NSW National Parks are improving camping!!

[crollsurf]

NSW National Parks are asking people to fill out a survey &/or write a submission regarding the changes to camping in the Parks. https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/camping
Basically the prices are going up and the temporary COVID booking system is here to stay.

[emydura]

The proposed changes is a positive from the perspective that you no longer need to book ahead for the free campsites nor pay the $6 booking fee. That is, first in, best dressed. I was sick of these free campsites being booked out but basically empty.

[Allchin09]

My view is that many of the campsites which didn't have bookings prior to covid probably don't need bookings going forward

It's good that they're proposing no booking + free for those base level sites again. However, it's not clear at all what these sites actually are. A map or list of all sites with their proposed pricing category is really needed.

I'd also argue that a pit toilet or basic shelter shouldn't be the determining factor for that base free level. They should only be charging a fee if overuse / crowding is an issue. Again, it's not clear which sites will fall into which categories.

Eg, with pit toilets added to campsites near Ruined Castle and Mobbs Swamp in recent years, will these now be charged?

[emydura]

Yes, that was my concern. National Parks are saying that 10% of their campsites will be free. I'd have thought that free campsites would currently be more than 10%. I am thinking that some of the current free campsites will be reclassified into paid campsites, especially those with pit toilets.

[crollsurf]

The tier description is probably intentionally vague. The pricing structure is somewhat clearer. It suggests if the site has a pit toilet, it will be tier 2 or greater.
The problem I have is that a lot of people go camping because that's all they can afford. Families in particular.

[rcaffin]

National Parks are saying that 10% of their campsites will be free.

Sounds like car camping to me. Ignore.
From MY perspective, ALL camping in NPs is free. They are not going to come looking for me, nor will they find me.
Someone in the Gov't is (still) trying to monetise the NPs. It failed every previous time.

Cheers
Roger

[michael_p]

Stumbled onto this video about ghost camping. People booking camp sites and not showing up seems to be a problem everywhere.

[rcaffin]

Stumbled onto this video about ghost camping. People booking camp sites and not showing up seems to be a problem everywhere.
Ah, but the BIG question is 'Did they pay in advance?'
If not, then you may be seeing passive sabotage in action. Income stream blocked.
I like the idea.

Cheers
Roger

[Allchin09]

My view is that the best way to address ghost bookings / camping is to just not take bookings, as has long been the case. Many sites don't warrant having bookings and when introduced (even if free) seems to cause more trouble than the benefits it brings