Kakadu National Park in the NT is managed by Parks Australia (Image Tourism Australia)
Confused about the difference between state parks and national parks? Where can you camp? Do you have to book? How much does it cost? Can you take dogs? How long can you stay?
To the average punter it seems like a labyrinth of bureaucracy, so we try to peel away some of the myth and folklore and provide you with the facts.
If you’re a caravanner who likes a bit of peace and quiet in the natural surrounds of an unspoilt wilderness then you have probably camped at — or at least visited — some of the thousands of state and national parks across the length and breadth of the country.
In recent years more and more caravanners are choosing to go offroad and off-grid on their camping adventurers, with purpose-built rigs to take them to the furthest unexplored corners of the country, far away from the cheek-by-jowl campsites and jumping pillows of popular holiday parks.
The more adventurous we get, the more boundaries we are prepared to push to get that prime beachside camping spot or mountain top with a view that affords — among other things — great sunrises or sunsets and the Insta-worthy pics to prove it.
Bagging a spot in these prime locations can be somewhat of a blood sport, depending on the location, and has not been without controversy. In recent months, a number of state governments have attempted to make the process for booking camping sites in state and national parks simpler and fairer.
Minerva Hills National Park (Image Tourism and Events Queensland)
State versus national parks
In Australia, state parks and national parks are less about who manages them — since, despite the ‘national’ label, most are administered by state or territory agencies — and more about their purpose, management objectives and the legal framework under which they’re protected.
National parks are areas designated for their outstanding natural, cultural or ecological values. They are managed under strict legislation to regulate the activities allowed, preserve biodiversity, protect native landscapes and safeguard on-site cultural heritage.
State parks (not every state uses this designation) tend to be areas where the balance between conservation and public recreation is weighted a little more toward the latter. They often feature more developed visitor facilities such as picnic areas, camp sites and interpretative centres. The management approach in state parks may allow a wider range of recreational activities while still aiming to protect the natural environment, albeit sometimes with slightly less stringent preservation measures than national parks.
Charles Knife Gorge, Cape Range National Park (Image Tourism Western Australia and @apertunity)
Because each state or territory may have its own criteria and names for protected areas, it’s always useful to check local guidelines if you’re planning a visit or looking into the specific regulations that apply to a particular park.
So, in short, national and state parks (plus land and marine reserves, conservation areas, urban parks and so on) are managed by state agencies:
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
- Parks Victoria
- Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
- Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
- Parks and Wildlife Service Western Australia
- National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia
- Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service
- ACT Parks and Conservation Service
However — just to confuse things a little — there are six national parks that are nationally managed by the Federal Government through a department called Parks Australia, and there are different rules for visitors. These include:
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- Kakadu National Park
- Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay
- Christmas Island National Park
- Pulu Keeling National Park
- Norfolk Island National Park
And as we’ll discuss later, Parks Australia also manages 60 marine parks and Australia’s national botanic gardens.
Walls of Jerusalem National Park in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (Image Tourism Tasmania - Luke O'Brien Photography)
Ghost camping
A lot of state and national park camping is free or attracts minimal overnight fees which can vary depending on the state and location — it can be as little as $5 per person per night up to $50 per family per night. Bookings are generally made online (most of these campgrounds are not staffed) and may open for bookings up to six to 12 months prior.
The issue of ghost camping has been controversial and problematic in some states.
It’s the practice of campers reserving more sites than they need without cancelling them or not showing up at all, leaving others unable to book in. Because of the low (or no) fees involved, there is financial disincentive for campers to do the right thing by others.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has just finished public consultation to simplify its camping fees and booking system to make it fairer and more straightforward.
One of the main goals is to reduce the number of ‘ghost bookings’, a long-running issue which has worsened as park visitation continues to grow. In 2023–24 alone, 1.8 million overnight stays were recorded across 365 campgrounds in NSW.
The proposed change would see a more consistent and simplified state-wide pricing and booking structure rolled out across the state’s national parks and reserves: a tiered fee system based on the services and facilities available (i.e., hot showers, toilets); elimination of booking fees and offering refunds of up to 80 per cent for cancellations.
Camping at Mungo National Park, NSW (Image Destination NSW)
In Victoria, the state government has abandoned an ill-advised program which saw free camping offered at all Parks Victoria parks across the state from 1 December 2024 to 30 June 2025.
Announced in October 2024, the six-month program was plagued by problems including ghost bookings, rubbish dumping and negative economic impacts on nearby towns. Over Easter, one of the most popular camping holidays of the year, some camping spots in prime locations were nearly empty.
