NSWNP have your say

Post by **robcaz** » Thu Apr 17, 2025 11:28 am

Hi all,

If you camp in NSW National Parks you would have no doubt received an email outlining the proposed changes by NSWNP & a chance to have your say.

Firstly cost. A proposed six tier camping cost based on what facilities are available in the campground. Tier two with minimal facilities to tier six that have camp kitchens, shower blocks & hot water. NSWNP state that around 86% of campgrounds would be in tiers 2–5.

Also a price increase during peak times. NSWNP suggest that most campgrounds would be available at the low season fee for the majority of the year. Peak season is around 90 days of the year.

We meet a lot of people travelling by themselves, as do our members. Under the proposal there is no lower cost fee for single campers in the higher tier campgrounds, however there is no extra charges for additional people. As the fees stand now they usually cover two people & all others are an added cost. A standard site will now accommodate up to 6 people including 4 adults.

A bigger incentivise for people to cancel bookings when plans change with up to 80% of fees returned as a credit or refund if they cancel at least three days before. We have not been able to get into a campground when booking a few days ahead as it was booked out & when we have arrived on the Monday we have been told there was only a couple there. It had rained so no one had turned up & forfeited the $24 a night camping fee. No big deal loosing $50 for a weekend camping in the rain, however we all do not just camp on weekends.

You can read more at https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/camping which also includes a link to the proposed changes & also a link to the have your say form.

We mostly use the minimum facilities bush national parks when travelling, along with state forests & showgrounds. One of our biggest peeves apart from those that leave rubbish, are those who sneak into camp before dark & leave early to avoid camping fees, even at the low cost sites. They are easy to pick as they usually drive the circuit twice. They used to be backpackers in their whizzbang vans, but now it is those who own $250,000 + rigs. If approached you get a mouthful of abuse.