showground camping

We have often been unable to obtain current info on showground camping. They change all the time - sometimes closed as a result of protests from local caravan park operators, sometimes to save costs for upkeep of amenities etc and sometimes because, when we are there, there is a show or pony club event or something similar occupying the camping area. Even showgrounds listed in popular camping guides cannot be relied on.
However, we have often found it pays, when in a town, to approach the council directly or ring the number on the showground sign and ask if we can camp there. They must assess that we sound OK! We have often been given permission to camp, usually at a very reasonable fee. One local said they like to have people there to assist them with security and did not charge us for a powered site. We enjoy showgrounds. We travel with a dog and we appreciate the usual generous space.
Local Tourist Information centres often won't tell you about showground camping because they are only allowed to direct you to Caravan Parks.
One showground that is actually usually open for public camping is Canberra. It ia well set up for vans or tents and conveniently located. It is the best place to camp in Canberra. Lynne

You could try this site Oz Camps

There are a few showgrounds on the list.

Hi Mark

There is no complete list as they are run by individual committees. I am adding those which charge a lower fee (eg below $20 powered) and listing on my website at Free and Low Cost as part of a collection of free and low cost camping, but i am finding some falling off as fast as i find others - often due to a caravan park complaining and the poor committee who values the added income from casual campers has to go through hoops of fire to get the right use the land for something more than shows (for which camping during events is a legitimate use) and meet caravan park standards - something they may not be willing or able to do. Hence you may find that when you get there, it has been closed. This happened to us in Dalby Qld a couple of years ago. I have not yet looked at Victoria.

In addition to OzCamps above which specialises in free camps, some showgrounds will be listed on Badger's which is a caravan parks review sites consisting of contributions by users.The caravanners forum - RV Friendly section has an RV Friendly section, which includes showgrounds where low cost and this is a growing resource.

Motherhen