4 RV Campgrounds Port Sorell TAS - Half Free
41.1665° S, 146.5528° E
Quick Overview
Port Sorell sits along Tasmania's northern coast where the Rubicon River meets Bass Strait, and if you're looking for RV camping options, you'll find several stations serving this coastal community. What makes this area interesting is the split -- some offer no-fee camping while the others charge for their services.
This isn't Hobart's urban sprawl. Port Sorell draws RVers who want beach access without fighting tourist crowds. The town itself is small, maybe 3,000 people, but it's positioned well for exploring the Narawntapu National Park to the west or heading inland toward the highlands.
The camping scene here reflects Tasmania's approach -- some council-managed areas alongside private caravan parks. You'll find basic facilities at the free sites and full hookups at the paid locations. Port Sorell Lions Caravan Park is the newest addition to the area's RV infrastructure.
Getting here means navigating Tasmania's highway network. The A3 runs along the coast, connecting you to Devonport about 20 minutes west. From Launceston, it's roughly 45 minutes via the A8. Roads are well-maintained but narrow in sections -- something to remember if you're pulling a wide trailer.
Cell coverage works in town but gets spotty once you head into the surrounding bush. Stock up on supplies in Devonport if you need specialty items. Port Sorell has a small shopping center, but it's basic.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Port Sorell
All Dump Stations Near Port Sorell
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Sorell Lions Caravan Park | 0.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Moomba Holiday & Caravan Park | 0.3 mi | 4.0 | Dump Station | Varies |
| RV Friendly Stay Latrobe - $10 A Night | 8.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Latrobe Mersey River Caravan Park | 9.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Discovery Parks - Devonport | 9.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Abel Tasman Caravan Park | 9.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mersey Bluff Caravan Park | 10.3 mi | N/A | RV Park | Free |
| RV Camp | 10.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Greens Beach Caravan & Holiday Park | 11.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lakeside Tourist Caravan Park | 13.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Port Sorell Lions Caravan Park
0.2 miMoomba Holiday & Caravan Park
0.3 miRV Friendly Stay Latrobe - $10 A Night
8.9 miLatrobe Mersey River Caravan Park
9.1 miDiscovery Parks - Devonport
9.3 miAbel Tasman Caravan Park
9.5 miMersey Bluff Caravan Park
10.3 miRV Camp
10.5 miGreens Beach Caravan & Holiday Park
11.6 miLakeside Tourist Caravan Park
13.4 miTraveling to Port Sorell by RV
Port Sorell connects to Tasmania's highway system through several routes. The A3 (Bass Highway) is your main artery along the coast. From Launceston, take the A8 through the countryside -- it's about 50 kilometers. If you're coming from Burnie or Wynyard, the A2 feeds into the coastal network.
The A493 and A178 serve as local connectors, but they're narrow. We've driven them with a 25-foot fifth wheel, but anything bigger gets tight when meeting oncoming traffic. Pull over at the wider sections and let locals pass.
Overnight parking in Port Sorell proper is restricted. The council doesn't want RVs lining the beachfront streets, and they'll enforce it. Your legal options are the designated camping areas or private caravan parks. Some RVers try the boat ramp parking lot -- don't. It's monitored and you'll get moved along.
Fuel up in Devonport or Launceston. Port Sorell has a service station, but prices run higher. Propane fills are available in Devonport at several locations. The roads handle RVs fine, but watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk. Wallabies don't respect right-of-way.
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Dump Station Costs in Port Sorell
Port Sorell's several RV stations split evenly on cost. You'll find some free options (a portion% of available sites) and a portion% that charge fees. The free sites are basic -- think parking areas with minimal facilities, maybe a toilet block. They work fine for self-contained rigs.
Paid sites run from about $25 to $45 per night depending on services. Full hookups with power, water, and dump facilities sit at the higher end. Some parks offer unpowered sites for less if you're running on batteries and tanks.
The free camping spots fill up during Tasmanian school holidays and summer weekends. Arrive early or have a backup plan. Paid parks take bookings, which gives you certainty but costs more. It's the usual trade-off.
