Save on Accommodation in Australia With a Campervan: Free vs Paid Sites

Driving across Australia and the Nullarbor on a campervan trip was never on our bucket list. Our dog Sniffy arrived in Melbourne for 10 days quarantine and we did not want to put him on another flight back to Perth. So we opted for a land route back to Perth from Melbourne. We wanted to combine travel with saving money, especially on accommodation #FinancialIndependence. Here’s how we learned to save on accommodation with a campervan by choosing between free campsites and paid parks in Australia.

Our Journey into Campervan Life

When we started, we were overwhelmed by the costs associated with traditional camping grounds, not to mention hotels or resorts. We quickly realized that with a bit of planning, we could drastically cut these expenses while exploring stunning landscapes.

Free Campsites: An Economical Choice

Free campsites, travel stops, rest stops are a blessing for budget-conscious travelers like us. They offer the opportunity to enjoy nature without the burden of paying for space. According to a report by Campsites.com, free campsites have grown in popularity by 30% over the last five years. Here’s what we found essential when choosing a free campsite:

1. Check Regulations: Every spot has different rules. We made sure to research local regulations about staying overnight in particular areas.
2. Amenities: While some locations offer basic amenities, others do not. We carried extra water and a portable toilet when necessary.
3. Location: Consider the proximity to your next destination. Use maps like Google Maps to plan efficiently.

Paid Parks: When Comfort Matters

There were times when free wasn’t the best choice—especially when we needed a bit more comfort. Paid parks, though costing AUD $15 to $60 per night based on location, offer advantages such as:

• Reliable Amenities: Enjoy showers, laundries, and charging points.
• Safety and Security: These parks often have security measures in place.
• Community: They’re great for meeting fellow travelers.

Finding a Balance

We learned that the best strategy combines free campsites and paid parks. This way, we enjoyed nature and saved money without compromising on comfort when needed.

Here’s an approach that worked for us:

1. Plan Ahead: Use resources like FreeCampsites.net for finding free options, and KOA Campgrounds for paid ones.
2. Alternate Stays: We alternated between free spots and one or two nights at a paid park every week.
3. Leverage Off-Peak Seasons: Prices drop and availability rises during off-peak times.

Resources and Tools

For anyone planning a campervan trip, equip yourself with these tools:

• Google Maps – For navigation and proximity planning.
• AllStays Camp & RV App – Lists both free and paid campsites.
• iOverlander – Offers crowd-sourced campsite information.

In the end, knowing how to save on accommodation with a campervan made our adventures more affordable, and much more thrilling. Planning and balancing between free campsites and paid parks provided us the flexibility we needed to explore comfortably and economically.