In its recent budget, the Victorian Government announced it will return to a half-price camping fee structure at Parks Victoria’s 131 paid, government-run campgrounds, which will run from July 2025 to June 2027.
The Queensland Government has also cracked down on ghost camping with the introduction of new regulations in September last year. Campers who fail to attend a campsite within 24 hours of the start of the permit or who leave gear/equipment unattended at the campsite for more than 24 hours face a $322.60 on-the-spot fine and a maximum fine of $3226, as well as possible court proceedings.
New South Wales
About
The New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) manages more than 895 protected areas across the state, covering more than 7.6 million hectares of land including national parks, nature reserves, flora reserves, World Heritage areas, rainforests, beaches, alpine areas and sites of great cultural and historic significance.
Bookings
Online bookings only. The website provides detailed information on each campground including the number of sites, whether it’s suitable for caravans, facilities and amenities available, what to do in the area, what to bring, arrangements for group bookings and useful pictures. Put your preferred dates into the search availability function and it will come up with the fees. Full payment is required on booking and cancellation fees apply.
Dangar Falls, Dorrigo National Park (Image Destination NSW)
Fees
Park entry fees for motor vehicles apply at 45 of the 895 national parks and reserves in NSW and the fees vary from park to park from $4 per day to $12 per day. Kosciuszko National Park is $29 per day during the winter season.
If you are camping, park entry is often free. Not all campgrounds are suitable for caravans and fees vary from camp to camp so check online. During our research fees varied from free to $35 per night.
Lake Jindabyne, Kosciuszko National Park (Image Destination NSW)
Pets
Dogs and other pets are generally not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves (assistance animals excepted). Dogs are allowed in some NSW regional parks and all NSW state forests provided they are under effective control at all times.
Click here for more information.
Victoria
About
Parks Victoria is responsible for managing more than four million hectares, which includes 3000 land and marine parks and reserves. This network covers 18 per cent of the state’s land area, 75 per cent of its wetlands and 70 per cent of its coastline.
The network includes national and state parks; marine parks and sanctuaries; wilderness areas, metropolitan, regional and reservoir parks; Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultural heritage sites; a range of historic gardens; and several local ports.
Bookings
Within this network there are 131 bookable campgrounds across Victoria and bookings can only be made online on the Parks Victoria booking page. There’s a helpful ‘how to book online’ video tutorial for anyone needing assistance. There’s also a series of ‘learn to camp’ videos which camping newbies may find useful. There are minimum and maximum stays during peak periods at more popular locations such as Wilsons Promontory National Park, Great Otway National Park and Buchan Caves Reserve.
Wilsons Prom campground, Vic (Image Visit Victoria)
Fees
From 1 July 2025, the Victorian Government reintroduced half-price camping fees across the Parks Vic network. Camping fees apply at 33 parks, which are listed on the Parks Vic website. There’s a schedule of fees on the website ranging from $17.30 per night during peak season to $15.50 per night during off-peak times.
Cape Otway Lighthouse, Cape Otway National Park (Image Visit Victoria)
Pets
Dogs are not permitted in protected national parks, but there are many regional parks that do allow camping with doggos. There’s a dog-friendly camping section on the website to make things simple.
For more information on Parks Vic locations, click here.
Western Australia
About
The Parks and Wildlife Service of Western Australia manages the state’s national and marine parks, state forests and nature reserves, spanning more than 31 million hectares and ranging from gorges and forests to coral reefs.
The Parks and Wildlife Service Western Australia website says that “camping in Western Australia’s parks is all about getting back to nature” which is code for the fact that most of the 100 park campgrounds across the state have only basic facilities: a clear spot for your caravan, RV or tent and a no-flush pit toilet. There will be no power, running water, mobile phone or data service. Most do not have a full-time staff presence and campers need to be well prepared.
Francois Peron National Park on the WA coast (Image Tourism WA)
Having said that, some campgrounds have additional facilities such as gas barbecues, flushing toilets, showers, rainwater tanks and so on. Some have seasonal staff or volunteers in attendance and staff do visit all of them periodically.
Bookings
Booking is online for the most popular campgrounds, while others might have a member of staff or volunteer on site or provide a self-service kiosk at the park’s entrance.
Aerial view of Osprey Bay Campground in Cape Range National Park (Image Tourism Western Australia)
Fees
Entry fees apply at more than 30 of Western Australia’s parks and reserves so buy a pass online, print it and display it on your dashboard. Camping fees are an extra fee and apply at most campgrounds — prices range from $10 to $20 per night for an adult. Children under five years are free.
Some other fees, such as parking fees, horse riding permits or attraction fees may apply, and all are listed online.
