Relaxing in the soothing sounds of nature and sleeping under a canopy of stars – that’s the kind of blissful camping experience you can look forward to at Jervis Bay. This beautiful region, tucked away on the New South Wales coast, is an absolute gem for campers seeking an off-the-grid escape.
Even better, there are some fantastic places you can camp for free in Jervis Bay, which is ideal if you want to keep your camping costs as low as possible. You’ll find information on these campsites below, making it easier than ever to find somewhere to call home for the night without burning a hole in your pocket.
Are you ready? Let’s start our adventure into free camping spots in Jervis Bay!
Free Jervis Bay Camping Spots
Something you need to know about each of the above sites is that while they are free to camp at, some are quite remote. As such, it’s best to visit them in a campervan.
Take to the expert team at Travellers Autobarn about hiring a campervan today, and we’ll find an option that perfectly fits your needs, whether you are solo camping or going on a family holiday.
State Forest Campsite
Currambene, Jervis Bay
Located within State Forest National Park. State Forest Campsite is a 30 minute drive from Jervis Bay Territory and is suitable for all types of camping, including campervans and camper trailers. There are also dedicated 4WD roads and cycling tracks, making it one of the most accessible campsites in the area.
Here, you’ll find yourself camping in scenic woodland and surrounded by nature, so it’s ideal if you’re looking to escape from it all. You do need to keep in mind, however, that the amenities here are limited to fire pits, although you are allowed to use a generator. This site isn’t dog friendly either, so if you’re travelling with your canine companion it would be best to skip this one.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Fire Pits
Jerrawangala Rest Area
Tullarwalla, Jervis Bay
Another great free camping spot just 30 minutes from Jervis Bay, Jerrawangala Rest Area offers a good place to pull up for the night. Unlike many rest areas, you’ll find some good amenities here, including drop toilets, rubbish bins, and covered picnic tables. It’s also really accessible, thanks to its roadside location, and is suitable for campervans, camper trailers, and big rigs.
While accessible and offering plenty of room, it is important to note that this rest area is right next to the highway and, as such, things can get pretty noisy. However, if this doesn’t bother you too much, you’ll find yourself in an excellent place that is also dog friendly and has access to some nice walking trails.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Drop Toilets
- Rubbish Bins
- Covered Picnic Tables
Endrick River Crossing
Nerriga, Jervis Bay
Ideal for those looking for a quiet spot, Endrick River Crossing is suitable for campervans and camper trailers and provides easy access for people who want to explore the Endrick River Firetrail. The amenities are limited, but you will find picnic tables and fire pits, but you’ll need to bring your own drinking water.
As well as being a secluded spot, you’ll find opportunities for fishing and swimming here in the river. It’s also dog friendly, and the surrounding walking trails and open spaces make it a great free camping spot for families embarking on a Jervis Bay adventure!
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Picnic Tables
- Fire Pits
- Non-Drinking Water
Toorooroo Campground
Buangla, Jervis Bay
This is another great spot if you’re looking for a smaller, quieter campsite, and you’ll find room for campervans and camper trailers across three designated sites. However, this does mean that you’ll need to get here early in the day if you want to grab a space, but it’s worth it for the surrounding nature and walking distance to Morton National Park.
There are a couple of important things to note before you head to Toorooroo Campground, though. Firstly, you need a National Parks Pass to camp here, so make sure you have this before pulling up. Second, the spaces are only suitable for vehicles under 8 metres long, so if you’re in a bigger campervan, it wouldn’t be a suitable choice.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Drop Toilets
- BBQ Facilities
- Fire Pits
Army Camp
Falls Creek, Jervis Bay
One of the closest free camping spots you’ll find near Jervis Bay, Army Camp is a secluded spot with space for campervans and camper trailers to spend the night. The quiet bushland area you’ll stay in has some basic facilities, such as fire pits and picnic tables, but you’ll need to bring your own food and drinking water as you’ll be tucked away from civilisation for the night!
This site is also dog friendly and it’s a wonderful place to go for long walks. The surrounding trees and bushes are ideal if you want to spend the day searching for native wildlife or birdwatching, too.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Picnic Tables
- Fire Pits
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 Batemans Bay
- Check out Free Camping Spots in Broken Hill
- Check out Free Camping Spots in the Blue Mountains
- Check out Free Camping Spots in Byron Bay
- Check Out Free Camping Spots on the Central Coast
Looking for more inspiration? Check out the best places for free camping in Australia.
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FAQs about free camping in Jervis Bay
Yes, there are a handful of designated spots near Jervis Bay where you can camp for free. Options like Jerrawangala Rest Area, Endrick River Crossing, and Army Camp offer solid bases to pull up for the night without paying a cent. Just note that many of these are a little out of town and better suited to self-contained vehicles.
Not legally. Street camping isn’t allowed in towns like Huskisson or Vincentia, and you could be fined for trying. Instead, head to places like Jerrawangala Rest Area or Army Camp, where overnight stays in a campervan are permitted and actually more enjoyable.
Stay limits vary across different free camping sites. Some spots like Endrick River Crossing or Army Camp don’t have posted limits, while others like Toorooroo Campground follow national park rules — generally a few nights max (24 to 72 hours). Keep in mind most sites are first-come, first-served and fairly small, so it’s best not to overstay your welcome.
Amenities range from very basic to decent. For example, Jerrawangala Rest Area has drop toilets, rubbish bins, and picnic shelters. Other places like State Forest Campsite or Army Camp offer the very basics, with only fire pits and picnic tables. If you’re in a self-contained camper, you’ll be fine, but we always recommend bringing your own drinking water just in case. It’s best to compare free campsites, like the ones listed in our guide, so you can see which ones have the facilities you need.
When free camping, the rules enforced generally vary with different sites. We recommend researching the rules for a given campground beforehand.
Yes, but only in designated fire pits and only when there are no local fire bans. Fire bans usually run from October through March, depending on weather conditions, so check before lighting up. Endrick River Crossing, Army Camp, and State Forest Campsite all allow fires, just bring your own wood and avoid collecting from the area.
Definitely! There are some great, family-friendly camping grounds near Jervis Bay. Endrick River Crossing is great if you want some space to let the kids run around and maybe even swim or fish. Army Camp is another good pick, with plenty of shade and birdlife to keep everyone entertained. Just be aware that most sites don’t have things like showers or playgrounds, so it’s best to compare sites beforehand and pack accordingly.
Generally, no, most sites either don’t provide water (or only have non-drinking water available). Endrick River Crossing has river water, but you’ll need to boil or treat it. If you’re staying at places like Army Camp or State Forest Campsite, you’ll need to bring all the water you’ll need for drinking and cooking. Ideally, we recommend always bringing enough drinking water with you, no matter the site, just in case.
Most spots don’t require bookings, just show up and grab a space. Toorooroo Campground is an exception, though, as it’s located in a national park and does require a valid parks pass. It’s always smart to double-check if any changes have been made to booking policies before heading out, especially during holidays.
Bring plenty of water, food, rubbish bags, a first aid kit, toilet paper, a flashlight or lantern, insect repellent, and warm bedding. If you plan on cooking over a fire, pack your own firewood and kindling. A portable toilet isn’t a bad idea either, especially if you’re heading to more remote spots like State Forest Campsite.
Autumn and spring are the most ideal times to head off on your free camping adventure in Jervis Bay; it’s not too hot, fire bans are less likely, and the crowds are generally smaller. Summer is beautiful but busy, and you’ll need to watch for bushfire restrictions. Winter can be chilly, but if you’re well-prepared, it’s a peaceful time to camp and stargaze.
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.
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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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