Check out our top spots for camper trailer travellers in the great outdoors of NSW.
Welcome back! In part one, we rolled through some cracking budget-friendly camp spots in Outback NSW, the Blue Mountains, the South Coast and the North Coast. If you didn’t get a chance to read that, you can catch up here. Now we’re diving into more remote gems, peaceful bush retreats and even a few station stays — perfect for anyone with a 4WD, a camper trailer and a sense of adventure. If you like your campsites wild, free (or, at least, so cheap that they may as well be free!) and full of space to breathe, you’re in the right place.
Bush camps worth the detour
*FREE* Paddys Flat Camping Area — New England North West
Nine hours north of Sydney by car, tucked beside the Clarence River, Paddys Flat is a remote slice of bush paradise. It’s a top spot for four-wheel drivers, kayakers and fishos who don’t mind being off the grid.
This one’s totally free and doesn’t require booking — but it’s first in, best dressed. There are no facilities at all, so it’s strictly for self-contained setups. Camper trailers and tents are welcome, but it’s not suited to larger vans or motorhomes.
Dry conditions make it passable with a 2WD, but once the rain hits, a 4WD is a must. Expect riverside serenity, starry skies and not much else — just how we like it.
Tilpa Weir Bush Camp — Outback NSW
Smack in the heart of the NSW outback — about 10 hours northwest of Sydney by car — Tilpa Weir is your ticket to tranquil Darling River camping. Think red dirt, gum trees and scarcely a soul around. You may even have the camp to yourself.
This laid-back bush site suits tents, offroad camper trailers, offroad caravans and even offroad big rigs. It’s shaded, peaceful and ideal for birdwatching, fishing and simply soaking up the landscape. There are no facilities here either, so pack in all your water, food and essentials. You’ll need a 4WD to get in and out reliably, especially after rain.
Be sure to grab a meal and a cold beer at the Tilpa Hotel, only a few kilometres away from Tilpa Weir Bush Camp (Image Robert Crack)
Station stays with character
Kallara Station Riverbank — Outback NSW
For a true-blue outback camping experience, Kallara Station is hard to beat. Nestled along the Darling River, it offers peace, privacy and a taste of station life. Campsites are scattered along the riverbank and, whilst basic, there are flushing toilets and hot showers (limit to three minutes!).
There’s deadwood around for fires (no chopping, just collect fallen stuff), and plenty to do — fishing for yellowbelly and cod, 4WD exploring, birdwatching and bushwalking. Nearby national parks such as Paroo-Darling National Park and Gundabooka National Park are top tier for wildlife and cultural heritage. The Gundabooka rock art walks are especially worth the visit.
At time of publication, Kallara is temporarily closed due to Darling River flooding — check in before making plans. Fees are from $5 per person/night.
Contact: Kallara Station or 02 6837 3964
‘Room with a view’ – Kallara Station Riverbank (Image Robert Crack)
Trilby Station — Outback NSW
Also along the Darling River, Trilby Station mixes outback charm with a bit more comfort. Choose from powered sites, off-grid bush camps, self-contained cottages or B&B rooms. There’s something for everyone.
The bush camps are a favourite — long-drop loos, river views and firepits for yarns under the stars. You’ll find hot showers, a pool, a camp kitchen and even a laundry if you’re staying on the powered sites. There’s also plenty to do: canoeing, yabbying, fishing or wandering through the red dirt tracks.
Contact: Trilby Station or 02 6874 7420
Roadside Rest Areas (yes, some allow overnight stays)
Let’s be clear: rest areas are designed to keep drivers safe from fatigue — not for long stays or full setups. But if you’re doing big kilometres and need a quiet pull-in for a night, some state forest and council-maintained rest areas do allow overnight vehicle-based stays (no tents). Just use common sense — no pegs, no pop-outs and be respectful of the space. You are not permitted to camp. You are permitted to rest.
*FREE* Bodalla Forest Rest Area — South Coast
About 4.5 hours south of Sydney by car, this shady spot in Bodalla State Forest makes a peaceful stopover. You’re surrounded by spotted gums and birdsong, and there’s room for camper trailers, vans and caravans.
Facilities include toilets, picnic tables and barbecues. Great for a quick overnight reset in a quiet bush setting.
Contact: Forestry Corporation of NSW or 1300 655 687
*FREE* Telegherry Forest Rest Area — Hunter
Located in Chichester State Forest, this spot along the Telegherry River is ideal for an overnight stay or picnic. There’s a separate day-use area, but overnight stays are allowed for vehicles.
Toilets and fireplaces are provided, and there are walking tracks nearby to stretch the legs.
Contact: Forestry Corporation of NSW or 1300 655 687
*FREE* Kingsbury VC Rest Area — Capital Country
Situated on the Remembrance Driveway, this rest stop honours Bruce Kingsbury VC, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during the Kokoda campaign in World War II.
It’s accessible for camper trailers and vans, with fireplaces, toilets and picnic tables — a respectful and quiet stopover option.
Contact: Forestry Corporation of NSW or 1300 655 687
*FREE* Braemar Park Rest Area — North Coast NSW
This roadside stop in Ellangowan State Forest is about halfway between Grafton and Casino. It’s peaceful, basic and has toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces.
Open to camper trailers and vans — ideal for a rest before crossing into Queensland if you’ve headed up from the south or turning inland.
Contact: Forestry Corporation of NSW or 1300 655 687
*FREE* Barbour Park Rest Area — Capital Country
In the charming town of Gunning, just off the Hume, this lovely riverside spot allows two nights of free camping. Toilets, hot showers and barbecues are on site.
If you want to stay longer, Gunning Showground nearby allows free camping for up to three nights and has extra amenities including potable water and a playground. It’s a great base for exploring the Tablelands Food and Wine Trail.
Contact: visitupperlachlan.com.au or 02 4832 1988
*FREE* Redbank Rest Area — New England North West
Just east of Gunnedah on the Oxley Highway, this roadside pull-in has flushing toilets, a dump point and tank water (non-potable). It’s not far from the Namoi River, with some grass and shade — though traffic noise can be a downside.
Contact: visitgunnedah.com.au or 02 6740 2230
*FREE* Coopernook Forest Rest Area — North Coast NSW
This family-friendly stop is 60km south of Port Macquarie in Coopernook State Forest. There’s a basic campground surrounded by tall gums and plenty of short bushwalks.
Facilities include toilets, barbecues, non-potable water and even a small playground. It’s unpowered and doesn’t have a dump point, but it’s a relaxing break from the highway.
Contact: barringtoncoast.com.au or 1800 802 692
*FREE* Sandy Point Camp Ground — Hay, Riverina
On the banks of the Murrumbidgee River in Hay, Sandy Point is perfect for fishing, swimming or just kicking back. Stay two or three nights max. — long enough to enjoy the trails, picnic spots and water access.
There are barbecues, flushing toilets and a walking path (Bidgee Riverside Trail). Showers are available at the Hay Visitor Centre for $2, and you can even borrow a bike for free to explore the town. Now that you’re free camping in Hay, we suggest that you do the right thing and spend a bit of money with the local businesses.
Contact: visithay.com.au or 02 6993 4045
Sandy Point Reserve offers free short-term camping in a stunning location
That’s a wrap (for now)
NSW has no shortage of wild, free and budget-friendly places to set up camp — whether you prefer bush solitude, riverside serenity or a quick overnight rest stop. From the red dirt of Tilpa to the cool forests near Port Macquarie, there’s something here for every traveller.
Where to next? Find out in the next part of this series, coming your way soon.
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