The best camping near Hat Head National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hat Head National Park adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Hat Head National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Hat Head National Park

99%
(741)

Bundilla River Camp

15 sites · RVs, Tents260 acres · Ballengarra, NSW
Come camp along the beautiful Wilson River on a working cattle property. Shady, grassy campsites by a flowing river, just 25 minutes drive from Port Macquarie. The camp area includes a camp shed, where campers can make use of the picnic table, stainless steel food preparation bench and camp fire pit. There are only 2 sites available with power which is included in the site price. Check out our discount for single travelers and extras like eggs and firewood. Fresh honey also available sometimes during the year. Toilet block newly built. Early check in and late checkout available on request. Laundry services available on request. If you have 3 or more children please call me for a discount. Also we have a huge discount for single travels. Kids will love the farm tour and feeding of pigs, chickens, sheep and goats. It's an excellent area for mountain bike riding as well! Kayaks available for free. Don't have a caravan, we have partnered up with Wrighty's Caravan Hire and Repairs. linktr.ee/wrightyscaravans. They offer family caravans delivered, setup ready for you to enjoy. Pets allowed but you must discuss with owners prior to booking. Rules: 1. For the piece and quiet of other campers all check-ins must be before 4.30pm during the colder months. Check ins after 7pm may be turned away in busy times. 2. No Fireworks - this is very unsettling for our livestock 3. 9pm quiet time. 4. No drones in the camping area, for the privacy of other campers 5. Generators are allowed for short period of time but not permitted after 8pm. 6. Dogs on leads when walking around the farm Rick and I thank you for your support in these matters.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(1225)

The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

14 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · The Hatch, NSW
Welcome to Port Macquarie's 'The Hatch Farm'; a pet friendly, interactive animal and fishing farm stay! A 150-acre working farm with a stunning outlook over the saltwater Maria River (with a rustic boat ramp and waterway running into the Hastings River). Located on the Mid North Coast NSW, 4kms off the Pacific Highway, and a quick 13/15-minute drive to the holiday township of Port Macquarie. Port Macquarie is known for its beautiful beaches, coastal scenery and walks, koala hospital, and local strawberry and tomato picking. Bernard and Susan are custodians of the farm, primarily using the land for poultry (egg), pig, and goat farming. They are transitioning to an off-grid and eco-friendly lifestyle for their retirement. The Hatch Farm is home to many animals, most of whom are rescues - including border collies, cavalier king charles spaniels, chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep, goats, miniature horses, cows, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. There is plenty to do and see around the farm from complete relaxation, interacting with the friendly animals (there is usually a variety of babies to cuddle!), to casting a line or launching your boat from the rustic boat ramp. Friendly pets welcome.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(141)

Levenvale Farm in Bellingen

9 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Valery, NSW
We are farmers, living the dream on 500 acres in beautiful Bellingen. Our farm is called Levenvale Farm. You will feel a million miles away, yet we are only 7mins into the town of Bellingen. We run an organic cattle property and have found a few spots around our farm to share with campers and glampers. Our campsites are "Beyond the Bridge" and "Old Flat Camp". Both are on cattle paddocks and have private access to Hydes Creek. Hydes Creek is a murky sandy base creek. There's lots of logs so its not recommend to jump in, but it's beautiful to cool off in the creek on a hot day. Both campsites have access to our compost toilet, and open air outdoor camping shower (gas hot water). If you prefer a bit more comfort or don't have your own camping gear, you can escape the hustle and enjoy being perched up on one of the highest points on the farm (with incredible views), in our Farm Huts. Both the Hut and the Tent are furnished with beds and linen but have no power. Both share access to a Drop Loo and a compost toilet, with gas hot water shower (in our very rustic Horse Float ensuite). At all our sites, we welcome you to have a small fire, and cook up a BBQ. Our Farm Shop is open 24/7 to self serve and grab some organic beef sausages or steaks. Reach out if you want us to have them defrosted for your arrival. All of our listings offer spectacular sunrises, sunsets over the mountains and wanderings through lush rainforest. Experience all the adventures of Levenvale Farm and reconnect with nature.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$29.75
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(472)

