Cool Camping Spots In NSW

The state of NSW is vast with a wide range of terrains and natural attractions, making it the perfect place to explore on a camping trip! Whether you’re heading out on a road trip with friends, planning a family holiday or headed out into the wilderness on a solo travel mission, there’s a whole world of exciting places to uncover traveling through NSW. Hike over mountains and cycle through valleys in the Snowy Mountains, relax on white sand beaches in South Coast and lots, lots more!

Find out more about caravan parks and camping spots across New South Wales below.

Camping by the river in Macleay Valley Coast, Kempsey.

Camping Checklist

Before you set off on your camping adventure make sure you have all the right gear! Read on to see what essentials you’ll need to bring with you on your trip.

• Tent
• Ground Cloth/Tarp
• Poles, pegs  and rope
• Sleeping Bag or Airbed
• Sheets, blankets and pillows (optional)
• First Aid kit
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Cooking equipment if needed, stove etc.
• Silverware, plates and bowls
• Thermos
• Paper towels
• Dustpan and brush
• Bin bags (Leave No Trace!)
• Large water container

Camp Out In The Blue Mountains

The Three Sisters, Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

Discover 247,000 hectares of spectacular scenery while camping in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Visit the Three Sisters lookout at Echo Point, and enjoy more breathtaking views at Govett’s Leap Lookout, Evans Lookout and Hargraves Lookout.  Ride the world’s steepest passenger railway at Scenic World, or go underground in the Jenolan Caves, one of the world’s oldest caves systems. Euroka Campgrounds is a great base for exploring the best of what the Blue Mountains has to offer, close to attractions and popular with travellers and locals alike. If you’re headed to Jenolan Caves, try Jenolan Caravan Park.

Pitch A Tent In The Central Coast

Bouddi National Park, Central Coast.

The Central Coast’s many bays, inlets, beaches and lakes offer endless fun on the water, from boating and kayaking, to fishing and water skiing. Crackneck Point Lookout in Wyrrabalong National Park is a great vantage point for whale watching. Go bushwalking in Brisbane Water National Park to see seasonal wildflowers, extensive Aboriginal engravings, and the scenic Somersby Falls. Check out Budgewoi Holiday Park in Norah Head for a serene lakeside escape, or try Shelly Beach Holiday Park for beachfront accommodation and beautiful ocean views.

Sleep Under The Stars In Country NSW

The Breadknife, Warrumbungle National Park.

Wind your way through farmland, national parks, and rolling hills on a caravan and camping holiday in Country NSW. Visit Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo and explore the zoo’s expansive six kilometre circuit by car, bike, electric cart, or on foot. See Australia’s highest waterfall, the Wollomombi Falls, in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, and enjoy picturesque bushwalking trails through Warrumbungle National Park in Coonabarabran. Camp out at Warrumbungle to experience the Dark Sky Park and enjoy stargazing through the night.

Caravanning In The Hunter

Sunrise, Hunter Valley. Image credit: Blake Chaney

Camp in the unspoilt wilderness of the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops National Park and enjoy magnificent bushwalking trails that take you through subtropical rainforests, to ancient beech forests and subalpine woodlands. Enjoy whitewater rafting, horse riding, mountain biking and bird watching, or spend the day sipping cool-climate wines at some of oldest wineries, cellar doors and vineyards in the country. The national park’s Gloucester River campground accommodates tents, trailers, and caravans.

Take A Road Trip Along The North Coast

Birubi Beach footprints, Port Stephens.

Start your engines and discover lush river valleys and a coastline of pristine beaches on a caravan and camping holiday along The Legendary Pacific Coast touring route. The Lake Macquarie area is home to the largest coastal saltwater lake in Australia, as well as fantastic ocean beaches. Head inland to Dorrigo National Park to enjoy rainforest camping by the river, or enjoy the relaxed village lifestyle on offer at Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly point. Travel off the beaten track to explore the Byron Bay hinterland and unwind in gorgeous surrounding towns like Ballina, Mullumbimby and Suffolk Park.

Set Up Camp In Outback NSW

The Outback, Mungo National Park.

Camp out under the stars in Outback NSW. You’ll find sunbaked sand dunes and lush wetlands teeming with wildlife in the region’s national parks.  Discover 30,000 year-old Aboriginal rock art at sites in Mutawintji National Park at Broken Hill, or explore the site of the oldest human skeleton remains at Mungo National Park. There are a wide range of camping options in the area, as well as a few well-loved caravan parks including Broken Hill Tourist Park and Opal Caravan Park. Make some time to visit the unique opal mining town of White Cliffs, where most people live underground to escape the heat.

Lakeside Camping In The Snowy Mountains

Lake Crackenback resort, Snowy Mountains.

Explore Australia’s most extensive alpine region in the Snowy Mountains. The natural wonderland of Kosciuszko National Park is a prime location for a caravan and camping holiday. Try trout-fishing and throw a line into the crystal clear waters of a lake or quiet stream, or head out on a horse riding adventure. The best way to experience the spectacular views from the top of Mt Kosciuszko is on the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift, open 365 days a year. Head to Lake Jindabyne for some quiet reflection and spend the weekend at nearby Jindabyne Holiday Park.

Beach Camping In The South Coast

Kangaroos at Green Patch, South Coast

Shimmering bays, lakes, uncrowded beaches, and beautiful rivers offer scenic caravan and camping holiday opportunities all year-round in the South Coast. The area’s pristine bushland can also be enjoyed by bush walkers, bird-lovers and cycling enthusiasts. Coledale Beach offers a camping haven with a reserve on the beach’s edge.  Take in Kiama’s stunning scenery along the 22 kilometre Kiama Coast Walk,  snorkel with fur seals in the wild at Montague Island, and enjoy whale watching along the South Coast between May and November. Head to Green Patch Camping Area in Booderee National Park to discover an abundance of natural beauty along the shores of Jervis Bay.

Explore some amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites in NSW here!