Free Camping Wollongong

Who says you need to spend a fortune to enjoy the great outdoors?! Around Wollongong, there are plenty of free and low-budget camping spots where you can soak up the beach vibes, explore the bush, and relax while watching a beautiful sunset. But, of course, finding these campgrounds does take a lot of research, which can take some of the fun out of planning your journey. After all, you likely want to spend more time looking for fun things to do rather than places to stay!

That’s where we come in to help. Below, we’ve listed some of the best free and low-cost camping spots Wollongong has to offer. All you need to do is decide which suits your camping style best and hit the open road.

Are you ready? Let’s discover some amazing places to camp!

Free & Low-Cost Wollongong Camping Spots

• Wirriwin Rest Area
• Partridge VC Rest Area
• Nungarry Rest Area
• Corrimal Beach Tourist Park

Before we start looking at these sites, it’s important to note that they are all best visited by campervan, especially as some have limited amenities. Get in touch with the expert team at Travellers Autobarn to find out more about hiring a campervan, and let us help you get on the road to adventure!

Wirriwin Rest Area

Dunmore, NSW

This is the perfect place to stop overnight without having to spend a cent, and while it’s more of a traditional rest area, there are some basic amenities you can take advantage of, including toilets and sheltered picnic areas. Don’t expect showers or laundry facilities, though – this really is more of an easy camping space to pull up at and safely spend the night as you head along the road.

If you get to Wirriwin Rest Area early enough in the day, you’ll be close to some nearby bushwalks where you can enjoy some natural scenery before calling it a night. Just make sure that you follow Leave No Trace principles, especially as there are no rubbish bins, and respect the environment – no matter where you choose to explore.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Sheltered Picnic Tables

Partridge VC Rest Area

Menangle, NSW

Located further north, Partridge VC Rest Area is another great free camping option for anyone looking to recharge without breaking the bank. It’s conveniently set just off the main highway, so it’s pretty easy to find, and it is suitable for both overnight and short-stay camping, with simple but useful facilities.

These facilities include toilets, a picnic area, and plenty of space for campervans to park without feeling too crowded. You do need to keep in mind that there aren’t any showers or powered sites, so you’ll need to come prepared with everything you need to be self-sufficient. But, if you’re after a quiet, shaded spot where you can kick back, relax, and sleep without being too far from the road, it’s ideal.

There are also some great walking and mountain biking trails close by, and if you’re up for a short drive, you’re close enough to the coast to make a day trip to Wollongong or Kiama.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Picnic Tables

Nungarry Rest Area

Dunmore, NSW

If you’re heading southbound along the Princes Highway, Nungarry Rest Area is a good place to stay if you want basic facilities and a safe space to spend the night. Here, you’ll have easy access to toilets and a few picnic tables, and while it is a fairly straightforward space with no frills, it’s quiet, accessible and has plenty of room.

The real advantage of staying here is the location. Nearby, you’ll find some state forests with lovely walking trails and green spaces where you can stretch your legs after a day on the road. There aren’t any shops or other modern conveniences nearby, but that’s all part of the adventure! Just make sure you bring your own drinking water and supplies.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Picnic Tables

BONUS CAMPGROUND: Corrimal Beach Tourist Park

East Corrimal, NSW

While not entirely free to stay at, Corrimal Beach Tourist Park is incredibly affordable and gives you the opportunity to camp right next to the ocean. It’s also located just 10-minutes from Wollongong’s city centre, placing you in a super convenient location for both relaxing and exploring.

Because it’s a paid-for site, Corrimal Beach Tourist Park offers a wide variety of facilities compared to the other options on our list of holiday parks. These include hot showers, toilets, BBQ facilities, picnic tables, and a playground that is perfect for families with children who need to expend some pent-up energy! Just remember to book your spot in advance, as this campground fills up quickly during the holidays.

Since Corrimal Beach is pretty much right on your doorstep, you’re perfectly positioned to spend your days swimming, sunbathing, or just taking a short walk along the shore. There are also some beautiful coastal tracks for both cycling and walking, and if you want more of an urban experience, the nearby cafes and shops should scratch that itch. You’re close to the Botanic Gardens, too, so there’s really no shortage of things to do.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Hot Showers
• Toilets
• BBQ Facilities
• Picnic Tables
• Kids’ Playground

From beachside stays to simple rest areas and national parks, the spots we’ve listed above are perfect for enjoying the Wollongong area without having to spend too much money (or any at all, in most cases!) And, with so many different places to choose from, it’s never been easier to see more without straying too far from your travel budget.

The adventure doesn’t have to end in Wollongong either. With a campervan from Travellers Autobarn, which includes unlimited kilometres, you can discover even more free camping spots in Australia while having a safe, comfortable place to call home on the road. So, grab your gear, load up the campervan, and let the adventure begin. Happy camping!

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.