17 Best Beach Camping Spots in NSW

From Honeymoon Bay to The Basin, Depot Beach to Reflections Corindi, New South Wales has no shortage of incredible beach camping spots. Whether you’re chasing surf at The Farm, setting up a fire at Yuraygir National Park, or waking up to dolphins at Coledale Beach, these spots offer some of the best beach camping in Australia.

This list includes everything from national park sites to ferry-accessible islands and family-friendly caravan parks. We’ve covered the North Coast, South Coast, and everything in between, with details on facilities, how far each is from Sydney, and what to expect when you get there.

Editor’s Pick: Where to Camp by the Beach in NSW

• 4WD beach camping NSW: Yuraygir National Park and Pebbly Beach Campground both offer beachside access with soft sand tracks ideal for 4WD setups.
• Free beach camping NSW: Honeymoon Bay and Picnic Point in Mimosa Rocks National Park are first-come, first-served and don’t require bookings or fees.
• Dog-friendly beach camping NSW: Reflections Corindi Beach is pet-friendly with direct beach access.
• Camping on the beach NSW: Coledale Beach, Depot Beach and Beachcomber Holiday Park all let you pitch your tent just metres from the sand.
• Dog friendly beach camping NSW: Reflections Corindi Beach (again!) is your go-to. It’s one of the only beachside sites in NSW that allows pets year-round.
• Northern NSW beach camping: Woody Head, Yuraygir National Park and Reflections Corindi Beach all sit up on the North Coast with uncrowded beaches and great views.

Best of NSW Beach Camping

1. Honeymoon Bay, Jervis Bay

• Address: Lighthouse Rd & Currarong Roads, Currarong NSW 2540
• Phone: +61 2 4448 3411
• Distance from Sydney: 209km (3hrs)

Honeymoon Bay is known for: Free beach camping, calm water, and a first-in setup.

Why go: Tucked away in Jervis Bay, Honeymoon Bay is one of the best beach camping spots in NSW for a low-key, ultimate relaxation weekend. The beach itself is small and sheltered, which is great for swimming, snorkelling or just lying in the sun.

What to know: There’s no booking system, so it’s first come, first served. Facilities are basic, and you’ll need to bring water and supplies. It’s popular on weekends, so arrive early to avoid disappointment!

2. Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour

• Address: Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour, Sydney NSW 2110
• Phone: (02) 8969 2100
• Distance from Sydney: 30 mins by public ferry

Cockatoo Island is known for: Waterfront camping in the middle of Sydney Harbour.

Why go: This is a unique one ‘cos you’ll be camping on a UNESCO World Heritage island just a ferry ride from the CBD. There are glamping tents or bring-your-own gear, all right on the harbour with views across the water.

What to know: You can book online and pick from basic unpowered sites or pre-pitched tents. Toilets, hot showers, BBQs and a café are all onsite. It’s secure, flat, and great for camping beginners or families.

3. Yuraygir National Park, Wooli

• Address: Diggers Camp Rd, Diggers Camp NSW 2462
• Phone: 1300 361 967
• Distance from Sydney: 625km (6 hrs 30 mins)

Yuraygir National Park is known for: Remote beachfront camping and 4WD access.

Why go: If you want space and salt air without the crowds, head to Yuraygir. It’s one of the best spots for 4WD beach camping in northern NSW. You’ll be surrounded by ocean, dunes and bush, and not much else.

What to know: Some campgrounds are 4WD-only. Facilities vary, but most have toilets, picnic tables and fire pits. There’s no power or drinking water, so come prepared. Bookings required through NSW National Parks.

4. Picnic Point Campground, Mimosa Rocks National Park

• Address: Corner Graham and Burrawang Streets, Narooma NSW
• Phone: 1300 072 757
• Distance from Sydney: 414km (5 hrs 30 mins)

Picnic Point is known for: Beachfront bush camping with great fishing and no crowds.

Why go:This peaceful campground sits between two quiet beaches in Mimosa Rocks National Park. It’s a great pick if you want a relaxed coastal setup with good access to swimming, fishing and picnic spots without having to hike in or fight for space.

What to know: Sites are unpowered and bookings are essential through NSW National Parks. There are drop toilets, BBQs, and picnic tables but no showers or drinking water. Bring your own everything, and don’t expect phone reception.

5. Lakesea Caravan Park Durras, Batemans Bay

• Address: 1 Durras Lake Rd, South Durras NSW 2536
• Phone: (02) 4478 6122
• Distance from Sydney: 287km (3hrs and 45 mins)

Lakesea is known for: Beachfront powered sites, cabins and calm water.

Why go: Set right between Durras Lake and the beach, Lakesea Caravan Park gives you the best of both. Swim, fish, explore the rockpools or just chill with the local kangaroos. You’ve got options for tents, caravans or cabins, and there’s enough space to spread out.

