The NSW Government has tipped $43 million into campground infrastructure across the state's national parks, delivering 56 new and upgraded campsites. Forty of those projects are already complete — which means more sites, better facilities, and fresh options for your next trip.
Whether it's the $6.7 million rebuild at Trial Bay Gaol or a brand-new outback campground with artesian showers near Bourke, here's what's changed, what's new, and how to book.
The big picture: $43 million across 56 NSW campground projects#
The $43 million campground investment sits within a broader $91 million spend on visitor infrastructure across NSW national parks in 2025–26. It's the largest single injection into NSW camping infrastructure in recent memory.
The spending follows a surge in demand. Visits to NSW national parks have grown 49% over the past decade, now topping 50 million annually. Of those, 1.8 million are overnight campground stays — and that number keeps climbing.
"These improvements mean more places to stay, better facilities and more reasons to explore our incredible national parks," Acting Minister for the Environment Steve Whan said. "They will in turn boost nature-based tourism and regional economies."
The upgrade program covers every corner of the state, from beachside campgrounds on the mid-north coast to alpine sites in the Snowy Mountains and remote outback clearings beyond Bourke.
Campgrounds that scored major upgrades#
Trial Bay Gaol — $6.7 million (mid-north coast)#
The biggest single campground upgrade in the program. Trial Bay Gaol campground in Arakoon National Park reopened in late 2025 after a complete rebuild. New picnic shelters, improved beach access, formalised walking and cycling paths, and an additional $3 million in foreshore protection works to future-proof the beach.
How popular is it? The campground was fully booked over Christmas within days of reopening.
Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp — $1.1 million (Central West)#
Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp campground in Wollemi National Park, near Rylstone, has been reconfigured to handle growing demand. The upgrade added more tent spots, improved internal roads, better access for camper trailers and caravans, and new gas BBQs. If you've visited before and found it cramped during peak season, it's worth another look.
Cooleman Mountain — expanded capacity (Kosciuszko)#
Cooleman Mountain campground in the northern precinct of Kosciuszko National Park has more than doubled in size, expanding from 12 to 29 campsites. New BBQs and fire rings have been added. It's a quiet base for exploring nearby caves and waterfalls — and with the extra sites, your chances of snagging a spot have improved.
Point Plomer — $2 million (mid-north coast)#
Point Plomer campground in Limeburners Creek National Park, near Port Macquarie, has been revitalised with a new entry road, levelled campsites, a campground office, and expanded parking for day visitors. The upgrade tackled longstanding issues with overcrowding, drainage, and safety. Since reopening, the campground has clocked 56,000 visitor nights.
Wombeyan Caves — proving the upgrade model works#
Wombeyan Caves campground was one of the earlier upgrades in the program and has become a standout — 34,000 visitor nights since reopening in March 2024.
Brand-new campgrounds in NSW#
Comeroo campground, Cuttaburra National Park (outback NSW)#
NSW's newest national park — Cuttaburra National Park, 150 km north-west of Bourke — now has its first campground. Comeroo campground sits beneath coolibah trees beside an outback waterhole, with BBQ facilities, shelters, toilets, and outdoor artesian showers. A 38 km scenic driving loop gives 4WD visitors access to Maranoa Waterhole, a 6 km semi-permanent waterhole ideal for birdwatching.
Access is via unsealed roads (closed when wet), so check conditions with Bourke Shire Council before heading out.
Cutters Camp expansion, Mebbin National Park (Northern Rivers)#
Cutters Camp campground near Murwillumbah has expanded with eight additional tent platforms, plus new parking, picnic tables, and fireplaces. The campground sits in a peaceful forest setting on the edge of World Heritage-listed rainforest.
Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk campgrounds, Nightcap National Park (Northern Rivers)#
Three brand-new campgrounds have been built along the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk, a 42 km, four-day hike through ancient volcanic landscapes in the Tweed Byron hinterland. The $1.8 million investment delivered hardwood tent platforms, picnic tables, rainwater tanks, and yarning circles at Sand Ridge, Yelgun Kyoomgun, and Weeun Weeun campgrounds. The walk links Mount Jerusalem and Nightcap national parks and ends at Minyon Falls.
Belmont Wetlands State Park (Hunter)#
Not a national park, but worth knowing about — a $1.9 million campground opened at Belmont Wetlands State Park on the Hunter coast in December 2025. Over 100 campsites sit close to the sand dunes, with BBQs, covered seating, hot and cold showers, and accessible bathrooms. Sites cost $40 per night and are limited to tents and camper trailers (no caravans or motorhomes). It's under two hours from Sydney and 30 minutes from Newcastle.
What's still coming#
Sixteen of the 56 projects are still in progress. The biggest is the $6.5 million upgrade at Mimosa Rocks National Park on the far south coast, where three campgrounds — Gillards, Middle Beach, and Aragunnu — are closing from late April 2026 for major flood-resilience works. Only Picnic Point campground stays open within the park during construction, which is expected to run through the end of 2026.
As the remaining projects wrap up, expect more campgrounds across the state to reopen with expanded capacity and improved facilities.
How to book upgraded NSW campgrounds#
All NSW national park campgrounds can be booked through the NPWS website. Upgraded campgrounds are filling fast — Trial Bay Gaol sold out over Christmas almost immediately after reopening.
If you're eyeing a popular campground that's already booked out, set up a free CampWatch alert. CampWatch checks campground availability every 10 minutes and texts you the moment a spot opens up — so you can grab cancellations without refreshing the booking page all day.
For more on how the new NSW national parks camping fees work, including the upcoming six-tier system and improved cancellation refunds, check our dedicated guide.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How many NSW campgrounds are being upgraded in 2026?
The NSW Government has committed $43 million to 56 campground projects across the state. Forty of those projects are already complete, with 16 still in progress. Upgrades range from expanded capacity and new BBQs to full rebuilds costing millions.
Which NSW campground got the biggest upgrade?
Trial Bay Gaol campground in Arakoon National Park received the largest single upgrade at $6.7 million, plus an additional $3 million in foreshore protection works. The campground reopened in late 2025 with new picnic shelters, beach access, and walking and cycling paths.
Are there any brand-new campgrounds in NSW national parks?
Yes. Comeroo campground in Cuttaburra National Park (near Bourke) is brand new, with BBQ facilities, shelters, toilets, and artesian showers. Three new campgrounds have also been built along the Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk in Nightcap National Park, and Cutters Camp in Mebbin National Park has expanded with eight new tent platforms.