14 Incredibly tranquil campsites less than 3 hours from Sydney

Need an escape from Sydney's hustle and bustle? We've carefully curated this list of 14 peaceful camping destinations all within 3 hours of the city. Whether you're heading north towards Newcastle, south to Wollongong, or west to the mountains, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind. Last updated: November 2024

Getting to these tranquil destinations is easy with Camplify , Australia's leading van-sharing platform. Hire an affordable van from local owners in Sydney or surrounding areas and start your weekend escape. For camping beginners , check out our ultimate guide to camping for first-timers.

1. Boyd River Campground - Kanangra-Boyd National Park

Getting there: 2 hours 59 minutes from Sydney via Great Western Highway More information: NSW National Parks page

Nestled among towering snow gums on the banks of Morong Creek , Boyd River Campground offers a true Australian wilderness experience. The campground is perfect for those seeking to combine peaceful camping with hiking adventures.

Wildlife spotting opportunities:

• Sugar gliders

• Tawny frogmouths

• Wombats

• Kangaroos

• Wedge-tailed eagles (from Kanangra-Boyd Lookout)

Activities:

• Bushwalking

• Mountain biking

• Wildlife photography

• Scenic drives to Kanangra-Boyd Lookout

Facilities: Basic. Bring your own:

• Drinking water (creek water must be treated)

• Firewood

• Food supplies

Price: Park entry fees only ($8 per day) No bookings required

2. Budgewoi Holiday Park

Getting there: 1 hour 30 minutes from Sydney via M1 Book your stay: Central Coast Holiday Parks

Located on the beautiful Central Coast, this lakeside park offers both adventure and relaxation. Perfect for families seeking a peaceful waterfront escape with modern amenities.

Activities:

• Windsurfing

• Water skiing

• Tandem bike riding

• Pelican feeding

• Fishing

• Swimming

Nearby attractions:

• Treetop Adventure Park

• Australian Reptile Park

• Budgewoi shops and cafes

• Local beaches

Facilities:

• Powered sites

• Modern amenities

• BBQ areas

• Children's playground

• Camp kitchen

3. Coledale Beach Camping

Getting there: 1 hour 46 minutes from Sydney via M1 Book your stay: Coledale Camping Reserve

Price: From $25/night (off-season)

This prime beachfront location offers stunning views of the Illawarra escarpment and Pacific Ocean. Perfect for those seeking a coastal camping experience without the crowds.

Activities:

• Surfing

• Swimming

• Fishing

• Diving

• Whale watching (seasonal)

• Dolphin spotting

Facilities:

• Hot showers

• Toilets

• Kitchen facilities

• Laundry

• Unpowered sites

4. Cathedral Reserve - Mount Wilson

Getting there: 1 hour 57 minutes from Sydney via Bells Line of Road More information: Mt. Wilson Cathedral Reserve

Located in the heart of the Blue Mountains, this picturesque campground offers a unique English village atmosphere with stunning seasonal changes. Ideal for those exploring our Blue Mountains hidden gems.

Seasonal highlights:

• Autumn foliage (March-May)

• Golden beeches

• Historic elms

• Linden trees

Activities:

• Cathedral of Ferns walks

• Turkish Bath museum visits

• Walnut and chestnut picking (seasonal)

• Nature photography

Facilities:

• Basic toilets

• Water available

• No showers

• Unpowered sites

5. Jenolan Caravan Park - Oberon

Getting there: 2 hours 42 minutes from Sydney via Great Western Highway Book your stay: Jenolan Caravan Park booking page

Set in the charming township of Oberon, this pet-friendly park offers easy access to the famous Jenolan Caves and numerous adventure activities.

Nearby attractions:

• Jenolan Caves

• Yerranderie ghost town

• Mayfield Garden

• Falkirk Farm

• Yarrabin Guest Property

• Blue Mountains Sparidise

Activities:

• Cave exploration

• Horse riding

• Truffle hunting (seasonal)

• Japanese garden visits

• Hiking

• Mountain biking

Facilities:

• Powered sites

• Modern amenities block

• Pet-friendly areas

• BBQ facilities

• Camp kitchen

6. Blackheath Glen - Blue Mountains

Getting there: 1 hour 45 minutes from Sydney via M4 Book your stay: Blackheath Tourist Park

This Tourist park offers stunning views and adventure activities in the upper Blue Mountains. Perfect for combining mountain exploration with comfortable camping.

Adventure activities:

• Canyoning

• Hang gliding

• Rock climbing

• Hiking to Hanging Rock

• Mountain biking

• Horse riding

Facilities:

• Self-contained cabins

• Powered sites with ensuites

• Unpowered bush sites

• Modern amenities

• Playground

• WiFi hotspot

Price: From $35/night (unpowered sites)

7. Katoomba Falls Tourist Park

Getting there: 1 hour 39 minutes from Sydney via M4 Book your stay: Katoomba Tourist Park

Located on Scenic Cliff Drive , just a 10-minute walk to the iconic Echo Point and Three Sisters. Perfect for those seeking a Blue Mountains adventure with all modern comforts.

