From the coast to Cradle Mountain, these are the best campsites in Tasmania for all budgets and travel styles. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of basic bush campsites surrounded by the untamed wilderness or prefer the comfort of well-equipped campgrounds with modern facilities, the incredible Apple Isle has it all.
On an island where 40% is covered by National Park you could say Tassie is tailor-made for camping – whether it’s under canvas or in a campervan. From the iconic Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park to the enchanting Freycinet National Park, you’ll never wake up disappointed.
Dream of falling asleep to the laps of the waves? Head for the East Coast and North West for beachside camping opportunities. For rugged and remote camping experiences? The island’s central highlands and World Heritage-listed wilderness is where you need to be.
We’ve spent some considerable time camping in Australia, but can wholeheartedly say the campsites in Tasmania are home to some of our favourite travel memories yet. Thanks to this guide, they’ll be yours too!
TYPES OF CAMPSITES IN TASMANIA
The camping sites in Tasmania featured on this list generally fall into three categories: Free campsites, National Parks, Holiday Parks. Their fees and facilities vary, but depending on your camping style you can expect:
Free Campsites
It is quite easy to find free campsites in Tasmania, especially near picturesque beaches, along hiking trails or in the heart of the National Parks. The majority cannot be booked and follow a first-come-first-served system. In the Summer months some may also follow a ballot system so these free campsites need to be booked well in advance. If you choose to stay in free campsites in Tasmania, it is essential you follow local signage, leave your campsite better than you found it and do not light campfires unless permitted.Parks Tasmania
If you are camping on a budget, your next option is the national park camping grounds. These are maintained by Parks Tasmania and are dotted all over the island. The fee for these campsites vary – some are free (with a National Parks Pass) while others can be up to $30 per night. As they are maintained by Parks Tasmania they usually have better facilities such as camp kitchens, basic laundry rooms, toilets and showers which can be hard to find if you’re free camping.Privately Owned/Holiday Parks
While these are the most expensive campsites in Tasmania this is because of their convenient location or the facilities they offer. They usually have on site shops, restaurants, playgrounds, hot showers and well equipped kitchens. We’ve even came across holiday parks with swimming pools, bike rental and games rooms. Some are privately owned while others are part of the two main holiday park chains – either Big4 or Discovery Parks.
BEST CAMPSITES IN NORTH TASMANIA
Lilydale Falls Reserve
- Address: 228 Golconda Road, Lilydale TAS
- Cost: Free
Tasmania is home to some great free camping opportunities – perfect if you’ve hired a campervan to road trip on a budget. During my latest trip, one of my favourite free campsites in Tasmania was Lilydale Falls Reserve.
Facilities are basic at Lilydale Falls Reserve. There are only flushing toilets and electric BBQs, but no showers. There is also only limited room for caravans or larger set-ups and a maximum stay of one night as it is free.
However, it is a great location – just a 30 minute drive outside of Launceston and well placed to explore the charms of the Tamar Valley region. Best of all, the camping reserve is the starting point of the short walking track to the pretty Lilydale Falls. It’s just a short 5-minute walk along the flat track to the falls. Just note that while dogs on a leash are welcome at the campsite, they are not permitted on the walking track to the falls.
Shandos Cleaver | Travelnuity
Old Mac’s Farm, Launceston
- Address: 53 Sandown Rd, Norwood TAS 7250, Australia
- Cost: $35 powered/$20 unpowered (campervan only – no tents)
This was one of our favourite campsites from travelling Tasmania in a campervan. As the name describes, the campsite is also home to all kinds of animals from donkeys to ducks which provides the perfect entertainment for children and adults alike. There is also a cafe on the site which is ideal for morning coffee or a big brunch before a long drive.
Although the drive down to it is particularly steep (take note if you’re in a caravan) the pitches are large and lakeside views are a bonus. Fees are $20 per night per caravan/motorhome for unpowered camping or powered sites were $35. Note, tents are not permitted and there are toilets adjacent to the powered sites, but no showers.
