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If your 2026 summer vision board involves swapping lux hotel lounges for camp chairs, alarm clocks for kookaburras, you’re in luck. Over the course of 2025, the NSW Government has refreshed, repaired and rolled out a clutch of new campgrounds across the state – and just in time for peak holiday season.
From beachside classics to far-flung outback stays, these upgrades mean more places to pitch a tent, better facilities once you’re there, and fewer arguments about who forgot the table (spoiler: no one did – they’re built in now).
On the Mid-North Coast, one of the state’s most kooky camping spots is officially back. Trial Bay Gaol campground has reopened following a hefty $6.7 million upgrade, and it’s looking pretty schmick. Campers can expect new picnic shelters, improved access down to the beach and properly laid-out walking and cycling paths to help keep you active while you’re out in the bush.
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Further north, hikers tackling the multi-day Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk through Nightcap National Park and Whian Whian State Conservation Area now have three brand-new campgrounds to look forward to along the way. Backed by a $1.8 million investment, these thoughtfully designed sites feature hardwood tent platforms, picnic tables, rainwater tanks and yarning circles – offering tired walkers a comfortable place to rest, refuel and swap stories under the stars.
Another Northern NSW option, near Murwillumbah in Mebbin National Park, Cutters Camp has expanded with eight additional tent platforms, complete with parking, tables and fireplaces. Translation: more space, less scrambling for a flat patch of ground, and a much more civilised dinner setup.
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Central West campers haven’t been forgotten either. Ganguddy–Dunns Swamp campsite near Rylstone has undergone a $1.1 million reconfiguration to keep up with growing demand. There are now more spots to pitch a tent, improved internal roads and better access for camper trailers.
Out west, a brand-new campground is opening in Cuttaburra National Park near Bourke, bringing with it barbecue facilities, shelters, toilets and even outdoor artesian showers.
Down south, the ever-popular Kosciuszko National Park has also scored an upgrade. Cooleman Mountain campground has expanded from 12 to 29 campsites, alongside new barbecues and fire rings – making it an even better base for alpine adventures.
All up, these projects form part of the NSW Government’s $43 million commitment to deliver 56 new and upgraded campsites across NSW, with 40 already complete. And the demand is clearly there: Wombeyan Caves campground has clocked 34,000 visitor nights since reopening in March 2024, while Point Plomer near Port Macquarie has welcomed a whopping 56,000 visitor nights since its $2 million glow-up last year.
As Acting Environment Minister Steve Whan puts it, camping is one of NSW’s favourite holiday traditions – and these upgrades are about making it even better, while boosting nature-based tourism and regional economies along the way.
Ready to plan your open-air getaway? You can find and book national park campgrounds over here – just don’t forget the marshmallows.
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