Freedom Camping is a great way to explore the wild outdoors all while saving money on a campervan holiday. If you are looking to rent a travel van and looking for a destination jam-packed with activities and idyllic free camping spots— you'll find it in Tasmania. Tasmania is rich with natural beauty, and what better way to experience it than camping out under the stars in one of the many free campsites around the island state?
If you are planning a Tasmania driving holiday and are looking for the best free camping spots to add to your road trip itinerary, we have you covered with these top freedom campsites. Let’s dive in!
Where can you camp for free in Tasmania?
Tasmania, like many other Australian states, has restrictions on where you can park overnight. So it is important to research free camping spots and where to stay in Tasmania before you set off on your adventure.
One of the easiest ways to search for free campsites is to use the thl Roadtrip app. This app has a huge list of approved free camping spots. Simply pull up the free camping Tasmania map within the app and select those in the areas you plan to visit. Each campsite will list the facilities at each location as well as local attractions. From here, it is as easy as saving it to your road trip itinerary planner in the app. Best of all, you can download an offline map version so you have the list of your campsites with you no matter where you go (or how the phone service is!).
A few considerations when free camping in Tasmania:
Keep your campsite clean – When parking at a free campsite, you may not come across facilities such as bins and so on. One of the best ways to look after these treasured places (if you decide to camp there) is to tidy up after yourself and pack out all the rubbish you bring. This is the best way to keep Australia looking beautiful and keep these campsites in the best condition for the travellers to come.
Abide by local signage – When staying at free camping sites, it’s important to pay attention to signs around you and abide by them. Even when campsites have been listed as camper-friendly, things can change – so it's important to pay attention to any updated signs in the area.
The best free camping spots in Tasmania
Tasmania has some of the best free camping options in Australia. From local businesses opening their back paddocks to government operated beachside camping, the options are plentiful! To help you plan for your upcoming campervan trip, we’ve picked out some of our favourites below. These are a must-do when hiring a campervan to travel around Tasmania:
1. Park Campground
Derby Park Free Camp is located in the heart of Derby – a small biking town just two hours east of Launceston. This central campsite is located in the west end of town and is the perfect place to park up to access the Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails. From here you can also access the Floating Sauna experience and other local Australian attractions like the Little Blue Lake. Whether you are an avid mountain biker, a nature lover or just want an easy and convenient park up while exploring this corner of Tasmania – Derby Campground is a must do when renting a van to travel Tasmania.
The campsite facilities at the Derby Free Camp include:
Public toilet
Hot Showers (paid)
Picnic areas
BBQ facilities
Image Source: Tourism Tasmania Visual Library
2. Cosy Corner Free Campground
Cosy Corner South Campground is an iconic Tasmanian campground and a must-do when visiting Tasmania. This campground boasts enviable views of the Bay of Fires Region. You can park at this beachside paradise for up to two weeks, spending your days soaking up the crystal blue waters and admiring the orange-speckled rocks. If that wasn’t enough, there are also plenty of nearby attractions, including the Bay of Fires Eco Tours, the pristine waters of Binalong Bay, and Eddystone Lighthouse in the north.
Cosy Corner is a simple beachside campsite with no campsite facilities at the campground itself. However, there are facilities nearby at the St Helens Sports Complex, with a dump point and fresh water if you need to restock.
Image Source: Tourism Tasmania Visual Library
3. Mayfield Bay Campsite
Mayfield Bay Campsite is the ultimate family-friendly beach getaway campsite, just a stone’s throw from the sandy shores of Mayfield Beach. This campsite is located on the edge of the Mayfield Bay Conservation Area – a popular destination for swimming, diving, and snorkelling. This campsite has a very welcoming maximum stay of up to four weeks. While there is no strict payment requirement, donations are encouraged to help keep this space maintained and improved for future use.
