Start packing the nylon and get ready to cast a line, we’ve stumbled across the best camping spots in NSW complete with uninterrupted views of good old-fashioned mother nature. If the past two years have left you more than a bit sick of being cooped up indoors, it's time to start scheming for a great outdoorsy adventure.
Now, don’t expect wifi, room service or cute chocolates left on your pillows; but do expect early morning swims, no crowds, the sunrise from your tent, wildlife—and doing your business in a bush. No doubt you’ll be asking yourself “is this even real life?” when you cast your eyes on the epic scenery you’ll score from ditching the glam of hotels for the adventure and solitude of camping.
Sydney, here are the best camping spots in NSW.
Ulupna Island
Tocumwal
It doesn’t get more serene than camping on the banks of the Murray River. Welcome to Ulupna Island, a river island on the eastern side of Barmah National Park which sits right on the border of New South Wales and Victoria. You’ll find about 24 riverside beaches in Tocumwal but for a prime real estate camping spot, setting yourself on Ulupna Island is your best bet. The expanse is completely surrounded by red gum trees, wildlife and beautiful swimming spots. It’ll pretty much be just you and the great Aussie bush out here so pack your car with all the supplies and lap up the beauty of immersing yourself in nature, just as Mother Nature intended it. You'll be in for about a seven-hour drive south but it honestly doesn't get much better than this camping site.
Pebbly Beach
Murramarang National Park
Located within Murramarang National Park, Pebbly Beach is a real charmer. Only a short walk to the beach and the bush, you’ve got your daytime activities sorted, which, if it isn't too chilly, will definitely involve snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters. Plus, Murramarang has the best wildlife around so you can actually hang out with friendly kangaroos as they roam around the campsite.
Picnic Point
Mimosa Rocks National Park
This one is a bit of a drive but it is definitely worth it. Head down to Mimosa Rocks National Park for the one place that will actually make you hit the pause button on your life problems. Picnic Point is a well-picked name because this spot is perfectly picturesque for any kind of outdoor feeds you have planned and particularly at sunset. It’s only a rock-toss distance to the beach so you’ll fall asleep listening to the sounds of the crashing waves and wonder if this is what heaven sounds like.
The Farm
Kiama
Waking up on the beach is never a bad idea. Ever. Grab your tents and sleeping bags, The Farm, as the locals call it, is a coastal reserve and top surfing beach with stunning views in all directions so yes, this means you're in for some beach camping. Plus, if you’re up for a little adventure, there’s non-stop solid surf, and picnic areas giving you 360-degree views of Killalea, fishing and plenty of hikes to do.
Diamond Head
Crowdy Bay National Park
If unzipping your tent and having front row seats to watching the sunrise over the ocean sounds like your kind of jam, you’ll definitely want to hit up Diamond Head. This incredible headland is home to 75 camping sites, picnic tables, BBQ facilities, showers and toilets. You’re guaranteed to make a few new friends (think kangaroos, wallabies and the occasional pod of dolphins), and get your Dora on hiking along the Mermaid Lookout track (yep, more stunning views). Best of all, this camping spot is pretty cheap too.
Bouddi National Park
Bouddi
Wake-up to the incredible surrounds of Bouddi National Park, which means the sounds of wildlife and a helluva lot of greenery. Just a short drive up to the Central Coast, The Putty Beach campground (located in the national park) is just a few steps away from the sandy shores and still feels like a bush camping spot. By the way, it’s a top spot to swim in rock pools, fish and hike. And we highly suggest you do the Bouddi coastal walk (yeah, it’s ten times better than the Bondi to Bronte one), which takes you all the way to Gerrin Point lookout. On the side, mobile coverage exists at this campground, meaning your Stories should go through most of the time.
The Basin
Ku-Ring-Gai
Pitch a tent right near The Basin lagoon, famous for its picnic spots, picture-perfect views and turquoise water. This is one of Sydney’s most popular beach camping spots and for a damn good reason too. Fires are permitted (but only in designated wood BBQ or fire pits), which means smores will definitely be happening. You can get to The Basin campground only by ferry from Palm Beach Wharf.
