Camping in Jervis Bay: A travellers guide to Green Patch Campground

Meet Laura Ausling, one of our featured Happy Campers, whose recent Camplify campervan trip took her to the stunning South Coast of New South Wales. She settled on a coastal paradise, Jervis Bay, renowned globally for its powder-white sand and dazzling turquoise water. Laura insists the Green Patch campsite she stayed at is the best on the NSW South Coast - and she's ready to share exactly why this slice of paradise should be your next South Coast camping destination.

If you're even thinking about camping on the South Coast of NSW, let me save you some time: Green Patch in Jervis Bay is honestly up there with one of the best national park campsites I’ve ever stayed at.

We camped there over a weekend in May in one of Camplify’s campervans “Lilo”, and it was the perfect mix of nature, relaxation, and, well... possums trying to steal our dinner (more on that later).

Hire ‘Lilo’ on Camplify and start your Jervis Bay camping adventure today!

It was the perfect place for a quick escape, to soak in the serenity and only a 2 and a “half-ish” hour drive from Sydney. If you’re keen to do the same and see the pristine coastline of Jervis Bay in its full glory, here’s what you need to know before you go.

So, what’s the campsite actually like?

Green Patch campground is found inside Booderee National Park, so first off, you’re surrounded by nature. Not just trees and birdsong (which, yes, you’ll get in spades), but also that crystal clear blue water that Jervis Bay is famous for. It’s quiet, calm, and honestly kind of magical.

Camping at Green Patch is the gateway to the stunning white sands and turquoise waters of Booderee National Park.

We were staying in our Camplify hired van 'Lilo', which made the whole trip feel way easier. No tent setup. No dramas. Just pull in, pop open the side door, and you're good. We had a bed, a little kitchen setup, and a (fully waterproof) roof over our heads…luxury.

There’s no power at the sites, but there are toilets, hot showers (!!), camp kitchens with BBQs, and drinking water. The shared spaces were actually super clean, which always feels like a bit of a win when you’re camping. AND Green Patch Beach is just a quick few minutes stroll past the creek and through the reserve. We were constantly back and forth, down for sunrise, back for snacks, down again for a swim. It was just so easy to come and go all day.

Booking your campsite at Green Patch is really simple, just jump online to the Booderee NP site, and put in some basic info, including the date you want to go! When this is done they will shoot you through a message with the booking confirmation and your site number. Sites range from $35- $70 a night depending on the size of your group and how many vehicles per site. So get onto the planning early and remember to book ahead because the sites can book out in advance.

Camping with kids? Here’s 10 things you mustn’t forget!

The wildlife is adorable… and cheeky

Amongst the peaceful bush and quiet nights, you’re not alone out there. We saw some of Australia’s finest wildlife - wallabies, kookaburras, echidnas, rainbow lorikeets, and possums just casually wandering around camp like they owned the place.

And to be fair, they kind of do. We made the mistake on the first night, we were cooking in the van, and this possum literally tried to climb inside to get a little taste of our hot pasta. We laughed, screamed and then locked the doors (in that order).

Keep your snacks sealed and your car or van doors closed at all times. The possums are cute, but they’re definitely not shy.

Quick heads up: Stock up before you enter the park

There are no major shops or servos once you're in the national park. We stopped at the Woolies in Vincentia, which is about 15 minutes out, and grabbed everything we needed for the weekend – food, drinks, bug spray, all the essentials. There’s also a petrol station there, so if your rig’s getting a little low, top up while you’re at it.

I’d say grab a few easy meals, plus stuff for the BBQ if you're planning on using it. And maybe marshmallows if you’re a sucker for a campfire moment (check the fire restrictions first, though).

This is the good stuff: A crackling campfire, a moment of peace, and the first glorious bite of a perfectly toasted s'more.

Things to do nearby (or just don’t move)

Honestly, you don’t have to leave Green Patch to have a good time. The beach is right there, and it’s just… so calm and easy. Great for swimming, floating around, or just laying on a towel doing nothing. We ventured to the nearby beaches for a little sticky beak - Hole in the Wall, Illuka, Murrays and Hyams Beach of course.

But if you do feel like adventuring the National Park:

• Cave Beach is nearby if you’re into surfing.

• The Munyunga Waraga Dhugan walk has unreal coastal views and heaps of info about the local Aboriginal culture.

• Booderee Botanic Gardens are also close, and they’re super peaceful. And keep your eyes peeled for dolphins - we saw some just cruising past the beach one morning and if you’re planning on being there during the colder weather (late May to early September), you may get lucky and see some whales on their route up north.

• The town of Huskisson is also worth checking out on your way out or for a Sunday drive through the area. It’s a small, laid-back spot with cute cafes, industrial-style breweries, a pub by the water and a few little shops that’ll have you walking out with a tote bag, a jar of local honey, and a ceramic mug you definitely didn’t need.

Want more coastal camping inspo? Here are the best campsites on the East Coast of Australia.

Final thoughts

This trip was everything I needed for a quick three day getaway to help me reset and escape from the busyness that is life - slow mornings, salty skin, cups of coffee in the van, birds that sound like they're laughing at you (thanks kookaburras), and the kind of nights where you fall asleep to nothing but the sound of the bush.

Camplify made it so easy: Just book your van, pick it up, pack in your stuff and hit the road.

I’d honestly do it every weekend if I had the time. If you're looking for a quick camping trip in paradise, with everything you could want from a campground and a touch of comfort (including a real mattress), this is your sign. Go to Green Patch. Book the van. Lock your snacks up tight. Thank me later.

Are you a camping or road trip lover who wants to share your Camplify experience and camping tips with our community? We'd love to hear your story! Reach out to us via Instagram or Facebook and let us know all about your latest adventure for a chance to be featured as a Happy Camper.