Victoria's (AU) free camping changes are good news for the independent holiday park industry, but peer-to-peer platforms like Hipcamp are unlikely to disappear. Here's how to stay ahead. 

The free camping conversation

Free camping has been a hot topic in Victoria,  and it has now concluded as of July 1st. With free camping coming to an end at state-managed campgrounds, Victorian holiday parks now have the chance to compete on fairer ground. But what lessons can the broader industry learn from this move? 

Affordable camping has always been a central part of Aussie travel culture, offering budget-friendly, flexible, and freedom-filled experiences. Yet the reality of free unmanaged sites brings out the worst in campers, which often includes litter being left behind, overstays and a whole lot of rule-breaking.   

This isn't just an Australian thing. Free and low-cost camping is popular around the world. In the US they call it 'boondocking,' in the UK 'wild camping,' but everywhere you go, travellers are seeking affordable, flexible ways to explore while parks grapple with balancing open access and sustainable tourism. 

For years, holiday parks have been regulated, staffed, and maintained all year round, and arguably were overlooked when the state government considered the free initiative at state-level parks. 

With the government initiative ending, Caravan & Residential Parks Victoria confirmed free camping would transition back into bookable, half-priced sites across state-managed campgrounds. It levels the playing field, giving independenlty run holiday parks a fair go against government-subsidised campgrounds. 

It’s a significant step towards ensuring holiday parks aren't unfairly disadvantaged. But parks can't relax just yet; the competitive landscape continues to evolve fast. 

The Airbnb Effect: Peer-to-Peer Camping Apps 

Just when parks thought they'd caught a break, peer-to-peer camping platforms like Hipcamp and Campspace have started reshaping the landscape again. Think Airbnb but for tents and campervans. Much like free camping, these platforms offer travellers budget-friendly and flexible options, tapping into that same desire for freedom and unique experiences. 

This shift mirrors the disruption Airbnb initially brought to hotels, it’s a shake-up rather than a shutdown. Similarly, holiday parks are often cautious about embracing platforms like Hipcamp and Camplify, weighing the costs, operational demands, and potential complexities involved. These concerns closely parallel the challenges introduced by free camping, such as navigating evolving regulations, meeting rising visitor expectations, and maintaining fair competition.  Unlike Airbnb, which is increasingly regulated by governments, independent holiday parks currently face limited oversight of these peer-to-peer camping platforms. Holiday parks must think creatively and proactively engage with these emerging alternatives to remain competitive and visible in the market. 

Why holiday parks must evolve now 

The camping landscape is shifting fast, but that doesn't mean parks are being left behind. In fact, now is the perfect time for holiday parks to get ahead. 

Peer-to-peer apps like Hipcamp and Camplify aren't going anywhere but they don't have to be the competition. Parks that adapt and list on these platforms can tap into new audiences, fill empty sites, and keep control of bookings through integrated systems like RMS. 

Here's a quick side-by-side comparison to help you decide which platforms are best suited for your park. 

Today, visibility is about more than just having a website; it’s about showing up where your next guest is looking, whether that’s a booking app, a comparison site, or an AI travel assistant. Parks that embrace integrated booking tools and smart use of guest data will be the ones leading the way. 

Final Thoughts 

Victoria’s shift away from free camping represents positive progress, but the tech race is even faster. Staying visible, flexible, and connected is what sets top parks apart. Parks that remain curious, proactive, and digitally savvy won't just keep up, they'll lead. Staying static isn't safe anymore, so keep evolving, keep experimenting, and let your park be the one guests choose, again and again.