Camping near Canberra
History and heritage meet head-on with nature in Australia’s lakefront capital.
95% (2662 reviews)
- Canberra
95% (2662 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Canberra
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top campgrounds near Canberra
99%
(219)
Riverview on the Murrumbidgee
15 sites · RVs, Tents1000 acres · Berremangra, NSW
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Located along a 2km stretch of the Murrumbidgee River with a mountain backdrop, Riverview is a working Angus cattle farm, it does not get more breathtaking than this!
Little over an hour from Canberra and three from Sydney, you can enjoy large campsites right on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. Swimming, floating down rapids, fishing, bike riding, and hiking! So many activities to keep you entertained or just sit back and listen to the rapids from the front of your tent.
We are pet friendly, bring your four-legged family members with you - they'll love it just as much as you! We also have secure yards with water for horses, with plenty of walking and riding trails on the farm, you'll have an unforgettable time!
Please note, no mobile reception at sites. You will receive a notification 2 days before arrival with the gate code, please note this down as you will not be able to access the Hipcamp app on site (due to no mobile reception).
All campers must be self-contained with their own camp toilet, and we kindly ask you take all waste with you when you leave.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(1528)
Bahwidgee on Tumut River
139 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Bombowlee, NSW
Located on the stunning Tumut River, where cool groves of black wattle line the riverbank, offering shade, privacy, and comfort. Here you have clear Snowy River water at your doorstep. It's so fresh we drink it!
Each camping site is by the river, prime position for fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Based on availability, you are welcome to choose your spot on arrival. All options are grassed and level.
You will have access to a pit toilet, otherwise, please BYO facilities. Small campfires are welcome in the fire pits provided, or BYO firepit (permitting there are no restrictions in place at the time). Firewood can be purchased at the time of booking.
We're pet-friendly, so you're welcome to bring your four-legged friends along! Please note, however, that we are a working farm and as such farm activities are going on, and we have resident animals, so please keep your pets under control at all times.
Also, please ensure kids are supervised at all times, particularly around the river. Lifejackets are recommended.
During your time here, visit the local farm gates in Tumut, Batlow, Tumbarumba, and Adelong for their delicious high-country produce. There are also some beautiful swimming spots and walks to discover in the region, as well as good facilities in town, including the local swimming pool and shopping centre. Enjoy a local brew and bite to eat at the Tumut brewery. Bahwidgee is just 3km from the Tumut town centre - so close you could ride in, or even walk.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(504)
Scribbly Gum secluded bush camping
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Northangera, NSW
This property is in Northangera with the Mongarlowe River running along the boundary. It's covered in trees and provides a pristine environment amongst the "Scribbly Gums". It has flat areas with plenty of free timber for the designated fire pits. I have tried to create a haven for wildlife including Kangaroos, wombats, echidnas and platypus. I cherish the cleanliness of the river and surrounds and wish to be able to share this special environment with others who care to preserve all it offers. You can explore the property along the tracks, paddle, swim or fish in the river, enjoy the fauna, wildlife and birdlife.
Located not far from Braidwood, a town steeped in history, with good shopping, coffee shops and great food.
Sloping to flat land amongst the Scribbly Gum trees offering a number of sites and walks through the property. It provides both sun and shade. Access is good for vans of any size along a track through the bushland.
Lovely swimming spots in the Mongalowe River, beautiful clear water, and several lovely bushwalks around the property.
We offer four sites and the maximum stay is 7 nights.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(66)
Maddara.Organic.Farm.and.Art
9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Yass River, NSW
Once a much larger property, we purchased our 120-acre (50-hectare) in 1984 as a means to live sustainably and raise a family.
Living in our shed whilst we prepared the garden, put in watering infrastructure and built our house which we finally moved in when our daughter was 6 months old in 1990.
Over the ensuing years we have continued to increase biodiversity on the property and set it up so we can live sustainably, harvesting our own water, electricity and food.
If your lucky you could get a hamper of our product when there is sufficient in season.
With the increased biodiversity you will find that in the mornings and evenings kangaroos and wallabies will visit with the occasional echidna, rabbit and hare; and to forget the large array of bird life - that may wake you early in the morning with the songs.
This campsite is set on lovely grassy open areas interspersed with gum trees. The sunrise looks spectacular near the dam, when the trees give off a lovely glow.
The main paddock has a Geodome, a shared space for relaxing in. With all that space you can park and set up camp anywhere in the paddock.
There is access to drinking water, toilets, and a hot shower.
Around the dome is a firepit, drinking water and a camp kitchen. The firepit features an Argentinian BBQ and a plate for cooking. The kitchen has plates, cups, cutlery, and other bits and pieces for you to use.
If you want exclusive use of the paddocks - refer to Group Bush Retreat.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(228)
Coots Creek Campground
11 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Nanima, NSW
Following so many positive experiences with Hipcamp the owners decided to open up their beautiful 300acre cattle property to other Hipcampers, to share the beauty of the land and its flora and fauna in a pieceful environment, to develop friendships and operate the park during their retirement years.
