Free camping in Australia with a caravan: rules by state

“Free camping” in Australia can mean a state forest, a council RV stop, a showground, or a signed overnight rest area. Who manages the land decides the rules. Below is a state-by-state guide.

At a glance

New South Wales

• State forests: free, first come first served, maximum stay four weeks. Camp almost anywhere except roads, picnic or permit areas, pine plantations and closed forest. Campfires can be banned in warmer months and never on total fire ban days (Forestry Corporation of NSW).
• National parks: camping is usually restricted to campgrounds and you may need to book (NSW National Parks). The default limit is 21 continuous days unless a notice says otherwise (NPW Regulation 2019, cl 12).
• Roadside rest areas: not designated caravan sites; you can’t stay overnight (Transport for NSW; Service NSW).
• Council stops: many councils offer free or low-cost RV stops; check the council’s website and signage.

Victoria

• State forests: all state forest campgrounds are free, no bookings, first come first served (except a permit charge at Murrindindi Scenic Reserve) (Explore Outdoors Victoria). You can camp anywhere in a state forest at least 20 m from waterways, for no more than 28 consecutive nights (vic.gov.au: camping; Forests (Recreation) Regulations, reg 13).
• Forest reserves: only in official campgrounds provided by the land manager (vic.gov.au).
• Generators are allowed if fitted with a spark arrestor and with 1.5 m cleared around them (vic.gov.au).
• National parks, council stops and rest areas: rules vary; check Parks Victoria, the local council and VicRoads.

Queensland

• Parks and state forests: you must obtain a camping permit and pay fees before camping in a Queensland park, forest or reserve (Queensland Parks: permits and fees). From 1 July 2026 fees are $7.75 per person per night or $31.00 per family per night (QPWS camping fees). So Queensland state forests aren’t “free camping”.
• Council stops and rest areas: many councils run free or low-cost RV stops with stay limits. Check the council’s website and roadside signage.

South Australia

• National parks: book your campsite before you go; bookings open up to a year ahead, and most campground bookings include vehicle entry (National Parks and Wildlife Service SA).
• ForestrySA forests: designated campgrounds in the Mount Lofty Ranges must be booked online; fees apply and camping is permitted 1 April to 30 November. Forests close on total fire ban days (ForestrySA).
• Council stops and rest areas: check the local council and signage.

Western Australia

• Roadside rest areas: you may camp for up to 24 consecutive hours in a caravan at a roadside rest area designated by sign for 24-hour use (Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Regulations 1997, reg 11; WA Government). Main Roads says its 24-hour rest areas aren’t intended for camping, asks you not to exceed 24 hours, and to leave room for trucks (Main Roads WA).
• Other land: camping on state-managed land is by permission of the managing agency (same regulation). Check DBCA (Parks and Wildlife WA) for national parks and state forest campgrounds, and the local council for RV stops.

Tasmania

• Sustainable Timber Tasmania land: you’re welcome to camp except where specifically prohibited and signposted; they recommend contacting a regional office first. No campfires on total fire ban days (Sustainable Timber Tasmania).
• Public reserves: camping and caravan parking are controlled by designated areas and signs (Crown Lands Regulations 2021, reg 16). See Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania for national park campgrounds.

Northern Territory

• Parks: caravans are only allowed at specified campgrounds, and many sites don’t allow caravans (NT Government: where you can camp). Fees apply; see NT camping fees.
• Rest areas and councils: check signage and the local council.

Australian Capital Territory

• Namadgi National Park: campgrounds such as Honeysuckle must be booked in advance and have a limited number of caravan or camper-trailer sites (Parks ACT: Honeysuckle; Parks ACT: where to stay).

Being self-sufficient, anywhere

• Carry enough drinking water. Many free camps have none
• Know your battery and solar capacity (see our power basics guide)
• Plan dump points for grey water and the toilet cassette (see our dump point guide and the CMCA list)
• Take all rubbish with you
• Check fire danger and warnings on HazardWatch and your state fire service
• Leave room for trucks at rest areas

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