11 Best Free Campsites On Tasmania’s East Coast

Tasmania’s east coast is rich in beauty, where verdant hills meet an uncrowded coastline dotted with quaint seaside towns. The azure blue water strikingly contrasts with the orange-hued rocks set against soft white sand. But the best part is, you’ll find Australia’s best free camping on Tasmania’s east coast.

Close to 20 free campsites run down the east coast from Eddystone Point to Hobart and those that aren’t free are under $20 per vehicle! We’ve had the pleasure of staying in every single one of the free east coast Tasmanian camping grounds listed in this post and below, you’ll find a detailed description of each so you can plan your east coast Tasmania road trip like a pro.

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11 Best Free East Coast Tasmania Camping Grounds

Before we get stuck into the list of best free campsites on Tasmania’s east coast, we just want to give a friendly reminder of the importance to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles. It’s unbelievable that we’re gifted with so many free campsites in absolutely prime locations along the east coast, but this will all be taken away if we don’t respect the areas and clean up after ourselves.

Remember to pack out any rubbish you take in – including food scraps and tissues – and use the toilets provided.

1. Cosy Corner North Campground

There are over 10 free campsites running along the iconic Bay of Fires coastline but one we continuously come back to is Cosy Corner North. Nestled into the twisted coastal trees with glimpses of the clear blue water, the campsite at Cosy Corner North provides a stunning little oasis with protection from the elements.

Hang up a hammock, grab your snorkel and enjoy the slow life at this campsite where you can stay for up to 4 weeks for free! At Cosy Corner North, you’ll find a spacious area with plenty of room for large caravans and trailers and a few private nooks to the right. But if you’re visiting in summer you better get in early as it’s often packed full every weekend.

2. Swimcart Beach Campground

For magical views and instant access to the water’s edge, look no further than Swimcart Beach. Hands down the most popular free campsite in the Bay of Fires, Swimcart Beach is a kilometre-long stretch of coast that’s perfect for surf fishing and the occasional wave to surf. 

Swimcart Beach is equipped with an open area for groups of campers along with dozens of spots right on the edge of the sandy beach overlooking the beautiful coast. Even in winter, you can see a line of campervans and caravans bordering Swimcart Beach.

You’re certainly rewarded the best views at Swimcart Beach, but the downside to that is the fact that in summer, it’s always crowded. However, if that doesn’t bother you then this is the ideal spot to set up and enjoy the magical sunrises and sunsets from the comfort of your free coastal camp.

3. Jeanerette Beach Campground

Tucked around the headland from Swimcart Beach, Jeanerette Beach offers almost the same quality views but without the huge crowds. These cosy campsites are suitable only for small campervans and camping trailers, with a turning circle that is too small for larger rigs.

Jeanerette Beach campground offers the choice of two beaches on either side of the headland and a stellar view from the top of the point itself. Plus, this is the closest campsite to the quaint town of Binalong Bay, where you can grab a delicious coffee or wood-fired pizza from The Hub Seaside.

4. Dora Point Campground

Located within Humbug Point Nature Recreation Area, Dora Point campsite sits between Binalong Bay and St Helens surrounded by stunning coastal forests and bordering the peaceful Georges Bay inlet.

Dora Point is the perfect place for adventurers. You’ll have instant access to various walks throughout the reserve and the inlet offers a good entry point for sea kayaks. Plus, the campsite has access to both the calm inlet and a stunning beach flanked by bright orange lichen boulders.

This spacious free campsite is large enough for all kinds of camping rigs and is fitted with a wheelchair-accessible toilet block, making it suitable for all travellers. You’ll also have access to cold showers – which unfortunately aren’t large enough for wheelchair users.

5. Dianas Basin Campground

Found just 10 minutes south of St Helens, the largest coastal town on the northeast coast of Tasmania, Dianas Basin offers the best of both worlds. Two picturesque camping areas sit on the banks of the calm basin, while a quick walk will deliver you to the ocean on the other side of the headland.

One of the camping areas offers an open space suitable for larger caravans and camping trailers, while the second located on the right is a touch smaller and ideal for tents and campervans. 

