Free camp spots well-travelled grey nomads don't want you to know about

The adventurous, free-wheeling grey nomad lifestyle could be under threat as thousands of free Australian campsites transition to a pay-to-stay model.

But solo adventurer and survivalist, "Outback Mike" Atkinson, says there are still idyllic places off the beaten track where travellers can enjoy the views for free.

"It can be quite tricky to find a place, and you're always feeling like you're breaking a rule," the Nelson Bay local said.

"Out west, there's heaps of places you can camp for free, but around the [NSW] east coast, it's very difficult."

Atkinson, a former pilot for the army and air force, lives in the NSW Hunter region.

He regularly camps during long-haul trips around Australia, and likes to travel internationally in campervans.

During a recent long-haul trip to the outback town of Birdsville, he was impressed with the range of free camping options. But those locations become difficult to find as you get closer to the coast, he said.

When it comes to protecting free campgrounds, Atkinson suggests keeping your favourite spots a secret, and avoiding posting them on social media.

"There's this thing where people say you're being selfish by gatekeeping. You've got to flip it the other way," he said.

"There's so much demand, you're actually being selfish by sharing the place.

"You end up destroying it or massively reducing its beauty and appeal by sharing the name and location."

Finding spots to camp has become trickier since the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw national parks implement rules allowing free bookings.

This led to thousands of camping spots being booked out by "ghost bookings", where campers reserve spots, but fail to show up.

"Very quickly, places just disappeared and became unbookable," Atkinson said.

State governments have taken steps to curb the problem, including introducing fees to camp for national parks, which has been introduced in Victoria and proposed in NSW.

In WA, the government is trialling releasing available camping spots in monthly blocks to stop ghost campers hoarding the best positions.

But Atkinson said it was frustrating that many previously free spots now came with a price tag.

"That's really, really disappointing for poor people or people on a budget," he said.

"A lot of retirees don't have a lot of spare money. It'll probably lock them out of national parks."

To help travellers see the country on a budget, The Senior has compiled a list of free camping spots around Australia.

Ginty's Lookout

MacDonnell, Northern Territory

This free camping spot is about half an hour from King's Canyon, and includes a red dirt site, which Campermate reviewers say is great for watching sunrises and sunsets.

The road to the camping spot is rocky, and some recommend only heading to this spot in a four-wheel-drive. The site includes firepits and rubbish bins, but adventurers will need to bring their own food and water.

Dingoes are also present in the area, so take precautions, and clean up your campsite from scraps before bed.

Coopernook Forest Park Camp Area

North Coast NSW

This camping spot is on a large, grassed area surrounded by large trees, which some reviewers described as serene. The site also includes rainwater taps, basic toilets and a campfire area.

Cruice Park

Woodford, Qld

Campers and motorhome drivers can stay at this woodsy spot for 20 hours, and travellers say it has plenty of space in a serene natural setting.

The rest area includes unpowered sites, toilets, rubbish bins, barbecues and picnic areas, and sinks for washing dishes.

Marg McIntosh Park

Gympie region, Qld

This grassy campground overlooks nearby mountain ranges, and includes unpowered sites, nearby toilets, dump points and picnic tables, although no drinking water is available on site.

Lake Hart Rest Area

Outback SA

Nearby the stunning outback Lake Hart salt lake, this no-nonsense spot has rubbish bins and picnic tables. The outback location means there are stunning views, and is a great spot for people heading inland to Uluru.

Bronte Lagoon Camping Area

Bronte Park, Tasmania

This popular location includes lake views and local trout fishing in the lagoon. The site offers limited facilities, including a drop toilet, but reviewers recommended bringing your own toilet paper.

Lilydale Falls

Toorongo Falls Campground

Gippsland, Victoria

This forest campsite is nearby the banks of the Toorongo River, and has a range of amenities including firepits, barbecues, picnic tables and public toilets.

The Poplars Campground

This spacious free campsite is nearby the Loch River, and is set among tall gum trees and European poplars, from which it takes its name.

Camping is free, and the site includes public toilets and picnic tables.

Preston Beach Camp

Peel region, WA

One review called it the beach spot the best free campsite they had visited in the western state, but warned drivers the site is sandy, and it might be more suitable for four-wheel-drives.

The site includes toilets and showers, and allows free camping for 24 hours.

Overlander Roadhouse

Coral Coast, WA

At the Overlander Roadhouse, free camping is available in a red dirt site behind the roadhouse. Overnighters can access powered sites for an additional charge, and use the well-maintained showers and toilets for free.

The roadhouse offers campers a place to fill up on fuel or LPG, and includes a restaurant and cafe, and also has a good phone signal, according to reviews.