Ep161 - Ghost Camping Crackdown and a Camping Fee Overhaul

No-shows, know-hows, and new fees: the camping reservation revolution...In an episode as haunting as it is helpful, Ben and Lauren unpack the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service's proposed camping fee reforms, from new facility-based pricing tiers to the crackdown on 'ghost camping' – the frustrating practice of booking sites that go unused. Our outdoor experts examine the results of the 2022 survey that sparked these changes, debate the effectiveness of various booking systems, and share their own approaches to responsible reservation practices. From Ben's unwritten campers' code to comparing cancellation policies across Australia, tune in for an honest conversation about balancing access, affordability, and accountability in our cherished natural spaces.Shortcuts:00:00 - Intro01:17 - Camping Fees Reformed: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service04:53 - Hipcamp06:33 - Booking Systems09:21 - 2022 Survey Topics of Note10:41 - Fees and Charges12:07 - The Proposal: Facility-Based Fees14:40 - Unpacking the 6 Tiers: Inclusions and Party Numbers17:34 - Cancellations 18:42 - Ghost Camping Crackdown24:40 - Lauren's Approach to Ghost Camping29:05 - Last Minute Changes and Cancellations30:50 - An Unsaid Campers' Code!35:25 - Addressing Ghost Camping as the Primary Issue39:10 - Cancellation Policies in VIC, QLD, SA, and WA41:13 - Speculative Bookings43:33 - Lauren's Key to Preventing Ghost Camping 45:25 - Feedback Due on May 2546:10 - SummaryJoin the conversation over on our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/snowysHead to snowys.com.au for all your gear needs:https://www.snowys.com.au