If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, there’s a big change brewing in New South Wales that could affect your next camping adventure—and not everyone is happy about it.
For those who appreciate the natural beauty and recreational opportunities offered by New South Wales’ national parks, a potential change to current regulations may impact future visits.
This development has prompted discussion amongst individuals who frequently utilise these facilities for leisure and outdoor pursuits.
A new proposal from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is set to overhaul the way camping fees are charged across the state’s national parks, and regular campers are sounding the alarm.
What’s changing?
For decades, many of NSW’s national park campgrounds have been free or charged only a nominal fee.
But under the new NPWS proposal, a whopping 60–70 per cent of campgrounds that have never charged before could soon introduce fees—some of them quite steep.
The plan is to categorise every site into one of six pricing tiers, with costs based on the amenities provided and the time of year you visit.
For example, Thredbo Diggings campground in the Snowy Mountains could jump from $6 to $54 per night during peak season.
That’s a ninefold increase for the same patch of ground! And it’s not just Thredbo—many popular campgrounds across the state are expected to see similar price hikes.
Why the change?
The NPWS says the move is in response to a 49 per cent surge in campground visits over the past decade, with 1.8 million overnight stays now recorded each year.
The idea is to better manage demand, reduce ‘ghost bookings’ (where people reserve sites but don’t show up), and fund the upkeep of facilities.
But not everyone is convinced this is the right approach.
Campers speak out
Mike Atkinson, better known as ‘Outback Mike’ from Alone Australia, is one of the most vocal critics. He believes the new fees will discourage everyday Australians from enjoying the bush and turn a public service into a money-making business.
‘They care more about extracting money from people than they do about solving the problem,’ Mike says.
He argues that the real issue is the booking system itself, which allows people to reserve sites online and then not turn up, leaving empty spots that others could have used.
His solution? Scrap the booking system altogether and return to a first-come, first-served approach.
But it’s not that simple. A 2022 NPWS survey found that 87 per cent of regular campers actually prefer being able to book ahead, as it gives them certainty—especially important for those travelling long distances or with families in tow.
The bigger picture: Is camping becoming less accessible?
For many Australians, camping is one of the last affordable ways to enjoy a holiday, connect with nature, and spend quality time with family and friends. With the cost of living already on the rise, there’s concern that higher camping fees could put this simple pleasure out of reach for some.
Mike also points out that while demand for campsites has soared, there’s been little talk of increasing the actual number of sites available.
‘They’re saying 49 per cent extra people are visiting the parks but nowhere in their proposal did they consider increasing the amount of campsites by 49 per cent, therefore meeting demand,’ he says.
What can you do?
If you’re passionate about camping and want your voice heard, now’s the time to act. The NPWS is seeking public feedback on the proposed changes until 25 May. You can access the survey here.
Tips for navigating the changes
- Check fees before you go: With prices set to vary by site and season, always check the latest information on the NPWS website before booking.
- Book early: If you prefer certainty, booking ahead is still the best way to secure your spot—especially during school holidays and long weekends.
- Consider off-peak travel: If your schedule is flexible, camping during the low season can save you money and help you avoid the crowds.
- Look for alternatives: Not all campgrounds will be affected equally. Some smaller or less-developed sites may remain more affordable.
Have your say
Are you worried about rising camping costs? Do you think booking systems are helpful or a hassle? Have you experienced ‘ghost bookings’ or missed out on a site because someone didn’t show up? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
Camping is a cherished Aussie tradition, and changes like these affect us all. Let’s keep the conversation going and make sure our national parks remain accessible for everyone—now and for generations to come.
Also read: ‘Ghost booking’ crackdown: What the new national park fees mean for you
You need a Ticket to enter a National Park, but in some instances these Tickets are only available Online, which means that you have tp plan ahead and can’t make a spur of the moment decision to enter one !!