The 6 Best Camping Sites in New South Wales

The 6 Best Camping Sites in New South Wales

Sometimes, you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, and camping is a quick and relatively cheap way to do that. Camping allows you to reconnect with the simple pleasures in life; from waking up to the morning call of native birds to huddling around the campfire telling stories and sleeping under the starlit skies.

We previously looked at some of the best camping sites in Victoria, but today we’re going to turn our direction and look at some amazing camping sites in New South Wales. NSW has some amazing coastal and bush camping spots that have remained under the radar. Whether you’re on an adventure in the forest, or pitch your tent up near the coast, or even on the alpine mountains for an even cooler camping site, New South Wales has something for you. 

Without further ado, here are the 6 best camping sites in NSW, Australia.

Before you continue, check out our store for the best camping and hiking gear and accessories for your next trip!

1. Honeymoon Bay, Jervis Bay

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If you’re looking for a bush camping experience like no other, this amazing, secluded bay at the northern end of the Jervis Bay in New South Wales South Coast is perfect for you. Located about 3 hours away from Sydney, this campsite is mere moments away from the beautiful Point Perpendicular in Currarong. It is also close to some of NSW’s best and most beautiful beaches. It’s a fantastic spot for swimming in the crystal clear waters, as you’ll be able to see garfish, yellowtails and even dolphins if you’re lucky. 

The campsite is pretty rustic, with limited facilities including portable toilets and rubbish bins. Take note that you’ll have to bring your own drinking water and other camping gear like your camping cookware set should you decide to cook. There is also a strict no fires and no pets rule in place. Despite that, Honeymoon Bay is one of the best camping spots where you can truly enjoy nature and the pristine surroundings and beautiful beaches around you. 

If you’re going in summer, there will be a ballot system to book your spot. Otherwise, the campsite is only available on a first come, first serve basis, so be sure to go early to grab a spot for yourself.

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2. Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

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The Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is famous for its waterfalls, striking gorges and the beautiful and ancient Gondwana rainforest, which is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. 

As such, it is a great place for you to set up camp. In fact, there are over 9 different campsites found in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Halls Peak is a remote (accessed by a dirt track) riverside site perfect for canoeing, fishing and bird-watching. You can also head to Wollomombi for dramatic views of nearby Wollomombi Falls and scenic bushwalking trails. Campsites like Budds Mare and Dangars Gorge are free with no bookings required, but you will need to go early to secure your spot. 

Within the National Park, there are a variety of activities to suit the adventurous and not so adventurous. Take a scenic drive along the Waterfall Way, explore the Apsley Macleay Gorges and visit Wollomombi, the highest waterfall in NSW! If you want to hike, you will love the massive Green Gully trail, which spans almost 65km routes to explore. 

You will need to bring everything you need for camping on your own, as this is remote camping at its best. Here are some things you can bring if you’re planning for an ultralight hike.

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3. Euroka Campgrounds, Blue Mountains

Image from: NSW National Parks

Ah, who doesn’t love the Blue Mountains? With its beautiful scenery, wide spread of eucalyptus forests and plunging waterfalls, the Blue Mountains National Park is an amazing place to go for your next hiking and camping trip. It’s also fairly convenient, as it is only around an hour and a half from Sydney. 

Some of the more popular spots that are must-visits when you come to the Blue Mountains include the Three Sisters lookout at Echo Point, Evans Lookout and Govett’s Leap Lookout to enjoy the breathtaking views. You can also hike through one of the world’s oldest cave systems, the Jenolan Caves should you be more into that.

There are several campsites you can opt for around the Blue Mountains National Park, but we will recommend the Euroka Campgrounds. Euroka Campgrounds is a great base for exploring the best of what the Blue Mountains has to offer, and is close to the attractions like the Tunnel View lookout, where you can take in the breathtaking landscapes, or hike along the Red Hands Cave track, and even try mountain biking along Oaks firetrail. You can also consider waking up early to see the beautiful misty sunrise, which makes for a magical experience. 

The campground facilities include picnic tables, barbecue pits and toilets, but you are required to bring your own drinking water and firewood. Bookings are required, so make sure you’re well-prepared beforehand.

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4. Picnic Point Campground, Mimosa Rocks National Park

Image from: NSW National Parks 

Picnic Point Campgrounds, located within the Mimosa Rocks National Park is a perfect camping site for a quick getaway. Famous for its banksia trees and untouched wilderness, Picnic Point Campgrounds is dotted with lagoons and castle-shaped rocks. Like its namesake, the campgrounds is also a perfect place to have a picnic or a meal under the stars.

You can enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, walking and frolicking with the beautiful panoramic views of the Sapphire Coastline to accompany you. You can also explore the nearby coastline, by walking along a stretch of beach that is as beautiful as you can imagine. Don’t forget to look out for the active wildlife and sealife along your coastal walks. 

