Exploring NSW State Forests: The Free Camping Guide for 4X4 Adventurers
When it comes to camping in New South Wales, national parks usually grab the spotlight. But if you’re chasing freedom — no booking systems, no fees, and plenty of room to roll in with your rig — it’s the State Forests that deliver.
NSW has nearly 500 named State Forests managed by Forestry Corporation, spread across every corner of the state. In most of them, camping is 100% free, dogs are welcome, and campfires are allowed (outside of fire bans). You can even stay for up to four weeks in the same spot.
Here’s a breakdown of NSW’s State Forests by region. I’ve picked a handful of highlights for each, but you can also download a full PDF list of every forest in that region.
🌲 Central Region (84 forests)
Covering the Hunter Valley, Mid-North Coast, and surrounding ranges, the Central Region has some of the most popular 4×4 and camping forests in NSW.
Highlights:
Barrington Tops – alpine trails and remote campsites in the high country.
Olney – Watagan Ranges classic, with trail bike access and free campgrounds.
Ourimbah – great for 4WD, MTB, and dog-friendly camping.
Styx River – riverside camps and fire trails with alpine scenery.
📂 Download the full Central Region forest list (PDF)
🌾 Western Region (206 forests)
The Western Region is massive — stretching from red gum country along the Murray to the outback’s dry forests. Camping here feels wild and remote.
Highlights:
Pilliga East & West – Australia’s largest inland forest, full of tracks and hidden camps.
Matong – free bush camps, sometimes used for regional festivals.
Perricoota – classic red gum forest on the Murray River.
Warraderry – rolling hills and quiet forest camping.
📂 Download the full Western Region forest list (PDF)
🌳 North East Region (114 forests)
This is lush, steep country with rainforests, rivers, and some of the best 4×4 challenges in NSW.
Highlights:
Bagawa – subtropical rainforest camping near Coffs Harbour.
Nymboida – riverside free camping, whitewater rafting nearby.
Doubleduke – tall eucalypt forest with free campgrounds and 4WD trails.
Washpool – World Heritage-listed rainforest camping.
📂 Download the full North East Region forest list (PDF)
🏔 Southern Region (71 forests)
From the South Coast to the tablelands, this region offers coastal forests and big mountain bushland.
Highlights:
Bodalla – near the coast with plenty of free dispersed camping.
Mogo – historic goldfields forest, with MTB trails and camping.
Currowan – huge bush forest between Batemans Bay and Braidwood.
Yadboro – gateway to the Budawangs, a favourite among 4WDers.
📂 Download the full Southern Region forest list (PDF)
🌲 Northern Softwood Region (44 forests)
This region mixes pine plantations with scattered native bush. While not all are ideal for camping, a few standouts remain.
Highlights:
Ben Bullen – near Lithgow, good for quiet bush camping.
Canobolas – near Orange, with both pine and native forest areas.
Neville – a smaller, lesser-known spot for free camping.
Riamukka – big, rugged forest with dispersed camps.
📂 Download the full Northern Softwood Region forest list (PDF)
❄️ Snowy Region (29 forests)
The Snowy Region covers the southern ranges and alpine country. Winter camping here is tough but unforgettable.
Highlights:
Bago – massive forest near Tumbarumba, with plenty of free camping.
Bondi – mixed-use forest with dispersed bush camping.
Bondo – a classic spot for 4WDers and hunters.
Wee Jasper – caves nearby and good camping spots in the hills.
📂 Download the full Snowy Region forest list (PDF)
🛑 Camping Rules in NSW State Forests
Free: camping is free in almost all State Forests.
Stay limit: up to 4 weeks in one place.
Dogs welcome: but must be controlled.
Campfires: allowed except on Total Fire Ban days.
Exceptions: no camping in Cumberland or Strickland State Forests, and not inside designated picnic/day-use areas.
Leave no trace: take rubbish with you — no bins provided.
Final Word
If you’re a 4×4 driver chasing real freedom, NSW State Forests are unbeatable. From the Pilliga scrub to rainforest rivers, from the Snowy mountains to the red gums of the Murray, there’s always somewhere new to explore.
Load up the Cruiser, grab your swag, and go have a crack.