We're here in the Denham Seaside Caravan Park, cars circle a roundabout not too far away heading out of town, our near neighbour is strumming a uke (not too badly), there's an occasional loud call from a child just up the hill, laughs from a group of men in the distance networking over some beers, and rain drops are pattering on the canvas and dripping off the edge into buckets. Weathered women who clearly have put down roots in their dusty caravan plot, grey nomads plugged into the grid with TVs running, and young explorers living out of small rented motor homes abound. It's only the 2nd time we've made use of a caravan park in a month but not the last I suspect.
I'm contemplating the pros and cons of the places we've camped.
This caravan park is costing us $33 a night. It like the last one we stayed at, provides free wifi (albeit slow at times esp when the backpackers are connecting with family and friends from home), a laundry, hot showers, and close proximity to shops and services ... Or at least those are the things that make the noise and lack of privacy worthwhile in my opinion.
Most national parks are $15-$20 per night and typically provide good drop toilets, level bays, beautiful quiet environs, nearby walks etc. They do however often require a bit of a trek to reach them, and a quick trip into town for supplies is just possible.
As Steph has already posted, we've also stayed in quite a few roadside stops. They are free, convenient (we can keep driving until late afternoon), enable fires, and if chosen carefully, reasonable quiet and private. They also have no services, and would require caution as a single woman.
It depends on your needs and priorities I guess. For us, we came seeking starry nights and exposure to the remote Australian bush. 'Happy hour' in a Big4 caravan park holds no appeal. But when we've been without a proper shower for days, our clothes are grimy, and the weather is unkind plentiful hot water is mighty attractive!
