What percentage of your time do you spend at camps like this?
For grey nomads and soon-to-be grey nomads, the decision about the type of places they want to camp as they travel is one of the most important.
The answer will determine the sort of vehicle they buy to travel in, and will have a huge impact on their on-the-road budget. Of course, for most people this is not an ‘either, or’ decision. While the relative percentages may vary, the majority of travellers will stay in caravan parks, in roadside stops, in bush camps and in national parks as they explore and enjoy this wonderful country.
The relative breakdown of how much of their time the average grey nomad spends in each sort of camping spot seems to be a matter of some debate around campfires, outside amenities blocks, and even within the caravan industry itself.
However, the most recent data from Tourism Research Australia should help settle – or start – a few arguments.
For the year up until June 2017, it indicates that 74% of nights generated by grey nomads – that is Australian caravan and campers aged over 55 – were spent in commercial caravan parks. That compares to 17% which were spent on the side of the road, and 8.6% which were spent in national parks.
The figures are apparently very comparable to the results of research into the same area back in 2013.
100% free camping & NP- we are fully self-contained and do not need caravan parks
Freedom camps (low cost, farm stays, house sits,) 75%, national parks 20%, caravan park, have to be desperate, 5%
Further to my breakdown of figures, as permanently on the road, we cannot afford to go to caravan parks on a regular basis. Based on, say $35.00 per night, that would be $12,775 out of our pension. That is not taking into the equation the inflation of park fees during school holidays and over xmas.easter.
75% free camp or low cost and 20% national parks and 5% c/parks. We would change these figures IF c/parks did not charge so much.
Whilst the set-up we have lends itself to be self sufficient, I prefer the safety in numbers that a caravan park offers. We do occasionally stay at free camps, but I would estimate 95% in caravan parks.
we have only had stuff stolen while staying in caravan parks nothing while free camping
Have to go with Lorraine and Laurie caravan parks are much to expensive and. You meet the nicest people when free camping
When we go away for a few days we never go to a Caravan Park.
If touring, as we did recently never staying more than two nights in one place,we spent 4 nights free camping and 16 nights in reasonably priced Caravan Parks.
We never go to resort type / expensive Caravan Parks.
Out of 240 days around Australia we spent 11 days in caravan parks , most were under &20, Caravan parks are mostly far too expensive. Total cost &5. 70 per night.
Not right, nowdays most motorhomes/caravans have solar power, showers and toilets, some even have washing machines so why would one stay in caravan parks at the exorbitant prices, close proximity and restrictions they enforce. Australia needs to follow other countries and provide more roadside stops with water and dump points and towns need to stop letting park owners rule what goes one. We spend more in towns if we don’t have to pay dearly for somewhere to park.
Great idea to stay in free or cheap camps where possible but sometimes our shell neads fixing or our motor Horse needs repair (caravan parks are convenient )
Free or freedom parks ,small towns sometimes offer a reasonable alternative . Large towns, city’s are out of reach on our budget . When overnighting in small town we usually buy fuel, food supplies and meals. We could travel il forced into caravan parks and the small communities would suffer financially.
Caravan parks have priced themselves out of our budget. We are fully self sufficient and you meet the best people in free camps
They charge but dont have proper services. Sewer connected so you don’t t hace to walk to a dump station very primitive. American caravan parks are the best.
Free camps 90% of the time better company and more fun