Only 35 minutes away from Sydney, this is a great spot for beachside camping. The campground offers facilities like toilets and barbeque pits, but most of the sites are unmarked and unpowered, so you will have to bring your own drinking water and other camping necessities.

With 18 campsites to choose from, you will still need to make a booking prior to going to secure your campsite. However, if you miss out on any camping spots here, you can drive down the coast for another 30 minutes to reach the much bigger Gillards Campgrounds.

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5. Thredbo Diggings, Mount Kosciuszko

Image from: NSW National Parks

If you’re into mountain views, rivers and peaceful landscapes among the snow-capped mountains, then Thredbo Diggings, located within the Mount Kosciuszko National Park is the place for you. 

Should you plan to explore around the area, the campgrounds is also a short drive away to local attractions including Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery, Lake Crackenback Resort and Bullocks Hut. Skiers can also plan for their skiing trip, as the Thredbo Diggings campground is a short drive to the ski fields at Thredbo Alpine Village.

If you’re looking for a hike, you’ll still find plenty of trails to explore around the mountain and the valley. Thredbo Diggings is the gateway to Mt Kosciuszko and the Main Range. You can hop onto a chairlift to get to the top of Australia’s highest mountain, and hike down for around 13 kilometers. If that’s not hardcore enough for you, you can walk up Merritts Nature Track to reach the peak and back. For something a little more laidback, there is the riverside Bullocks track. The Thredbo Valley Trail is a shared use trail, so feel free to explore this trail up and down to your heart’s content. 

The campgrounds itself has very basic amenities; toilets, a few picnic benches and tables and barbeque firepits as well. Do note that you’ll need a valid NSW Parks Pass, as Kosciuszko National Park requires a separate pass to other NSW National Parks. 

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6. Three Mile Dam Campground, Mount Kosciuszko

Image from: NSW National Parks

The Three Mile Dam Campground, located at the edge of upper Mount Kosciuszko, is a favorite among many locals in the area, and it’s not hard to see why. With stunning lake views, and surrounded by shady snow gums and the alpine lake, this is one of the more amazing campsites to go to, especially during winter. Wintertime is where the Three Mile Dam Campground becomes a winter wonderland, and the lake will mostly freeze over, giving you an amazing snowscape. 

When you set up your camp at the lakeside, this is a great starting base for you to explore the hiking trails, go fishing, or even plan your skiing trip to the Kiandra and Selwyn snowfields in the central and northern parts of Kosciuszko National Park. 

This campsite is near to some of Australia’s most historical landmarks, such as the Kiandra gold mining site, dating back to 100 years ago as well as the dam for sluicing gold. There are plenty of walking tracks but be wary if you decide to veer off the path, as there are accounts of old gold mining shafts.

There are no marked sites but there’s plenty of room to pitch your tent in the area. You don’t have to make any bookings, but it’s always advisable to go early to secure your camping spot. There are toilets, barbeque pits and picnic tables available for all campers. As the nearest town is around 75km away, it may be good for you to go prepared, especially if you’re planning to go on a skiing trip. 

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So, quit daydreaming of campfires and looking at the starlit skies. It’s time for you to take a camping trip to some of these camping sites all around New South Wales. Spending a few sun-filled days and star-lit nights is bound to give you a new perspective on life. 

What did you think about our article? We’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comment section below! Take a look at our list of essential camping gear for 2020 to help you better plan out your next camping trip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I do when camping in winter?

Camping in winter is a whole different ballgame as compared to warm weather camping. There are a few tips you should follow for your own safety. 

i. Camp either on snow or on bare ground that supports little or no plant growth. Camping on snow reduces your environmental impact to nearly zero. Remember to avoid areas with animal tracks so as not to disrupt wildlife.

ii. Camp higher rather than lower as cold air tends to collect in valleys.

iii. Calculate where the sun might arrive first in the morning. Position your tent where it will receive the most sunshine first thing in the morning.

iv. Consider the wind. When choosing a site, remember to examine the surface of the snow to make sure it doesn’t have a frosty brittle texture. This indicates harsh wind patterns, and you should look elsewhere for a site.

v. Remember to use warmer camping gear. Using the right camping gear for winter, like four-season tents and down sleeping bags will save you a lot of trouble and keep you warm and comfortable when camping. 

2. Are there any fees to camp in NSW?

While many national parks in NSW are free for visitors to enjoy, the National Parks and Wildlife Service do charge certain fees for camping and some accommodation in selected parks. The revenue contributes to the cost of maintaining and improving the National Parks visitor facilities, keeping visitors safe, and managing the impact of visitors on ecologically sensitive environments.

3. How much does it cost to camp in NSW?

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has a base site fee for all campgrounds. When you book a campground, your fee will consist of:

• A base site fee (minimum daily rate per site) 
• Further fees for additional people (up to the site maximum)
• A booking fee of 2.5% (calculated on the total value of the reservation)