affordable camping sites

Have you considered purchasing this one

Camps Australia Wide

Shady Camp isn't free it's a Nat. Parks campground, so still fairly cheap though. the road in is (or was a few months back) mostly bitumin with the last 15 odd klms being good graded gravel road. i easily could have driven the family sedan in there, so no worries taking your van, plenty of room in the camp area, though i'm sure it is called shady as a piss take, because there ain't alot of trees about there.
when the tide washes over the causeway you'll be amazed as we were at how many crocs you can see, definately worth going for a look at.
cheers

Hi Grant, Qld National Parks charge $5.15 pp ( that was last years price) might be a little more more but that is cheap. And as said above Camps Australia Wide 6 is a good book for all the free camp spots as well as caravan parks.
Andy

If you are not already a member you should look here.
Bushtracker Owners Group
There is an owners section with lots of valuable info including lists of camp spots.

Bob

Hi Grant,

There are lots of free camps available, but... Those listed in publications like Camps Australia can be (but not always are) heavily populated by people like yourself. Those who are familiar with particular areas will probably know good spots but don't tend to advertise them - otherwise they too will become crowded, have rubbish etc. With experience you will learn how to find good camps, especially if you are just looking for an overnighter. Another way is to talk to other travellers who will often point you in the right direction.

There are not too many free camps in the Kimberly now.

Cheers,

Val