Forest camping near Canberra with fishing

History and heritage meet head-on with nature in Australia’s lakefront capital.

96% (650 reviews)
96% (650 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Canberra

Dog-friendly getaways

6 top forest campgrounds near Canberra with fishing

99%
(534)

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%
(82)

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. We also allow for your pets to stay onsite, this also includes horses. If you want exclusive use of the paddocks - refer to Group Bush Retreat.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
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Trash
from 
AU$40
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
91%
(187)

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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Toilets
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from 
AU$22
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(5)

Wombat Flats

4 sites · RVs, Tents147 acres · Mulloon, NSW
Wombat Flats is made up of private paddocks with dams. Wooded but with cleared area.. 2wd vehicle access. 4x4 access to mulloon creek with large open space Land was Virgin bushland but burnt in fires in 2019. Come and see the amazing regeneration! The property is now heavily wooded and overgrown so no marked trail but are happy for you to walk and explore and find hidden natural treasures. This part of the property is being used a nature corridor for wildlife hance the untouched grounds. Lots of rock formation and quartz for you geo type to find and study. 3 dams for swimming and amazing scenery. Need to be self sufficient, We live on the property so we are happy help and make your stay enjoyable. Good mobile reception Bungendore is 20 min away. Canberra is an easy commute. We own the land and live in main house (stock standard mum dad and a couple of kids) Heaps of wildlife around.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(1)

'Bertie' Tiny House w Lake/Vineyard

1 site · Lodging350 acres · Wallaroo, NSW
Watch the Sunset over Beautiful Views of the Brindabella Hills, with a glass of Wallaroo Wines. You can swim in the lake, kayak, bring your doggy and enjoy a time away from bustling life. No internet, no hassles. Bring a book and enjoy looking out on the lake, which often turns bright pink in the sunset. Walk down to the beautiful waterfall, and say hello to the gentle baby cows. We love hosting people here, and know you'll love the ambience and wondrous silence of nature. Retreat - if you are keen on a longer break from work to read those 10 books or set up an isle in the paddocks to paint, or record some music i would love to offer 30% off. One convertable King bed downstairs and one loft double bed upstairs. There is a full kitchen with views out over the water. The toilet is an easy-to-use composting toilet with full instructions. A beautiful wooden deck milled from a fallen tree on the property. Kayak for you to use on the water. Fire pit outside.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$240
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Forest camping near Canberra with fishing 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.

    Top cities near Canberra

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