'$600 per week': is this the end of affordable camping in NSW?

Not-so-happy campers are grappling with a proposal by the NSW government that could push camping out of financial reach for some.

Spending time in the great outdoors is deeply ingrained in Aussies’ DNA. It’s a fun, restorative way for friends and family to spend time together, and most importantly, it’s affordable. But a proposed change to NSW campground fees could significantly up the price of a night’s camping, with some campgrounds set to undergo a 500 per cent fee increase. Here, we break down everything you need to know.

How much will campgrounds cost?

At the time of writing, the hike to campground fees is in the proposal stage with NSW Parks and Wildlife Services. They are currently reviewing feedback (which has certainly been mixed). Nothing’s final just yet, but if the proposal is passed, here’s how it would look.

camping on the South Coast — A new proposal aims to target camping no-shows by hiking the fees. Responses have been mixed. (Image: Destination NSW)

Under the new proposal, campsites will be divided into six tiers, based on the quality of facilities (like flush toilets, barbecues, shelters and servicing frequency). Seasonal pricing would also be introduced, with different rates for high and low seasons.

For example, the proposed costs per night by tier are as follows:

Tier 1 sites, which are extremely basic (think no toilets), will remain free.

Tier 3 sites (which have basic drop toilets and barbecues) would cost $20 in the low season or $36 in the high season. Campgrounds such as the popular Thredbo Diggings campsite in the Snowy Mountains would fall into this category. Right now, it costs just $6 to camp there – a 500% price difference if the proposed fee is introduced.

Tier 6 sites, which have hot showers, flush toilets and the works, would cop the highest fees at $54 in the low season and $89 in the high season. This would impact popular campsites such as Bonnie Vale campground in the Royal National Park. Currently, campsite fees fluctuate between $41 and $57 per night (according to the season), meaning the cost per night would double under the new proposal.

Families and outdoor enthusiasts have raised concerns that one of the last truly affordable holiday options could soon be out of reach. With fees proposed to rise significantly, especially when camping across multiple nights, many point out that a week-long camping trip could now cost upwards of $600 for a tier 6 campground.

camping — The proposed fee hikes could push the last form of affordable holiday out of reach for families. (Image: Destination NSW)

There’s a growing sentiment that enjoying nature respectfully should remain accessible to everyone, and the proposed fee hike prompts questions about whether that ideal is being eroded.

“[There] is a consultation on a proposed approach and all feedback is being carefully considered. No decisions have been made on the proposal," a spokesperson for NSW Parks and Wildlife Services told Australian Traveller. “NPWS will advise the public on the next steps once feedback has been considered."

Why are the fees increasing?

NSW Parks and Wildlife Services is proposing changes to bookings and fees to address the issue of ‘ghost camping’ – when people book campsites but don’t actually show up, leaving others to miss out.

While many of NSW’s most popular campgrounds have long required bookings, the broader online booking system expanded significantly during the pandemic, when visitation surged.

The new fee proposal will separate campsites into six tiers and price them on a ‘sliding scale’. (Image: Destination NSW)

Some campers have called for the system to be scrapped altogether in favour of a first-come, first-served model. NSW Parks has reportedly considered this option, but found that it leads to people setting up unattended camps to ‘hold’ sites.

Parks also reportedly considered lowering fees, but said that this led to increased no-shows. And introducing a fine to deter the offending ‘ghost campers’ has been deemed not enforceable enough. As for whether increased fees will kick into gear, the NSW government is currently reviewing feedback to the proposal, and a final decision is yet to be made.

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

‘$600 per week’: is this the end of affordable camping in NSW?