Here's why your favourite national park campsite could get more expensive
If you’re a keen camper in New South Wales, your next national park stay could get more expensive — with the state government proposing changes to how its campgrounds are priced and managed.
Archie Milligan
May 12, 2025
📢 What’s happening:
The NSW government has released a proposal to reform the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) campground system — including scrapping some fees, introducing seasonal pricing, and hiking costs at many sites.
📈 Why it matters:
Camping is booming — up 49 percent according to the New South wales National parks and wildlife service — but the current system, officials say, is outdated and inconsistent. The new model aims to:
Reduce ghost bookings and no-shows
Encourage cancellations when plans change
Fund more staff and servicing across campgrounds
📊 What would change:
Remote sites with minimal or no facilities would become free to book
Fees would be tied to facilities and seasonal demand
Most campgrounds would see higher costs, especially during peak periods
🧱 Case study: Thredbo Diggings
This “Tier 3” site in southwest NSW includes:
Non-flushing toilets
Picnic tables
BBQs
Currently:
$6/night, all year round
Under the proposal:
$20/night in low season
$36/night in high season
🗣️ What the department says:
A spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water told the National Account:
“The proposal provides consistency and equity for all visitors by linking fees to the level of services and facilities provided and seasonal demand.”
They added that past fees were “applied randomly”, leading to uneven pricing across similar sites.
🕰️ Context:
Fees haven’t been updated since 2017
Demand has surged nearly 50 percent in that time
This is still only a proposal — no decisions have been finalised
📝 Have your say:
The NSW Government is seeking public feedback. You can share your thoughts here:
