Glenworth Valley Campground 

There are so many activities on offer at Glenworth Valley you’ll need a week here to try them all. Go horse riding through native bushland, take a riding lesson or even bring your own horse to explore the beautiful trails. You can also try abseiling, laser skirmish battles and axe throwing, or take a scenic paddle along the waterways on a kayak. Pitch your tent on the 80-hectare campground and take a morning dip each day at Popran Creek. There are also glamping tents and Eco-Villas on offer.  

Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures, Glenworth Valley

Belle Glamping

If you’d prefer a little luxury, glamping is the ideal blend of high-end comforts and a retreat in nature. Belle Glamping is a mobile service that will set up a glampsite (complete with comfy beds, rugs and stylish décor) at different locations around the Central Coast.

Belle Glamping and Events, Glenworth Valley - Credit: Michelle Brown

Tallow Beach campground 

Located in Bouddi National Park, Tallow Beach campground is a picturesque spot, popular with surfers, swimmers and people who like to fish. The campground is not accessible by car, so you’ll need to carry your gear along a 1.2km walking track down a steep gravel trail to the campsite. Once there, you’ll be rewarded with the tranquility of only six tent spots located a few steps from the beach. There are some great bushwalking tracks around the campground too, including Box Head Track and Flannel Flower Walking Track.   

Tallow Beach campground, Bouddi National Park - Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW

Into The Wild Escapes - Kookaburra Ridge

Kookaburra Ridge, run by tiny house experts Into The Wild Escapes, is made up of two bell tents, each surrounded by decking with outdoor bathtubs. There are barbecue facilities, multiple seating areas, a communal firepit, a lounge space and communal bathrooms. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, but is also child- and infant-friendly if you’d like to bring the kids.

Into The Wild Escapes - Kookaburra Ridge, Wyee - Credit: Danielle Nieuwendyk Photography

Ten Mile Hollow campground

Camping is free at Ten Mile Hollow Campground in Dharug National Park (a $6 booking fee applies). The remote campsite is only accessible by cycling or walking and is a rest stop on the multi-day Old Great North Road hike. Facilities include barbecues and toilets and there are only six camp spots, so seclusion, peace and quiet are almost guaranteed.

Ten Mile Hollow Campground, Dharug National Park- Credit: Nick Cubbin | DCCEEW

Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary

Plan a wild night out at Calga’s Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary with its Wild Camping experience. Here you can hire the whole campsite for you and your friends and explore the park – home to kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes and even meerkats – after dark on your own or take an after-hours tour. Tents and camping mattresses are provided, and there is a camp kitchen, toilets and hot showers.  

Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, Calga

Little Beach campground 

There is no vehicle access to Little Beach campground in Bouddi National Park; you need to park at Grahame Drive and make your way down the 750m walking trail to get there. This along with the fact that there are only six pitches overlooking the beach, surrounded by littoral rainforest, making it one of the quietest and most serene campsites on the Central Coast. Facilities are limited to toilets and barbecues.  

Little Beach campground, Bouddi National Park - Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW

NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort

NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort at Umina Beach is ideal for families with its swimming pools, playground, waterpark, pedal karts, bouncing pillow, e-bike hire and more. It has campsites, cabins and villas, caravan sites, glamping options and pet-friendly options – all located on the sheltered beach at Umina, and within walking distance to Pearl Beach to the south and Ettalong Beach to the north.  

NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, Umina Beach

NRMA Canton Beach Holiday Park

Dogs are welcome to camp and caravan at Canton Beach Holiday Park, which has powered, unpowered and ensuite sites located on the foreshore of tranquil Tuggerah Lake. The park has a boat ramp, great fishing and you can cook your catch on sheltered barbecues on the foreshore or in the camp kitchen.

Canton Beach Holiday Park, Canton Beach - Credit: Central Coast Council/Central Coast Holiday Parks

Two Shores Holiday Village

Two Shores Holiday Village is also on the shores of sparkling Tuggerah Lake, complete with pet-friendly campsites and selected cabins. Less than 30 minutes’ drive away at North Avoca Beach pets can prance on the sand. Swap sand for bush to head into Strickland State Forest for a leafy adventure in the rainforest.

Two Shores Holiday Village, The Entrance North - Credit: Two Shores Holiday Village

Blue Lagoon Beach Resort

Blue Lagoon Beach Resort in Bateau Bay is set between the ocean and the pristine Wyrrabalong National Park. The bay invites play for all ages and the rockpools along the shore are primed for exploration. Book into a campsite, cabin (there are accessible options), tiny home, cottage or something in-between – the oceanfront options are endless here.

Blue Lagoon Beach Resort, Bateau Bay - Credit: Blue Lagoon Beach Resort

Putty Beach campground

A quiet retreat awaits at Gosford’s Putty Beach campground. The largest campground in Bouddi National Park, this grassy camping area is surrounded by eucalypt forests and is a stone's throw from the quiet beach. Wake to birds calling in the morning and head straight to the water for a sunrise swim.

Putty Beach Campground, Bouddi National Park - Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW