Free Camping Newcastle

Are you an adventure seeker always on the hunt for your next outdoor escapade? Newcastle might just be your new happy place! This coastal gem, which is just a stone’s throw away from Sydney, boasts some of the most incredible landscapes and views in New South Wales. But how much is camping here going to cost you?

Well, with some clever planning and a little research, you can enjoy waking up to the beauty of Newcastle without spending a fortune. We’ve made this dream even easier by providing you with a list of the best free camping sites in Newcastle, each with a list of amenities, giving you a clear picture of what to expect.

Grab your camping gear and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Free Newcastle Camping Spots

1. Samurai Beach Campground
2. Branxton Park
3. Ted Woolford Park Rest Area
4. Little Mountain Campground
5. Bulga Recreation Ground
6. Warkworth Recreation Ground

Before we begin, it’s important to point out that the campsites we’ve listed above require small booking fees, but this is still much cheaper than overnight charges in other sites. Also, some of them are in remote locations, and some do not accept tent camping. With this in mind, it’s best to visit them by campervan.

At Travellers Autobarn, our team of experts can help you with hiring a Sydney campervan for your Newcastle camping trip. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a family, we have an option that suits your needs and gets you on the road to adventure!

Samurai Beach Campground

One Mile, Newcastle

There’s nothing quite like camping on the beach, and at Samurai Beach Campground, you’ll find yourself nestled behind the sandy dunes overnight, looking up at the clear skies and listening to the sound of the crashing ocean waves. It’s also really easily accessible for campervans, and while you’ll need to pay a $6 booking fee, it’s worth it for the experience.

You won’t find many facilities here, aside from nearby toilets and access to non-drinking water. However, this is an excellent place to stay if you’re looking to enjoy a spot of fishing, surfing, or swimming, and with a 7-day time limit, you can call this beautiful beach home for up to a week. One thing to keep in mind, is that sections of Samurai Beach are clothing optional, so if you’re travelling with children, you may not find it suitable.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Nearby Toilets
• Non-Drinking Water

Branxton Park

Branxton, Newcastle

If you’re looking to explore the Hunter Valley region, Branxton Park is a great free campsite at which to pull up. Located just an hour West of Newcastle, you’ll find plenty of spaces for camper trailers, campervans, and RVs. Tent camping is also allowed here, so it’s ideal if you’re travelling with kids who have been begging to spend the night under canvas!

In terms of amenities, you’ll find toilets, picnic tables, rubbish bins, a dump point, and access to clean drinking water, making it one of the best-equipped free camping sites in the area. You’re also allowed to camp for free here for up to 72 hours within any 14-day period, which offers you the opportunity to explore the local area’s attractions, including several wineries, a chocolatier, and the famous “Big Ugg Boots” roadside attraction.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• Dump Point
• Rubbish Bins
• Drinking Water

Ted Woolford Park Rest Area

Bucketts Way, Newcastle

Set just 470 metres off the Pacific Highway, Ted Woolford Park Rest Area is a great option if you’re looking to pull up somewhere safe overnight without spending any money. There are plenty of designated spaces for 2WDs, campervans, camper trailers, and RVs here, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to settle in, either.

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a basic overnight rest area. There are some great amenities here, including picnic tables and rubbish bins, and you’ll also be in close proximity to some awesome dog friendly walking trails. The entire site is also really peaceful, and you’ll find an abundance of birdlife flitting from tree to tree, making it a wonderful place for nature lovers to stop for up to 24 hours.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Picnic Tables
• Rubbish Bins
• Dog Friendly

Little Mountain Campground

Karuah National Park, Newcastle

While camping at Little Mountain Campground requires a $6 booking fee, this is a very small price to pay compared to what other campgrounds in the area charge. Here, you and your campervan will find yourselves in a quiet setting beside the river within Karuah National Park, and with only two designated sites (maximum of 12 people) allowed at any time, you’re guaranteed a peaceful setting.

As you might imagine from its National Park location, there are plenty of walking and mountain biking trails to enjoy here, as well as opportunities for fishing and swimming. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, kick back and enjoy the sound of birdsong.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• BBQ Facilities

Bulga Recreation Ground

Bulga, Newcastle

One of the best free camping sites for families, Bulga Recreation Ground has some excellent amenities, including toilets, picnic tables, BBQ facilities, and a playground complete with play equipment. There’s even a tennis court, and with plenty of shaded areas to relax in, it’s ideal for people who want a day’s break from behind the wheel.

Camper trailers, campervans, 2WDs and 4WDs can easily access this free camping spot. You can even spend 7-nights here, so it’s the perfect place for anyone looking to create a hub while they explore the surrounding area. You don’t need to book to camp here either, although as you might expect, this site gets filled up pretty quickly so it’s definitely worth getting here in good time if you’re hoping to grab a space.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• BBQ Facilities
• Playground
• Tennis Court

Warkworth Recreation Ground

Warkworth, Newcastle

Another great free campsite for anyone who needs access to plenty of amenities, at Warkworth Recreation Ground you’ll find toilets, BBQ areas, picnic tables, a playground, and non-drinking water. The entire site is also dog friendly, so it’s an excellent choice if you’re holidaying with your furry friend.

2WDs, camper trailers, campervans, and big rigs can access this site with ease as it’s close to the highway, and you can stay for up to 72 hours in any 14-day period. Despite its close proximity to the road, there’s very little road noise to worry about, and the peaceful setting means you’ll get a good night’s sleep before hitting the road again. There are some beautiful walking trails to discover nearby, too, as well as large, open areas in both sun and shade to relax in.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• BBQ Facilities
• Picnic Tables
• Playground
• Non-Drinking Water
• Dog Friendly

After a day of exploring the stunning landscapes of Newcastle, there’s nothing quite like kicking back at one of the region’s free camping spots, cold drink in hand, and letting the worries of the world melt away while you rest safe in the knowledge you’ve saved a load of money!

You can make things even easier by contacting Travellers Autobarn and talking to our team about hiring a campervan. We’ll match you with the ideal campervan, and you can look forward to hitting the road knowing that you have everything you need for a truly unforgettable adventure through Newcastle.