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INTERNATIONAL travellers accounted for just over three-quarters of free campers surveyed as part of a management trial.
Some 17 per cent of those surveyed were from NSW and seven per cent of respondents came from interstate.
That's according to the preliminary results from 300 free camping surveys.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council started a free management trial in September.
No camping signs went up in free camping hotspots and a where to camp brochure was distributed.
The trial also included research, and consultation with the tourism and accommodation industry.
The preliminary summary in a draft report simply presents the data and does not interpret the results.
The council plans to examine the detailed management trial results at its March meeting.
A report to Wednesday's council meeting provides an update on the free camping management trial.
The survey covered coastal areas including 12 hotspots from Telegraph Point's Log Wharf Reserve to Dunbogan.
Free campers favoured Settlement Point, Shelly Beach, Town Beach and Flynns Beach.
Free camping, facilities such as toilets and barbecues, and the scenic location were the top three reasons for choosing the overnight stay site, the survey showed.
Spending patterns varied widely.
The survey showed free campers spent their money at supermarkets, service stations, tours and attractions, as well as on other shopping and dining out, while they generally did not spend much on accommodation.
The free camping research also surveyed 100 nearby residents and users of the recreational spaces.
Meanwhile, councillors will also consider a report about Tastings on Hastings.
The successful event in October attracted more than 17,000 people to the CBD.
The council report said there were a number of changes to the event's format and length and these were well received.
The draft recreation plan, which is a framework for the community's future sporting and recreation needs, is also on today's council meeting agenda.
The council meeting begins at 5.30pm at the Burrawan Street council chambers.
lisa.tisdell@fairfaxmedia.com.au
