Campsite Affordability

Jack · Veteran Member

Campsite Affordability

Big Gorilla · Guru

There are many free sites with no time limit. Do you have Camps 7 ?

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

I travel full-time and understand the need to curtail expenditure on 'accommodation'

However, despite the many posts on the forum about "free" camps that have time limits imposed by local councils and other authorities (and usually abused by many travellers), there are many, many more that are excellent true camping spots that have no time limit - or a limit of X months.

Those that have 24-48 hour limits are usually not actual camping grounds, but way-side rest stops on or near main highways and towns.

These are good for overnight stops when travelling - and if you use them 'wisely' you can stay for the 48 hours and move a few Km to the next one. Therefore limiting the Km you drive and have "free" stops. However, these are usually very crowded between May and Sept each year.

Some "unlimited camps" that come to mind are -

Greens Lake, near Euroa in Victoria; Lake Ratzcastle near Goroke in Victoria; Gum Bend Lake near Condobolin NSW; a couple near Menindee NSW; Oma Waterhole near Isisford QLD; Nindigilly Pub near St George QLD.

The Camps Australia Wide 7 will show you many if you look carefully. There is also other "apps" as well, like Wikicamps that have sites listed.

Cheers - John

Glenelg · Guru

or Wiki camps the app on smartphones $5.00

sorry John we posted at same time.

-- Edited by Glenelg on Friday 25th of July 2014 11:33:18 AM

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Over here in WA, we are currently at a camp right on the beach, about 40k out of Karratha - 3 month stay in the "season" May - October - $10 night, or stay for week one night free - pay for a month it gets cheaper. Great fishing, fantastic views, nice people, etc., etc.,.

Another place, though smaller than some, is Boulder Creek, near Mackay, QLD - a lovely spot to spend a week or so.
Bedford Weir - near Blackwater, QLD - 7 days (usually only policed when very busy, though we were there over Easter and not too busy at all) - $7 night, with hot showers, water and toilet.
Wuruma Dam (free) - near Monto and Eidsvold, QLD - no limit posted - flushing toilets, but water available only suitable for showering or washing - byo drinking water.

As Rocky Lizard says - get your Camps 7 - will save you a bucket of dough!!! There are some caravan parks listed as well, and their pricing is usually under $25 I think.

There are camps all over Austalia without limits - not sure where you are travelling - but the "Grey Nomad Season" is usually very busy especially on the East Coast, and time limits at most of the more popular "rest stops" are monitored - places like Calliope, Balgal Beach, Tumulla Beach, Bluewater, and Rollingstone (Bushy Parker).

Vic41 · Guru

Jack wrote:
Being on my first big trip I would be interested to hear how most people 'afford' their long stays on the road when it comes to sites. Most free sites are only for 24-48hrs and then you have to move on which is inconvenient. The other option is caravan Parks at $28 ish and up. These appear the only two options or have I missed something?

I assume you have looked at these too Jack;

http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/f474339/freebudget-campsites-suggested-by-our-contributors/

Jack · Veteran Member

Thanks guys, i have camps 7 and wikicamps, most sites i have seen fall into the categories i mentioned, perhaps i need to look harder. Thanks for your input.

wendyv · Guru

The prices at some showgrounds are fairly reasonable, too.

the rocket · Guru

wendyv wrote:
The prices at some showgrounds are fairly reasonable, too.

I agree. showgrounds are great.

shekon · Guru

Hi Jack, and welcome, I am not sure where you are travelling but when you put in the name of the town you are closest to on Wikicamps, it will give you any number of camps around that area, including caravan parks. There are so many free camps or donation camps that allow camping. At present I am at Bundarra Lions Park, great little spot, gold coin donation, flat grassed area, beside the river, peacefully blissful. I typed in the town and got the info on this and the CP in town, and some others around the area. Just have to keep looking for what suits you in the area that you are travelling.

EilsnAlby · Veteran Member

Jack wrote:
Being on my first big trip I would be interested to hear how most people 'afford' their long stays on the road when it comes to sites. Most free sites are only for 24-48hrs and then you have to move on which is inconvenient. The other option is caravan Parks at $28 ish and up. These appear the only two options or have I missed something?

You could check out the classifieds section in Grey Nomads and do what we do, volunteering, you can usually have free power and water for a few hours work in return and still get to see the sights.