Pets
Pets and other domestic animals are not permitted in parks (assistance animals excepted), even if you are just passing through. There’s a handful of dog-friendly campgrounds — details are on the website.
Click here fore more information.
South Australia
About
South Australia is home to more than 350 parks and reserves, offering a variety of natural beauty and outdoor activities and about 40 of them offer campgrounds with some bush camping. Some 29 of them are suitable for caravans. There’s a useful blog on the NPWS SA website which lists seven favourite campsites for caravans including Deep Creek, Coffin Bay and Mount Remarkable national parks.
Bookings
Use the ‘Find a Park’ tool on the website to search and filter all the parks and find one that suits you.
For example, you can search for:
- National parks that have caravan sites
- National parks where you can have a campfire (outside of Fire Danger Season)
- National parks that have showers and toilets
- National parks where you can go hiking, birdwatching, fishing, swimming or even rock climbing.
- National parks with free camping
Bookings are online. If you’re new to camping in national parks, there are some useful blog articles on the NPWS SA website covering subjects such as handy tips to collect firewood, staying safe and cooking on a campfire.
Flinders Ranges, SA (Images Tourism Australia)
Fees
You can take a vehicle into most SA parks and reserves for free, however, some have a small day entry fee.
Camping fees are extra and range from $21 to $46 per night depending on where you stay — although some are free.
Pets
Most national parks, reserves and conservation parks in SA do not allow dogs or other pets, but there are 24 that welcome dogs on leads. If you’re bringing your dog, you must keep them on designated trails and always have them under your control on a leash no longer than 2m. Use the ‘Find a Park’ tool and filter by ‘dog walking’ in the activities section.
To find out more about NPWS SA national and state parks, click here.
Northern Territory
About
Ranging from the rugged Red Centre to the lush tropics of the Top End, the Northern Territory boasts more than 80 parks and reserves — many of which have designated camping areas.
Keep in mind, though, that quite a few are only accessibly by 4WD and may not be suitable for caravans or motorhomes. It’s best to check the official access info online before setting off.
Bookings
Some park and reserve campgrounds in the NT are privately managed, and you can pay camping fees directly to the manager on arrival.
For most, however, you will need to book and pay online — you cannot pay at the park. Campground hosts will be present at some campgrounds during peak season (May to September), but they do not take bookings.
Finke 2 Mile Campground, Finke Gorge National Park (Image Tourism NT)
Fees
Visitors to the NT need an NT Parks Pass to visit most national parks and reserves. The cost for an adult is $10 per day, $30 for two weeks or $60 for 12 months. Get this online before you go.
You can’t use the NT Parks Pass to enter Kakadu National Park or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park because these are managed by Parks Australia and require a separate pass.
Camping fees vary depending on the category of campground.
- Category A: Moderate facilities may include toilets, showers, picnic tables, barbecues and rubbish bins ($15 adult, $8 child, $38 family)
- Category B: Basic facilities may include toilets, picnic tables and barbecues ($10 adult, $5 child, $25 family)
- Category C: Commercially managed campground — facilities and fees vary
- Category D: Premium campground providing an exclusive camping experience ($20 adult, $10 child, $50 family)
Southern Rockhole in Nitmiluk National Park (Image Tourism NT)
Pets
Pets are generally not permitted in NT parks and reserves with the exception of assistance animals on a lead. There are parks throughout the NT where you can visit with a dog. Some may only permit them in car parks to allow day visits for travellers. Further detailed information is available on the website.
For more information, click here.
Queensland
About
With more than 1000 national parks, state forests, marine parks and other protected areas, Queensland offers some of the most diverse camping in Australia. It’s also the only state with five UNESCO World Heritage sites and five Ramsar-listed wetlands of international importance.
Camping options range from remote bush camps with little to no facilities to well-equipped sites that offer extra comforts without losing the natural charm.
Head to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) website for a full list of parks and forests where camping is permitted, plus individual park pages with pre-visit tips and current alerts.
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays (Image Allison Watt)
Bookings
Book and pay online before you arrival. Your permit will be issued via email.
Fees
Fees for camping permits in Queensland national parks and other protected areas are:
- $7.25 per person per night, or $29 per family per night
- $4 per person per night for students and accompanying adults on approved educational excursions
A vehicle access permit must be obtained before driving on Bribie Island (Yarun), K'gari (Fraser Island), Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), Cooloola and North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) recreation areas. Fees apply and vary from $14.40 a day to $466 a year.
