Ghost Camping on the Rise in Australia: A Frustrating TrendThis holiday season, a growing issue called ghost camping is causing frustration across Australia. Ghost camping occurs when people book prime camping spots, often for free, and then leave them empty. Recently, motorhome and campervan owners have taken this a step further, parking their vehicles in popular waterfront locations for days or weeks before they actually arrive.Heatley and Michelle Gilmore, who run Camps Australia Wide, have witnessed this problem escalate in the last five years. They attribute this to a surge in caravan and motorhome ownership, with many people vying for the best spots during peak holiday times. While experienced campers disapprove of this practice, newer campers may feel pressured to secure a good location by setting up weeks in advance, often leaving their van or campsite set up for their short holiday.The issue is particularly prevalent in free spots like national parks, where its challenging to enforce rules. For instance, in Tocumwal, New South Wales, one traveler observed fifteen caravans parked along the Murray River, but only two were being used. This practice is also common along the coast of Western Australia and near Rainbow Beach in Queensland.To avoid the frustration of ghost campers, Michelle Gilmore suggests researching lesser-known, secret camping spots. She also emphasizes that raising campsite prices isnt the solution, as affordable camping holidays are essential for Australian families.

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