The NSW Government is proposing to overhaul how camping works in national parks – and it could change the way 4WD tourers and outdoor enthusiasts book, pay for, and access campsites across the state.

The Improving Camping in NSW National Parks consultation paper, released by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), promises improvements to booking systems and site management, but some outdoor enthusiasts are worried it could mean higher costs, tighter restrictions, or changes to access for remote and 4WD-only sites.

“The current camping fee system has not been reviewed for many years and is not designed to manage issues experienced in modern campgrounds,” the consultation paper reads. “The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to make it simpler, fairer and easier for people to use campgrounds in national parks while also addressing campground issues. 

“The changes were developed following consultation with more than 200,000 national park visitors and campers. These changes would deliver consistent and equitable camping fees for all New South Wales national parks and support sustainable management of visitation into the future.”

What’s being proposed?

As it now stands, some campsites are free, some charge as little as $6, and others go well beyond $30 per night. This new system proposed by the NSW Government would set state-wide pricing based on the facilities available, the demand, and the remoteness of the site. Remote bush camps with minimal services are expected to stay low-cost or free, but nothing is locked in yet.

The plan includes cracking down on “ghost bookings” and introducing a more streamlined, user-friendly booking platform. This could improve access for campers who don’t plan trips months in advance, making it a big win for spontaneous 4WD adventurers.

Currently, cancellation policies can be rigid. The new proposal introduces easier refunds and credits, encouraging people to cancel in time so others can snap up their spot. Campers who reserve but don’t turn up may face penalties under the new system, as NPWS wants to make sure sites aren’t sitting empty when others are turned away.

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National park camping has seen massive growth in recent times, with visitation up nearly 50 per cent in the past decade and more 1.8 million overnight stays registered last year. NPWS says park infrastructure and staff are under strain, and the current system isn’t keeping up with demand or expectations. The proposal aims to modernise how sites are booked and managed, but not everyone is convinced.

Common concerns include: Will bush camps that used to be free now come with a price tag? Will a rigid booking system kill spontaneity? Is this just the start of creeping commercialisation in national parks?

The NPWS says the changes aren’t set in stone, and that’s where the four-wheeler and camping community comes in. Campers and off-roaders are being asked to weigh in before any decisions are made, and we urge you to join in. 

The consultation paper is open for public feedback until Sunday, May 25, 2025. So have your say before it’s too late.