bogd Khan Uul National Park, which preceded Yellowstone National Park by around 100 years.
Related articles
● Queensland's best free and budget camping spots - part one
● Queensland’s best free and budget camping spots — part two
● The Northern Territory's best free and budget camping spots
