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If you're ready to start planning your next Australian camping adventure, Tasmania is a must-visit destination. Tassie is actually about 40% National Park, meaning the Apple Isle is tailor-made for caravan, camper trailer, and tent camping adventures.
Simply pack up all your gear and experience some of Australia's most breathtaking, untouched, and much-loved camping destinations. From mighty mountains to pristine beaches to islands off islands, Tassie has it all.
In the points below, we've listed 14+ of the best camping spots in Tasmania as well as some other important information you need to know before you hit the road.
Tasmanian Camping Trips: What You Should Know Before You Go
Before heading off on your Tassie camping trip, remember all your camping basics and how they will apply to your Tasmanian adventure.
For example, it always pays to be prepared for all weather on a camping trip, but this is especially important in Tasmania. The weather is less consistent here than in many areas of the mainland, and you can expect some cold camping nights even during the summer months.
Similarly, it's essential to respect your campground by leaving it clean and tidy, only starting fires where permitted, and not feeding the wild animals. Follow the Leave No Trace principle, and also check for areas where camping is strictly not allowed. A large chunk of Tasmania's camping grounds are actually Wilderness World Heritage Areas, so keep this in mind while you camp!
Finally, Tasmania may be relatively small, but it's still possible to access and camp in areas that are entirely remote and off the beaten track. If this is your plan, be prepared with everything from food and water to offline maps and survival first aid kits.
Our List of Tasmanian Camping Spots
- Bruny Island (multiple campsites)
- Tasman Peninsula (Fortescue Bay and Lime Bay)
- Maria Island National Park
- Freycinet National Park
- Douglas-Apsley National Park
- Cosy Corner
- Bay of Fires (multiple campsites)
- Mount William National Park
- Derby Park
- Narawntapu National Park (multiple campsites)
- Cradle Mountain
- Macquarie Heads
- Southwest National Park (multiple campsites)
- Mount Field National Park
CAMPING TIP: Not all the locations on this list are paid camping sites, but if you want to visit multiple national parks in one visit, the National Parks Pass from the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service could be perfect for you. There are 2-month, 12-month, and 2-year pass options to choose from.
Now without further delay, let's get on with the list.
1. Bruny Island
If you're heading out from Hobart, then Bruny Island could be the perfect first stop on your camping journey. Swap one island for another and experience swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, bushwalking, and much more.
From Hobart, simply drive about 30 minutes to Kettering and then drive onto the car ferry, which will take you to Bruny Island in about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you could book a cruise that departs for Bruny Island from Hobart.
Once you arrive, try the Jetty Beach campground for a beachside camping experience or the Cloudy Corner campsite to embrace the best of the Bruny Island bush.
You can learn more about Bruny Island camping here.
2. Tasman Peninsula and Tasman National Park
If you're up for a bit of a longer drive from Hobart, the heart of the Tasman Peninsula is about an hour and a half away by car.
From brilliant sandy beaches to imposing yet amazing forests, there's plenty to enjoy. Go swimming in one of the nearby bays or beaches, enjoy the many winding walking trails, or cast out your rods for a spot of fishing.
When it comes to camping, you can make your home at the Tasman Peninsula's well-equipped Fortescue Bay Campground to enjoy showers, toilets, and more. Also check out the Lime Bay campsite right at the tip of the peninsula!
Camping fees and bookings are often required, and campers may be able to light a fire in designated areas but will often need to bring their own firewood!
3. Maria Island National Park
For our next stop, we'll be heading further up Tasmania's East Coast before jumping on a ferry at Triabunna (about 1 hr 10 mins from Hobart or 1.5 hrs from the Tasman Peninsula). This passenger ferry will take you to Maria Island National Park in just 45 minutes.
The ferry to Maria Island is a passenger ferry only, and visitors can only explore the island by foot or pedal power, so this isn't one for camper trailers or caravans. But if you're up for a bit of a hike, there's a wonderful campground just a short stroll from the ferry.
There's plenty of wildlife to enjoy, including the opportunity to spot the rare Tassie Devil scuttling about. Getting your camping gear from the ferry to the site is easy thanks to the trolleys for hire, and you can enjoy BBQ areas, fireplaces with provided firewood, and more on your Maria Island Camping adventure.
One thing that you must remember to pack is water, as you can't drink the island's water. Boiling island water or treating it with purification tablets is another option.
Bookings shouldn't be required to camp, but you might want to book the ferry, especially during busy periods.
You can learn more about Maria Island Camping here.
4. Freycinet National Park - Coles Bay
Next up we've got Freycinet National Park, which is one of the jewels of Tasmania's east coast camping experiences. With locations like Wineglass Bay and Honeymoon Bay to explore, you can just tell that Freycinet is a location for the romantics, the adventurers, and the explorers with wanderlust in their hearts!