Patrons have enjoyed the easy accessibility,
stunning sunset views and
the peace and quiet of feeling like they are a million miles away from civilization.
All sites in the Campground area
are sited to give maximum privacy and safety from any fire threat, with plenty of room to place
tents/vans for best viewing position.
Campground Sites x 7
Beautiful private
sites that feel like you are away from the rest of the world.
Watch kangaroos, wallaroos and wedge tail eagles. Drive through comfort for large Caravans/RV.
- Campers are encouraged to BYO Toilet, greywatertank
and fresh water – potable water available for refill of tanks.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(18)
Spring Creek Valley Farm
1 site · RV, Tent2000 acres · Warri, NSW
Spring Creek Valley Farm is a 2200-acre farm located in the beautiful southern tablelands, 1 hour to the Canberra CBD and just 1 hour to Batemans Bay on the coast.
With over 3km of creek frontage and 100+ acres of untouched native bushland, there are ample options for campsites to suit just about anyone. All campers must be completely self-contained, with their own camp toilet, and take all waste when they go.
The original name of this property is Wooraba which is an aboriginal word for 'hidden' which describes it very well. Here, you will immerse yourself in the Australian bush and enjoy a truly peaceful retreat. Enjoy fantastic bushwalks amongst the native flora and fauna, or take your mountain bike to the high open hilly area to check out the expansive views. Or lay in some of the creek's rock pools and sunbathe.
Whilst we can accept dogs, this absolutely must be discussed with us prior to booking. We are a working farm, with sheep, and it is important that any visiting pets do not hassle our sheep, and are kept on a lead at all times.
Campfires are permitted in the designated fire pit when conditions allow and no local fire bans are in play.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(261)
Michelago Farm Camping
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Michelago, NSW
Large open paddock with easy access from Monaro Highway, great for camping with amazing views of the mountains.
The access road is dirt road. Ok for caravans.
Dog friendly (must be well behaved around our animals and not chase them). We have Alpacas in our camping paddocks so your dog must be kept under control at all times.
We have a composting toilet available for campers to use.
Mobile phone reception in the area is around 3-4 bars 4G on Optus and 3-4 bars 3G on Telstra.
Please bring your own wood for camp fires or you can purchase a barrow of bush wood from us in the extras. We prefer you not to collect your own wood (other than starter sticks/branches) as we are trying to maintain logs, branches, ground cover on the ground for native birds, lizards, etc.
Private outdoor yoga sessions are available if booked in advance or you can book into the local classes on Thursday nights.
All camp fees are being used to rehabilitate our property with plants that are native to our area and restore the land.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$20
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(49)
Shepherds Rest
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Mount Fairy, NSW
Beautiful open views across rolling hills and paddocks.
Sit by the dam and enjoy the views.
Meet the goats, llama and chickens.
Walk the farm paddocks with the goats. Mountain bike on country roads.
Various sites to choose from.
Only 45 mins from Canberra.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(431)
Goolabri Estate
16 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · NSW
You are invited to camp on what was once a golf course, and always has been surrounded by natural bushland.
Situated only 20 minutes from Canberra, we offer you the opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in a peaceful country experience.
There are dams to camp near, and a beautiful nature reserve where you can take a peaceful walk. If you would like to have a wander and experience some untouched bushland, please ask and we can provide simple directions.
Bird watching and wildlife observation is unavoidable, and we recommend downloading the ACT Field Guide app. Enjoy your morning coffee surrounded by kangaroos and cockatoos.
Suitable for Tents, Campers, Vans and Caravans, with good access for 2WD and caravans.
Must have own amenities. There are no toilets on site and you need to take everything away with you.
Small campfires are permitted in designated areas, when restrictions aren't in place. You may use dead wood that you find on the golf course area as firewood. Please do not gather firewood from the nature reserve, for wildlife's sake.
Pets are not permitted.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(83)
Tin Can Ridge
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Tinderry, NSW
Bush camping on 100 acres in the Tinderry Range at about 1400 metres altitude. Seclusion and adventure all within an hour of Canberra and twenty minutes from Michelago and the Monaro highway. Big skies and dark nights for star-gazing are likely; or perhaps you'll be nestled in cloud; or hidden by falling snow. There are some beautiful bushwalks surrounded by sub-alpine flora and fauna on the property and nearby in the Tinderry Nature Reserve.
Tinderry Range is a rugged range east of the Monaro highway accessed mostly through Michelago or an hour and a half from Braidwood (when dirt roads are reasonable). The range is only around 70km away from the coast, thus enabling a sea mist to often roll over us in the late afternoon. Summer temperatures are a pleasant 6 degrees or so cooler than nearby Canberra.
