The New South Wales (NSW) government is currently seeking public feedback on a proposed overhaul of national park camping fees that would standardize pricing and reduce the number of free campsites across the state.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has released a consultation paper outlining changes aimed at making fees more consistent while addressing increased visitation, rising operational costs, and the need for improved park management.
The proposed system would establish a low season base rate aligned with the current statewide average, while most campsites would see higher fees during peak seasons.
The existing per-person surcharges would be removed, resulting in lower fees for small groups during the low season but potentially higher costs in other scenarios.
One significant change would see the proportion of free campsites reduced from approximately 30% to 10%.
Additionally, the plan introduces a partial refund policy—campers may be eligible for up to 80% of their booking fees if they cancel in advance. The policy is designed to curb the growing trend of no-shows and overbooking, which NPWS notes has become a concern.
“There have been no significant changes to NSW national park camping fees since 2017 and no indexation based on the consumer price index,” the consultation paper states.
“This is despite substantial increases in visitation, record investment in campground infrastructure, increased park management costs, and changing community expectations.”
NPWS argues that the proposed structure would better align fees with the actual cost of services and help offset financial pressures.
Between 2012 and 2022, visitation to NSW national parks grew from 35.4 million to 53 million annually, with camping bookings reaching 1.8 million. Despite this growth, operational funding has not kept pace, and frequent bushfires have further strained resources.
A 2022 survey of 1,000 frequent park visitors found general satisfaction with the camping experience but highlighted concerns about site maintenance, a lack of visible management, and unoccupied booked sites.
Of those surveyed, 69% supported higher fees if they led to improved services and experiences, according to a report by The Mandarin.
The NSW government allocated $454 million in operational and $60 million in capital funding to NPWS in its most recent budget.
However, with the agency responsible for managing 7.6 million hectares of protected land—including 895 parks, of which only 45 charge entry fees—the financial burden remains high.
NPWS, which operates under the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), will accept public submissions on the proposed fee changes until midnight on May 25.
The outdoor hospitality industry, particularly businesses operating near or within national parks, may want to evaluate how these changes could impact travel patterns, customer expectations, and partnerships with park-managed accommodations.
For operators in the caravan, glamping, and RV sectors, understanding these changes may offer opportunities to reposition offerings or advocate for complementary services that align with evolving visitor behaviors shaped by park policy.