No dump fees at the free stations, but paid parks sometimes charge non-guests for dump access. Expect $10-15 if you're not staying overnight.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Port Sorell
“Great spot, we booked a ensuite site, nice stay,”
“great caravan park nice bbq area and laundry mat with washing machine and dryer which are coin operated showers and toilets we did not use showers as we booked a en-suite site which had toilet and sho...”
“Our family of 4 stayed for 3 nights. It was so cute and homely! Very clean, close to all the cool stuff and the park owners are beautiful people who truly care about their guests stay! Highly recommen...”
“Stayed two nights at Moomba Holiday and Caravan Park. Cabin had everything we needed. Comfortable, clean and a quiet area. The kids loved the awesome park near by with bike tracks/jumps, bbq area, bas...”
Best Time to Visit Port Sorell by RV
Winter
June-August
41-54°F
Crowds: Low
Coldest months with strong winds off Bass Strait. Free sites nearly empty. Paid parks offer winter discounts. Bring extra blankets and check heating systems before arrival.
Spring
September-November
46-61°F
Crowds: Medium
Weather improves but remains unpredictable. Wildflowers bloom in Narawntapu National Park nearby. Moderate crowds at campgrounds. Good fishing season begins as water temperatures rise.
Summer
December-February
54-70°F
Crowds: High
Peak season with school holidays creating maximum demand. Book paid sites weeks ahead. Free camping fills by midday most days. Beach access is prime, but UV levels are extreme.
Fall
March-May
48-64°F
Crowds: Medium
Crowds thin after Easter. Weather stays mild with less wind than spring. Excellent time for coastal camping. Water remains warm enough for swimming through March.
Explore the Port Sorell Area
Water quality matters here. If a tap isn't explicitly marked as potable, treat it as non-potable. We've seen RVers fill their tanks from unmarked sources and regret it later. Carry your own drinking water or confirm the source before filling.
The area limits camping to eight sites maximum at certain locations, and they mean it. Call ahead to check availability -- they don't take bookings, but they'll tell you if spots are open. Showing up without checking wastes fuel and time.
Beach access is excellent, but the wind off Bass Strait can be fierce. Stake down awnings properly or pack them away. We watched a canopy sail across the caravan park last March.
Groceries and basics are available in town, but the selection is limited. The IGA covers essentials. For anything specialized -- dietary needs, specific RV parts -- handle it in Devonport before arriving.
The Rubicon River estuary is worth exploring. Locals fish there year-round. If you're into birdwatching, bring binoculars. The mudflats attract species you won't see inland.
National Parks Nearby
Other Cities in Tasmania
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Port Sorell
Can I drink water from taps at Port Sorell camping areas?
Only if the tap is clearly marked as potable water. Many outdoor taps in Tasmania are non-potable rainwater or untreated bore water. If there's no signage, assume it's not safe for drinking. Carry your own supply or ask campground managers to identify safe sources.
Do I need to book ahead for Port Sorell camping?
Some locations don't accept bookings but limit sites to eight maximum. Call ahead to check availability -- they'll tell you the current status. Paid caravan parks do take reservations, which is smart during summer months when free sites fill quickly.
What's the best route to Port Sorell from Launceston?
Take the A8 west from Launceston, then connect to the A3 (Bass Highway) near Deloraine. It's about 50 kilometers total. The roads handle RVs well, but the A493 and A178 local connectors are narrow. Allow extra time if you're towing a wide trailer.
Are there dump stations for non-guests in Port Sorell?
Free camping areas include dump access at no charge. Some paid caravan parks allow non-guest dumping for a fee, typically $10-15. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing if you're not staying overnight at the park.
When is Port Sorell least crowded for RV camping?
Winter months (June through August) see the lowest visitor numbers. You'll have your pick of sites, and some paid parks offer discounts. Weather is cold and windy, so ensure your RV heating works properly before making the trip.
Can I park my RV overnight on Port Sorell streets?
No. The council restricts overnight parking in town, especially near the beach. Enforcement is active, and you'll be asked to move. Use designated camping areas or private caravan parks for legal overnight stays.
What is the highest-rated dump station in Port Sorell?
The highest-rated station is Kelso Sands Holiday Park with a rating of 4.1/5 stars.
Are there free dump stations in Port Sorell?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Port Sorell.
All Dump Stations Near Port Sorell (55)
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