Ultimate guide to camping in Tasmania

Tasmania is a camper’s dream with wild coastlines, alpine lakes, ancient forests, and a generous sprinkling of free spots to pitch up your tent or park your van. It is also as diverse as its landscapes. From rugged bush camps to luxury caravan parks, there is something for every kind of adventurer.

If you are chasing solitude, scenery, or a comfy caravan park, this guide has you covered with the best camping spots for your next trip in Tasmania.

• Top camping tips
• The best free campsites in Tasmania
• Camping in Tasmania with breathtaking views
• Camping in Tasmania with the best facilities
• Your next camping trip in Tasmania awaits
• Move to Tasmania with the best moving teams

Top camping tips

Before you set up camp in Tasmania, keep these basics in mind:

1. Self-contained vehicles: Some free camping spots require campers to be fully self-contained, meaning you have your own toilet and waste storage facilities.
2. Permits: Certain areas, especially within national parks, may require permits or bookings.
3. Facilities: Free campsites often have limited facilities. Always carry sufficient water, food, and camping gear.
4. Leave No Trace and local rules: Many free camping areas are managed by local councils or Parks Tasmania, which abide by ‘Leave No Trace’ principles. Check the guidelines before you arrive for site-specific rules, possible closures and any updates.

The best free campsites in Tasmania

Free camping sites in Tasmania offer a budget-friendly way to explore the island's natural beauty. Here are some top spots:

Swimcart Beach, Bay of Fires

Located on Tasmania's northeast coast, Swimcart Beach offers stunning white sands and crystal-clear waters. It's a popular spot for beach lovers and photographers.

Highlights

• Booking: No bookings required
• Restrictions: Check signage and the PWS website for campfire restrictions.
• Facilities: Basic hybrid toilets and pit toilets
• Suitability: Tents, caravans and campervans
• Maximum stay: 4 Weeks

Friendly beaches

Nestled among coastal scrub in Freycinet National Park, Isaacs Point at Friendly Beach offers caravan and campsites for no cost. 

Note: You will need to purchase a Park Pass to visit this area.

Highlights

• Booking: No bookings required
• Facilities: Basic toilets
• Suitability: Tent and caravan
• Stay limit: 14 Nights

Cockle Creek 

As the southernmost point that's accessible by vehicle in Australia, Cockle Creek is a World Heritage Area offering serene beaches and a gateway to the South Coast Track.

Highlights

• Booking: No bookings required
• Facilities: Basic drop toilets
• Activities: Hiking, fishing, wildlife spotting, and snorkelling
• Suitability: Caravan and campervan

Camping in Tasmania with breathtaking views

For those seeking campsites with stunning vistas, Tasmania doesn't disappoint.

Fortescue Bay, Tasman National Park

Located on the Tasman Peninsula, Fortescue Bay is surrounded by towering cliffs and offers access to the Three Capes Track.

Highlights

• Bookings: Required from 1 October to 30 April. First-come, first-served basis from 1 May to 30 September.
• Facilities: Showers, toilets, and BBQs
• Suitability: Caravan, campervan, and tent
• Activities: Hiking, kayaking, and fishing
• Stay limit: 28 Days

Fees

• 2 People (minimum fee): AU$13.00.
• Each additional adult (18+): AU$5.00
• Each additional child (5-17 years, under 5 years no charge): AU$2.50 
• Family (2 adults, 3 children): AU$16.00
  
  

The Neck Reserve Campground, Bruny Island

Outside the national park boundaries, camping is available in the stunning surroundings of The Neck Reserve. This is a sheltered area behind dunes at the south of the isthmus and provides easy access to the beach.

• Facilities: Basic pit toilets
• Suitability: Caravan, campervan and tent
• Activities: Beach walks and wildlife spotting
• Fees: AU$10 per night for up to 2 campers

Camping in Tasmania with the best facilities

For campers who prefer a few more comforts, Tasmania offers well-equipped caravan parks and campgrounds.

Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain

This park offers luxury cabins and camping sites to set up camp and explore the nearby iconic Cradle Mountain. Facilities include a camp kitchen, mini-mart, and wellness spa.

Highlights

• Facilities: Showers, toilets, camp kitchen, and spa
• Activities: Hiking and wildlife tours
• Fees: From AU$47 per night (unpowered site)

BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park

Located on the east coast just 300 metres from St Helens waterfront, BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park is a great base for exploring the Bay of Fires, St Columba Waterfalls, Scamander and Wineglass Bay. With modern amenities, this award-winning caravan park offers a range of accommodation options.

Highlights

• Facilities: Camp kitchen, playground, BBQs, jumping pillow, glamping, camping sites, and bunkhouse accommodation.
• Pet policy: Pet-friendly
• Activities: Beach activities and fishing
• Fees: From AU$25 per night (unpowered site)

Huon Valley Caravan Park

Set on a working farm, Huon Valley Caravan Park offers a unique rural experience with modern facilities. Powered and unpowered sites are available, both with ample room for your car, caravan and annexe. Large sites are available for the big rigs.

The Park makes an ideal base for day trips to Hobart, Salamanca Markets, Mona, Bruny Island and southern Tasmania. 

Highlights

• Facilities: Showers, toilets and laundry
• Activities: Farm tours and fishing

Your next camping trip in Tasmania awaits

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Tasmania’s campgrounds and holiday parks offer a range of facilities that make camping both comfortable and memorable. 

From family-friendly parks with swimming pools and BBQs, to stunning coastal or mountain retreats, there's a perfect spot for everyone. So keep this guide on hand for the next time you need inspiration for a quick getaway. 

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