Free Camping in the Northern Territory: What You Need to Know
The Northern Territory is different again when it comes to camping. With its huge stretches of outback and low population, the NT has more relaxed rules compared to southern states.
👉 Camping in NT’s national parks and reserves is not free — you’ll usually need to pay a small fee (around $3–$6 per adult per night) and book through NT Parks and Wildlife.
But the Territory is full of opportunities to camp for free outside the official parks system, especially in roadside stops, bush reserves, and remote Crown Land.
✅ Where You Can Free Camp in the NT
24-hour roadside rest areas – The Stuart, Barkly, and Victoria Highways all have designated rest stops where you can overnight for free. Many have toilets, shelters, and tables.
Council-managed camps – Some shires provide free or donation-based camping spots to attract travellers.
Remote bush and Crown Land – Much of the NT is Crown Land, and bush camping is common, but you must be fully self-sufficient and respectful.
Station stays (with permission) – Some pastoral stations allow travellers to pull in for free or for a gold coin donation.
🚫 Where You Can’t Free Camp
National Parks and Conservation Reserves – camping fees apply (e.g., Litchfield, Kakadu, Nitmiluk).
Urban areas and towns – free camping is usually banned around Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, and other communities.
Aboriginal Land Trust areas – large parts of the NT are Aboriginal land. You need a permit to enter and camp (issued by land councils).
🌟 Some Popular Free Camps in the NT
Here are a few of the well-known free camping spots for NT travellers:
Newcastle Waters Rest Area (Stuart Hwy, north of Elliott)
Shady stop with picnic tables and toilets.
Attack Creek Rest Area (north of Tennant Creek)
Historic site with basic facilities, free overnight stop.
36 Mile Rest Area (between Katherine and Darwin)
A common free overnight camp with toilets and shade.
Connells Lagoon Rest Area (Barkly Tablelands)
Remote bush rest area, flat country, good stop on long hauls.
Gorrie Airstrip (near Roper Bar)
A WWII-era airfield now used as a big free camp area, popular with caravanners and 4X4 travellers.
🛑 Rules of Free Camping in the NT
Stay limits: most rest areas allow 24–72 hours max.
Self-sufficiency: many spots have no water or rubbish bins — bring everything.
Respect Aboriginal land: permits are required for entry and camping.
Fires: check for local fire bans. Outback NT burns fast in the Dry season.
Leave no trace: dumping rubbish is a quick way to lose access.
Final Word
The NT is one of the easiest places in Australia to find a free bush camp. While you’ll pay small fees in national parks and Aboriginal land requires permits, there are dozens of free rest areas and bush camps scattered across the highways and outback tracks.
Load up the Cruiser, keep your jerry cans topped, and have a crack at the Territory’s wild and free camping.