OT camp site alternatives?

[fishboy]

Can anyone recommend any nice spots to camp that is a little more “off the beaten track” than the standard hut camp grounds? I realise that this is generally discouraged by Parks and Wildlife, but my girlfriend and I are cautiously mindful of leaving no trace when we’re bushwalking and we had hoped to get away from the designated hut sites for one or two nights this time around.

I know this is a controversial topic, but if anyone could suggest one or two spots to me (via a private message) it would be greatly appreciated.

[tazzieguy]

Your best bet is really to look at the contour maps, try and find relatively flat looking places and scout them out when you get there. You want to stay away from the low lying areas unless you enjoy swimming in your tent and a sleeping bag full of leaches.
Really just common sense mate, make sure the area you set up your tent is not going to flood if the weather changes for the worst and stay well well well away as in 700m plus from any lakes/rivers/streams. Also respect no camping areas and make sure your tent cannot be easily seen from the track.

[Erica]

Hardly anyone camps at Old Pelion Hut, stunning place in my opinion. Plus, I there's a toilet there (not sure how nice it is), a good water supply and a lovely swimming spot!

[Nuts]

There are a number of sites away from the hut sites. Before the booking system started these were used quite often. Some of them (eg Pelion Creek) were closed due to degradation others (eg Old Pelion) are available only you will find camping at these is discouraged. This is fair enough, there are many people who would like to follow your lead im sure. You can also find a few outlying tent sites/platforms at the established campsites. A different track may be a better idea if privacy is a priority?

[Walk_fat boy_walk]

There are heaps of good sites along or near the track that aren't near the huts and generally not heavily used. Top of my head: Lake Will, Frog Flats, Old Pelion, various spots around Pelion/Douglas Ck, couple of small sites at Ducane Gap, Bowling Green south of Windy Ridge.Plenty more I'm sure. If you head down to Hartnett Falls and upstream (into Never never) there are quite a few spots (one just near Hartnett although I'm not sure if this is discouraged or not). Been a while since I was down that way but can't imagine too much has changed.

EDIT reading the prev post these sites may no longer be allowed coz of the #^(&ing booking system.

[taswegian]

What's the itinery?
Centre reserve- Pelion West- Paddy's Nut circuit is a great spot and offers camp sites that would fit your bill.
There's a fair bit to do whilst up there and offers an alternative from main track.