Caravan park and camping approvals
Eurobodalla Shire has over 32 caravan parks and camping grounds. Council plays a key role in regulating these parks to enforce safety and compliance standards. Our annual inspections ensure that parks meet the Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021 (the Regulation).
Whether you're starting a new park, modifying an existing one, or setting up temporary camping for an event, this page explains everything you need to know.
Approval process
Caravan park or camping ground+
To operate a caravan park or camping ground in Eurobodalla, you need approval from Council. This section explains the steps to get approval, whether you're starting a new park or modifying an existing one.
Starting a new park or ground
To start a new caravan park or camping ground, you must:
- Submit a development application (DA): Apply for development consent to establish the park.
- Apply for Council approval: Under section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993 (LG Act), you must apply for Council approval to operate your park. You can apply for approval via the NSW Planning Portal. Follow the steps outlined in our section 68 application process. You must include:
The approval to operate is valid for five years, or another period set by Council. After this time, you must renew your approval to operate by following step 2 to submit a new application.
Modifying an existing park or ground
If you already have development consent and want to make changes - like modifying site layouts or adding new sites - you must submit a DA for approval before starting the work.
How to apply for development consent
- Follow the steps outlined on our DA process page.
- Submit your application on the NSW Planning Portal.
Key legislation you should know
- Eurobodalla Local Environmental Plan 2012 (LEP): The LEP regulates whether caravan parks or camping grounds are allowed on a parcel of land.
- Local Government Act 1993
- Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021
- State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021
Temporary caravan parks and camping grounds+
Temporary camping grounds and caravan parks, such as those set up for an event (recreational, sporting, or cultural) for up to six weeks, have different operating requirements to permanent parks.
What you need to do
You will need approval for this type of activity:
- Submit a DA for development consent.
- Apply for Council approval under section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993 to operate the temporary park.
How to apply for approval
- Follow the steps outlined on our DA process page.
- Submit your DA on the NSW Planning Portal.
- To operate the park: Follow the section 68 process and submit your application online via the NSW Planning Portal. Don't forget to include:
Learn more
- Find out more about the approval process on our page Planning your event.
Installing relocatable homes or structures+
When you don't need approval
You can install structures like a verandah, carport or pergola, or a relocatable home, tent or annexe in a caravan park or camping ground without Council approval, if the:
- structure, home, tent or annexe complies with the Regulation
and - park operator approves the installation.
When you do need approval
You'll need Council approval to install or alter a relocatable home or structure if:
- it's over one storey or has a subfloor exceeding 2.1 metres
- it's on flood-prone land
- the work doesn't meet the Regulation's standards.
How to apply for approval
Submit your application online via the NSW Planning Portal, following the section 68 process. Make sure you include:
- Application and checklist: Installation of a manufactured home, moveable dwelling or associated structures (3.3 MB)
- Application fee: Council's 2024/25 fees and charges (1.3 MB)
Important tip: You must also submit a notice of completion of installation within seven days of completing the work:
- Notice of completion of installation - private land or caravan park (1.9 MB)
- Email your notice of completion and supporting documents to us at:
Key legislation you should know
Primitive campgrounds+
Primitive campgrounds offer basic, low-impact camping with minimal services, such as no electricity or running water. To establish a primitive campground, you must submit a development application and meet various planning and safety requirements.
Requirements for primitive campgrounds
- Zoning: Make sure the land is in a zone that allows camping.
- Bushfire safety: Comply with Rural Fire Service (RFS) regulations.
- Flooding: Assess the flood risk of the area.
- Emergency evacuation: Plan and implement evacuation procedures.
- Operational procedures: Address on-site sewage management (OSSM) and grey water disposal.
Important tip: The location of the OSSM system is crucial for compliance. For expert advice, consult a specialist who can help determine the best system for your needs.
Key legislation you should know
Camping on private land+
If you wish to camp on private land, there are different approval requirements depending on the situation.
When you don't need approval
- Family use: Camping with a tent or caravan on private land (eg, for family use) usually doesn't require approval.
- Agritourism: Recent reforms allow farmers to use their land for camping as part of agritourism activities without needing approval.
When you do need approval
You'll need approval for activities such as:
- farm stays
- primitive campgrounds
- caravan parks
- eco-tourism facilities.
How to apply for approval
- Follow the steps outlined on our DA process page.
- Submit your development application on the NSW Planning Portal.