What to know: There are powered and unpowered sites, hot showers, camp kitchens and a kiosk. Bookings are essential, especially in peak season.

6. The Basin, Ku-Ring-Gai

• Address: Basin Trail, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase NSW 2084
• Phone: 1300 072 757
• Distance from Sydney: 40km (1 hr)

The Basin is known for: Beach camping near Sydney with all the necessary facilities and gorg bushland views.

Why go: This is one of the easiest beach campgrounds to get to from the city. It’s tucked into Ku-Ring-Gai National Park, with grassy sites backing onto Pittwater. You can swim in the bay, go bushwalking or paddle across to Palm Beach if you’re keen.

What to know: You’ll need to book through NSW National Parks. The site has showers, BBQs, toilets, drinking water, and it’s flat and well-maintained. Access is via ferry or walking trail (there’s no direct road access).

7. Beachcomber Holiday Park, Eurobodalla

• Address: Blackfellows Point Rd, Potato Point NSW 2545
• Phone: 02 4473 5312
• Distance from Sydney: 350km (4 hrs 30 mins)

Beachcomber is known for: Unspoiled beachfront camping with off-grid vibes.

Why go: This place is as close to the beach as it gets. Set inside Eurobodalla National Park, you can camp right behind the dunes at Potato Point. It’s a proper coastal setup: peaceful, good surf, and lots of wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot kangaroos at your tent and dolphins out in the water.

What to know: You’ll find unpowered and solar-powered sites, with toilets, showers, BBQs and a basic camp kitchen. No phone reception, no big crowds… just sand, stars and sea. Bookings are definitely recommended during peak periods.

8. Reflections Corindi Beach

• Address: 93 Pacific St, Corindi Beach NSW 2456
• Phone: 02 6649 2803
• Distance from Sydney: 569km (5 hrs 45 mins)

Reflections Corindi is known for: Dog-friendly beach camping with ocean views and wide-open space.

Why go: This is a solid North Coast option if you want easy beach access, decent facilities, and room to breathe. Set just north of Coffs Harbour, it’s quiet, coastal and has direct access to Corindi Beach, which is great for swimming, fishing or just walking the dog along the sand.

What to know: It’s part of the Reflections Holiday Parks network, so everything’s clean and well looked after. There are powered and unpowered sites, hot showers, a camp kitchen and BBQs. It’s also pet-friendly year-round! For this reason you need to book ahead in holiday periods to avoid missing out.

9. Diamond Head, Crowdy Bay National Park

• Address: Crowdy Bay National Park, Diamond Head Rd, Laurieton NSW 2443
• Phone: 1300 072 757
• Distance from Sydney: 356km (4 hrs)

Diamond Head is known for: Beach camping with walking trails and sweeping ocean views.

Why go: This is one of the most scenic spots on the mid-north coast. You’re camping right behind the dunes with easy access to the beach, plus walking tracks like the Diamond Head Loop Walk which gives you panoramic views over the coastline. It’s also a good spot for fishing, surfing, and seeing kangaroos up close.

What to know: Bookings are essential through NSW National Parks. There are unpowered sites, toilets, BBQs and picnic tables. No showers or power, so bring your own gear and drinking water.

10. Woody Head, Bundjalung National Park

• Address: Woody Head Road, Woody Head NSW 2466
• Phone: 1300 072 757
• Distance from Sydney: 675km (7hrs)

Woody Head is known for: Beach camping with reef access, rock platforms and boat launching.

Why go: This one’s for the snorkellers, boaties and keen fishers. Located inside Bundjalung National Park, Woody Head has easy access to rainforests, beaches and rocky headlands. It’s a bit of a drive from Sydney, but the natural setup makes it worth the trip.

What to know: The campground has toilets, showers, BBQs, picnic shelters and a boat ramp. Book online through NSW National Parks. No powered sites. Bring your own drinking water.

11. Durras Beach, Murramarang National Park

• Address: 57 Durras Rd, Durras North NSW 2536
• Phone: 02 4478 6072
• Distance from Sydney: 285km (3hrs 45 mins)

Durras Beach is known for: Wildlife, bushland, and easy beach access from the campground.

Why go: Set between bush and beach in Murramarang National Park, Durras Beach is a classic south coast camping spot. Kangaroos hang out near the tents, and there’s plenty to do like swimming, hiking, paddling or just beach walks.

What to know: Facilities include hot showers, flushing toilets, BBQs and a basic camp kitchen. Bookings are required. There’s no phone reception, so come prepared.

