10 Kick-ass water front campsites in NSW 

There’s nothing better than rolling into a new campsite with the smell of the ocean and adventure in the air. Setting up just steps away from the water is a dream for many, especially if you have kids, so we thought we’d share some of our favourite beach front camp spots in NSW –

Potato Point

Nestled amongst the wilds of Eurobodalla National Park, approximately 4hrs south of Sydney, you’ll find Potato Point and the Beachcomber Holiday Park. As an awarding winning eco retreat with absolute beach frontage, this beauty will not disappoint.

Campsites here are mostly unpowered, with a limited amount of solar ‘powered sites’ (6 amp only). There’s also eco cabins available and a great communal pizza oven.

▶ Fires are allowed in pits provided and no dogs/pets allowed. Camp only steps away from the water.

Hat Head

An easy 1 hr drive from Port Macquarie, on the Macleay Valley Coast you’ll find the beautiful Hat Head National Park and Hat Head Holiday Park. The beauty about this location is that the campground is located between a tidal creek (Korogoro Creek) and 12 km of uninterrupted beachfront. So depending on the wind, tide and swell of each day, there is always somewhere that you can go to enjoy. Our favourite activities to do here include stand up paddle boarding, snorkelling, pumping for yabbies, surfing, fishing, driving on the beach, and walking around the headland whale watching. It definitely ticks all the boxes for us Blondies.

▶ Fires are allowed in fire pits/off the ground, and no dogs/pets allowed. Campsite is located a short walk from water, some sites have water views. Beach driving is permitted.

Wooli

Located on the NSW Northern Rivers, 1h 15m north of Coffs Harbour, is the quiet town of Wooli and Solitary Islands Resort. This beauty is bordered by Yuraygir National Park with absolute waterfront sites. It won’t take you long after check in to be crackin’ a cold one, fishing rod in hand and watching the sun set over the water.

We’ve been coming here for years and have seen few changes over time. It will fast become a favourite with the kids with the ‘Wooli Wedge’, a giant waterslide as well as the splash park, warrior course and more!

▶ Pets allowed but limited during school holidays. No fires but one communal fire pit. Waterfront campsites.

Green Patch, Jervis Bay

Get ready to be immersed in nature with crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and the sounds of nature. Green Patch campground is located in Booderee National Park, just 3 hours drive south of Sydney. The campground is surrounded by trees and bushland and is in close proximity to Green Patch Beach – your own little oasis to enjoy.

During our time here we spotted an array of Aussie animals including echidnas, wallabies, possums, goannas, dolphins and more.

▶ No pets allowed / no fires and you will have to purchase a National Park Car pass. Campground is short walk to water.

Diamond Head

The beachside campground at Diamond Head, 4 hours north of Sydney is one of the most popular places to stay in Crowdy Bay National Park. Like many National Park campsites there is no power and has basic shower/toilet facilities but that won’t stop you enjoying the beauty of this place. With the ocean only a few steps away from camp you’ll spend your time enjoying the beach, exploring on some great bush walks and come home to a friendly kangaroo munching on the grass or stealing some of your shade.

▶ Fires are allowed in pits/off the ground and no pets allowed. You will have to purchase a National Park Car pass. Campsite is short walk from water. Beach driving is permitted.

Pambula Beach

Tucked up in Beowa National Park on the Sapphire Coast is Pambula Beach and the Pambula Beach Discovery Park. Located 6 hours drive south of Sydney there’s loads of wonderful walking tracks, sheltered inlets and 45 kilometres of rugged coastline. What we loved about this location was the gorgeous white sand contrasting with the vibrant red rocks and blue blue water. The caravan park has all the whiz bang mod-cons you need as well as some very friendly kangaroos.

A short trip, 25 minutes south is the old whaling town of Eden. Lovely town worth a vist along with the Marine Discovery Centre.

▶ No dogs/pets, no fires. Great facilities for kids. Campsite is short walk to beach.

Bendalong Beach

Nestled amongst tall Eucalyptus trees is the lovely Holiday Haven Caravan Park in Bendalong, just 3 hours South of Sydney. This park offers a range of accommodation options for camping, caravans and cabin holidays. The best part about this spot is it’s right next to Boat Harbour Beach and the friendly stingrays who call it home.

▶ Pets allowed certain times of the year. Fires allowed in cooler seasons. Grab some pilchards from the campsite shop to hand-feed the rays.

Trial Bay, South West Rocks

Pack your snorkels, swimmers, fishing rod, walking shoes and surfboard, because you’ll have time to use all of these when you’re enjoying the delightful campground at Trial Bay Gaol in South West Rocks. With absolute waterfront sites available it’s definitely a great spot to pop on your list. Located 5 hrs drive north of Sydney the town of South West Rocks has loads to offer and is the perfect place to settle in for a week to explore the area.

▶ No pets or fires allowed.

Lake Macquarie

Located just 1.5hrs North of Sydney you’ll find this beauty. Lake Macquarie Ingenia Caravan Park. With only a few waterfront campsites available you’ll have to book quick but be ready to enjoy front row seats for the gorgeous sunrise and sunsets over the water. ‘Lake Mac’ is twice the size of Sydney Harbour and the largest saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere and it is certainly a great playground to enjoy ‘all the things’. We share more info about the region in our ‘Top 9 things to do with the family in Lake Macquarie’ post.

▶ Pets and fires are allowed.

Forster

Lakeside Forster Holiday Park is located on the tranquil shores of Wallis Lake just minutes from the town of Forster – 3h 40mins North of Sydney. This quiet stretch of water is perfect for younger kids to frolic in the shallows while you fish, kayak or SUP near by. The Sunsets we enjoyed here were just magic as well as the fishing. The caravan park has all the mod-cons and activities too.

▶ Pets allowed off-peak, No fires.

There’s no doubt that we have only scratched the surface here with these awesome waterfront spots. We can’t wait to find some more in our rolling home. If you have any great spots, please share in the comments below.

Cheers Legends, We’ll see you out there.

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