You may choose between a number of options for camping depending on your camping desires and set up. There are numerous tracks around our property or nearby Tinderry Nature Reserve. You may go exploring to find the springs or choose to stick to easy walking tracks that follow the contours. We will provide a map. Tracks are also great for mountain bike riding and exploring the unusual mix of sub-alpine, montane and coastal flora and fauna.
This area has fascinating history with the largest eucalyptus distillery in Australia until the late 1950's and very popular with a number of bushrangers such as the Clarke Brothers who had numerous hideouts.
No amenities. BYO camping toilet and leave no trace. Campfires (except on fire ban days or when we advise otherwise) are okay--usually recommended. Normally dry firewood is easy to find, or purchase some from us if you prefer. The exception is the bell tent glamping option,' Tin Can Ridge Glamping' which has a toilet included as well as firewood and shortly its own wood stove!
Some campsites are best accessed by 4WD, or on foot. or gain access to the glamping tent with us escorting you.
Camp lightly. No hunting. Do nothing illegal. Take all waste with you. Respect the land, the wildlife and people. Keep the peace. Enjoy.
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Toilets
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Trash
from
AU$20
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
91%
(181)
Elm Grove Sanctuary Community
11 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Goobarragandra, NSW
Elm Grove Sanctuary provides the perfect environment for a digital detox. Visitors are welcome for family holidays, wedding receptions, and retreats, with cabins and camping options
Set in the picturesque Goobarragandra Valley, 28 kms east of Tumut, we are surrounded by Kosciusko National Park with spectacular mountain scenery.
There's plenty to do while visiting: fishing, bushwalking, swimming, stargazing, picnics, campfires or just sitting under an Elm tree with a book.
We have Campsites by the river with a simple camp kitchen and basic toilets available. These sites have easy 2WD access and space to turn a caravan around.
We have dogs, and are a Dog friendly campsite. (We also have chickens, so if you bring a dog, please make sure that it is going to be friends with our chickens, or kept on a leash.)
There is no mobile reception, so you will not be disturbed by the outside world when you visit paradise.
Pets
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from
AU$22
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(40)
Truffle Farm Camping
9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Oallen, NSW
Our property is a working Truffle Farm, our land is fairly level but backs onto thousands of acres of Crown Land and the Shoalhaven River where you can relax in the fresh water, fossick for gold or enjoy bush trails. If you'd rather read a book, you'll find lots of peaceful spots and the nights are just unbelievable with all the stars that shine so brightly.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Star Hosts in Canberra
Available this weekend
Camping near Canberra guide
Overview
Canberra’s museums, galleries, and national monuments offer plenty of culture, but the city’s best asset is its natural setting. Hemmed in by sloping peaks and nature reserves, here outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy bushwalking, cycling, and wildlife trails, or head to Lake Burley Griffin to sail, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard with views of Parliament House. Campers have a wide range of options, whether parking your campervan or caravan on the outskirts of the city centre, or sleeping out in swags beneath the stars.
Where to go
Australian Alps
The Australian Alps roll out south of Canberra into New South Wales and Victoria. On the outskirts of the capital, the rocky peaks and bushlands of Namadgi and Brindabella national parks harbour rustic camping spots with alpine views and plenty of options for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Further south, the mountain resorts of Thredbo and Perisher are two of the country’s most popular ski areas
Wine Country
Just a half-hour drive north of the city, the green hills of Murrumbateman, Gundaroo, and Yass make up the Canberra wine region, where boutique wineries and cellar doors offer vineyard strolls and wine tasting. Some of Canberra’s best camping sites lie here, where you can pitch your tent in the hills, cool off with a dip in a natural swimming hole, then tuck into a BBQ around the campfire.
Canberra Nature Reserves
Canberra is encircled by nature reserves, where you can roam along woodland trails, swim in freshwater creeks, and spot wild kangaroos hopping through the bushlands. Popular getaways from the city include Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, just southwest of the city; Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve to the north; and Kowen Forest to the east.
When to go
Canberra’s distinct seasons mean that the city’s landscapes are ever changing—autumnal leaves blanket the hillsides with shades of red, orange, and gold, while the mountaintops are dusted with snow in winter. The best time for camping trips, bushwalking, and outdoor activities is from September through May, but the region is busiest in summer (December through February), when it’s best to book camping grounds in advance.
Know before you go
- Public transport is limited between Canberra and the surrounding national parks and reserves, so you will need your own car. Some sites are only reachable by 4WD.
- Camping sites in the ACT’s parks often have few amenities, so bring everything you need with you, including drinking water and firewood.
- Fire bans are common in the ACT during summer and dry periods, so be sure to check local recommendations before lighting your campfire.
- A National Parks pass is required to visit, hike, or camp within Australia’s national parks.
- Snakes are common around Canberra—keep your ankles covered if walking through tall grass and pack a first-aid kit when hiking or camping in bushland areas.
Nearby attractions
Located at the end of the Snowy Mountains Highway and surrounded by breathtaking views, Tantangara Dam is a great place to visit for hiking and water sports.
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.