17 of the best beachside camping spots in NSW
Diamond Head campground, Diamond Head - Credit: Robert Mulally | DCCEEW
NSW is an amazing destination for a beachside camping holiday, with spectacular spots all along the coast from Eden in the south to Byron Bay in the north. Fall asleep to the ocean’s melody in beach campsites surrounded by nature and native wildlife.
- 7 min read
North Coast
Trial Bay Gaol campground
Location: South West Rocks
Facilities: Toilets, showers, drinking water, barbecues, kitchen, boat ramp, cafe/kiosk.
Accessibility: Most campsites and areas are wheelchair accessible, accessible toilets and showers.
Why book here: Pitch a tent by the beach at Trial Bay Gaol campground in South West Rocks in Arakoon National Park. From here you can experience one of the best cave dives in the world with Double Boat Dive at Fish Rock Cave, a key site for grey nurse sharks. Or discover fascinating colonial heritage when you take a guided tour of the 19th century Trial Bay Gaol and Smoky Cape Lighthouse.
Insider tip: If you’re camping in winter or spring, make sure to pack binoculars. The national park is the ideal lookout point to see humpback whales making their annual migration.
Trial Bay Gaol campground, Arakoon - Credit: Andrew Winter | DCCEEW
Woody Head campground
Location: Iluka
Facilities: Toilets, showers, drinking water, barbecues, boat ramp, cafe/kiosk, public phone.
Accessibility: Accessible toilet and shower, concrete and gravel pathways, one accessible parking spot.
Why book here: Located in the charming fishing village of Iluka, Woody Head campground is a great spot for a family holiday. There’s a protected sandy beach for leisurely swims and fishing, plus a boat ramp and rocky outcrops for tidal pool exploration.
Insider tip: This hidden gem in Bundjalung National Park is perfect for avoiding the crowds. Relax at the quiet beaches and explore World Heritage-listed rainforest that surrounds the campground.
Woody Head campground, Woody Head - Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW
Delicate campground
Location: Crescent Head
Facilities: Toilets, showers, picnic tables.
Accessibility: Paved path to amenities and beach, accessible toilets, some uneven ground.
Why book here: Delicate campground in Goolawah Regional Park is a fabulous spot for back-to-basics beach camping. Take your pick of things to do: surfing near Delicate Nobby, whale watching, snorkelling, or splashing in the shallows with the kids.
Insider tip: Delicate campground is one of the few national park beach camping areas in northern NSW to allow dogs, although they’re limited to certain areas.
Delicate campground, Crescent Head - Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW
Diamond Head campground
Location: Forster
Facilities: Toilets, outdoor showers, drinking water, barbecues, picnic tables.
Accessibility: Paved path to amenities, accessible toilets, showers not accessible, some steps to the beach.
Why book here: Located in Crowdy Bay National Park, Diamond Head campground offers beach camping surrounded by stunning national park. Pitch a tent on the grassy flat and take the path to the solitary beach for a swim. Or head out for a walk to see Split Rock, two adjacent, sheer rock faces that offer a sliver of breathtaking ocean views between them.
Insider tip: Just 200m from camp are natural rockpools, large and deep enough for swimming.
Diamond Head Campground, Crowdy Bay National Park
Tiona Holiday Park
Location: Forster
Facilities: Toilets, showers, drinking water, kitchen, barbecues, conference centre.
Accessibility: Some accessible accommodation – contact operator.
Why book here: Located on a peninsula with Seven Mile Beach on one side and Wallis Lake on the other, Tiona Holiday Park is a family-friendly campground at the edge of Booti Booti National Park. Take your pick from caravan and tent sites, plus cabins, villas or serene glamping tents and then turn your mind to activities: low-key picnics and beach strolling, dolphin or whale-watching cruises or drive through the park to nearby Elizabeth Beach for a meal at The Recky.
Insider tip: Every member of the family gets to come on this holiday as the park welcomes pets.
Tiona Holiday Park, Forster - Credit: Tiona Holiday Park
Broughton Island campground
Location: Hawks Nest
Facilities: Toilets.
Accessibility: No wheelchair access.
Why book here: With just five campsites and boat-only access, Broughton Island campground guarantees a quiet stay. Ideal for self-sufficient campers, this remote island is a haven in the middle of Myall Lakes National Park, and although it’s secluded, there’s plenty to do including swimming, fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Insider tip: Be prepared to share the landscape with an active seabird colony – the island is an important breeding site for wedge-tailed shearwaters.
