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Rural Host Resource Guide

Hosting more than six vehicles on your rural property? You'll likely need a council approval. Here's the plain-English rundown.

Primitive Camping Ground Approval — Section 68, Local Government Act

In NSW (and similar frameworks across other states), a property hosting more than six camping vehicles or sites at any one time generally requires a "Primitive Camping Ground" approval issued by the Local Council under Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993. Below six vehicles you usually qualify for the exempt small-scale provision — check with your council to confirm.

What you'll need

  • A site plan showing vehicle positions, setbacks, vehicle access, and the location of toilet and waste-disposal facilities.
  • Bushfire risk assessment if your property is in a designated bushfire-prone area.
  • Evidence of potable water supply OR clear signage that water must be brought in.
  • Waste-water management plan (greywater, blackwater, and bin servicing).
  • Public liability insurance documentation (typically $20 million minimum).
  • Land-use zoning confirmation — most rural (RU1, RU2, RU4) zones allow it; some require a separate Development Application.

How to lodge

  1. Call your council's planning officer first. A 10-minute chat saves weeks of back-and-forth. Ask if your property qualifies as exempt, requires a Section 68 approval only, or also needs a Development Application.
  2. Download the Section 68 application form from your council's website (search "Section 68 primitive camping ground").
  3. Prepare the supporting documents from the list above.
  4. Lodge in person or via the NSW Planning Portal with the application fee (typically $300–$800 depending on council).
  5. Inspection. Council will usually inspect within 4–8 weeks. Address any conditions and you're approved — typically for 5 years.

Minimum facilities

  • 1 toilet per 30 people (or part thereof). Composting and long-drop accepted in primitive camping classification.
  • Rubbish disposal — either on-site bins serviced weekly or a "take it with you" policy clearly signed.
  • Vehicle access wide enough for emergency services.
  • Designated fire-pit areas with sand/water buckets nearby (or "no open fires" signage during fire danger periods).
Heads up: Requirements vary state-by-state and council-by-council. This page is a starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with your local council before advertising capacity above six vehicles.

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