BEST CAMPSITES IN SOUTH TASMANIA
Mount Field Campground
- Address: Lake Dobson Rd, National Park TAS 7140, Australia
- Cost: $20 for a powered site
Mt Field National Park is conveniently located just 90 minutes from Hobart. This is one of the best campsites in Tasmania for hikers and families alike as there is so much to see and do in the area.
Set in the forest near Tyenna River and just a few minutes walk to the Mount Field Visitor Centre there are 14 powered sites and many unpowered sites, suitable for campervans, caravans and tents. There are also hot showers, toilets, BBQ areas, coin-operated laundry facilities and a nearby coffee shop.
The campsite is mostly popular with those keen to do the Three Falls Circuit – an easy 2-2.5 hours circuit that takes you past Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Tall Trees and Lady Barron Falls. If you’re short on time, we also recommend Russell Falls which is a 25 minute walk on a sealed, access-friendly trail perfect for all ages.
Like most National Park campsites in Tasmania, these are first come first served and cannot be booked in advance. We paid $20 for a powered site and alongside your campsite fee, you will also need to show a valid Tasmanian Parks pass.
Discovery Parks, Hobart
- Address: E Derwent Hwy, Risdon Vale TAS 7016
- Cost: $75.00 powered
While most of the campsites in Tasmania are usually famed for their picturesque views, this one features on our list for a different reason – convenience! We booked this Discovery Parks campsite as it was only a 20 minute drive to the airport which is ideal if you’re returning a rental vehicle or have a flight to catch the next day.
The pitches are basic and compact but you’re paying for the convenience of the location. There is a small playground, fire pit and hot showers/bathrooms as well as a TV room. While we stayed in a campervan, for a little more luxury you can also book one of their beautiful cabins. Unfortunately, no tents are permitted.
As a tip, we met the cutest wee wallaby camping here which made the last night of our Tasmania itinerary one to remember.
NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park
- Address: Garden Point Rd, Port Arthur TAS 7182, Australia
- Cost: $37
The NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park is a favourite place to stay on the Tasman Peninsula, around a 90 minute drive from Hobart. The Holiday Park was once a vegetable garden tended by convicts.
It is one of the best Tasmanian camping grounds due to its location. Not only is it on a 40-acre block next to the Port Arthur historic site, one of Australia’s most famous convict settlements but is also the starting point of the popular Three Capes Track, an epic 4-day coastal hike in the stunning Tasman National Park.
The Port Arthur Holiday Park has a waterfront location on Stewarts Bay and is surrounded by bush. The tent sites are large and grassy with a fire pit so you can boil a billy, toast marshmallows under the stars and watch native wallabies feeding on the grass.
The campsite has cabins, glamping-style safari tents, caravan, tent sites (from A$37) and bunk beds (A$31) as well as a general store, a well-equipped camp kitchen, a sitting room with a TV and open fireplace, a well-kept bathroom and shower block and laundry.
Linda | Muylindatravels
BEST CAMPSITES ON WEST COAST TASMANIA
Macquarie Heads, Strahan
- Address: Macquarie Heads Road, Macquarie Heads, Tasmania, 7468
- Cost: $10-$25 per night
If you are travelling to Tasmania’s West Coast, be sure to spend the night at Macquarie Heads Campground. It is located at the end of Macquarie Heads Road about 30 minutes from the town of Strahan. The gravel road is bumpy but perfectly doable in a car or caravan.
The grassy campsites cost $10 to $25 per night and can fit tents, campervans and smaller caravans. They have pit toilets but there is no power and you’ll have to bring your own water. However, the sandy beach and incredible views of Macquarie Harbour are what makes this one of the best campsites in Tasmania.
Exploring the beaches, fishing, and camping at Macquarie Heads are some of the best things to do in Strahan. The campground makes a great base for visiting Strahan’s cute downtown, walking in the Henty Dunes, hiking to Hogarth Falls, or taking a Gordon River Cruise.
