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[Watch] All of the adventure with none of the towing: Megalong Valley camping with caravan delivery

Camping guides • Destinations

[Watch] All of the adventure with none of the towing: Megalong Valley camping with caravan delivery

•Lisa Grant

Dreaming of escaping to the great outdoors on a family camping trip, but feel a little overwhelmed by the thought of towing a caravan? Maybe you don't have a tow ball, your car isn't quite big enough to pull a rig, or the thought of reversing a caravan into a tight spot makes you break out in a cold sweat.

What if we told you that you could skip the stress of towing and arrive at your campsite with a beautiful, vintage van already set up and waiting for you? Travel blogger and photographer Claire Caraway did exactly that during winter. Seeking a screen-free family escape in the Megalong Valley, to create fond memories she cherished from her own childhood, Claire discovered the convenience of caravan delivery with Camplify.

We showed up just after the owners had dropped off the caravan... it was so good to arrive to a campsite all set up so all we had to do was start cooking dinner. We didn't have to set up tents- it was already done for us."

Your guide to camping in the Megalong Valley

Location: Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Distance: 2 hours drive west of Sydney

Best things to do in the Blue Mountains:

Best places to camp with an RV in the Blue Mountains:

  • Old Ford Reserve (Megalong Creek): A picturesque free camping and picnic area alongside Megalong Creek, where you can spot unique birdlife.

  • Dunphy's Campground: A more remote option, but great for families. This campground also makes an excellent base for wildlife spotting, hiking and fishing along Cox’s River.

  • Burralow campground: Also a great option for bushwalking, with easy access to hiking trails. This spot is popular with families and groups of friends looking for a remote bush escape close to Sydney. 

  • Hipcamp sites: There’s plenty of private, RV friendly sites to choose from in the Blue Mountains region to suit your adventure.

Claire chose a Hipcampe site “because often there's some extra little things like the animals that were there and sometimes they have better toilets and, other facilities that you can use, and it just looked so beautiful.”

Fresh air, family time and getting back to nature - the best way to reset.

Why caravan delivery is a game-changer for families

One of the best parts of hiring through Camplify, Australia’s largest RV sharing platform, is the sheer convenience for families, first-timers or those seeking a stress-free adventure. You book the perfect caravan and its local owner delivers & sets it up for you at a campground of your choosing. It's one of the simplest holidays you'll ever take.

“It was really, really smooth transition, really easy with kids. I loved it. It was amazing. Would recommend” Claire said.

For Claire and her 18-month-old son, Aubrey, the decision to have a caravan delivered to her Hipcamp in the Megalong Valley was all about comfort and ease.

"Because we have really small cars, we can't tow a caravan ourselves... and just like the risk that sometimes I get worried about - I don't know how to drive a caravan so it was really cool that it could just be delivered."

By opting for delivery, Claire unlocked three major benefits:

  1. Zero towing stress: No need for a powerful 4WD or a tow ball. You can drive your family car comfortably to your destination.

  2. Instant relaxation: Simply arrive and relax, that’s it! No setup required - ideal for families seeking a low-effort adventure.

  3. Four-season safety: While Claire usually camps in a swag, the unpredictable mountain winter made a caravan the smarter choice.

“I was really excited about the possibility of getting a caravan delivered somewhere, particularly because it was the middle of winter and the weather can be so unpredictable in the mountains where we wanted to go. I knew that if we were in a caravan, I would feel really safe if it were to rain or if the temperature was dropping below zero” Claire explained.

Want more inspo for the best places to camp near Sydney? Browse these 14 incredibly tranquil campsites less than 3 hours from Sydney.

Finding the perfect family-friendly caravan to hire

While there are thousands of modern, high-tech caravans available on Camplify, Claire was looking for something specific for her family's needs, her photography, and something that suited her vibe. Enter The Family Vacationer, a vintage 70’s caravan.

"The one that stood out to me was this old vintage 70s one... just because it looked so cute and it went with our vibe. We co-sleep, so we wanted a bed that was big enough for all of us... and I wanted a kitchen inside so that we could cook if it was raining."

How does caravan delivery work?

If you’re wondering how to coordinate a delivery, Claire found the process surprisingly seamless:

  • Step 1: Find your campground. Claire used Hipcamp to find a spacious, private site in the Megalong Valley.

  • Step 2: Filter for delivery. On the Camplify website, she searched for vans in that radius that offered delivery.

  • Step 3: Connect with the owner. Claire messaged the owners, agreed on a delivery fee, and confirmed the arrival time.

  • Step 4: Much like an Airbnb, you simply tidy up the the van at the end of your stay, and the owner handles the rest.

"It was just a quick clean... then we just handed over the keys when the owner came back and he was really lovely and then we drove off"

Winding down with family in the Megalong Valley

The Megalong Valley offers a "real nature" feel away from the crowded coastal spots. With the escarpment glowing at sunset and local wildlife visiting every morning, it's a paradise for families. The ideal destination for those looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, get back to nature and reconnect with loved ones.

Aubrey spent his mornings greeting kangaroos, horses, and alpacas right outside the caravan door.

One of the days on Claire’s trip was spent trekking a section of the Six Foot Track, a 15km hike down to the picturesque Coxs River river where her family enjoyed a picnic lunch together overlooking the river - a recommendation which actually came from The Family Vacationer’s owner.

“That's always really important as part of our camping trips. We love to get a hike in and spend that time in nature” Claire shared.

Aside from hiking the local trails, Claire's family spent their time exploring the campsite, visiting some local lookouts, and taking a quick drive to nearby Blackheath for some vintage shopping and a cozy pub lunch.

Claire’s top tips on what to bring:

  • Pack for the "in-between": Even though the van is set up, bring your favourite outdoor comforts and toys to keep the kids entertained. Claire brought a small bike for Aubrey and instruments for music by the fire.

  • Hiking gear: Don't forget the hiking carriers if you have little ones and are planning on tackling a few trails.

  • Wet weather clothing: An essential, especially if your camping in winter - Bring raincoats, gumboots, the works, so even if the weather turns, you can still get outside.

“It was really nice peace of mind to know that even if the weather was bad, planning it in advance, that we always would have somewhere to go to get dry inside” Claire shared.

  • Warm clothes and fire wood: Pack the layers because temperatures in the Blue Mountains can dip very low, down to zero degrees celsius during winter. “We brought heaps of wood so we could have a fire and warm up because it was very cold” she recalled.

Ready to skip the towing and start your Megalong Valley camping adventure?

If you're dreaming of a mountain escape or a quiet valley retreat but don't have the gear to get there, caravan delivery is your secret weapon for your next family holiday.

  • No towing required

  • Damage protection on every booking

  • 24/7 customer support

  • 3,000+ delivery-ready vans Australia-wide

  • Access to almost any campground

Find the perfect delivery van and start planning your next adventure ->

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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.