12. The Farm, Killalea

• Address: Killalea Drive, Shell Cove, NSW, 2529
• Phone: 02 4237 8589
• Distance from Sydney: 123km (1 hr 45 mins)

The Farm is known for: Beach camping near a surf break – very popular with locals.

Why go: Officially called Killalea, but known to everyone as “The Farm,” this spot is perfect if you want to surf, camp, and switch off for the weekend. There’s a good stretch of beach, decent facilities, and a lush green campsite just back from the dunes.

What to know: Camping is unpowered and you’ll need to bring your own water. Toilets, showers and BBQs are available. Book online as sites often fill up quickly, especially during surf comps.

13. Putty Beach, Bouddi National Park

• Address: Maitland Bay Track, Bouddi NSW 2251
• Phone: 1300 072 757 
• Distance from Sydney: 100km (1 hr 30 mins)

Putty Beach is known for: Bush-meets-beach camping on the Central Coast.

Why go: It’s one of the bigger campgrounds in Bouddi National Park and gives you that great combo of forest and beach. Go for a swim, cast a line, or jump on the Bouddi Coastal Walk – the views are incredible, and the water’s usually calm.

What to know: Book through NSW National Parks. There are unpowered sites, toilets, BBQs, and cold showers. No fires allowed and bring drinking water. Walk-in access only – there’s no vehicle access to individual sites.

14. Coledale Beach, Wollongong

• Address: 686 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Coledale NSW 2515
• Phone: 1800 240 737
• Distance from Sydney: 77km (1 hr 30 mins)

Coledale Beach is known for: Easy city escape with oceanfront tent sites.

Why go: Only 90 minutes from Sydney, Coledale is ideal if you want sand underfoot and no long drive. The campground sits right on the beach next to cliffs and rockpools, with dolphins and even whales often spotted offshore. Great for a quick weekend reset!

What to know: There are powered and unpowered sites, toilets, hot showers, and BBQs. Bookings are essential. It’s run by the local surf club, so it’s well looked after.

15. Patonga, Hawkesbury River

• Address: Bay Street, Patonga NSW 2256
• Phone: (02) 4379 1287
• Distance from Sydney: 101km (1 hr 30 mins)

Patonga is known for: River-meets-ocean camping with kayaking and fishing.

Why go: Tucked into the southern end of the Central Coast, Patonga sits at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. You’ve got a creek on one side, a beach on the other, and plenty of flat, grassy spots to pitch your tent. It’s peaceful but still has a pub and café nearby (handy!)

What to know: Facilities include hot showers, toilets, BBQs, and powered sites. Bookings are essential. Good for paddleboards, kayaks, or just relaxing by the river.

16. Depot Beach Campground

• Address: 2B Depot Beach Road, Depot Beach NSW 2536
• Phone: 1300 072 757 
• Distance from Sydney: 283km (3hrs 45 mins)

Depot Beach is known for: Beachside camping under spotted gums with resident kangaroos.

Why go: This is one of the most picturesque beach campgrounds on the South Coast. The beach is a short walk from the sites, and there’s plenty to do like swim, snorkel, fish or wander the nearby rainforest tracks.

What to know: Book through NSW National Parks. You’ll find toilets, hot showers, BBQs and a basic camp kitchen. No powered sites. Bring food, water and expect limited reception.

17. Little Beach Campground

• Address: Little Beach Trail, Bouddi NSW 2257
• Phone: 1300 072 757 
• Distance from Sydney: 101km (1 hr 30 mins)

Little Beach is known for: Secluded tent camping in a cove with rainforest surrounds.

Why go: If you want something quiet and low-key, this is your spot. Little Beach is a walk-in campground with just six tent sites right near the sand. You’ll hear the waves from your tent and be surrounded by coastal bushland.

What to know: Access is via a short walk from the car park. Sites are unpowered, with toilets, picnic shelters and BBQs. No showers. You’ll need to bring water and take your rubbish out. Bookings required.

Beach Campgrounds in NSW Honourable Mentions

NSW is spoilt for choice when it comes to amazing camping spots! We’ve listed some of our faves above, but here are some honourable mentions and spots worth checking out!

• Pebbly Beach Campground
• Trial Bay Gaol Campground
• Pretty Beach Campground
• Myall Lakes National Park
• Beowa National Park (formerly known as Ben Boyd National Park)

How MoM Chose This List of Beachside Campgrounds

We’ve curated this list of top NSW beachside campgrounds based on our own adventures, insights from NSW camping Facebook groups, and thorough online research to deliver you the best beach camping NSW has to offer. Some of these spots are long-time favourites, others came recommended by locals who know their way around a swag. We looked at location, scenery, how close you are to the water, and what kind of experience you’ll get, whether that’s 4WD off-grid and quiet, pet-friendly, or family-friendly with hot showers (essential, in our opinion!)

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