Broughton Island Campground, Mungo Brush - Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW
BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park
Location: Sawtell
Facilities: Toilets, showers, drinking water, barbecues, kitchen, laundry, convenience store, swimming pool, tennis courts, free Wi-Fi.
Accessibility: Some accessible accommodation – contact operator.
Why book here: With ocean-view villas that have nothing but golden sand between your verandah and the sea, or stretches of green grass to pitch your tent or park your caravan, the BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park is a dreamy family destination. Take the short walking track to Bonville Creek, which feeds into the sea, or spend the day with the kids at the campground, swimming in the pool, swinging at the playground, circling the BMX track and playing footy on the village green.
Insider tip: Head to the crystal-clear waters of nearby Boambee Creek to float in the water, splash with the kids or jump off the rail bridge.
BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park, Sawtell - Credit: BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park
Tweed Holiday Parks Fingal Head
Location: Fingal Head
Facilities: Toilets, showers, drinking water, barbecues, kitchen, laundry.
Accessibility: Accessible toilets and showers, some accessible accommodation – contact operator.
Why book here: A kilometre stretch of white sand beach is right on your doorstep at Tweed Holiday Parks Fingal Head. Take your pick from luxury cabins with partial ocean views, ‘surfari’ tents and sites for caravans, tents and motorhomes beside the sparkling water (which is warm and welcoming year-round). Here days can be filled with activities including swimming, fishing, surfing at nearby breaks and snorkelling at Cook Island.
Insider tip: Book the Island Cabin for the loveliest beach views in the park.
Tweed Holiday Parks, Fingal Head - Credit: Tweed Coast Holiday Parks
Reflections Byron Bay Holiday Park
Location: Byron Bay
Facilities: Toilets, showers, drinking water, barbeques, kitchen, laundry, playground, kiosk.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible – contact operator for details.
Why book here: Reflections Byron Bay Holiday Park is the best of both worlds: peaceful campsites, cabins with ocean views and glamping tents – all set in a lush coastal rainforest that’s a quick 10-minute walk to town. There you’ll find bars, shops, restaurants and the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse.
Insider tip: Order fish sourced from a local seafood co-op with a side of golden chips at Fishheads Byron where you can sit on the beachfront deck and take in the views of Main Beach.
Reflections Byron Bay - Holiday Park, Byron Bay - Credit: Reflections Holiday Parks | Jess Kearney
Shoal Bay Holiday Park
Location: Shoal Bay
Facilities: Toilets, showers, drinking water, barbecues, kitchen, laundry, picnic area.
Accessibility: Accessible cabins available – contact operator for details.
Why book here: Mount Tomaree’s peaks overlooking Shoal Bay’s cerulean blue waters create one of the most beautiful backdrops for beachside camping. Shoal Bay Holiday Park has direct access to the beach, with villas and safari tents, plus campervan and tent sites spread throughout the pretty property. Shoal Bay village is just a few minutes’ walk away, with plenty of cafes, shops and restaurants to visit before you head back to relax on the sand.
Insider tip: No need for a pet-sitter; Shoal Bay Holiday Park welcomes pets and during the school holidays, the park offers kids’ activities.
Shoal Bay Holiday Park, Shoal Bay - Credit: Shoal Bay Holiday Park
Central Coast
Little Beach campground
Location: Gosford
Facilities: Toilets, barbecues, picnic tables.
Accessibility: No wheelchair access.
Why book here: Nestled in a pretty cove and enveloped by coastal rainforest, Little Beach campground is perfect for surfers and nature-lovers. No matter where you pitch your tent, you’ll be able to see the waves crashing on the beach. Best for self-sufficient campers, this secluded site is accessed via a 750m walk from the carpark. Carry your gear in and be rewarded with peaceful surrounds that feel like you’re on the edge of the world.
Insider tip: This beach campground has a wealth of secluded swimming and fishing spots nearby.
Little Beach campground, Bouddi - Credit: Eduardo Martinez | Office of Environment and Heritage
Putty Beach campground
Region: Gosford
Facilities: Toilets, drinking water, barbecues, outdoor shower, picnic tables.
Accessibility: Step-free and mostly flat campground with no paved pathways, accessible toilet and picnic tables, steps or sandy path to the beach.
Why book here: For a tranquil and scenic retreat, book Putty Beach campground. The largest campground in Bouddi National Park, this grassy camping area is surrounded by pretty eucalypt forests and is just steps from the quiet beach. Wake to birds calling in the morning and head straight to the water for a sunrise swim in the Tasman Sea.
