My 3 Favourite Free Camping Destinations in NSW
There are dozens, maybe hundreds of free camping options when traveling in New South Wales. On our travels, we have visited many of these locations. Some free camps are better than others. I’ve compiled a list of my three favorite free camping locations in NSW.
1.) Carcoar Dam Free Camp
Near Bathurst, NSW
We stumbled across Carcoar Dam Free Camping Area on a month and a half trip we did through New South Wales. We had found it in the WikiCamps app and it had some great reviews.
Upon arrival at the camping area, we were pleasantly surprised at the size of the place. There is heaps of room for lots of campers.
The view across the water of the dam to the rolling, grass covered hills is just beautiful. The hills have wind turbines on them, so as you can imagine it does get windy sometimes. But we were lucky, and the first two days we were there it was not windy.
The campsite has a sizable amenities block, with both toilets AND showers, which is just great for a free camp.
> Read my full review of Carcoar Free Camping area.
2.) Roses Park, Thora
Near Coffs Harbour, NSW
There are two main reasons we loved the free camp at Thora.
Reason number one is the campsite itself. It has big, green, shady trees with lovely bushland around it. Just down the bank from the camping area is the beautiful Bellinger River. We spent our afternoons in the shallow water kicking back a few cold beers and throwing a stick for the dogs.
The second reason we loved the free camp at Thora is it’s location. It is the doorway to some spectacular waterfalls, national parks and lookouts.
> Read my full review of Roses Park Free Camping Area
3.) Uralla Fossicking Area
Near Armidale, NSW
One of the criteria of the campsites we choose to stay at is water and the ability to go swimming in it. The fossicking area at Uralla is located on a little tributary called Rocky Creek.
We traveled to Uralla in the middle of a summer heatwave, so spending time in the creek was just what the doctor ordered. There is even a sandy beach area.
Like all the free camps we stay at, Uralla Fossicking Area is dog friendly free camping.
> Read my full review of Uralla Fossicking Area Free Camp