Taryn Eyton | HappiestOutdoors.ca
Lake St. Clair Tourist Park, Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park
- Address: Lake St Clair Tourist Park, Lake St Clair Road, TAS, 7140
- Cost: $40 unpowered/$48 powered
Located right across the road from the Cradle Mountain National Park Visitor Center (Lake St Clair Road), the Lake St.Clair Tourist Park offers accommodation options for all ranges of comfort from basic unpowered tent sites ($40), all the way up to powered sites for 9m campers ($48) and fully powered dorms and cabins.
Onsite there are plenty of flushing toilets and hot showers ($1 per 6 mins) as well as laundry facilities and a shared kitchen with coin-operated BBQs if you want to cook. If you don’t feel inclined to slave away in the kitchen, there’s also a great cafe and restaurant on site that serves a huge range of meals and drinks.
It’s important to note that the unpowered tent sites are not manually levelled in order to protect the natural state of this glacial moraine wilderness of the area. To compensate, you are rewarded with incredible spots nestled in nature very close to the beautiful lake, but if you are worried about your site being 100% flat it’s best to book a powered site.
Right from the doorstep of this great campsite, the surrounding national park offers incredible hiking opportunities from easy day hikes to the famous Overland Track as well as a ferry service that runs across the lake itself which is a great opportunity for sightseeing. So if you’re looking for one of the best campsites in Tasmania in the middle of some incredible mountains, Lake St. Clair Tourist Park is a great choice.
Kate Fletcher | Bags-Always-Packed
Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain
- Cost: $44 unpowered gravel site / $85.00 powered site
If you plan on an early start for visiting Cradle Mountain or you’re looking for somewhere to camp after a busy day, this is the only campsite – Cradle Mountain Holiday Park. This means it is quite expensive compared to most campsites in Tasmania.
Pitches start at $44 for an unpowered gravel site, but we paid $85 for a small, powered site in April. Wallabies as neighbours are a free bonus though! There are also cabins, dorm rooms and cottages available to hire.
The park features BBQ and laundry facilities as well as hot showers, toilets and a kiosk/store. It is one of the best campsites in Tasmania for those looking to explore Cradle Mountain as you’ll have canoe tours, horseback trails and even Tasmanian Devils on your doorstep. It is around 1 hour 45 minutes from Strahan or Sheffield, Burnie, Latrobe and Deloraine are about an hour away.
BEST CAMPSITES ON EAST COAST TASMANIA
Big 4 St Helens Holiday Park
- Address: 2 Penelope St, Saint Helens TAS 7216, Australia
- Cost: $38 unpowered / $44+ powered
Although you’ll find some of the best free campsites in Tasmania dotted along the East coast, sometimes you crave a few home comforts like hot showers and flush toilets, that’s why we loved Big 4 St Helens Holiday Park.
Located just 25 minutes back down the coast from The Gardens this large, family friendly campsite is just 300 metres from the waterfront of St Helens. It offers self-contained cabins, ensuite sites, powered or unpowered sites as well as dorm beds.
We found it ideal for families thanks to the fun Jumping Pillow and play area, wood-fired pizza oven, games room, pet friendly site options, as well as it being a short walk into the town of St Helens. It is also a short drive to the beautiful Bay of Fires, Binalong Bay, St Columba Waterfalls, Scamander & Wineglass Bay.
Wineglass Bay, Freycinet Peninsula
- Address: Wineglass Bay Beach, Freycinet TAS 7215
- Cost: Free (with a valid Parks Pass)
Located on the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit hike, the hiker’s campground on Wineglass Bay isn’t just one of the best campsites in Tasmania. It’s one of the best in all of Australia! Think incredible views, crystal clear water and some of the best sunsets Tasmania has to offer. Not to mention, the campsite is directly on the beach of beautiful Wineglass Bay.
The campsite is only for hikers tackling the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit hike, so you have to work to get there. But once you see it, you’ll know it’s worth every bit of effort. The walk from the Freycinet National Park car park to Wineglass Bay campsite (south end of the beach) is around 3 km so may take around 1 – 1.5 hours one way.