The campsite facilities at Mayfield Bay campsite include:
Picnic facilities
Toilets
4. Marrawah Campsite
Marrawah Campsite is another coastal campsite worth a spot on any west coast Tasmania road trip itinerary. Tucked away on the rugged and wild west coast, this campsite offers stunning views of this dynamic landscape. This is an idyllic base to explore nearby attractions including cruising the Arthur River, Arthur River Beach Walk and exploring the Edge of the World.
The campsite itself is clearly signed, with options for flat bitumen sites as well as some grassy spots to park up. The campsite facilities at Marrawah Campsite include:
Cold water outdoor showers
Toilets
Nearby playground
Sheltered bbq and picnic tables
Water taps (but it is recommended you boil your own water)
Image Source: Tourism Tasmania Visual Library
5. Moulting Bay Campground
Moulting Bay Campground is another classic campsite in the Bay of Fires region. This is a great pull up for fishing, swimming and just soaking up the very best this coastline has to offer. This particular area of the Bay of Fires gives great access to nearby attractions like the Moulting Lagoon, Serpentarium Wildlife Park Tasmania, and the Warship and Marine Corps Museum. This beachfront park up is also a prime location for bushwalking, birdwatching and swimming in the pristine blue waters.
The Moulting Bay Campground facilities feature pit toilets only. It is advised that you bring your own toilet paper for use in these toilets, as it is not always available. Otherwise, to camp here you must be self-sufficient and carry your own water and firewood to the campsite.
Image Source: Tourism Tasmania Visual Library
6. Lake Mackintosh Campsite
Lake Mackintosh Campsite is a flat grassy area just outside of Tullah on the outskirts of the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park. This region is best known for its trout, fishing and boating. However, it runs a close second to the challenging local bushwalking and mountain biking terrain. The most popular area for hiking is Mt Farrell and Lake Herbert Trail, while Sterling Valley Mountain Bike Trails is a must-do for mountain bikers looking for a challenge.
Lake Mackintosh is a stunning natural escape that doesn’t have any campsite facilities available. As such, you must be self-sufficient and have a self-contained campervan to camp here.
Image Source: Tourism Tasmania Visual Library
7. Scottsdale Northeast Park
Scottsdale Northeast Park offers travellers a place to park for up to two weeks in the north east corner of Tasmania in Scottsdale. This peaceful RV park is set amongst the lush green Tasmanian forests, scenic picnic areas and the surrounding mountains. While using this park as a base, you can easily explore top Tasmania attractions like Mount William National Park, North East Rail Trail, and Cuckoo Falls.
Facilities:
Toilets
Coin-operated shower
Coin-operated barbecue
Shade available
No generators allowed
8. Pondering Frog Cafe Campground
Pondering Frog Cafe Campground is not only a fantastic name, but a great spot to park up in the Freycinet region. This is an ideal spot if you are hoping to explore nearby attractions like the Bicheno Blowhole, Wineglass Bay, and colonial Campbell town. While this campground is free, a donation is welcome. Alternatively, stop by the cafe and grab a bite to eat as a thank you for the hospitality.
The campsite facilities at Pondering Frog Cafe Campground include:
Playground outside of the cafe (as well as goats and alpacas!)
Nearby food and drink at the cafe
Available water taps but otherwise, no camping facilities
Book your next Mighty adventure
Tasmania is the ultimate destination to rent a travel van to explore. Home to wild, rugged coastlines and tranquil lakes, towering mountains and rushing rivers, there are endless views and things to do in Tasmania. What's better is that it is easily one of the most free-camping-friendly destinations in Australia. With campsites in the centre of world-class mountain bike park towns and beside pristine beaches – you can explore this true wild west of Australia, all while saving your money to experience these top-rated Australian attractions.
Image Source: Tourism Tasmania Visual Library
Image Source: Tourism Tasmania Visual Library
Image Source: Tourism Tasmania Visual Library
Image Source: Tourism Tasmania Visual Library
Image Source: Tourism Tasmania Visual Library