NSW National Parks is seeking expressions of interest from commercial operators to trial “supported camping” services at 23 campgrounds across 16 parks.
The initiative aims to make camping more accessible by offering services such as tent and caravan hire, equipment delivery (bedding, cooking gear) and potentially food packages.
Now this might not interest you lot but there are plenty of people who think camping and the great outdoors is a bit out of their comfort zone.
A spokesperson from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said, “By providing fully set-up gear, we can help more people experience the outdoors and gain confidence.”
Research by Instinct and Reason (2023) found that 10% of NSW adults have never camped but are interested, with 15% saying pre-set camping gear is essential. Nearly half of current campers prefer sites that offer equipment hire.
NPWS says the trial responds to rising interest in camping, especially among those lacking gear or experience. It could also benefit interstate and international travellers unable to bring equipment.
However, the plan follows public backlash over proposed fee hikes, including a petition by adventurer Michael Atkinson (Outback Mike) and the NSW Nationals. Mike criticised the agency’s failure to expand existing facilities: “Why bring in a new market if they can't serve the current one?”
NPWS has not clarified how it will regulate pricing among operators involved in the trial.