Destinations
Ultimate guide to beach camping NSW: best coastal spots
)
There are many brilliant beach camping spots in NSW. But there are also a lot of not-so-great spots. To help you separate the best from the rest, we’ve compiled this list of the 10 best NSW beach camping spots to visit with your van hired on Camplify. Last updated: _November 2024 _ Dreaming of waking up to crashing waves and salty air? New South Wales offers some of Australia's most spectacular beach camping locations. Whether you're planning a Sydney weekend escape or an extended coastal adventure, we've compiled this updated guide to the 10 best NSW beach camping spots for 2024.
Planning your NSW beach camping journey
To reach these diverse coastal landscapes, you can start your journey from Sydney, Newcastle, or Brisbane for northern destinations. Camplify, Australia's leading van-sharing platform , connects you with local van owners offering affordable rentals across the state. Whether you need a rugged 4WD camper or a family-friendly caravan , finding the perfect vehicle for your beach adventure is simple through our easy booking process.
If you're new to van life, our comprehensive guide to finding your ideal RV can help you choose the right vehicle for your needs. For those planning longer adventures, check out our NSW coast road trip guide for extended itinerary ideas.
10 best places to go beach camping in NSW
1. Mungo Brush Campground - Myall Lakes National Park
Getting there: Located 3 hours north of Sydney or 1 hour from Newcastle. If you're planning a longer adventure, this makes an excellent stop on a Sydney to Byron Bay road trip.
Book your stay: NSW National Parks booking page
Price: From $17.50 per night (plus $8 park entry fee) Pet friendly: No
Mungo Brush Campground offers over 78 campsites perfect for caravans and camper trailers. The campground sits on the edge of the lake with Mungo Beach just a few minutes' walk away.
Activities:
Kayaking along Myall River to Hawks Nest (watch for dolphins)
Mungo Rainforest walk (1.5km return)
Tamboi walking track (5.6km return) through rare coastal rainforest
Facilities:
Toilets
Showers
Picnic tables
Barbecues
2. Boorkoom Campground - Yuraygir National Park
Getting there: Located 6 hours north of Sydney or 3 hours south of Brisbane. Perfect for those exploring the NSW North Coast.
Book your stay: NSW National Parks booking page
Price: From $25 per night (plus $8 park entry fee)
This secluded campground features 11 sites perched on rocky Wilsons Headland, offering stunning ocean views. For those interested in extended coastal exploration, it's an ideal stop on our Queensland coast road trip route.
Activities:
Surfing and beach fishing
Wildlife watching (eagles and whales in season)
Wilsons Headland Walk (6km return)
Facilities:
Toilets
Picnic tables
Fireplaces
3. Depot Beach Campground - Murramarang National Park
Getting there: 4 hours south of Sydney or 2.5 hours from Canberra. Easily accessible for a weekend getaway or as part of a longer South Coast road trip.
Book your stay: NSW National Parks booking page
Price: From $34.85 per night (plus $8 park entry fee)
Set amongst tall spotted gum trees, this family-friendly campground offers 59 sites next to golden Depot Beach. Perfect for those seeking a balance of forest and beach camping experiences.
Activities:
Swimming and snorkeling
Rock Platform Walk (1km loop)
Depot Beach Rainforest Walk (0.4km loop)
Wildlife spotting (kangaroos and dolphins)
Facilities:
Toilets and hot showers
Drinking water
Picnic tables
Barbecues
Fireplaces
Dump point
4. Gillards Campground - Mimosa Rocks National Park
Getting there: 5.5 hours from Sydney or 3 hours from Canberra. An excellent stop when exploring our NSW hidden gems.
Book your stay: NSW National Parks booking page
Price: From $24.60 per night
This highly-rated campground features 40 sites nestled between Gillards Beach and coastal bushland. Particularly popular with families seeking a quieter beach camping experience.
Activities:
Swimming at Moon Bay Beach
Shore fishing
Nelson Lagoon paddling
Mimosa Rocks Track (2km return)
Facilities:
Toilets
Showers
Picnic tables
Barbecues
5. Greenpatch Campground - Booderee National Park
Getting there: 3 hours south of Sydney. Perfect for those exploring Jervis Bay's famous beaches.
Book your stay: Parks Australia booking page
Price: From $20 per night (plus $13 park entry fee)
Located in the stunning Booderee National Park, this campground provides easy access to Iluka Beach and is surrounded by pristine bushland.
