It’s that time of the year again when we get out the camping gear and head off for days of sun, sand, bush and water. It is very much the part of an Australian summer, where families gather to enjoy the outdoors and all that our beautiful states have to offer.
There are many beautiful places to camp across NSW this summer, and any time of the year as long as you have the right gear. So, come along with us as we explore some of the most popular camping spots across the state of NSW. As we explore, you will discover how close the sea and bush are so that you can enjoy remote locations yet also get
Picnic Point Campground – Mimosa Rocks National Park
Location – Unnamed Road, Wapengo NSW 2550
Campsite spots – 18
Type of camping – Tent, camper trailer sites and camping beside your vehicle.
Supplies required – Cooking and drinking water, and firewood.
Facilities – BBQ, carpark and toilets.
Price – Rates available when making a booking online.
Pets – No pets allowed
Busiest period – Quite busy during peak holiday periods such as Christmas and Easter.
Picnic Point Campground has a lot to offer especially if you like the idea of basing yourself a few steps away from your next catch. This spot is between two beaches that are perfect for fishing from or to enjoy a swim or making castles in the sand; the whole family will be occupied. There are plenty of places to walk to enjoy the coastline and the sea to dip in. Spring is a great time for whale watching, and winter is a time for plant lovers because winter-flowering is in full bloom
The Ruins Campground and Picnic Area – Booti Booti National Park
Location – 4374 The Lakes Way, Booti Booti, NSW, 2428
Campsite spots – 98
Type of camping – Tent, camper trailer, caravan and camping beside your vehicle.
Facilities – BBQ, carpark, toilet, showers and picnic tables.
Price – Rates available when making a booking online.
Pets – No pets allowed
Busiest period – NSW School holidays, January, and long weekends.
There is much to do at the Ruins campground, and it is the perfect location for families, couples or a group of friends. It has many facilities available onsite, but the real charm comes with the nearby beach and lake that offer whale watching opportunities during winter. You can also enjoy kayaking across Wallis Lake where you can easily let an afternoon slip by as you enjoy your surrounds.
The area also offers for you to experience hiking, scenic lookouts, or going to the local surfing beach to catch the waves or for bird watching if you enjoy discovering local species. If you feel like getting away from the campgrounds for a day, there are cafes close by for a catch up over coffee or for a stroll around the town; you never know what treasures you find. It’s an excellent destination for families to explore together.
Location – 571 Woollamia Road,Woollamia,NSW 2540
Campsite spots – 13
Type of camping – Canvas safari-style tents
Facilities – Hot showers, restaurant, bar and mountain bike hire
Price – Rates vary according to the season and type of tent
Pets – No pets allowed
Busiest period – Between December and January and Easter period
Camping not really your thing but glamping sound appealing? Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay is the perfect location to enjoy canvas tents with wrap-a-round balconies that is nothing but comfort. Not only do you have access to steaming hot showers, king-size beds and luscious robes, but the camping resort also has a gourmet restaurant and a bar for ultimate relaxation.
The surrounding areas offer a lot of fun and relaxing things to do including enjoying the tranquil Currambene Creek where you may spot sea birds, giant rays and the occasional dolphin. You can also enjoy going on a dolphin cruise, local maritime museum and the national park. However extended your stay is, it’s bound to adventurous.
BIG4 South Durras Holiday Park – Batemans Bay, NSW
Location – Located 15km north of Batemans Bay,
Campsite spots – Unknown
Type of camping – Tents, caravans, camper vans, and cabins
Facilities – BBQ and camp kitchen, toilets, showers, baby bath, family bathrooms and Ensuite sites
Price – Rates vary according to the season and type of tent
Pets – Pet-friendly park
Busiest period – December, January, Easter and long weekends
If you want to go camping and never leave the grounds until going home, then you can’t go past the BIG4 South Durras. It has everything you can think of – pool, outdoor movies, board games, store, go-carts, internet, karaoke, walking tracks and wildlife viewing. If you want to go offsite and explore, then there are plenty of surrounding beaches, discovery trails, tours, charters and animal parks. It’s the perfect place to stay as a family, and you certainly won’t hear the children saying they’re bored.
Diamon Head – Crowdy Bay National Park
Location – 92 Woody Head Road, Woody Head, NSW, 2466
Campsite spots – 94
Type of camping – Tents, caravans, campervans and camping beside a car
Facilities – Wheelchair friendly, BBQ, toilets, showers, boat ramp, car park, drinking water, public phone and picnic tables
Price – Rates vary according to the season and type of tent
Pets – Pet-friendly park
Busiest period – December, January, Easter and long weekends
If you like traditional camping with a few extras, then this is the perfect place for you. It’s an excellent place for families, couples or even if you like getting away by yourself. You can enjoy the beauty of the sandy beaches for swimming and fishing, take your boat out, explore the local rainforest and the shallow reefs. From May to November, you can spot Whales on their annual migration or at any time of the year explore the rock pools and see what discoveries you make.
This location is wheelchair friendly.
Conclusion
Exploring the beautiful state of NSW by camping certainly isn’t dull. There is so much to explore and enjoy, from pristine waters to beautiful rainforests; we are surrounded by beauty that many can only dream about. If traditional camping isn’t your thing, then give glamping a try and ease your way into this world. Whether a big park or a secluded location is your thing, there is bound to be a place where you can kick back and enjoy getting out with nature at any time of the year.
Questions
- I have a family with small children, would it be better to go to a big caravan park with all the facilities?
The choice comes down to what best suits your family. If you love having access to pools and the local town that some of these places have then that will be the right choice for you. However, if being a little secluded is more your thing then give it a try. Most campgrounds have toilet and BBQ facilities for your convenience.
- Is it hard to pitch a tent?
The difficulty of pitching a tent depends on the type you purchase. A lot of tents in this day and age are pop up and are easily assembled. Before you head out on your trip, practice putting your tent up in the yard so that you can work out any issues before you are out in the wild.
- Can I take my caravan to a camping site?
Each different campsite has different facilities and rules, which means that some will have the space for caravans or campers; others will be tent options only. Before making a booking, check either online or ring the park to find out what options they have available.
- Do I need to take drinking water?
Whether you need to take water with you or not will differ from place to place. More remote locations usually require to take water for drinking and washing. The more significant parks have facilities that include not only water but places to shower and wash dishes and clothes.
- Can I turn up to a campsite without booking?
Most campsites require you to book. All of NSW national park campsites can only be accessed if you make a booking. If you don’t want to risk being turned away with no place to stay for the night, you should call first or book online.
- Can the whole family go to all camping grounds?
The short answer is yes. However, some places may only be suited to couples such as if you are going glamping where there are no facilities for children. If it is a remote location where there are limited numbers available, you will also need to check when booking whether they allow children to go to these regions. There are very few places that aren’t suitable for the whole family to enjoy camping together.