Top 5 free camping spots

You don’t have to camp in your backyard to experience free camping. There are free campsites all over the country, including in some of Australia’s most spectacular national parks.

While many of these campsites are basic with limited facilities, they have views and serenity that money can’t buy.

Tell us your favourite free camping spot in the comments.

Johanna Beach camping area, Victoria

The best things in life are free, and the same motto could apply to the camping areas in Great Otway National Park.

Although you have to pay for a site at the very popular Blanket Bay camping area, many of the other camping areas in Great Otway are free, including the spectacular Johanna Beach camping area.

Not only is Johanna Beach free, it also doesn’t take bookings, has room for all sorts of rigs, and allows pets. The campground is situated behind the sand dunes at this superb surf beach and is a basic site, with toilets the only real facility.

The secret is out about Johanna Beach, so you might find yourself fighting for space at the busiest times of year.

Dora Point camping area, Tasmania

There seems to be a theme with free campsites. The views and activities are fantastic, but the facilities are basic. Dora Point is slightly more equipped than most, but don’t worry – the views don’t suffer.

You’ll find Dora Point in Humbug Point Nature Recreation Reserve, right next door to the world-renowned Bay of Fires Conservation Area.

You certainly don’t have to pay through the nose to stay close to these pristine white beaches and turquoise water, as Dora Point, and all of the camping areas in the conservation area, are free sites.

The campground is behind a safe swimming beach that is great for wading in with small kids, and there is also great birdwatching to be had in the area.

Tiparra Rocks camping area, South Australia

If you want to camp for free right on the beach and you don’t mind a basic campsite, don’t waste any more time before visiting the Yorke Peninsula Reserves.

This region is all about the coast, and the local council looks after a collection of basic campsites, most of which are located on or behind beaches.

Tiparra Rocks camping area is located on red sand right next to the water, and is a fantastic base for swimming, fishing and boating. It’s a solitary campsite, so don’t come here if you are looking to socialise with other campers.

Balgal Beach camping area, Queensland

You have to pay at most of the camping areas in Queensland’s national parks, so if you are after a free camping area you might have to widen your horizons beyond the parks.

Luckily, there are quite a few camping areas run by local councils that are free, including some fantastic options run by the Townsville City Council.

Balgal Beach camping area is a small camping area right behind Balgal Beach. It has good facilities including toilets, drinking water and space for big rigs, and is located near the road between Brisbane and Cairns.

There is a strict 48-hour time limit on your stay, so enjoy this idyllic setting (complete with stinger nets protecting the beach) while you can.

Perrys Lookdown camping area, New South Wales

Like the name suggests, looking down is what this camping area is all about! Perrys Lookdown is situated at a spectacular lookout in Blue Mountains National Park, with a view over the isolated Grose Valley.

And if you want more action than a majestic view, there are a number of walking tracks in the Grose Valley. We recommend the walking track that leads to Acacia Flat camping area, another free site with an enviable position in Blue Gum Forest.

Perrys Lookdown is a basic tent-only campsite, with shade provided by the Blue Mountains’ signature eucalypts. There are toilets here, but you’ll need to bring your own drinking water.