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Who says you need to spend a fortune to score a million-star view? Whether you’re towing a camper, swagging it, or just chucking the mattress in the back of the ute, NSW has some cracking free and very low-cost camps on offer. From creekside to bushland, these five ripper free camps in NSW are perfect for kicking back under the stars.
Boyd River Camp Ground – Blue Mountains
Tucked away in the high country near Oberon, Boyd River Campground is a cracker of a spot. If you like your free camps with a side of snow gums, wildlife, and not much else, you’ll love this place. You’ll be sleeping under towering gums with wombats, wallabies, and the odd sugar glider or tawny frogmouth for neighbours.
Set alongside Morong Creek, the campground has a peaceful, open feel that’s perfect for kicking back. There’s even a recycled timber hut on site. This makes for a great shelter if the weather turns or you just need a break from the elements.
If you’re the active type, you’re sorted. The Boyd River loop cycling trail kicks off from the carpark. A couple of short walks nearby lead to lookouts and waterfalls that are well worth the stomp. Whether you’re here to hike, snap some photos, ride a bike, or just sit around doing bugger-all, it ticks the boxes.
Stock up in Oberon before heading in, and bring your own water.
- Camping suitability: Tent, camper trailers, caravans (not large).
- Vehicle suitability: You can get in with a 2WD, but it gets boggy in rain.
- Facilities: Pit toilets, shelter area, picnic tables, BBQs, car park. You’ll need to bring your own water, firewood and power.
- Cost: There are no camping fees, but a $6 NSW NP admin fee applies when booking.
Ben Hall’s Camping Ground – Central NSW
If you’re chasing a quiet bush camp with a dash of Aussie history, Ben Hall’s Campground delivers the goods. Nestled beneath towering eucalypts on the western flank of Weddin Mountains National Park, it’s the kind of place where you can truly switch off. Unless you count the local kangaroos and sugar gliders popping by for a stickybeak.
The campground’s grassy sites sit at the base of a rugged escarpment with Basin Gully running nearby. This makes it a top spot to roll out the swag or set up camp for a couple of days. It’s a great launch pad for exploring the park’s walking trails. You can wander up the gully, check out the legendary Ben Hall’s Cave (yes, that bushranger), and loop around to Seaton’s Farm, where time has stood still among the rusting farm gear and handmade relics.
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Come evening, the bush comes alive with nocturnal visitors. The open setting means there’s plenty of space to stretch out around the campfire (BYO wood). As far as free camps in NSW go, this one’s got charm, wildlife, and bushwalking all wrapped up in one.
- Camping suitability: Tent, camper trailers, caravans.
- Vehicle suitability: You can get in with a 2WD.
- Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, wood BBQs, carpark. You’ll need to bring your own water, firewood and power.
- Cost: There are no camping fees, but a $6 NSW NP admin fee applies when booking.
Casuarina Camping Area – Hunter
Looking for a bush camp not far from civilisation? Casuarina Camping Area in Olney State Forest is a ripper little base camp in the Watagans, just inland from Lake Macquarie. You’ll be setting up among forest oaks and tall gums, with room for everything from swags to full-size caravans.
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It’s a peaceful spot with a bit of shade, a few fire pits, and easy access to nearby walking trails. The Pines picnic area is just a short wander down the track. There’s plenty to explore in the surrounding forest, whether you’re keen on bushwalks, birdwatching, or testing out the 4WD tracks.
Part of the Watagan Mountain State Forests, Olney is a popular patch for weekend warriors. It’s perfect for those chasing that back-to-nature feel without going totally off-grid. It’s one of the more accessible free camps in NSW, especially for Central Coast locals looking for a quick escape into the bush.
- Camping suitability: Tent, camper trailers, caravans.
- Vehicle suitability: You can get in with a 2WD.
- Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, wood BBQs. You’ll need to bring your own water, firewood and power.
- Cost: Free
Budds Mare Camping Area – New England
Perched right on the edge of the New England Tablelands, Budds Mare Campground offers cracking views straight over the Apsley River Gorge. And if that’s not a top spot to pitch a tent, we don’t know what is. It’s rugged, remote, and a proper bush camping experience in World Heritage-listed country.
This is the kind of place you come to really get away from it all. Once you’ve settled in, you can tackle the Budds Mare to Riverside walking track. It’s a solid 7km descent into the gorge that’s not for the faint-hearted. It’s a steep hike better suited to experienced walkers. Your efforts will be rewarded with river swims, shady BBQ spots, and a proper wilderness vibe at the bottom.
There are a few creature comforts at the top, like wood-fired BBQs and picnic tables, but you’ll want to come self-sufficient. This isn’t a spot to roll in unprepared. For those chasing free camps in NSW that deliver big views, solid walking trails, and total peace and quiet, Budds Mare ticks all the boxes.
- Camping suitability: Tent, camper trailer.
- Vehicle suitability: 4WD only.
- Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, shelter, wood BBQs. You’ll need to bring your own water, firewood and power.
- Cost: There are no camping fees, but a $6 NSW NP admin fee applies when booking.
Brushy Mountain Camping Area – North Coast
If peace and quiet are high on your wish list, Brushy Mountain Campground delivers in spades. It is surrounded by towering ribbon gums and blackbutt forest. This tucked-away camp spot in Werrikimbe National Park is all about slow mornings, shady trees, and grassy patches perfect for rolling out the swag.
It’s a great base if you’re keen to stretch your legs. The short and sweet Brushy Mountain loop walk gets you among ancient Gondwana rainforest, while the longer 9km trail to Spokes Lookout serves up top-notch views across the ranges. Or don’t walk at all. Just pull up a chair, listen to the birds, and keep an eye out for a rare quoll or glider poking about.
After dark, it’s all about the campfire and some good old-fashioned stargazing. With no one around but the local wildlife and your own crew, this is one of those free camps in NSW that feels like you’ve found your own private patch of paradise. No reception, no rush, just proper bush camping the way it should be.
- Camping suitability: Tent, camper trailers.
- Vehicle suitability: You can get in with a 2WD (not suitable for long vehicles). However, it can become boggy in the rain.
- Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, shelter, wood BBQs. You’ll need to bring your own water, firewood and power.
- Cost: There are no camping fees, but a $6 NSW NP admin fee applies when booking.
So there you have it!
So there you have it – five ripper free camps in NSW that prove you don’t need to fork out a fortune to enjoy some of the best bush settings in the country. Whether you’re chasing gorge views, rainforest walks, or just a quiet patch of dirt under the gum trees, these spots offer a little something for every kind of camper.
Just remember to do the right thing: pack it in, pack it out, respect the local wildlife, and leave no trace. This way, we can all keep enjoying these wild places for years to come. Got a favourite camp you’d like to see in our next round-up? Let us know, we’re always keen to discover the next camping gem.
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