This is the perfect free east coast Tasmania camping ground for travellers with paddle boards or kayaks and those wishing to stay close to St Helens. You’re also just over 5 minutes from the St Helens Mountain Bike Trails and the epic surf beaches found at Beaumaris and Scamander.

6. Evercreech Forest Reserve Campground

Even though Evercreech Forest Reserve Campground isn’t located on the coast, it’s worth a mention as it is one of our favourite forest campsites in Tasmania. Found within a tiny reserve beside the larger Mathinna Falls Forest Reserve, you’ll find an oasis beneath giant old gum trees where you can set up camp right alongside a fern-laden creek. 

There are two walks you can do from the Evercreech campground, along with another waterfall walk to Mathinna Falls – our top waterfall in northeast Tasmania – a 30-minute drive west.

The campsite itself is set in a grassy clearing with a shelter, toilets and fire pits fit with a bbq plate. There’s no denying it’s a little out of the way if you’re planning to drive along the coast, but if you’re after a little nature fix then this is the place for you!

7. Little Beach Campground

We recently came across this little hidden gem between Scamander and Bicheno and fell in love. The cosy little east coast Tasmania campsite is tucked into a forest of eucalypts beside Little Beach Creek with views out to the secluded Little Beach.

There is only space for a few campers at one time and it’s too tight for large rigs, but that just adds to the charm of Little Beach. This would be the perfect place for a group of friends travelling together – if you managed to find the campsite empty.

The best thing about Little Beach campground is the stunning beach bordered by rocky headlands on either side, which is known to support a good wave when the conditions are favourable.

8. Lagoons Beach Campground

Located just south of Little Beach, Lagoons Beach is another beautiful spot to spend a few days enjoying the quiet coastline. Lagoons Beach campground is much more spacious compared to Little Beach, allowing access for large caravans and bigger groups.

As the name suggests, this campsite is situated on the banks of Lower Marsh Creek which provides a safe swimming option for young ones. And for the more adventurous, Lagoons Beach can often provide epic surfing conditions.

9. Friendly Beaches Campground

Friendly Beaches offers the best free camping on Tasmania’s east coast – hands down. This stunning beachside campsite looks out over the Freycinet Peninsula and offers easy access to multiple coves and long stretches of fine white sand.

The rambling campground is equipped with a number of private sites tucked into the coastal bush covering the headland, where your closest neighbour is the curious wallabies that frequent the sites.

Friendly Beaches is a sensational snorkelling, surfing and free diving spot. But even if you’d rather stay out of the water, the rock pools are teeming with life and colour and the boulder-strewn beaches offer a stunning walk.

Note: Friendly Beaches is located within the Freycinet National Park and a Tasmanian Parks Pass is required to camp here.

10. River and Rocks Camping Area

Located close to Coles Bay, River and Rocks is the best free place to camp while exploring the many things to do on the Freycinet Peninsula. The picturesque campsite sits on the banks of Swanwick Bay overlooking the iconic Hazards mountain range.

We’ve stayed at River and Rocks (also known as Swan River Campground) on multiple occasions and love the peaceful vibes found there. It’s only a 10-minute drive from the popular Freycinet Peninsula walks, but it feels far less busy. Plus, the sunsets are simply incredible from the water’s edge – but be wary of the millions of little crabs that come out at low tide!

Note: The campsite is quite tight and the sand can get soft, making some sites unsuitable for larger caravans or heavy campervans. It’s best to walk in first to check the availability before driving in with a big rig.

11. Mayfield Bay Camping

Although not technically free, Mayfield Bay campground is a beautiful place to stay close to Maria Island and only requires you to pay a donation. It’s also the southernmost (almost) free campsite on Tasmania’s east coast, where you’ll begin to pay the closer you get to Hobart.

Mayfield Bay campground offers beachfront views while providing a shady oasis at the grassy sites. It’s the ideal location for swimming in the calm bay water that’s protected from swell by the Freycinet Peninsula in the distance.

Final Thoughts On Tasmania’s East Coast Camping

We are very lucky to have such an abundance of free camping on the east coast of Tasmania and no matter which campsite you choose, you’re bound to love it. Just remember to leave no trace and respect each location so that we can continue to enjoy these free campsites for years to come.

Which free campsite is your favourite along Tasmania’s east coast? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

Happy Adventuring 🙂