The growing popularity of the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour will see organisers open the top of Mount Panorama to camping next year.

Unlike the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 where mountain camping is a long-held tradition, the 12 Hour had only previously allowed patrons to camp in the grounds behind the pit paddock.

Last year saw all 1,000 sites in the Paddock Campground sold out, leading to the opening of the Max Cameron Campground on the outside of Hell Corner.

“We are pleased to announce the opening of McPhillamy Park Campground and revert to a online booking system in 2016,” said event director James O’Brien.

“Demand has been building for this initiative in recent years culminating in the sell out of the Paddock Campground in 2015.

“The McPhillamy Park Campground will be closely managed to ensure it fits within the family friendly atmosphere of the event.

“Demand is sure to be high so we encourage people to book early to avoid disappointment.”

The official three-day attendance for this year’s event was 32,000, marking a 20 percent increase from 2014.

The new online booking system for campers will go live on June 22.