Are you wishing for a getaway in nature? Then pitch a tent at one of the best campgrounds around New South Wales this weekend!
Nothing beats huddling up under the stars, swept away from all your troubles. With a brewing campfire, a few drinks, good vibes and good people, your next camping getaway is sure to be a sensational stay.
So whether you’re wanting an escape, a dose of mindful relaxation or, just to try something different, we’ve found the top campsites in New South Wales that are sure to hit the spot.
From secret camping spots to beach campgrounds, take in that stunning surrounding landscape and pitch a tent with the help of this guide to the best camping spots in New South Wales of 2024!
Image via Destination NSW.
The Basin Campground
Nestled within the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, on the edge of Pittwater Bay, is the Basin Campground. One of the best secret camping spots in New South Wales, here you can kayak over lightly rippling water, hike along the coastline under the simmering summer sun, and cook up a barbecue feast. Putting aside the flushable toilets, hot showers and drinkable tap water, there are two ways to get here: you can drive and then hike two-kilometres to the campground or, you can catch a ferry from Palm Beach Wharf.
Photographed by Alexandra Adoncello.
Image via Destination NSW.
Coledale Beach Camping Reserve
One of the best beachside camping spots in New South Wales has to be, without a doubt, Coledale Beach Camping Reserve. Operated by the Coledale Surf Club, this grassy campsite sits sandwiched between the golden sand and lush trees of the Illawarra escarpment. With powered site options available, Coledale Beach Camping Reserve also has hot showers, toilets, coin operated laundry machines, electric barbecues and even a kitchen. With swimming, surfing and fishing available, what more could you want from your next camping adventure?
Image via Destination NSW.
Dunphys Campground
Sometimes you just want to get away from it all, and for that we recommend Dunphys Campground. It’s 10 kilometres southwest of Katoomba, overlooking the bushlands of Blue Mountains National Park. This secret camping spot in New South Wales is every nature-lovers dream, showcasing plenty of hiking tracks, including the 132-kilometre Katoomba to Mittagong Trail for the dedicated hiker. Here there are barbecue facilities, toilets, picnic tables and fire rings, as well as plenty of casual wildlife ready to be captured on camera.
Photographed by Chris Andrews Fern Bay. Image via Shutterstock.
Frazer Campground
Frazer Campground is a quintessential camping spot. Sitting mere metres from the beach, and in its own little secluded corner, you’ll think that it’s your own personal beach for the weekend. And not just for swimming, but even snorkelling, fishing, or even hiking. Unlike other camping spots, you can get mobile reception, cold showers, barbecue facilities and toilets. One of the best campgrounds in New South Wales!
Image supplied.
Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures
An hour’s drive out of Sydney will land you at one of the best campgrounds in New South Wales, Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures. A true gem of the Central Coast’s scenic hinterland, this camping spot has plenty of activities to keep you busy: horse riding, quadding, abseiling, kayaking and even laser skirmish! Also offering stylish glamping tents set up by Simple Pleasures Camping Co., your next camping adventure will be a chic and luxe stay!
Photographed by Jordan Robins. Image via Destination NSW.
Honeymoon Bay
This camping spot in New South Wales is that highly sought after, they have a ballot system during the summer holidays for bookings. And it’s no wonder why! The water is blue, the trees are luscious and green, and the wildlife is teeming. Outside summer holidays, camping at Honeymoon Bay is on a first-in, first served basis — so you better be quick! Including the quaint little bay itself, the area boasts a range of walking tracks, as well as the nearby Bindijine Beach. You will only find portable toilets here, with no running water or electricity.
Image via Destination NSW.
Misty Mountain Camping
Misty Mountain Camping is literally named as you can see the mist roll in almost every morning. Located just outside the town of Kunghur, an hour’s drive from Byron Bay, this camping spot shares a beautiful rural view of tree-laden hills and open valleys. The host of the campground offers a few cool activities during your stay including horseback riding, paddling or swimming in the nearby Misty Dam, off-roading on an ATV, biking, fishing, hiking, and even bird watching. It’s a truly tranquil place to pitch a tent.
Image via Destination NSW.
Mystery Bay Campground
Mystery Bay is a four-hour drive south of Sydney, boasting a large camping area that overlooks the ocean. The drive itself is part of the fun, as you course down the Princes Highway. The camping spot is well maintained with cold showers, water taps, and pit toilets. An off-the-grid camp within native bushland of mainly spotted gums, Mystery Bay Campground also has acacias and banksias closer to the spectacular cliff headlands and small beaches. This place is far from a mystery, though, with plenty of good reviews!
Photographed by Ian Crocker. Image via Shutterstock.
Newnes Campground
Newnes Campground, alongside the Wolgan River, offers more than just an outdoors escape. As well as the sandstone cliffs that hug half the camping spot, the surrounding area is teeming with history, and you can capture most of it on the Industrial Ruins Walk. There’s also a cool glow worm tunnel a short drive away, as well as the nearby Wolgan River which you can paddle or raft on. There are barbecue facilities and toilets, but you will need to bring your own drinking water and firewood.
Image via Destination NSW.
Thredbo Diggings Campground
The Snowy Mountains are revered for their icy white slopes in winter, but did you know it’s a natural paradise every other season? The best spot to set up camp is at the Thredbo Diggings Campground, just south of Perisher Valley. The quaint campground sits alongside Thredbo River, where you can attempt to hook some rainbow trout or dip in to cool off. But, the best part is having the snow-capped Mount Kosciuszko hovering in the background. Just bring your own drinking water!
Photographed by Ian Crocker. Image via Shutterstock.
Wombeyan Caves Campground
Out of all the locations on this list, Wombeyan Caves would have to be the most convenient, but also one of the most charming campsites. From hot showers to flush toilets, barbecues, drinking water taps, electricity and even a kiosk, Wombeyan Caves Campground is best described as wilderness camping without being off grid. Plus, with an entire cave system nearby, there’s plenty of walking tracks worth exploring to keep you busy!
Photographed by Michael Hahn. Image via Shutterstock.
Woody Head Campground
Welcome to the perfect weekend escape, situated on the beautiful north coast, smack-bang between Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour. Thanks to the surrounding stunning beaches, Woody Head Campground is considered as one of the best campsites in New South Wales, ripe with plenty of bushwalks, including possibilities of adorable wildlife encounters. For a truly outdoors experience, consider hiring a canoe or kayak in Yamba to take on the tranquil Esk River. The camping spot itself has all the amenities you need, except for cooking equipment.
Needing a touch of luxury? Here are Australia’s 10 Best Luxurious Glamping Experiences of 2024. And finally take that road trip with this guide to the Greatest Scenic Drives around New South Wales.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
Feature image: Kosciuszko National Park. Image via Destination NSW.
This article was first published on November 02 2021. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on May 16 2024.
Editor’s Note: Hunter and Bligh was gifted an experience by Destination Central Coast, Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures and Simple Pleasures Camping Co. All reviews are authentic and are in no way influenced by our partnership.