Are there secret campsites in the royal national park?

[Ultrahdqualityy]

I know theres a couple of legal sites to camp and that bush camping is not allowed. Of course one can assume that it still happens. No need to elaborate on your specific secret spot here but, do they exist? And are any accesible by car or only extended bushwalks? (Particuarly wondering about wottamolla beach)

[ribuck]

The prohibition on wild camping possibly applies only above the mean high water mark. I would be too nervous to sleep below MHWM, even in settled weather at a time of extreme low tides, but I have heard of it being done.

[GPSGuided]

I read that RNP used to have a significant population during the great depression days. Since, it has a persistent population (very small number of homeless) to this present day. It's definitely big enough to hide.

[Grabeach]

I take “secret campsite” to mean a rarely used small flat clearing with a ring of stones where you could light a fire at night that wouldn’t be seen by a passing car or boat. It would also not be next to a walking track to a known tourist spot. These criteria rule out the numerous unofficial old campsites along Port Hacking and the river, near waterfalls, pools or the Coast Track, and obviously anything accessible by car.

I have, however, stumbled by chance across a couple of suitable sites when mountain biking to the end of rarely used service trails. Not the 'turn around' area, but nice small hidden spots that look like they haven’t been used in decades. So, in answer to you question - yes, but they aren't near Wattamolla.

[Hughmac]

There are a few, but there are only two sites in the RNP where camping is legal. Leaving your car at Wattamolla car park overnight might be viewed fairly dimly if you couldn't prove you were camping legally.

[puredingo]

Plus said car will be locked in over night...if an emergency should occur it would be dramas aplenty!!

[GPSGuided]

Wait, are you guys saying it's not allowed to park at Garie or Wattamolla overnight?


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[puredingo]

You can park there but they lock the gates from dusk till dawn...unless things have changed? I grew up in the "Nasho" from 0-28 and that's the way it always was (unless you got a lazy ranger who couldn't be bothered).

[GPSGuided]

Thanks. Good enough with an annual pass and overnight camp.