When people think about budget travel, they usually imagine hostels or cheap motels — not sleeping in a tent beside a beach. But during my road trips through Australia and New Zealand, I discovered a better way: freedom camping.
Over the course of two, month-long road trips in each country, I camped for free many nights, occasionally paying for a campsite at a holiday park (also known as a caravan or RV park) when I needed a shower or laundry, or in a national or state park near a trail I planned to hike the next day. I drove an economy car, pitched my tent on the grass, and spent my days hiking, swimming, and exploring. I never felt unsafe, and I never got fined, even though I did have a few nights when it took some extra searching to find a decent spot.
I started freedom camping because it saved me money. I kept doing it because I loved it.
Here’s how to make it work, what to expect, and why I can’t wait to do it again.
