Freedom camping is permitted on public conservation land, except in areas where it is expressly prohibited or restricted to self contained vehicles. This is indicated by signage.Restrictions on freedom camping on public conservation land only apply to areas (normally near roads) where there has been a history of problems caused by inappropriate freedom camping or there is a conservation management reason that warrants restricting camping (e.g. ensuring equitable access to a site or where sensitive native species are present).

The Freedom Camping Act 2011 does not apply to the backcountry.