If you're looking for unbeatable panoramic views, you've got them. If you want to camp near sand dunes, lagoons, or pink granite peaks, you can do it. The only thing you might not be able to do is to get a spot!
During the Easter and Christmas periods, some camping spots at Freycinet National Park are available via a ballot system only. During the rest of the year, you will definitely need to book your stay.
If you're looking for a basic Freycinet campsite that's available on a first-come basis, check out the Friendly Beaches campground at Issacs Point, where you can camp free of charge for up to two weeks (14 days).
Learn more about camping at Freycinet National Park here.
5. Douglas-Apsley National Park
Less than an hour north of Freycinet National park is the superb, spectacular, and often secluded camping experience offered at Douglas-Apsley National Park.
You're looking at some premium wilderness camping at Douglas-Apsley National Park, so pack up all your camping gear, including water, food, fuel for cooking, and more.
There are many remote camping sites available, many of which have no vehicle access, so they are best suited to those who are willing to hike to their destination. Head to the South of the park to enjoy the Apsley Waterhole campsite, which is just 10 minutes from a car park. Or embark on a multi-day hike along the Leeaberra track from the north and check out the even more secluded Tevelein Falls and Heritage Campgrounds.
Bookings are not required and camping is free, but you will need to pay for entry into the National Park itself.
Learn more about Douglas-Apsley camping here.
6. Cosy Corner
Not everyone would describe camping as a "cosy" experience, but you have to give it to us when we're camping at Cosy Corner. We've almost reached the northeast corner of Tasmania with this camping destination (but there are still a few more northerly sites to go!)
About an hour and 20 minutes north of Douglas-Apsley National Park, Cosy Corner is a BYO water, BYO firewood, and BYO dog destination! Before you truly get into the thick of the Bay of Fires, pack up your tent, camper trailer, or caravan, and check out the Cosy Corner North and Cosy Corner South coastal campsites.
7. Bay of Fires Conservation Area
The Bay of Fires stretches from the foot of Mount William National Park all the way down past Cosy Corner to the Binalong Bay area.
Today, we're going to recommend the Bay of Fires Conservation area, home to one of the world's most beautiful beaches for some of the most epic views, leisurely walks, and water-based activities.
Similarly, it's also worth checking out the Dora Point Campground within the Humbug Point Nature Recreation Area.
There's plenty of free camping to enjoy in the Bay of Fires region, but keep in mind that park fees may apply in some areas.
8. Mount William National Park
This will be the last stop on our north-eastern Tasmanian camping adventure before we pack up our camper trailers and start heading west. Located above the tip of the Bay of Fires, visiting Mount William National Park is a great opportunity to hike, swim, fish, go nature spotting, enjoy a BBQ, indulge in a beach walk, and much more. If you're really enthusiastic, you can scale Mount William itself and get rewarded with a unique view of the Bass Strait and its islands.
Fees apply in Mount William National park, but bookings are not taken. There are several campgrounds to choose from that are suitable for all sorts of camping styles. This includes Stumpys Bay 1-4 and Top Camp in the North, as well as Deep Creek Campground in the South. If you're staying at Deep Creek, be sure to check out Eddystone Point Lighthouse.
Learn more about camping at Mount William National Park here.
9. Derby Park
Before we completely exit the northeast, let's pop into the riverside campsite of Derby Park, which is about an hour southeast of Mount William National Park and located in the town of Derby. From mountain bike riding and fishing to leisurely walks and nearby cafes, Derby Park is a campground where you can stay for free without being too far from a few of life's little luxuries.
Learn more about Derby Park Campgrounds and other nearby sites here.
10. Narawntapu National Park
Our next stop is on the true north coast of Tasmania, about two hours from Derby Park, one hour from Launceston, and half an hour from Devonport.
The intersection of all these locations is Narawntapu National Park, where you can camp at powered and unpowered sites either by the beach or deeper into the park itself.
Explore the Springlawn and Bakers Point campgrounds, or head to the campsites at The Horse Yards or Koybaa. Springlawn is where you will find the powered sites, but wherever you go, you're never far from beaches, showers, bushwalks, firepits, or kangaroos!
Bookings are only ever required for large groups, but fees do apply. Remember to BYO firewood!
Learn more about Narawntapu National Park camping here.
11. Cradle Mountain
A trip around Tasmania wouldn't be complete without at least stopping at Cradle Mountain. Better yet, we think you should camp there and consider walking the Overland Track if you're brave enough!
From Narawntapu National Park, head about two hours southwest and you will reach Cradle Mountain. With pristine lakes, perilous mountain peaks, and wilderness straight out of a fairy tale, Cradle Mountain is truly one of the best places to be if you're planning an immersive outdoor adventure.
Many of the campsites available at Cradle Mountain itself are at private commercial caravan parks like Discovery Park. These locations offer everything from unpowered sites for tents to spots for caravans to increasingly luxurious cabins and cottages.