Key Features:
2-minute drive to Jervis Bay Village
Walking distance to The Hole in the Wall rock formation
Close to Governor Head Lookout
Facilities:
Toilets
Showers
Drinking water
Barbecues
6. Hungry Gate Campground - Hat Head National Park
Getting there: 5 hours north of Sydney or 2 hours south of Coffs Harbour.
Book your stay: NSW National Parks booking page
Price: From $12.30 per night (plus $8 park entry fee)
This peaceful campground offers 20 sites set among grassy grounds, protected by dunes and thick vegetation. Just a 10-minute walk to vast Killick Beach.
Wildlife Features:
Abundant birdlife
Regular kangaroo sightings
Native bats and goannas
Activities:
Beach walking and swimming
Smoky Cape Walking Track (4.4km return)
Historic lighthouse visits (built 1891)
Facilities:
Toilets
Picnic tables
7. Bonnie Vale Campground - Royal National Park
Getting there: Just 1 hour south of Sydney CBD, perfect for a quick escape from the city.
Book your stay: NSW National Parks booking page
Price: From $41 per night (plus $12 park entry fee)
Offering 77 powered and unpowered sites in Australia's oldest national park. For those interested in exploring more of the area, check our guide to camping near Sydney.
Highlights:
Gentle swimming waters
Forest Path (4.4km loop)
Facilities:
Toilets
Showers
Drinking water
Picnic tables
Barbecues
Dump point
8. Killalea Campground - Killalea Regional Park
Getting there: 2 hours south of Sydney, 30 minutes from Wollongong.
Book your stay: Reflections Holiday Parks booking page
Price: From $34.85 per night
Set in subtropical rainforest with 53 sites, this campground is popular with surfers and families alike. Makes an excellent base for exploring the South Coast's hidden gems.
Activities:
World-class surfing
Minnamurra Falls Track (4.2km return)
Beach fishing
Facilities:
Full camp kitchen
Toilets and showers
Drinking water
Picnic tables
Barbecues
Fireplaces
Dump point
9. Freemans Campground - Munmorah State Conservation Area
Getting there: 1.5 hours north of Sydney, perfect for weekend escapes.
Book your stay: NSW National Parks booking page
Price: From $34.85 per night (plus $8 park entry fee)
This family-friendly campground offers 39 sites near Birdie Beach, ideal for fishing and surfing enthusiasts.
Seasonal Highlights:
Winter whale watching
Summer swimming
Palms Circuit Track (0.75km return)
Facilities:
Toilets
Showers
Drinking water
Picnic tables
Barbecues
Fireplaces
10. Point Plomer Campground - Limeburners Creek National Park
Getting there: 4.5 hours north of Sydney or 1 hour south of Port Macquarie.
Book your stay: NSW National Parks booking page
Price: From $24.60 per night
With 90 campsites set between rainforest and beach, this large campground offers plenty of space for all types of camping setups.
Activities:
Swimming at Black Beach
Exploring Barries Bay
Big Hill Rainforest Walking Track (1.4km loop)
Facilities:
Toilets
Showers
Drinking water
Picnic tables
Barbecues
Fireplaces
Planning your beach camping trip
Book well in advance, especially during peak seasons (December-February)
Check road conditions and vehicle requirements before departure
Always follow fire safety guidelines and check local fire bans
Pack appropriate gear for beach conditions including sun protection
Be prepared for varying weather conditions even in summer
For more camping advice, explore our ultimate Australian camping guide for first-timers.
Best time to visit
The ideal time for beach camping in NSW is between September and April when temperatures are mild to warm. However, each season offers unique experiences:
Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild temperatures, whale watching opportunities
Summer (Dec-Feb): Perfect beach weather but busiest season
Autumn (Mar-May): Still warm with fewer crowds
Winter (Jun-Aug): Quieter campgrounds, great for fishing
If you're planning a winter trip, check out our guide to winter camping activities in NSW for seasonal tips.
How to book your beach camping adventure
Ready to start planning your coastal getaway? Here's how to get started:
Choose your ideal campsite from our list above
Search available vans in your area
Book your campsite through the respective national park website
Request to book your van without any upfront payment
Verify your identity and complete payment once your booking is accepted
For families new to camping, our guide to camping with kids offers helpful tips for making the most of your adventure.
Ready to start your beach camping adventure? Browse available vans in your area.
The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.