The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has opened expressions of interest for businesses to operate “supported camping” across 23 campgrounds in 16 national parks.
The initiative, open until October 28, 2025, aims to make camping more accessible for people who lack equipment or experience, with selected operators expected to begin offering services from March 2026.
Under the proposal, licensed businesses would be allowed to establish pre-pitched tents or caravans and provide essentials such as bedding, cooking gear, and meal packs. NPWS said the model is designed to “make camping easier for people who lack the gear or confidence to go it alone.”
The program would operate under the NPWS Parks Eco Pass licensing system, which offers successful applicants rights to specific campsites for up to six years (three years plus a three-year option).
These licenses would grant businesses exclusive access to designated campsites, which they could reserve and sell through the NPWS booking system.
Some of the parks identified include popular camping destinations such as Euroka in the Blue Mountains, The Basin in Ku-ring-gai Chase, Depot Beach on the South Coast, and Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp in Wollemi National Park.
According to a report by 4×4 Australia, the NPWS has said the initiative will not involve permanent or semi-permanent structures like glamping pods or safari tents.
The introduction of commercial operators to public campgrounds has raised concerns among long-time campers and touring enthusiasts about the availability of sites and the potential for increased commercialization of public lands.
With many popular campgrounds already experiencing heavy demand during peak seasons, some fear this model could reduce access for ordinary campers.
Businesses selected under the program will receive marketing support from NPWS, including exposure through official park webpages, newsletters, and social media channels.
They will also be exempt from park entry fees, though visitors will still be required to pay them. License fees range from $830 to $1,245 per year, along with a 5 to 10 per cent turnover contribution depending on park popularity.
For the outdoor hospitality industry, this initiative represents an opportunity to develop new business models that bridge the gap between traditional camping and glamping.
Supported camping could introduce new visitors to outdoor experiences and create demand for additional services, such as gear hire, transport, and guided activities.
At the same time, operators entering the program will need to balance profitability with public access concerns and environmental stewardship expectations from both NPWS and the broader camping community.
NPWS says supported camping has the potential to bring new audiences into the state’s parks, noting that roughly 10 per cent of adults in New South Wales have never camped, often due to barriers related to cost, equipment, or confidence.
The agency suggests that lowering these barriers could stimulate regional tourism and encourage future independent camping.
While the long-term effects on campground access remain to be seen, the program highlights the ongoing conversation between accessibility, commercial use, and public ownership of Australia’s natural spaces.