Coledale Beach
Thirroul
We will never get sick of epic camping locations right on the beach. Yep, you guessed it; Coledale Beach gives happy campers like yourselves fantastic views of the waves and is sandwiched between rocks, which means you can set up camp without the Wollongong winds. Coledale is the ultimate spot to live on the beach for a few days, with a heap of water sports and activities to do, plus dolphins and whales make regular visits year-round. And if you’re keen to bring your furry friends, Sharkey's Beach located to the south is an off-lead dog-friendly beach.
Honeymoon Bay
Currarong
If you’re after pristine, uninterrupted views that kind of look like you spent all your dosh and jetted off to the Maldives… this one’s for you. Honeymoon Bay campground is set in a picturesque location in Jervis Bay. Camping space is served up on a first-in-first-served basis and in peak summer, the campgrounds are allocated by ballot. But it’s totally worth it to score some front-row seats to the white sands and clear water of this private enclosure by camping at this NSW gem.
Patonga
Central Coast
You get two for the price of one at Patonga. Cue a beach on one side and a creek to explore on the other. And there is no shortage of amenities with the Patonga campsite, which means access to electric BBQs (because there’s nothing worse than uncooked sausages), hot showers, a laundromat, tennis court hire and a nearby fish and chip shop (for when you burn the sausages). This secluded little bay lies at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River and has powered and unpowered sites up for grabs.
Booderee National Park
Jervis Bay
So. Much. Wildlife. Booderee National Park is ideal for bird watching (should you ever want to see a Tawny Frogmouth or two), whale watching, fishing, hiking, kayaking, swimming and diving. There are various camping sites depending on your setup; Green Patch is ideal for families and small groups; the grassy area at Cave Beach is a popular spot for surfers; and if you like a campground with facilities (by that we mean you’re a fan of taps and such) Bristol Point caters for you and is suitable for large groups too. Boating or kayaking gives you easy access to some great little beaches past St Georges Head, as well as some stunning views of the sea cliffs as you pass Cape St George lighthouse. You’ll also want to spend some time at Murrays Beach to spot all of the marine life.
Berrima Reserve
Berrima
If you’re after some camping with total privacy and a view to boot, Berrima Reserve brings you the whole package. With only four camping sites, you’re guaranteed a private getaway that is absolutely secluded but with all the goods (showers, picnic tables, BBQs etc.) of a major camping ground with creeks and bushwalks nearby to get your adventure on.
Berowra Creek
Hawkesbury
Seriously, the views at this camping spot are akin to the greenery of a tropical island. We’re talking an endless vista of estuary and valley. And you’ll actually have to pitch a tent at this site because no caravans are allowed. Just north of Hornsby, this location is nestled at the base of gorges, leaving you with a heap of swimming spots and waterfalls to play with.
Jenolan State Forest
Jenolan
It’s time to head west and rough it out (AKA bring your own everything) at the Jenolan State Forest camping ground. You’ll get to set yourself up in the middle of a pine plantation with walking tracks, bike riding tracks and serious 4x4 driving tracks close by too. There is also a heap of different campsites in remote bushland spots (you might need your 4WD), meaning you’ll have ultimate solitude when you’re out and about bushwalking, or taking a swim in a nearby waterhole.
Pretty Beach
Murramarang National Park
As the name suggests, this campsite is horrendous. Kidding, it’s actually a stunning and green sanctuary that has a waterfront view pretty damn hard to beat. Decked out with hot showers, flush toilets (yes, you’re welcome), BBQ and laundry facilities, you’ll have a sweet set up for all your starry-night antics.
Looking for dog-friendly camping spots? Head over here.
Image credit: Destination NSW, Destination NSW, NSW National Parks, Destination NSW, Destination NSW, NSW National Parks
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