With Easter approaching and a holiday surge in visitors expected, illegal campers are being warned that they can expect a less than warm welcome in many communities.
With caravan parks, especially those along the coast, often full to bursting at this time of the year, and surge pricing commonly putting site fees sky high, the temptation to pull up somewhere for a stealthy sleep can prove irresistible to some.
However, it does not come without its risks.
In NSW, for example, the Central Coast Council says it is taking stronger action against illegal camping, with increased ranger patrols, new signage and stricter penalties to protect public spaces for both residents and visitors.
Ranger alert! Camping in residential streets could be costly. PIC: Cizza
It stresses that camping in residential streets, beach carparks and nature reserves is prohibited, saying that Illegal camping can lead to litter, environmental damage and safety concerns.
“To keep public spaces safe and accessible for everyone, ranger patrols will now operate seven days a week, from early morning and overnight, with fines issued to those who do not comply with the signposted rules,” the council said. “The increased enforcement aims to balance welcoming visitors while ensuring the local environment and community are safe and respected.”
The crackdown includes stronger penalties for illegal camping, with on-the-spot fines ranging from $110 to $2,200 and a maximum penalty of $110,000 for repeat offenders.
The Central Coast Council has also reviewed and updated signage at key locations, restricting overnight parking between 10pm and 5am and making it clear that camping is not permitted.
“By addressing illegal camping, we are helping to ensure that locals and visitors alike can continue to enjoy these spaces without disruption,” it said. “The message is simple – if you’re visiting the Central Coast, plan ahead and book an approved campsite.”
However, like other local authorities up and down the country, the council acknowledged that some individuals who camp illegally may be experiencing homelessness.
“In these cases, rangers work closely with Specialist Homelessness Services and the Central Coast Assertive Outreach Team to connect people with housing, health and crisis relief,” it said. “People who are experiencing homelessness are to be treated respectfully and appropriately.”
At some stage most Australians will travel in a motorhome/campervan. Caravan parks are noisy cramped ghettos which are so expensive you can basically rent a small house for the weekly caravan park powered site cost, let alone they are usually NOT where you want to camp. I do not condone caravans in streets and beach car parks, nor do I think a motorhome/campervan should set up any type of awning or table and chairs etc. But if you pull up in you van late in the afternoon and close up all you windows and sleep overnight there is zero impact on anybody and certainly no different than just parking your vehicle somewhere, which is totally legal.
Like everything, there is always the morons giving the rest a bad reputation. Rangers should focus on the bad eggs.
I’ve always parked in beach car parks or even streets in front of a church or motel or anywhere except in front of a residential home. Get in late and leave early.
I also think you should not stay in the same spot night after night. I’ve seen some parked up with flat tyres who obviously never move.
Filthy grubs stealth camping at many NSW south coast beaches and boat ramps most weekends. They will go to the toilets anywhere, throw their rubbish in the bush and generally don’t care.