EV-Friendly Camping Grounds: Where to Charge While You Sleep

Australia’s wide-open landscapes and love of the great outdoors make road trips and camping a way of life. But as more Aussies switch to electric vehicles (EVs), the question arises: can you charge your EV while enjoying a night under the stars? The answer is increasingly yes—and knowing where to go (and what to bring) can make the difference between a relaxing getaway and range anxiety in the bush.

This guide explores EV-friendly campgrounds across Australia, how to charge while you sleep, what gear to pack, and how to plan your off-grid EV adventure.

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1. What Makes a Camping Ground EV-Friendly?

An EV-friendly campground isn’t just one with a power outlet. It’s a site that either offers:

Dedicated EV chargers (AC Type 2 or 15A sockets)
Accessible powered sites (15A power suitable for trickle charging)
Staff familiar with EV needs and usage
Proximity to nearby fast chargers or public infrastructure

Bonus points for solar-powered amenities, smart energy use, and campgrounds that actively promote EV access.

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2. Types of Charging Available at Campsites

Here’s what you’ll commonly find:

Standard 10A Power Socket: Common in most powered sites. Very slow charging (up to 2.4 kW)
15A Caravan Plug: Slightly faster (up to 3.6 kW). Ideal for overnight top-ups
Type 2 AC Charger: Some modern parks now include these—up to 7.2 kW
DC Fast Charging Nearby: Not at campgrounds, but some are within 10–20 km of public fast chargers

Charging overnight—even slowly—can be enough to add 100–250 km by morning, depending on your setup.

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3. Best EV-Friendly Camping Spots in Each State

A growing number of caravan parks and national parks are catering to EV owners. Some highlights:

NSW: NRMA Parks (e.g. Merimbula, Ocean Beach, Murramarang) often have Type 2 or 15A sockets
VIC: Big4 Great Ocean Road; Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park; Wilsons Prom has chargers nearby
QLD: Cape Hillsborough Tourist Park (15A), Big4 Gold Coast; fast chargers close to Noosa
SA: Discovery Parks Barossa Valley; Victor Harbor Holiday Park
WA: RAC Monkey Mia; Esperance Bay Holiday Park
TAS: Huon Valley Caravan Park; Cradle Mountain has nearby fast charging
ACT: Capital Country Holiday Park – close to Gungahlin fast chargers

Always check PlugShare or campground websites before booking—availability changes.

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4. Charging Etiquette for Campgrounds

Campground power wasn’t designed for dozens of EVs, so be courteous:

Always ask permission before plugging in—even at powered sites
Bring your own long, heavy-duty cable
Avoid using high settings that might trip breakers
Don’t block others’ access to power
Offer a donation or tip if charging on a standard socket

Many campgrounds are happy to help, but transparency and manners go a long way.

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5. Gear to Bring for EV Camping

To make charging simple and safe, pack:

Type 2 portable EV charger with adjustable amps
10m+ heavy-duty extension cord (15A rated if needed)
Type 1-to-Type 2 or Type 2-to-3-pin adapters (check your EV plug)
Power board with overload protection (for non-charging devices)
Energy meter (optional, for tracking kWh used)
Waterproof cable bag or storage box

These items help ensure you’re ready for anything from a trickle charge to a full overnight top-up.

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6. How to Use Solar and Portable Chargers

For off-grid adventurers, portable solar is an option—though still slow:

EcoFlow and Bluetti make portable solar battery kits that can charge EVs (slowly)
Most portable units output at 1.5–3 kW max
You’ll need several hours (or days) of sun for meaningful range
Use solar more for auxiliary needs: lights, fridges, phones

In short: solar won’t fully recharge your EV unless you’re stationary for a long time—but it’s a great supplement.

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7. Off-Grid EV Camping: What’s Possible?

Off-grid EV camping is growing thanks to:

Improved battery range (400–500 km on newer EVs)
Rooftop tents, camping pods, and towable micro-campers
Regenerative braking in hilly areas

With smart planning and low daily distances, off-grid EV camping is totally doable—especially if paired with solar and small generators (where allowed).

Apps like A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) help plan multi-day routes with charging stops factored in.

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8. Planning Tips to Avoid Range Anxiety

Here’s how to travel smart:

Plot campgrounds with 15A power ahead of time (use PlugShare)
Start charging as soon as you arrive
Avoid arriving at camp with <10% battery
If planning off-grid, carry backup options (generator or extra kWh stored)
Be conservative with detours and remote excursions

Range anxiety fades with experience—especially once you know what’s available and what your EV can realistically do.

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9. FAQs

Q: Can I use a normal caravan park power outlet to charge my EV?
A: Yes, most 15A powered sites are suitable for slow overnight charging. Always ask first.

Q: Do I need a special charger for camping?
A: A portable Type 2 EVSE with adjustable current is ideal. Avoid relying on the cable that comes with your car alone.

Q: Are DC fast chargers allowed in national parks?
A: Not typically on-site, but many parks have DC stations nearby—especially near popular tourist areas.

Q: Will my EV lose charge sitting at a cold campground overnight?
A: Not significantly in Australia. You might lose 1–2% from battery management, but no major drop.

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10. Conclusion

Camping with an EV in Australia is not only possible—it’s getting easier every year. With more powered sites, friendly operators, and growing infrastructure, you can charge while you sleep and wake up ready for the next leg of your adventure.

As EV ownership grows, expect even more campgrounds to support electric vehicles as a standard amenity. Until then, a little planning and the right gear go a long way to turning your EV into the perfect camping companion.

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Planning a camping trip with your EV? Discover EV-friendly camping grounds in Australia, how to charge overnight, and what to pack for off-grid electric adventures.