Camping without gear? Here's how supported camping works

For those of us who already have a 4WD packed with camping gear, the idea of paying someone else to set up a campsite might seem a little unnecessary. But not everyone has a vehicle, tent, caravan or the space and budget to build their own touring setup.

For people keen to try camping but overwhelmed by the equipment, expense and preparation involved, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) (↗) has another option.

Known as supported camping, the service lets visitors book a national park campsite and have a tent, caravan or camper trailer delivered and set up before they arrive. It’s designed to make getting into camping easier, without the need to invest in all the gear upfront. Here’s how it works, where it’s available and what you’ll need to bring.

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What is supported camping?

Supported camping takes the hassle out of organising accommodation and setting up camp, leaving you free to enjoy some of NSW’s stunning national park locations.

Depending on the location and provider, you can arrive to find a fully pitched bell tent complete with mattresses and furniture, or a caravan or camper trailer already set up at your site. It’s aimed at first-time campers, interstate and overseas visitors, people without a suitable tow vehicle and anyone keen to experience the outdoors but not ready to invest in their own gear.

Instead of spending thousands on equipment before knowing whether you’ll enjoy it, supported camping lets you give it a go first, with some of NSW’s best natural scenery right on your doorstep.

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How do you book supported camping?

The campsite and accommodation are booked separately. 

First, choose a participating campground and book your site through the NSW National Parks website (↗). Keep your NPWS booking reference handy, then arrange your accommodation directly with one of the two providers: The Glamping Nomad or Camplify.

The Glamping Nomad offers pre-pitched bell tents exclusively at The Basin campground, with different packages available. Its basic package includes foam mattresses, a rug, bedside table and LED lantern, while more expensive options include bedding. Camplify offers caravans, campervans and camper trailers delivered to participating campgrounds across NSW, with inclusions varying between individual listings.

As a rough guide, NPWS estimates caravan and camper hire will average around $165 per night, while bell tent hire at The Basin starts at $380 for two people for a minimum two-night stay. These costs are on top of the normal campground fees, which are paid separately to NPWS.

Once booked, the operator organises delivery and setup before your arrival, then packs everything away when you leave. Hire prices and inclusions vary depending on the accommodation, provider and dates, so check the details before booking.

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What do you still need to bring?

While the accommodation is taken care of, you’ll still need to pack personal essentials such as clothing, toiletries, food and drinks.

Check what’s supplied before leaving home. The Glamping Nomad’s basic package requires guests to bring their own blankets, sleeping bags and pillows, while its higher-priced packages include bedding. With Camplify, check whether linen, towels, cooking equipment, crockery and cutlery are provided.

It’s also worth checking the facilities at your chosen campground, particularly toilets, showers and cooking facilities, as these differ between locations.

Where is supported camping available?

Supported camping is available at selected national park and reserve campgrounds across NSW, covering coastal, inland, alpine and bushland destinations. Locations include:

• The Basin campground, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, overlooking Pittwater.
• Killalea campground, near Wollongong.
• Pretty Beach and Depot Beach, in Murramarang National Park on the NSW South Coast.
• Hobart Beach campground, in Bournda National Park near Bega.
• Camp Blackman, in Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran.
• Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp, near Rylstone.
• Thredbo Diggings and Ngarigo, in Kosciuszko National Park.
• Dunphys campground, in the Megalong Valley in the Blue Mountains.
• Wombeyan Caves and Abercrombie Caves campgrounds, near their respective cave reserves.
• Coorongooba and Mill Creek campgrounds, in the Wollemi and Dharug regions.
• Freemans campground, in Munmorah State Conservation Area.
• The Ruins campground, in Booti Booti National Park.
• Picnic Point campground, in Mimosa Rocks National Park.

Not every provider services every campground. The Glamping Nomad operates at The Basin, while Camplify’s delivered accommodation is available at its participating locations. Check the provider listings before booking.

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Is supported camping worth considering?

If you’ve already got a well-equipped 4WD and a garage full of camping gear, supported camping probably isn’t going to change the way you travel. And that’s not really who it’s designed for.

Its appeal is to people who want to experience camping but don’t know where to start, don’t have the room to store equipment or aren’t ready to spend thousands of dollars on a setup of their own.

It offers a chance to try a few nights under canvas or in a camper trailer, explore a national park and see whether camping is something worth pursuing further. Who knows, it might even be the first step towards building a setup of your own.

FAQs

Do I need a 4WD to use supported camping?

No. The accommodation is delivered and set up at the campground, so you don’t need a 4WD or tow vehicle.

Do I need to bring my own bedding?

It depends on the package. The Glamping Nomad’s basic bell tent package requires guests to bring their own blankets, sleeping bags and pillows, while higher-priced packages include bedding. Camplify inclusions vary by listing.

Are campground fees included in the hire price?

No. You book and pay for your campsite separately through NSW National Parks (↗), on top of the accommodation hire cost.