Free Camping Batemans Bay, NSW: Where To Camp For Free

Written By Bastian Graf

Known for its beautiful national parks and stunning coast teeming with marine life, Batemans Bay is one of the most popular destinations in New South Wales for camping enthusiasts looking to disconnect and embrace nature. But, with popularity, there usually comes a cost, and with so many people keeping a close eye on their expenses these days, it can sometimes feel as though you have to sacrifice visiting such amazing places to keep your finances in check.

But it doesn’t have to be this way! Batemans Bay is home to a couple of wonderful campsites that are completely free of charge, as well as some budget-friendly sites that charge a small fee. We’re going to explore these below, giving you all the information you need to plan the Batemans Bay trip you’ve always dreamed of while keeping more money in your pocket.

While there aren’t very many free campsites in Batemans Bay, each of the above has something truly unique to offer, and the best way of accessing them is by campervan. So, before you start planning your trip, contact the team at Travellers Autobarn today to talk about hiring a campervan. We’ll listen to your needs, match you with the perfect campervan, and help get you on the road to adventure!

Waldrons Swamp Rest Area

Princes Highway, Batemans Bay

Located along the Princes Highway, Waldrons Swamp Rest Area is a good place to stay if you’re looking for a convenient stopover as you’re exploring the South Coast. As you might expect from a rest area, the amenities here are pretty basic (only picnic tables and shaded areas) but the site is well-maintained and, most importantly, offers a safe and quiet place to spend the night.

As well as being conveniently located, another benefit to camping at Waldrons Swamp Rest Area is its close proximity to several natural and cultural sites. The nearby Clyde River National Park offers beautiful scenery and opportunities to kayak, fish, or spot wildlife, while the historic town of Nelligen is just a short drive away. So, whether you’re headed to these locations the next morning or looking for somewhere to stay after a long day of exploring, this free campsite is an excellent choice.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Picnic Tables
Shaded Areas

Budget Friendly Camping in Batemans Bay and Surrounds

With only one free campsites suitable for campervans in the immediate Batemans Bay area, it’s fair to say your options are quite limited. However, if you’re willing to spend a little bit of money to enjoy camping in this beautiful location, you still have some great options available to you.

Depot Beach Campground

Murramarang National Park, Batemans Bay

One of the best campsites near Batemans Bay in terms of amenities, at Depot Beach Campground you’ll find toilets, showers, picnic tables, and BBQ facilities. There are also 59 designated spaces, so it’s a good choice if you’re concerned about availability but still want a reasonably quiet place to call home for a night or two.

It’s much cheaper than most campsites in the region, but you do have to pay a small nightly fee of around $30-$40 per night. For the amenities on offer, though, it’s a great way of remaining comfortable without spending a fortune.

One of the best things about staying at Depot Beach, apart from the excellent facilities, is the incredible wildlife. This area is home to a variety of native wildlife, and there are opportunities to spot kangaroos, possums, and numerous birds. The beach itself is also perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or fishing, and there are many walking trails with views of the coast to enjoy.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Toilets
Showers
Picnic Tables
BBQ Facilities

Barlings Beach Holiday Park

Rosedale, NSW

Just a 17 minute drive from Batemans Bay, Barlings Beach Holiday Park is located close to the beach and, spanning 22 acres, there are plenty of spaces to pull up in your campervan. This is also a dog friendly campsite, so it’s ideal if you’re travelling with your canine companion and want immediate access to some fantastic beach walking trails.

This is also a very good option for families travelling together, as there are facilities to keep everyone happy and occupied. These include a swimming pool, playground, recreation room, and BBQ area, and there are also onsite toilets and showers. Naturally, the cost of staying here varies between seasons, but it is considered one of the best budget-friendly options for those looking for camping accommodation near Batemans Bay.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Toilets
Showers
Swimming Pool
BBQ Area
Playground
Recreation Room

Ingenia Holidays, Merry Beach

Kioloa, NSW

Another fantastic budget-friendly option with incredible beach views, Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach welcomes campervans and has some fantastic amenities. These include showers, toilets, a swimming pool, a jump pad, a playground, laundry facilities, WiFi, and a dump point, as well as easy access to the beach for surfing, fishing, or simply relaxing on the sandy shores.

