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Free camping is allowed in Australia; however, it is heavily regulated. Free camping is only allowed at designated sites around the country, and parking overnight is prohibited. If you are caught free camping in a restricted area, you will often receive a hefty fine.

Fortunately, there are plenty of great free or low-cost sites available. The national Parks are popular choices. You can learn which sites are available for each area by checking the national parks website for each state.

You can also park up overnight at certain rest areas. Keep an eye out, as these are usually sign-posted.

A stay at a caravan park will usually cost $20–$60 (AUD), depending on the state and level of facilities available.

A caravan is usually a home or living space attached to a trailer. This means a caravan requires another vehicle such as a ute or larger car to be mobile. Caravans are joined to motor vehicles via a towing connection.

With campervans (or motorhomes) the living space is part of the vehicle itself. Usually the interior of a van or larger vehicle has been fitted out for living and sleeping. This means campervans are fully mobile and do not require another vehicle to transport them.

The word glamping is a combination of the words “glamorous” and “camping”. It is a style of camping that focuses on luxury and comfort.

Usually, glamping accommodations include features such as electricity, hot water, comfortable beds and expanded kitchen setups. This allows to experience the outdoors while still retaining the comforts of home.

It depends on the destination. Some countries, such as Norway, New Zealand, the UK, and the US, have relatively welcoming free camping policies. In others, such as Australia and Canada, free camping is generally not allowed except for designated places.

Check our country and location pages for more details on rules in specific areas and for caravan park, holiday park, and campsite recommendations.