Australian campsites: free spots vanish as 'ghost camping' rises

Australian campers report an increase in 'ghost camping,' where travelers reserve prime spots with their vehicles days or weeks in advance, leaving sites empty. The practice is particularly prevalent in free areas like national parks during peak holiday periods, such as along the Murray River in NSW and coastal Western Australia. Operators of a camping directory note it has become more common over the last five years with the growth in caravan and motorhome ownership, though it is generally frowned upon and difficult to regulate.