Insider tip: Bring a picnic and your bushwalking gear and head out for the day on the Bouddi Coastal Walk.
Putty Beach Campground, Killcare Heights - Credit: John Yurasek | DCCEEW
Tallow Beach campground
Location: Gosford
Facilities: Toilets.
Accessibility: No wheelchair access.
Why book here: The only thing between the idyllic Tallow Beach campground and sandy shores is a handful of trees. This petite site has space for just six tents making it the perfect spot for a quiet getaway. Fill your time with swimming, surfing and bushwalking. Box Head track heads through red gum bushland, while the Flannel Flower Walking Track leads to Lobster Beach and views across the water to Woy Woy.
Insider tip: Try your luck at rock fishing and make sure to bring a stove to cook your catch.
Tallow Beach campground, Bouddi National Park - Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW
NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park
Location: Newcastle
Facilities: Toilets, showers, drinking water, kitchen, barbecues, laundry, picnic tables, lounge with TV, games room, playground, free Wi-Fi.
Accessibility: Accessible villas.
Why book here: Wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore at NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park. The park offers a range of accommodation options, many with ocean views, from pretty villas to basic tent sites. There's plenty to do a stone’s throw from camp, like beach strolling, swimming and fishing for bream, whiting or flathead. Or, if you’re craving something more, make the 30-minute drive to Newcastle to explore the city.
Insider tip: Dogs are welcome at the holiday park and on limited sections of the beach.
NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park, Stockton - Credit: NRMA Parks and Resorts
South Coast
Depot Beach campground
Location: Bawley Point
Facilities: Toilets, showers, drinking water, barbecues, picnic tables.
Accessibility: Accessible toilet and shower.
Why book here: With its stunning location in Murramarang National Park, Depot Beach campground is a popular camping spot for families. The campsite is surrounded by spotted gums native to the area, and the beach is just a few minutes’ walk away. Go for a swim, snorkel, or set off for a bushwalk on the Depot Beach Rainforest walk or Rock Platform walk.
Insider tip: There’s plenty of wildlife here, from kangaroos grazing on the grass to dolphins frolicking in the water.
Depot Beach campground, Depot Beach - Credit: Melissa Findley | DCCEEW
Mystery Bay camping area
Location: Mystery Bay
Facilities: Toilets, cold showers; drinking water; farm nearby for firewood, gas refills and ice.
Accessibility: Not accessible.
Why book here: Enjoy spectacular views of the cliff headlands from Mystery Bay camping area, one of the few natural camping areas remaining on the South Coast. Pitch your tent among the spotted gums, acacias and banksias that dot the campground and head to the stunning beach to relax on the sand or explore the rockpools.
Insider tip: Head out on the Mystery Bay short walk, a 40-minute bush track that passes Montague Island and ends at Billy’s Beach, a significant Aboriginal site protected by stunning headlands.
Mystery Bay, Eurobodalla - Credit: Dee Kramer Photography
Saltwater Creek campground
Location: Eden
Facilities: Toilets, barbecue, picnic tables.
Accessibility: Not accessible.
Why book here: The perfect getaway for nature lovers, Saltwater Creek campground offers remote camping near the water. The site is located in Beowa National Park and is a stopover on the Light to Light walk. In between surfing, swimming and fishing, you’ll meet plenty of wildlife during you stay: bandicoots, wallabies, lyrebirds, goannas, pythons and more. Be aware that there is no phone reception here – you’re truly secluded.
Insider tip: Visiting during winter or spring? Keep an eye on the horizon to see humpback whales passing by on their annual migration. And if you’re travelling in a group, you can book up to 40 people or nine campsites online.
Saltwater Creek Campground, Green Cape - Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW
FAQs
Can you camp on NSW beaches for free?
Can you camp on NSW beaches for free?
Yes, you can camp on some NSW beaches for free.
What are the best pet-friendly beach camping spots in NSW?
What are the best pet-friendly beach camping spots in NSW?
The best pet-friendly beach camping spots in NSW are:
Do you need a permit to camp on the beach in NSW?
Do you need a permit to camp on the beach in NSW?
Yes, at some NSW beaches you may need a permit or a booking to camp on the beach.
What’s the best season for beach camping in NSW?
What’s the best season for beach camping in NSW?
The best seasons for beach camping in NSW are:
- Summer for warm weather and water activities
- Spring and winter for campsites that offer a view of the humpback whale migration
- Autumn for cooler weather camping
Which beach camping spots in NSW are suitable for families?
Which beach camping spots in NSW are suitable for families?
The best beachside camping spots in NSW for families are:
