With stunning locations, coastal views and water sports activities galore – it's the perfect beachside holiday destination. Imagine waking up at the beach and getting stuck into some snorkelling, touring sand dunes or surfing — all before a BBQ lunch is served! What a dream. To help you find the best place to park for your upcoming New South Wales road trip, we have created this guide to the best beachside camping in this incredible state. Let’s dive in.
Planning for a beachside campervan road trip in NSW
When parking up in the more wild and secluded parts of Australia’s New South Wales coastline, it's important to consider a few things before setting off on your trip:
- Check the local fire bans – In the summer months, Australia is known for its hot climate and dry conditions. While this makes it a perfect time to explore the beaches, it also does mean that these months are also a high risk for wildfires. But don’t worry, this is easily navigated by doing a little research into local fire bans in high-risk areas. This will ensure you have a safe campervan road trip!
- Check the fishing safety rules and regulations – Beach holidays are the perfect chance to explore the local fishing spots and maybe even catch something to cook up in the campervan! However, it’s important to do a little research and abide by the fishing rules of the area you are staying in.
- When exploring local beach campsites, it’s important to stay aware of beach safety – Australia has stunning, scenic beaches, but they are also prone to rips, turbulent waters and possible sealife closures. As such, it's important to get acquainted with the safety rules when staying at NSW beachside campsites
- Be aware of camping safety rules – Each campsite will have a set of rules regarding the use of fires, generators, where to set up and so on. Be considerate of these campgrounds and these areas by obeying any signs at the campsite.
Best Beachside Camping in New South Wales
New South Wales is an idyllic destination for a campervan holiday by the ocean. This stretch of coastline encompasses everything from rocky cliff beaches to forest-lined stretches of sand. There is a whole range of camping spots for you to choose from, including some incredible free camping sites. Let’s dive into the best beachside camping spots to explore during your upcoming Australian motorhome adventure.
Diamond Head, Crowdy Bay National Park
Diamond Head is a popular campsite located in Crowdy Bay National Park, near Port Macquarie. Featuring 75 campsites, amenities blocks and drinking water, you could easily park up at this campground for a few days. This is the perfect location to spend your days relaxing or swimming at Dunbogan Beach, exploring Split Rock, or going hiking along the 4.8km Diamond Head loop walk.
Booking required: Yes
Facilities on-site:
- Shower
- Toilets
- Picnic tables
- Barbecues
Image Souce: Destination NSW Content Library
Picnic Point, Mimosa Rocks National Park
Picnic Point is tucked away on the Sapphire Coast in the southeast corner of New South Wales. This region is best known for its great fishing and coastal views. This campsite is nestled between two beautiful beaches and offers incredible views of the Sapphire Coastline. With only 17 sites in the campground, this is a perfect destination for a secluded beachside escape filled with fishing, coastal walks and a daily dip in the ocean.
Booking required: Yes
Facilities on-site:
- Wood barbecue
- Carpark
- Toilets
Image Souce: Destination NSW Content Library
Pebbly Beach campground, Murramarang National Park
Pebbly Beach campground is a hidden gem located in Murramarang National Park – just a short drive from the popular beachside destination, Batemans Bay. Tucked in the canopy forest of the national park, this is a perfect spot to keep cool in the hot summer months. In addition to kicking back at Pebbly Beach, there are many great walks to check out in the area, including Depot Beach Rainforest Walk and Dark Beach Walking Track. Also, keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos – there are plenty to be found!
Booking required: Yes
Facilities on-site:
- Toilets
- Wood barbecues
- Carpark
- Drinking water
- Showers
Image Souce: Destination NSW Content Library
Mungo Brush Campground, Myall Lakes National Park
Mungo Brush Campground is perched right between the iconic Australian attractions Seal Rocks and the Tea Gardens, just north of Newcastle. This is a popular and large campground with over 70 sites to choose from. This campsite is an ideal base to go canoeing along Myall Lake, swim at the beach and explore the region on foot. Some of the best hikes in the area include the Mungo Rainforest walk, Tamboi walking track and Mungo walking track.
