Lets be honest… we all love to travel but one of the biggest expenses is always accommodation.
Well I discovered an “Awesome secret hack” to stay in some amazing places FOR FREE!!
Ok, so its not really a hack, and not really a secret.. but it is pretty awesome!
Its “Free Camping!!”…. that is camping in a tent / caravan/ camper for No Cost!!
Firstly what exactly is free camping?
Free camping is a site that doesn’t charge you to stay there. Facilities and sites vary but basically they are available for travelers to legally stay for free!
While Free camping can be a great way to get around Australia for Free there is some tings to remember;
Not all cater for tent campers;
We camp in tents and some free camps are only suitable for caravans / RV’s, because they are literally a carpark / rest area. We have to keep this in mind when we are heading somewhere and research the facilities before we get there. (more tips on where to find info below)
Water:
Most Free camps don’t have access to fresh drinking water. Make sure you carry plenty of water while road tripping, filling up along the way so you are prepared for when you arrive at the Free camp.
Bathroom facilities:
Bathroom facilities vary from free camp to free camp. Many have toilets, mostly pits from our experience, but some don’t, so be mindful of either having your own toilets or taking appropriate measures when staying at these sites. My biggest tip when it comes to toilets is Bring your own toilet paper!! because they often run out and you don’t want to get caught out! I have never stayed at a Free camp that has showers, we bring our own bathroom tent and have a quick splash in there!
National parks;
National Parks through out the country are a great spot to Free camp, but there is some rules. Most of the time there is an entry cost, I recommend that you purchase an annual pass or if you are on a pension that you get an exemption card (NSW National parks). Also remember that while some National Parks allow you to have open fires out of fire ban season you aren’t supposed to pick up fire wood within the park, so bring your own.
Free camping illegally;
If you free camp in an illegal spot then you can be fined. These are generally sign posted clearly stating that “Camping is not allowed here”. Free camping in residential areas, car parks or in non designated areas does put you in a position to be fined and you will be asked to move on.
Maximum Stays;
Some Free camps have Maximum stays and this will be often stated on signs onsite. I suppose this is so people continue to move on and don’t stay there for weeks on end. Be mindful that some only allow between 24 hours / 48 hours.
Security;
I have never had any security concerns while staying in a Free camp, but I am always careful in any campsite. Locking up valuables, reminding the kids of safety rules and being aware of our surroundings and the other people who are camped there helps… also I have also been known to hide a hammer under my pillow! Many Free Camps have no phone reception so contacting emergency services maybe a problems, although you are supposed the be able to ring out in an emergency.
Clean up after you leave!;
Lastly clean up after yourself!! We are very lucky to have some amazing Free Camps in this country so don’t spoil it by leaving mess around!
Apps / Websites to find out more:
That’s about all the tips I have!!
Do you have any Free Camping tips?
Please tell share below!
Safe Travels
Kerrie
Like what you see?
Please subscribe to the Blog and YouTube and follow me on Facebook and Instagram!
I actually thought there weren’t too many legal free camping places in Australia; seems like you see so many more overseas, especially NZ and USA.
There is quiet a lot actually, many are in National Parks, so might not be considered “Free” after entry fees to the park but to camp they don’t cost anything!
I have heard a lot about these recently and think it’s a great idea and you generally know what you’re getting. Great to hear of your experiences. #lifethisweek
Sometimes the facilities are abundant but generally the location makes up for it!
That is really good to know Kerrie. Thank you! I had no idea of these and they sure would be popular with many.
Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek and next week’s optional prompt is 22/51 First Job. 3/6/19 Warm wishes, Denyse
Yes its how many people afford to travel full time around this amazing country of ours!
Some great tips here. Security and toileting would probably be my concerns, yet I’m sure that is the last thing on your mind when you wake to a gorgeous country sunrise somewhere. I continue to be in awe of your energy and readiness to give it a go and give your kids the fantastic gift of adventure.
Yes the views often make up for the lack of facilities!
I’ve wondered about this as I’m a HUGE fan of #vanlife on Instagram and have a fetish for converted Sprinters or school buses etc. And I notice a lot of people talk about staying places for free and how much they appreciate it. I know some are tough (you read about people having to stay in shopping centre carparks etc) but having a database of freebies is wonderful as it’d allow you to plan!
there are some amazing websites and apps ( as listed on this post!) that help out greatly when looking for somewhere to stay!
Some great tips here Kerrie! I wonder if we have the same free campsite situation here in Australia? I haven’t camped much myself but love the idea of it. I absolutely love nature and getting out and about in it. However, I’m not sure I’d cope well without proper toilets and showers. Maybe I’m more the ‘glamping’ type! Lol #TeamLovinLife
Plenty of free camps here in Aus!! I must admit the lack of showers is something you have to get used to!