As the Wineglass Bay campsite is a hiker’s walk-in campsite, its tents only and facilities are extremely limited. There is a composting toilet, and that’s it. You need to carry in everything you need for the night, including water.
Camping on Wineglass Bay is affordable as there are no direct camping fees. To spend the night, only a park pass is required. You cannot book the Wineglass Bay campsite in advance. Simply walk in and enjoy! If you find it too busy, there are also overnight walker campsites with free tent-only pitches at Hazards, and Cooks beaches.
Dotti | Travel Oasis
Freycinet National Park Campground
- Address: Freycinet National Park, Coles Bay, Tasmania, 7215
- Cost: $15
Located on the east coast of Tasmania, Freycinet National Park is home to coastal landscapes, challenging hikes, pink granite mountains and the stunning Wineglass Bay. This region is also home to some of the best campsites in Tasmania, including Freycinet National Park Campground in particular. Featuring stunning views of Coles Bay and The Hazards mountains, this secluded campsite is right on a small beach and offers the most beautiful sunsets.
Both tents and campervans can camp in Freycinet National Park Campground with basic powered and non-powered sites available. Water is available seasonally, as well as coin-operated showers. Shops and facilities are available close by in the small town of Coles Bay.
Some sites are available all year and some are only available over summer and Easter where a ballot system is in place. Campers must have a national park pass in addition to the camping fee, which is around $15 AUD a night.
Lucy and Dan | Thoroughly Travel
HOW TO FIND CAMPSITES IN TASMANIA
Alongside using this list, we have a few helpful tips for finding clean, safe and affordable campsites in Tasmania. Noting that mobile phone coverage can be patchy in places so plan your route before you head off and remember to book well in advance if you’re camping in peak season.
1. Camping Apps
These apps won’t just help you find camping sites in Tasmania but also hot showers, water points, petrol stations, toilets and more:
2. Ask Locals
You’ll often find the best Tasmanian camping grounds are the ones only the locals know about. These won’t pop up after a quick Google Search, or popular on the apps instead you need to do a little digging.
The best way to find these hidden gems is to pop into local coffee shops, chat with dog walkers, or simply ask your camping neighbour where they’re headed next. While you may not always find another campsite suggestion, the friendly locals are happy to share shortcuts, things to do, stargazing spots, hiking tips and more.
3. Facebook
Another great resource for finding campsites in Tasmania is by joining Facebook groups. These groups are used by locals and tourists alike so you can post asking for recommendations, or search for a specific area.
Sometimes it’s easier checking these groups first as they’ll have the most up to date information. Users post in real time, unlike apps which can take a while to publish and update.
Alongside Tasmanian camping grounds, you’ll find people post all sorts of useful information in these groups including road closures, bush fires, wildlife tips, opening times and more:
WHAT TO BRING CAMPING IN TASMANIA
To fully enjoy the best campsites in Tasmania, it’s important you are well equipped. This includes packing the camping essentials such as a waterproof tent, warm sleeping bag, insect repellent and of course a great backpack to carry it all in.
We also recommend taking note of the best food to take camping and plan your meals using our vegetarian camping recipes and one pot camping meals to fuel your outdoor adventures.
It can be tricky to stock up on supplies when you’re in the remote wilderness so plan your meals ahead using our handy camping cookbook. It’s packed with recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner – all made on a camping stove!
Planning on cooking up a storm?
- Recipes with ideas for breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Digital E-book so you can download instantly
- Use offline on your phone, tablet, laptop or print off
- Recipe ideas without the need for bulky cookbooks or Wi-Fi
Price: £7.99
Are you now feeling informed and inspired to visit these campsites in Tasmania? Hopefully this list has provided some bucketlist-worthy sites that will make your next sleep under the stars even more unforgettable. Don’t forget your mosquito repellent otherwise these campsites will be unforgettable for all the wrong reasons! Is your favourite Tasmanian campsites missing from our guide? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear about about new destinations for our next Tassie adventure.