Nearby attractions:

• Three Sisters

• Scenic Railway

• Katoomba Falls

• Wentworth Falls

• Everglades Gardens

• Local cafes and restaurants

Facilities:

• Self-contained cabins

• Powered sites

• Unpowered sites

• Modern amenities block

• Camp kitchen

• BBQ facilities

Price: From $45/night (powered sites)

8. Wollondilly River Station - Bowral

Getting there: 2 hours 57 minutes from Sydney via M31 Book your stay: Wollondilly River Station booking page

A genuine outback experience just hours from Sydney, offering riverside camping and authentic bush experiences. Great for those seeking a peaceful escape from the city.

Activities:

• River swimming

• Bushwalking

• Wildlife watching

• Camp oven cooking

• Day trips to Wombeyan Caves

• Fishing

Basic facilities:

• Flush portaloos

• Hot showers (river water)

• Bush style office shop

• No powered sites

• No camp kitchen

Price: From $30/night per site

9. Blue Gums Campground - Yengo National Park

Getting there: 1 hour 10 minutes from Sydney Book your stay: NSW National Parks booking page

Set in the pristine wilderness of Yengo National Park, this campground offers true bush camping with abundant wildlife.

Adventure activities:

• 4WD tracks

• Mountain biking

• Big Yango loop trail

• Old Great North Road cycling

• Yango walking track (6km)

• Wildlife spotting

Wildlife encounters:

• Wombats

• Wallabies

• Native birds

• Nocturnal animals

Facilities: Basic

• No power

• No drinking water

• Bring own firewood and supplies

• Basic toilets

Price: $12/night plus park entry fee

10. Discovery Holiday Parks - Gerroa

Getting there: 1 hour 58 minutes from Sydney via M1 Book your stay: Discovery Parks booking page

Perfect for those seeking a South Coast getaway with resort-style amenities and beautiful beaches nearby.

Entertainment features:

• Outdoor cinema

• Table tennis

• Unpowered go-karts

• Pool table

• Happy hour events

• Riverside locations

Facilities:

• Self-contained cabins

• Powered sites

• Unpowered sites

• Camp kitchen

• Modern amenities

• Kiosk

• Children's playground

Price: From $40/night (powered sites)

11. Glenmack Park - Kangaroo Valley

Getting there: 2 hours 3 minutes from Sydney Book your stay: Glenmack Park

Situated beside Kangaroo River in idyllic Kangaroo Valley, perfect for families seeking adventure and relaxation. Featured in our guide to family-friendly camping.

Nearby attractions:

• Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures

• Jamberoo Adventure Park

• Kangaroo Valley Adventure Company

• Mini golf

• Petting zoo with alpacas

Facilities:

• Self-contained cabins

• Large powered sites

• Unpowered sites

• River frontage

• Camp kitchen

• Modern amenities

• Pet-friendly areas

Price: From $40/night (powered sites)

12. Lake St Clair - Singleton

Getting there: 2 hours 47 minutes from Sydney Book your stay: Lake St Clair

A picturesque lakeside retreat nestled in the foothills of Mt Royal National Park, offering excellent water activities and scenic views.

Activities:

• Water skiing

• Fishing

• Canoeing

• Picnicking

• Bushwalking

• Sunset viewing at Heuston lookout

Facilities:

• 11 powered sites

• 38 hectares of camping space

• Electric BBQs

• Wood-fired BBQs

• Camp kitchen

• Modern amenities

• Separate shower blocks

Price: From $30/night (unpowered sites)

14. Lane Cove River Tourist Park

Getting there: 29 minutes from Sydney Book your stay: NPWS booking page

An urban oasis offering national park tranquility minutes from Sydney's CBD. Perfect for those seeking a quick weekend escape.

Activities:

• River rowing

• Bushwalking

• Cycling trails

• Wildlife watching

• Swimming pool access

• Evening BBQs

Facilities:

• Powered/unpowered sites

• Four modern amenities blocks

• Full laundry

• Camp kitchen

• Recreation room

• Wireless internet

• Pool

Price: From $45/night (powered sites)

14. Coolendel Nature Reserve - North Nowra

Getting there: 3 hours 22 minutes from Sydney Book your stay: Coolendel camp

Though slightly beyond our 3-hour limit, this hidden gem along the Shoalhaven River is worth the extra drive. Featured in our guide to NSW's best natural swimming spots.

Natural features:

• 2.5km untouched river frontage

• Remote fishing spots

• Walking trails

• Mountain bike tracks

• Historic mine workings

• Abundant wildlife

Accommodation options:

• Cabins

• 20-person bunkhouse

• Unrestricted camping areas

• River frontage sites

Wildlife encounters:

• Wombats

• Wallabies

• Goannas

• Native birds

Facilities:

• Free hot showers

• Basic amenities block

• Gas BBQs

• Kiosk for essentials

• Firewood available

Price: From $20/night per person

Start planning your tranquil escape

Ready to explore these peaceful camping spots? Browse available vans in your area or check out our guide to choosing the perfect RV for your adventure. Remember to book your campsite well in advance, especially during peak seasons and school holidays.

For more camping inspiration, explore our guides to:

• NSW coast road trips

• Free camping in Australia

• Winter camping tips

• Family camping essentials

Want to learn more about hiring a van through Camplify? Visit our How It Works page or contact our friendly team today.