New South Wales offers more camping variety than any other Australian state. From surf beaches to alpine snowfields, from deep river gorges to red outback plains, NSW has over 540 campgrounds across its national parks and state forests alone. This guide covers the 15 best camping experiences the state has to offer.
1. Crowdy Bay National Park
Between Port Macquarie and Taree on the mid-north coast, Crowdy Bay is one of NSW’s most underrated coastal parks. The Diamond Head campground sits in wallaby-dotted heath behind a stunning beach. Sites are $8 per adult per night. Kangaroos and wallabies graze the campground at dawn — bring a camera. The lighthouse walk delivers excellent ocean views. Bush camping is also available at Indian Head for more adventurous visitors.
2. Bouddi National Park
On the Central Coast just 90 minutes north of Sydney, Bouddi is a remarkable piece of coast that has escaped development. The Little Beach campground is walk-in only (approximately 2.5km from the carpark) and has basic facilities with a spectacular beach all to itself. Sites are $8 per adult per night. The Bouddi Coastal Walk passes through the campground — a 30km track from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach is one of the best multi-day coastal walks in NSW.
3. Blue Mountains — Euroka Campground
At the base of the Blue Mountains escarpment near Glenbrook, Euroka is one of the most accessible wilderness campgrounds in NSW. Surrounded by grey kangaroos that have no fear of humans, Euroka has basic facilities and costs $8 per adult per night. The short walk to Euroka Clearing at dusk for kangaroo watching is unforgettable for families. Book well ahead — this is one of the most popular campgrounds in NSW due to its proximity to Sydney.
4. Warrumbungle National Park
Australia’s only dark sky national park, Warrumbungle sits near Coonabarabran in central-western NSW. The Camp Blackman campground has excellent facilities including hot showers and a camp kitchen. At $12 per adult per night it is excellent value. The Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk is one of the top day hikes in Australia — volcanic spires rising from grassland plains. Siding Spring Observatory adjacent to the park offers night sky tours.
5. Mimosa Rocks National Park
South of Bermagui on the Sapphire Coast, Mimosa Rocks is one of NSW’s most beautiful and least-visited coastal parks. Multiple campgrounds including Aragunnu, Middle Beach and Picnic Point offer different experiences within the same park. Sites from $8 per adult per night. The coastline is dramatic — rocky headlands, pristine beaches and coastal heath. Excellent fishing and snorkelling. Very popular with serious surfers for the remote beach breaks.
6. Kosciuszko National Park — Coolamine Plains
In the heart of the Snowy Mountains, Coolamine Plains offers one of Australia’s most atmospheric high-country camping experiences. The historic stockmen’s hut and the rolling alpine grassland feel like a step back in time. Sites are low-cost with basic facilities. Access is via a good unsealed road from Kiandra. Snow can fall any month of the year at this altitude — be prepared for cold nights even in summer. Brumbies (wild horses) are frequently seen in this area.
7. Gundabooka National Park
Remote and spectacular, Gundabooka sits north of Bourke in the far northwest of NSW. The Mount Gundabooka campground is free with basic pit toilet facilities. The outback landscape of mulga scrub, dry creek beds and red plains is genuinely beautiful in the right light — sunrise and sunset are extraordinary. Ancient Aboriginal rock art sites are accessible via short walks. Best visited April to October. Bring all water and supplies — nothing available nearby.
8. Murramarang National Park
On the South Coast between Batemans Bay and Ulladulla, Murramarang is famous for Eastern Grey Kangaroos relaxing on the beach at Pebbly Beach campground. This is one of Australia’s most photographed camping scenes. Sites are $8 per adult per night and book out months ahead. The beaches are sheltered and excellent for swimming. The Murramarang Aboriginal Area adjacent protects significant cultural heritage. Midweek visits avoid the weekend crowds.
9. Guy Fawkes River National Park
One of NSW’s wildest and most remote parks, Guy Fawkes protects a spectacular series of gorges in the New England tablelands. The Chaelundi camping area is free with basic facilities. Access requires a high-clearance 4WD and the roads can be very rough. The gorge country is exceptional for experienced bushwalkers. No mobile coverage throughout the park. Self-sufficient camping skills are essential. The reward is absolute solitude in stunning wilderness.
10. Mungo National Park
In the far southwest corner of NSW, Mungo is one of Australia’s most significant archaeological and geological sites. The Main Camp has good facilities at $8 per adult per night. The Walls of China — a 33km lunette of ancient lake sediments — is a genuinely awe-inspiring landscape that changes colour through the day. Guided cultural tours with local Mutthi Mutthi and Paakantji people are available and are highly recommended. Stargazing is exceptional in this dark, flat outback landscape.
11. Dorrigo National Park
On the edge of the New England escarpment, Dorrigo protects outstanding World Heritage-listed subtropical rainforest. The Never Never picnic area has a small campground at the base of the escarpment. Sites are basic but the location is extraordinary — surrounded by ancient rainforest with walking tracks directly from camp. The Skywalk at the visitor centre is worth the short drive. Leeches are present after rain — gaiters and insect repellent recommended.
12. Dharawal National Park
Just 60km south of Sydney CBD, Dharawal is a remarkable piece of wilderness sandwiched between the urban sprawl. Free camping is available at the Cataract Gorge camping area with basic facilities. The escarpment scenery is surprisingly dramatic for such proximity to the city. Walking tracks explore sandstone ridges, deep gullies and waterfalls. Mountain bike trails are popular on weekends. A genuine bush escape without leaving the Sydney basin.
13. Sturt National Park
Australia’s outback is at its most extreme in Sturt National Park near Tibooburra in the far northwest corner of NSW. The Mount Wood homestead camping area has basic facilities and charges a small fee. The jump-up country — flat-topped mesas rising from stone gibber plains — is dramatically beautiful in the right light. The Corner Country where NSW, Queensland and South Australia meet is accessible from here. Red kangaroos and emus in vast numbers.
14. Deua National Park
In the ranges behind Moruya on the South Coast, Deua protects spectacular karst limestone country including the Big Hole — a massive cave collapse into a forested valley. The Bendethera camping area sits beside a beautiful clear creek and is free with basic facilities. 4WD recommended for access. The area is rich in wildlife including platypus in the creek. River crossings on the access track can be impassable after heavy rain.
15. Myall Lakes National Park
On the mid-north coast, Myall Lakes protects one of Australia’s largest coastal lake systems. Multiple campgrounds offer different lake and ocean experiences. The Mungo Brush campground is the most popular with good facilities at $8 per adult per night. The lakes are outstanding for kayaking — a multi-day paddle through the lake system is one of NSW’s great adventures. Dolphins frequently enter the lakes. Book ahead for all school holiday periods.
Tips for Camping in New South Wales
- Book national park sites through the NSW National Parks booking system at nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
- The NSW National Parks app provides offline maps and emergency contacts
- State forest camping is managed separately — check the NSW Forestry Corporation website
- Fire restrictions are strictly enforced — check the NSW Rural Fire Service website before travel
- Many popular campgrounds require booking 6+ months ahead for school holidays
- Dogs are not permitted in national parks — check state forest rules separately
- Always register your trip plan with a responsible person when visiting remote parks
New South Wales rewards exploration. The coastal parks are spectacular but the real gems are in the mountains, ranges and outback — areas that most visitors never reach. Invest the time to get off the Pacific Highway and discover the extraordinary variety that makes NSW Australia’s most diverse camping destination.