Free Camping Byron Bay – Hidden Locations Only Locals Know

It’s time to head to the beautiful northern NSW region of Byron Bay. One of the most popular spots for Australian holidays, free camping Byron Bay is a well-sought-after venture. I have personally visited this location many times, including the surrounding areas such as Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby, and Bangalow, and can assure you that it is one of my favourite spots. In fact I ended up moving here from Melbourne.

Here is the hard truth, there really are no free campgrounds within Byron Bay. It is a super commercialised holiday location. If you decide to set up shop in your campervan somewhere in Byron Bay chances are you will swiftly get a knock on your window from the local rangers and risk a fine. May as well have paid for a spot at the Aarts Factory.

In saying that there are several spots that are not too far from Byron which you can usually stay a night or two. These are ‘rest’ areas and they can be utilised to park and have a sleep while you are ‘passing’ through Byron. With a few of them in the regions, you can hop between them too and spend the night over several locations. So that’s crux when it comes to free camping in Byron Bay. Rest areas, free camping spots, and regulations are key factors to consider when planning your trip to this popular holiday destination.

Other Free Camping Guides for the Region:
Free Camping Brunswick Heads
Free Camping Lennox Heads

What to expect at these Free Camping Byron Bay rest areas?

Not a lot friend. In fact, you are most likely only encounter a toilet, which is better than nothing I suppose. If you are staying here and need a shower, super bonus! Just drive up to the beach where they have an abundant amount of beach showers where you can get your wash in public (do keep your bits and pieces covered still). You will also find that there are BBQ’s at these beach locations which you can use to cook your hot meals. So technically you can do it for free it just not as practical as most other free camping sites.

Rest Area Locations:

Hilltop Lookout – Free Camping Byron Bay Region

This rest area is typically only used for day use but reports around the interwebs suggest that it is rare that you will bump into a ranger at this location. The reality is if you do happen to bump into a ranger in this location, just tell them that you need to rest due to fatigue. You will continue your journey north or south when you’re in a position to do so. Ain’t nobody going to force a tired driver back on the road my friends

The location itself has an amazing view over the Byron Bay region and the surrounding countryside. In saying that as mentioned prior that there are no free camping sites in Byron so you will be 16 kilometres out of town. The price you pay for free.

The location of Hilltop Lookout is located in the below image, closer direction and a zoomable map can be found here.

Yelgun Rest Area – Fee of Charge

Again being a free camping Byron Bay region, it does happen to be 25 km’s away from the town centres. In saying that for a rest area it actually is pretty sweet! You can stay in your campervan at no cost in this location. You obviously can’t whip out your tent, but for the self-sufficient camper, it will make do.

The area itself has got some really good amenities with a toilet block and BBQs available. It even has a playground for those of you with kiddies that can be used to keep them busy for hours. Same rules apply if you get the friendly knock from the ranger, just use the resting excuse if they ask you to move on.

It might not be right near Byron Bay but there is a bonus that is actually is not that far from the awesome beaches at South Golden Beach, which is a super ideal location to enjoy the day at the beach as well.

The location can be seen below but if you are looking for a specific map that you can zoom on please click here.

Sunnycrest Lane Rest Area

Another free camping Byron Bay region is the Sunnycrest Lane Rest Area. It is the closet to Byron Bay on this list of rest areas. ‘Just’ 12 km’s from Byron Bay it is just a hop skip and jump to the heart of town.

Th Sunnycrest Lane Rest Area is located on the B62 just on the Sunnycrest Lane. There is a nice clear sign in the area which clearly states, no overnight camping allowed. It seems from the word online is that people have rarely had problems in this location, alas the rest excuse is always in your back pocket. Some have even noted that they have spent many nights there.

Not being on the main freeway makes it a good hideaway from the pesky rangers and will allow you to save some moula if you are on a tight budget on your travels around Australia.

Sunnycrest Lane Rest Area – Camping Location

Tyagarah Rest Area

The final location of free camping Byron Bay is the Tyagarah Rest area. The sign clearly states no camping. As I have mentioned previously you can always use the old line of that you are too tired to continue driving. As this location is on the main Pacific Highway I would suggest it would be one of the more prominent locations for rangers to visit. Alas, you can always try your luck. Location below:

So if you cant get free camping Byron Bay, why not look at some cost effective accommodation when visiting Byron Bay next? Well, look at our guide for Byron Bay Caravan Parks. We also have some great information on beach camping Byron Bay.

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What are some cheap camping Byron Bay options?

So free camping Byron Bay options are super limited. So let’s look at the next tier. When it comes to cheap camping options in Byron Bay, some of the main options include staying at Byron Bay caravan parks. There are several caravan parks in the area that offer budget-friendly options for camping, including:

Arts Factory Lodge:
This popular backpackers’ hostel offers camping options in addition to the dormitory and private room accommodations. They have a camping ground with shared facilities, it’s a rustic and laid-back atmosphere, and it’s located a short drive from the town center. Campsites prices vary depending on the season and availability, but on average you can expect to pay around $20 per person per night.

Sunrise Holiday Park:
This park offers a variety of camping options including powered and unpowered sites, as well as cabin and villa accommodations. It’s located just a short drive from the town center and features a range of facilities including a pool, playground, and BBQ area. Prices for camping sites vary depending on the season and availability, but on average you can expect to pay around $40 per night for a powered site, and $30 per night for an unpowered site.

Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park:
This park offers beachfront camping options, as well as cabin and villa rentals. It’s located on the beach in Suffolk Park and features a range of facilities including a pool, playground, and BBQ area. Prices for camping sites vary depending on the season and availability, but on average you can expect to pay around $50 per night for a powered site, and $40 per night for an unpowered site.

Broken Head Holiday Park:
This park offers a range of camping options, including powered and unpowered sites, as well as cabin and cottage rentals. It’s located on the beach at Broken Head, and features a range of facilities including a pool, playground, and BBQ area. Prices for camping sites vary depending on the season and availability, but on average you can expect to pay around $40 per night for a powered site, and $30 per night for an unpowered site.

Keep in mind that these prices are approximate and can vary depending on the season and availability. It’s always a good idea to check the caravan park’s website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date pricing and availability information.

Free Camping Byron Bay FAQ:

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