K'gari (Fraser Island) (Image Tourism and Events Queensland)
Pets
In Queensland, dogs and other pets are welcome in some conservation parks, state forests and recreation areas, but not in national parks. On-the-spot fines apply. There’s a list of parks and forests where dogs are permitted on a leash on the website. Dogs can stay overnight in only a few camping areas.
For more information about Queensland’s national and state parks, click here.
Tasmania
About
The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) oversees the island state’s 19 national parks, three World Heritage Areas and more than 800 additional reserves — including marine reserves, marine conservation areas, Crown land and sites of cultural or historical value.
The parks website has an interactive map of all camping locations and gives you access information, whether it’s suitable for caravans, what fees apply and other useful information.
Fluted Cape, South Bruny National Park (Image Tourism Tasmania/Elise Weaver)
Bookings
Most campgrounds in Tasmania’s parks and reserves operate on a first come, first served basis and don’t require bookings.
You can book and pay for your parks pass online.
Fees
You’ll need a valid parks pass to enter Tasmania’s national parks — it’s $46.60 per vehicle or $23.25 per person if arriving by bus, bike or on foot.
While some campgrounds are free, others have varying fees. For example, camping on Bruny Island is $10 per night for one or two people. At Mount Field National Park, powered sites are $20 for two people or $16 for unpowered. Narawntapu National Park charges $13 per night for two people.
Bakers Point Campground, Narawntapu National Park (Image Tourism Tasmania)
Pets
Dogs and other pets aren’t permitted in most of Tasmania’s national parks and reserves unless specifically authorised, with the exception of assistance dogs.
However, there are some reserves across the state where dogs are allowed — and a few of these also offer dog-friendly campgrounds. A full list of locations is available on the website.
For more information, click here.
ACT
About
Surprisingly for its size, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) packs in more than 90 parks — including Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Canberra Nature Park’s network of 39 reserves and numerous urban parks across the capital.
There are several caravan-accessible national park and reserve campgrounds across the territory, including Cotter, Honeysuckle, Orroral, Blue Range, Mount Clear, Northern Border and Woods Reserve (currently closed for maintenance until further notice).
Bookings
Bookings can be made online and full payment is required up front.
Namadgi National Park, ACT
Fees
Camping fees at the caravan-friendly locations range from $6.88 per night to $17.28 per night.
Access and vehicle permits are not required but check online as some parks restrict or do not permit vehicles, motorbikes or cycling.
Pets
While many of the 90 parks across the ACT welcome dogs, the rules vary: some allow dogs on a leash, others off-leash and in certain parks, dogs are not allowed at all.
Make sure you check a reserve’s permitted activities on the website before entering with your dog.
Click here to find out more about Canberra’s national parks and reserves.
Parks Australia
About
Beyond the parks and reserves managed by individual states and territories, Parks Australia (a federal body) looks after six national parks, 60 marine parks and the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
Among them, Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta are standout favourites for caravanners, thanks to their iconic landscapes and well-established visitor facilities.
Bookings
Kakadu National Park has lots of park-managed camping areas, with 11 campgrounds suitable for caravans. These operate on a first come, first served basis and on-site managers collect camping fees, so there’s no booking ahead required.
At other commercially managed campgrounds bookings are required, but interestingly, you can’t book online — you have to ring or email.
A Parks Australia parks pass for Kakadu can be booked and paid online before arrival. There are two price categories: dry season and tropical summer. Prices for the dry season (considered the best time of year to explore Australia’s northern regions) are: $40 for adults, $30 concession and $100 families, and the parks pass is valid for seven days.
Gunlom Falls, Kakadu National Park (Image Tourism Australia)
At Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the only place to camp is the nearby Ayers Rock Resort and Campground at Yulara which caters for all types of RVs. There’s also a pool, playground, barbecues, outdoor kitchen and laundry. Book via the Ayers Rock Resort website.
A parks pass for Uluru-Kata Tjuta is $38 for adults for a three-day pass or $50 for an annual pass. Children under 17 years are free.
Fees
Kakadu camping fees apply and vary depending on the level of services and amenities provided. Some campgrounds don’t make their fees publicly available on the website. Others, such as the Karnamarr Campground, charge $15 per night for adults, $7.50 for children or $38 for families. Choose your preferred campground and ring ahead.
Fees at the Ayers Rock Resort campground start at $40 per night for an unpowered tent site.
Uluru (Image Tourism Australia)
Pets
Pets are not allowed in Kakadu or Uluru.
Head to the Parks Australia website to find out more.
Starting the journey
We’ve only scratched the surface of a complex topic on Australia’s state and national parks, but hopefully this points readers in the right direction to explore some of our country’s amazing and diverse landscapes.
THE NEXT STEP
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