Booking required: Yes
Facilities on-site:
- Non-flush toilets
- Picnic tables
- Free gas/electric barbecues
- Boat ramp
Image Souce: Destination NSW Content Library
Boorkoom Campground, Yuraygir National Park
Boorkoom Campground is an intimate campground with only 11 sites to choose from. Tucked away on the wild rocky cliffs of Wilsons Headland, you have exclusive access to the 3km Wilsons Headland walk, a great viewpoint to watch the annual whale migration at the headland, and secluded swimming, surfing or fishing at nearby north coast beaches. A campervan campsite dream!
Booking required: Yes
List facilities:
- Non-flush toilets
- Picnic tables
- Free gas/electric barbecues
Little Beach Campground, Bouddi National Park
Little Beach Campground is located near Gosford on the Central Coast – just north of the buzzing hub of Sydney. Another intimate camp of only six sites, this is perfect for anyone looking for some peace and quiet in nature, exploring the Bouddi Coastal Walk, adventuring along the cycling trails, or simply kicking back at the beach while watching the whales or going swimming.
Booking required: Yes
Facilities on-site:
- Picnic tables
- Barbecue facilities
- Toilets
Image Souce: Destination NSW Content Library
Bonnie Vale Campground, Royal National Park
Bonnie Vale Campground is located at the north end of the Royal National Park, just south of Sydney. This large campground offers both unpowered and powered sites – perfect for those longer stays or for topping up your motorhome batteries on a New South Wales campervan road trip. Plus, with hot showers and flush toilets, you really have everything you need for a luxurious beachside stay. Some of the best things to do in the area include going fishing at Jibbon beach, hiking one of Royal National Parks walking tracks, hiring a kayak and floating along Hacking River or simply soaking up the beauty of the beach with salty ocean swims.
Booking required: Yes
Facilities on-site:
- Flush toilets
- Picnic tables
- Free gas/electric barbecues
- Drinking water
- Showers
Image Souce: Destination NSW Content Library
Point Plomer Campground, Limeburners Creek National Park
Point Plomer Campground is another great national park campsite just north of Port Macquarie. Things to do nearby include exploring the Big Hill Rainforest walking track, stopping by the beautiful local beaches (e.g. Barries Bay) for surfing, swimming or tanning, and birdwatching from your campground (using binoculars if you have them!)
Booking required: Yes
Facilities on-site:
- Flush toilets
- Picnic tables
- Boat ramp
- Carparks
- Showers
Hungry Gate Campground, Hat Head National Park
Hungry Gate Campground is a small campground with 20 campsites and simple facilities. This is a great little wild spot to reconnect with nature and spend your days down by the ocean. Wildlife watching is also another popular drawcard to this little campground. While parked up at this campsite, be sure to look out for kangaroos, bent-winged bats and goannas. There is also a wide variety of birdlife to spot.
Booking required: Yes
Facilities on-site:
- Non-flush toilets
- Picnic tables
Trial Bay Gaol Campground, Arakoon National Park
Trial Bay Gaol Campground is a beachfront campground in South West Rocks, just an hour south of Coffs Harbour. Some of the top things to do in the area include whale watching during migration season, grabbing a bite to eat at Trial Bay Kiosk Restaurant, and (of course) going for a swim, fish or snorkel at Front Beach.
Booking required: Yes
Facilities on-site:
- Flush toilets
- Picnic tables
- Gas/electric barbecues
- Boat ramp
- Cafe/kiosk
- Carpark
- Drinking water
- Showers
- Electric power
- Laundry facility
Go on your next summer road trip with maui
New South Wales is a state brimming with coastal delights and it isn't difficult to find that perfect stretch of sand to park nearby. Whether you want to go snorkelling, swimming or simply soak up some sun, there are plenty of beautiful campgrounds in NSW that can help make your trip unforgettable.
Ready to park up in your own slice of paradise at one of these beachside camping spots in New South Wales? Book your maui campervan online today and then pick it up from your nearest maui branch to begin the adventure. For more tips on what to pack for your campervan trip, tips for motorhome holidays, as well as the top secret camping spots in Australia and more, check out the maui blog.