The aforementioned Overland Track is a 6-day one-way hike, and free camping sites on Cradle Mountain are available for those (and only those) who wish to walk.
If you want to see Cradle Mountain up close and personal before heading to a campsite to enjoy a view from afar, try Lake St Clair. As well as being the site of Australia's deepest lake, this campground offers a spectacular view of Cradle Mountain and is a suitable campground for tents, caravans, and camper trailers.
Lake St Clair is also the finish line of the Overland Track walk, so you can drop your most fit and enthusiastic campers at the start of the track and wait 6 days for them in the luxury of your camper trailer!
12. Macquarie Heads
About two and a half hours west of Lake St Clair is the excellently isolated Macquarie Heads Camping Ground. This one is on the list for anyone who loves excellent fishing, excellent views, a spot of walking along the beach, and not much else. The unpowered sites at Macquarie Heads are perfect for tents, camper trailers, caravans, and anyone who wants a peaceful camping trip. A small daily fee applies but bookings are not necessary.
Learn more about the Macquarie Heads Campground here.
13. Southwest National Park
If you haven't already guessed, we're now heading to the southwest of Tassie! Get your park pass ready and keep your eyes peeled for pademelons, possums, and Tasmanian Devils in Southwest National Park.
For camping in the heart of Southwest National Park, try the Huon Campground and the Edgar Dam Campground. Despite being about 10 minutes from each other, the Edgar Dam campground is not managed by Southwest National Park and therefore does not require a park pass. About an hour north of these two sites is the Teds Beach Campground.
All three sites offer toilets, picnic tables, and more, with access for a tent, trailer, hybrid camper, caravan, and everything in between.
Visitors to Southwest National Park can also camp at Boltons Green campground, which is much further south than Huon and Edgar, and home to Cockle Creek. This is a very popular camping destination, but to get there from Huon Campground, you would have to travel 4 and a half hours, driving past the final destination on our list and back south through Hobart. So, it's fair to say you're probably going to tackle one part of Southwest National Park or another - but wherever you go, you're in for a treat!
Learn more about camping at Southwest's Huon, Edgar Dam, and Teds Beach campgrounds here.
Or check out Boltons Green campground and Cockle Creek here.
14. Mount Field National Park
Our final destination is about an hour and a half from Huon Campground at Southwest National Park and an hour and a bit from our starting point in Hobart.
Here we have Mount Field National Park, which is last but certainly not least! This National Park is home to towering forests, fabulous ferns, rivers, waterfalls, and more of nature's most romantic destinations.
You can see it all from Mount Field Campground, which offers powered and unpowered sites plus amenities for a small fee!
Learn more about camping at Mount Field National Park here.
About Camping in Tasmania: Further Questions and Considerations
- Is beach camping permitted in Tasmania? Yes - there are many beachside and coastal locations mentioned in the guide above.
- What is the best time of year to go camping in Tasmania? Go camping in the summer or the warmer parts of spring in Tasmania to make the most of the island state's cooler climate.
- Why go camping? Camping is a great way to connect with nature, connect with your family, or just leave behind the city, technology, and all your worries for a few days. Learn new skills, have some fun, and form a lifetime of memories!
- What should I bring camping? There is so much camping gear to consider. Check out our list of 80+ caravan, camper trailer, and camping accessories.
Also remember...
- Research the campsite before you leave so you know how to get there and if you need to book and pay in advance. Also check out the available amenities and facilities so you're fully prepared. Look for pit toilets, flushing toilets, electric barbecues, covered picnic tables, and more.
- It's also worth finding out if your vehicle and tow will have any access issues. Tracks that are unsealed, steep, narrow, or have other features may pose problems for some caravans and hybrid campers, as well as any vehicles that aren't 4WDs.
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Your campground may become inaccessible or unsafe to visit due to fires, floods, fallen trees, and other issues. Check for updates until the day you leave to make sure you're not in for any nasty surprises.
- Remember to leave your campsite as you found it so you and everyone else can enjoy it again in the future.
Plan Your Epic Tassie Camping Trip with Gear from Camping Adventures
The Camping Adventures team is an authorised dealer of the Patriot and Lifestyle range of camper trailers in Tasmania.
If you're looking to upgrade from a tent to a camper trailer or hybrid camper, explore the Patriot Camper Trailers for sale and Lifestyle Campers for sale in our range. Our travel trailers offer the very best way to see Tasmania's many campgrounds!
Check out our online camping store for all the latest camping gear and gadgets, including accessories for travel trailers and 4x4 camping accessories. To discuss the best camper trailers and hybrid campers in Australia, contact our team or make a trip to our showroom in the Melbourne suburb of Carrum Downs to see our trailers in person and get a hands-on demonstration!