Dogs are welcome to stay here, and there are some awesome walking trails to explore in the surrounding area. You’re also only a 40-minute drive from Batemans Bay, so it’s ideal if you want to be close to the main interest points but still want to explore a little further afield.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Showers
Toilets
Swimming Pool
Jump Pad
Playground
Laundry Facilities
WiFi
Dump Point

Explore other popular free camping spots in New South Wales

Check out some of our other popular free camping spots in New South Wales below:

Check out Free Camping Spots in Wollongong
Check out Free Camping Spots in Sydney
Check out Free Camping Spots in Albury
Check out Free Camping Spots in the Blue Mountains
Check out Free Camping Spots on the Central Coast
Check out Free Camping Spots in Byron Bay
Check out Free Camping Spots in Broken Hill

Looking for more inspiration? Check out the best places for free camping in Australia.

Get the cheapest rates on campervan hire in Sydney for your next road trip

New South Wales is yours to explore, and with cheap campervan hire in Sydney, you can visit coastal towns, wine regions, and national parks for less.

FAQs about free camping in Batemans Bay

Technically, yes, but your options are going to be limited. You’ll be allowed to free camp in areas like state forests and rest areas off the major highways, but picnic areas are typically off-limits.

No, sleeping in your campervan on public streets or beachfront car parks isn’t allowed. You risk a fine or a knock on the window in the middle of the night. Instead, stick to official sites like Waldron’s Swamp or one of the local low-cost campgrounds for a legal and comfortable stay.

Generally you can free camp at different for about 24 to 72 hours, depending on where you are. For example, Waldron’s Swamp Rest Area is really just for a one-night stop; there’s no strict rule posted, but it’s best to treat it as a rest stop, not a long-term campsite.

Facilities at free camps can vary from the most basic to fairly accommodating. For example, facilities at Waldrons Swamp are minimal, think picnic tables and shaded areas, but no toilets or water. Paid sites like Depot Beach offer toilets, showers, BBQs, and picnic tables, while Ingenia Holidays adds extras like a swimming pool, dump point, and even WiFi. If you want to find the best options for you, it’s best to compare sites, like those listed in our guide, beforehand.

Rules may differ with each campground, so it’s best that you go and review them before so you know what’s expected of you, and pay careful attention to signage on the sites.

Sometimes, but not at every free camp. At Waldron’s Swamp, for example, fires aren’t permitted, and during the fire ban season (typically October to March), restrictions apply across most of the South Coast. However, if a campfire’s on your list, consider places like Depot Beach, which has BBQ facilities and a safer setup.

Yes. However, the different sites will offer different facilities, some being more family-friendly than others so it’s best to compare sites before going. Places like Waldron’s Swamp aren’t exactly geared toward families, being that there are no toilets, water, or much space to play. For a better family-friendly option, Barlings Beach Holiday Park has a pool, playground, and plenty of room to stretch out, all at a pretty reasonable price.

It’s not common for free campsites to near Bateman’s Bay to offer drinking water. For example, Waldron’s Swamp doesn’t offer any water, so you’ll need to bring your own. If you’re staying longer or need a refill, head to a paid site like Ingenia Holidays or Barlings Beach, both of which have drinking water and full amenities.

Not always. With most free campgrounds, it’s first-come, first-served. That said, if you’re travelling during school holidays or summer, it’s a good idea to arrive early or consider booking a low-cost site nearby to be safe. However, some sites may require a permit or booking, so always check in advance.

Always bring plenty of drinking water, food, a first aid kit, rubbish bags, and anything else you’d need to be self-sufficient. Remember that at some sites you won’t really have anything, so if you’re planning to cook, a gas stove or BBQ plate will come in handy. Also, don’t forget insect spray.

Spring and early autumn are ideal — not too hot, not too cold, and less busy. Summer is great for swimming and coastal walks, but can be crowded and comes with fire restrictions. Winter’s quiet, but nights get chilly, so pack extra blankets if you’re heading out then.

DISCLAIMER: Any prices displayed are correct at the time of publishing. We highly recommend contacting any campsite or caravan park prior to booking to confirm prices. Please ensure you review our Terms and Conditions before visiting certain campsites.

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About the Author

Bastian Graf

Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.

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