03/06/2026
For those asking about free camping
🙋 Where can I camp in the forest? 🏕
👉 While some NSW State forests have dedicated camping sites, you can pitch a tent or roll out a swag almost anywhere, except on roads, in picnic or permit areas, in pine plantations, total public exclusion zones or in closed forests.
🎯 If you’re camping in a forest with hunting equipment, you must:
🔸 hold and carry your NSW Restricted Game Hunting Licence (R-Licence)
🔸 have and carry written permission for the forest you’re in.
⛺ Tips for choosing a camping location:
🔸 hard ground or sandy soil areas are best – avoid damaging soft soils or vegetation
🔸 set-up at least 20m from water sources and on level, slightly elevated ground where possible
🔸 avoid camping under trees that have loose, dead or overhanging branches and don’t tie anchor ropes to trees as this can damage them
🔸 check the weather forecast and choose a site that offers protection from wind and rain.
👥 There are several social media pages and groups where R-Licence holders share camping tips and locations – search Facebook to check them out!
🛰 Using your map downloads and Google Earth for some pre-trip location scouting is also a good way to short-list where you’ll camp for the night.
🌲 Visit the NSW Government’s forestry website for more information:
🔸 https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/virtual-visitor-centre/camping-in-nsw-state-forests
🔸 https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/forests