Campers visiting some of New South Wales’ most popular national parks could soon find prime sites reserved for commercial operators under a government plan that has drawn widespread concern.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has opened expressions of interest for “supported camping” licences, which would give businesses priority access to designated sites in 23 campgrounds, including Kosciuszko, Murramarang and Killalea national parks.
The government’s expression of interest period for supported camping runs through October, with licences expected to begin in March 2026.
NPWS said the program is designed to make camping more accessible for people who lack equipment or experience.
“Supported camping will also allow travellers from interstate and overseas opportunities to camp, without having to bring all their gear with them, which is often impractical,” an NPWS spokesperson said, as reported by Region on September 14.
But critics argue the initiative will reduce availability for ordinary campers and drive up costs. Adventure Filmmaker Michael Atkinson, known as “Outback Mike,” said it risks worsening an already limited supply of campsites.
“They just need more basic campsites,” Atkinson said. “For the majority of people, it will just mean even more ghost bookings; it’ll be even harder to get a campsite now.”
The Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce also expressed concern, warning that subcontracting campsites to businesses could unnecessarily raise fees and deter family visitors.
“It doesn’t make sense to subcontract … it will just increase fees unnecessarily,” chair Olivier Kapetanakos said. “Why would they want to stop or inhibit people from enjoying the great outdoors?”
The debate comes amid growing tensions over national park access. Previous NPWS proposals, including an AU$89 per night camping fee, have drawn tens of thousands of public submissions.
A petition circulated by Atkinson opposing expanded fees and booking systems has already attracted more than 13,000 signatures.
Nature-based tourism generates an estimated AU$19 billion annually for NSW, according to the National Parks Association of NSW, making park access a significant economic driver for regional towns.
