NSW campground upgrades 2026: $43 million in new and improved campsites

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 were reported complete when the program was announced — 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.

The spending follows a surge in demand. Visits to NSW national parks have grown substantially over the past decade, with overnight campground stays forming an important part of that visitation.

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.

Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp — $1.1 million (Central West)#

Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp campground in Wollemi National Park, near Rylstone, has been reconfigured with more tent spots, improved internal roads, better access for camper trailers and caravans, and new gas BBQs.

Cooleman Mountain — expanded capacity (Kosciuszko)#

Cooleman Mountain campground in the northern precinct of Kosciuszko National Park expanded from 12 to 29 campsites, with new BBQs and fire rings.

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.

Wombeyan Caves — proving the upgrade model works#

Wombeyan Caves campground was one of the earlier upgrades in the program and reopened 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.

Access is via unsealed roads, so check current conditions 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.

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.

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.

What's still coming#

One of the largest remaining projects is the $6.5 million upgrade at Mimosa Rocks National Park on the far south coast. The original timetable changed after this article was published: the campground works are now staged rather than closing Gillards, Middle Beach and Aragunnu simultaneously.

As of 14 August 2026, NPWS lists:

• Middle Beach: campground and day-use area closed from August 2026 to late 2026.
• Gillards: campground and day-use area expected to close from 14 October 2026 to mid-2027, pending planning approvals and subject to weather.
• Aragunnu: campground and day-use area expected to close from February 2027 to mid-2027, subject to planning approvals and weather.
• Picnic Point: the main NPWS camping alternative within Mimosa Rocks during the works.

Check before travelling: Mimosa Rocks National Park local alerts. NPWS warns temporary closures may occur outside the published schedule.

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#

NSW national park campground bookings are available through the NPWS website.

If you're eyeing a popular campground that's already booked out, set up a CampWatch alert. CampWatch monitors supported campground availability and texts you when a matching spot opens up.

For more on NSW national parks camping fees, check our dedicated guide and confirm current fees with NPWS before booking.