Learn more
- Eurobodalla Council: Camping on private land
- NSW Legislation: Exemption criteria - where approval is not required
- Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure: A guide to planning approvals for agritourism businesses
- NSW Legislation: Farm stay accommodation regulations
- NSW Legislation: Primitive camp ground regulations
Answers to frequently asked questions
When do I need approval to install a moveable dwelling or structure in a caravan park or camping ground?+
- When you need approval: Any installation or alteration of a moveable dwelling or structure requires Council approval if it’s on flood-prone land, exceeds one storey, or doesn't meet the Regulation's standards.
- When you don't need approval: Some minor works like paving and general maintenance (painting or replacing furnishings), don’t need approval. However, always consult your park manager to ensure compliance.
If you don't need approval, works must still comply with the:
What should I include with my application and how do I submit it?+
Make sure to include the necessary documents, and follow the checklist and fact sheet with your application:
Submit your application, checklist, and supporting documents on the NSW Planning Portal:
Do I need approval for a temporary caravan park or camping ground, and how do I apply?+
A temporary camping ground or caravan park set up for a recreational, sporting or cultural event for up to six weeks, doesn't have the same operating requirements as a permanent ground or park. But you still must get development consent and Council approval to operate your temporary ground or park.
- See our page about planning events for information about the approval process.
Can I enclose my deck, verandah or awning?+
The Regulation does not generally allow a deck, verandah or awning to be modified and used as a habitable room, unless you can show the conversion meets the definition of an annexe.
How much of a dwelling site can you occupy with a relocatable home?+
You can't occupy more than two-thirds of a dwelling site with a relocatable home and other roofed structure.
Section 138 of the Regulation outlines how to calculate site coverage for camping grounds and caravan parks.
A dwelling site in a caravan park must have an accessible area car space (measuring 6m by 3m). You should include this space in your site coverage calculation.
How close can structures on a dwelling site in a caravan park or camping ground be from other structures?+
Setback requirements for structures vary depending on the type of structure proposed and the site it's located on.
- For long-term sites: Each structure must not be installed less than 3 metres from another structure.
- For short-term sites: Each structure must not be installed less than 2.5 metres from another structure.
Separation distances
Distances: excluding carports and garages
Minimum separation distances for moveable dwellings and structures on a dwelling site in a caravan park, are:
- on different long-term sites: 3m
- on long-term and short-term site: 3m
- on different short-term sites: 2.5m
It's important to note:
- All installations must be set back 1m (minimum) from an internal park road.
- No more than one moveable dwelling per dwelling site.
- You must not install a caravan on a dwelling site that has a relocatable home on it.
Distances: including carports and garages
Minimum separation distances for moveable dwellings and structures on a dwelling site in a caravan park, are:
- on adjoining dwelling sites, including carports: 3m
- on long-term and short-term site: 3m
- on short-term sites: 2.5m
It's important to note:
- All installations must be set back 1m (minimum) from an internal park road.
- Carports must have a minimum of two sides and half of its perimeter, open. If not, then the structure will be defined as a garage and must comply with section 140 of the Regulation.
- No more than one moveable dwelling per dwelling site.
- You must not install a caravan on a dwelling site that has a relocatable home on it.
- See section 139 and section 140 of the Regulation for exemptions relating to garages and carports.
Distances: types of installations
Minimum separation distances for the different types of installations in a caravan park are:
- on adjoining dwelling sites, including carports: 3m
- on a long-term and short-term site: 3m
- on short-term sites: 2.5m
It's important to note:
- All installations must be set back 1m (minimum) from an internal park road.
- Carports must have a minimum of two sides and one-third of its perimeter open. If not, then this structure will be defined as a garage and must comply with section 140 of the Regulation.
- No more than one moveable dwelling per dwelling site.
- You must not install a caravan on a dwelling site that has a relocatable home on it.
- See section 139 and section 140 of the Regulation for exemptions relating to garages and carports.
What could happen if work was carried out on a dwelling site that didn't comply with the Regulation?+
If Council finds out that work was carried out on a dwelling site that didn't comply with the Regulation, we may take enforcement action. This could include:
- a formal letter
- verbal advice
- notices/orders
- refusal to issue an approval to operate the manufactured home estate or caravan park
- initiating legal proceedings.
Contact us
For more information, contact our Development Help Desk:
- T: 02 4474 1231
- E: Council's Development Help Desk