A PETITION to save Kingscliff South caravan park is gathering momentum, with almost 2500 people opposing a reduction in space of the popular camping spot.

A section of the park is expected to be cut to make way for other public facilities under a $20 million plan by Tweed Shire Council to redevelop the foreshore of the Tweed Coast village.

The petition was sparked after news last December council had secured $9 million in funding from the Federal Government, allowing plans to go ahead.

Park manager Richard Adams said under the plan, a reduction of sites from 176 to 61 was necessary to make way for an erosion seawall; more beach access and open space for recreation.

He said the plans had been drawn up following widespread community consultation.

"The new seawall will protect the newly created central park, bowls club, surf club which is under threat," he said.

Mr Adams said the new caravan park sites would replace existing 45-year-old sites, and would be larger to accommodate modern camper vans and vehicles.

He said 57 longterm "exclusive" caravan parks sites, which where casually used by their owners, will no longer be available.

"No-one will have the exclusive use of NSW public land, as a matter of equity, we're making it a park where everyone's welcome," Mr Adams said.

"We have consulted with local business chambers, sports clubs, fishermen... for many years to establish this - it is what the locals want."

But park visitor of 18 years Margaret Bailey said permanent renters believed the reduction in sites was an attack on the tradition of camping.

"There will be less sites for people and some of them have been coming in for 30 or 40 years, it's an Australian tradition," she said.

The Brisbane resident, who hired a site for $120 a week, said: "We feel we've had a great time and our time is coming to an end."