Hodge Lodge Grounds Johns River

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Johns River, NSW
Hodge Lodge Grounds is private property Cabin/s and Camp in Johns River, NSW. Pet Friendly! 4 hours north of Sydney, halfway between Port Macquarie and Taree. Your easy access stop for the night for traveler's heading north and south on the east coast freeway of NSW, Perfect accommodation between Sydney and Byron Bay, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. Hodge Lodge Grounds NSW is on a sealed road and close to the A1 motorway. No getting stuck in the mud, or going off the beaten track because we offer a large internal heavy-duty driveway! Large vehicles can turn around and drive on solid ground inside the property on some of our dispersed sites. Make your trip into an experience as you relax by the fire-pit with your beverage of choice, enjoy hot shower and cozy king bed of Sunrise Hut. All the comforts of home and more as soon as you unlock the door! You can drive any size vehicle into our expansive grounds on our heavy-duty driveway that leads you to your cabin, powered or native camp site. Large site. Private space. Stay safe in our gated 11-acre private property. Here you can enjoy your music and social atmosphere, have your wood delivered via 'extras booking' for your evening by the fire pit, and wake up to the sounds of our local birds! Situated between the 3 brother mountains NSW, North Brother, Middle Brother and South Brother. We're located within minutes to the beaches which is ideal for swimming, fishing, surfing and walking the local break walls. Crowdy Bay National Park and Middle Brother National Park for those 4WD sporting and adventure enthusiasts. Close to the local townships for shopping, dining and visiting local attractions of Kew, Harrington, North Haven and Laurieton for those keen to enjoy the outdoors.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$18
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(279)

Valley View Escape

19 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Buckra Bendinni, NSW
Valley View Escape is a 500 acre working dairy farm located in the beautiful Nambucca Valley just 25 minutes off the highway. There is stunning 360 views of mountain ranges and Lake Lumby from all our sites. We offer powered sites and unpowered sites which are all level grounded with grass and accessible by 2WD. There is non potable water available. Our powered sites are conveniently located close by the amenities with flushing toilet, hot shower and dump point. Each site has a fire pit, or you can use your own as long as it is not directly on the ground. There is also firewood available for purchase which can be done through HipCamp at checkout or cash on arrival We are a pet friendly campsite but we ask you to keep your pets on a leash and always have full control. Enjoy and relax at our communal picnic area with fire pit, shade, picnic table and pontoon on Lake Lumby which is great for kayaking and swimming. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for Discount codes and updates @valleyviewescape ***CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS*** We are currently in the process of creating more powered and unpowered sites that will be open from Friday 20th of December to Sunday the 5th of January. These sites aren't live to be booked yet but please swing us a message if you are interested and want any more information.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$27
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(75)

Little Rawdon Island Camp

7 sites · RVs94 acres · Rawdon Island, NSW
Our beautiful riverside farm is an owner occupied, 94 acre, private waterfront property, featuring excellent fishing, bird-watching and natural ecology. We’re located opposite Rawdon Creek Nature Reserve with pristine waterways to explore. Large 3 man canoe available. Camping is available in a choice of sites from open mown grass (with shade), to treed bush areas (4WD). Acres of open space for the kids! All campsites are large waterfront sites, with easy vehicle access. There is an undercover camp kitchen for site 1 with Gas or fire BBQ, good drinking water, 12v lighting and 12v power outlet. Peaceful enjoyment and low impact on other campers is our theme. If you want to party or make noise, then please book somewhere else! WE ONLY ALLOW Camper trailers, Caravans or Motorhomes. We have no toilets, you will need to be self contained. Dump points are at Wauchope and Port Mac. Your friendly dog is welcome, don't bring other dogs thanks! The last 3 klm of road to the farm is a council maintained gravel road usually in good condition. ** PLEASE ARRIVE BEFORE SUNSET ** Additional vehicle by arrangement only. We also host events (up to 100 people) and we have a covered band stage, see pics below.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
AU$35
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

The best camping near Hat Head National Park guide

Overview

About

On a clear day, it feels like you can see forever from the headland on the Korogoro Walking Track in Hat Head National Park—and if you’re on the trail in the cooler months, you’ve got a great chance of seeing whales as you walk. It’s just one of several great bushwalking tracks in the coastal national park roughly halfway between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour on the Macleay Valley Coast. Perfect for those who love back-to-basics camping holidays, fishing, bushwalking, and splashing in the sea or Korogoro Creek, Hat Head tends to get overlooked by most travellers rushing to get to more fashionable spots to the north—this is a bonus for those who prefer their getaways crowd-free.

Caravan Camping Near Hat Head National Park

Just an hour’s drive north of Port Macquarie or south of Coffs Harbour, Hat Head National Park affords the perfect coastal escape along the Pacific Highway. Whether you’re bushwalking along wild headlands, bird-watching and whale-watching from the shore, or picnicking by the beachside, this is the spot to dodge the crowds. Get up early to watch the sunrise, and you might even get the beach to yourself. Caravanners can head to one of Hat Hin’s two beachside campgrounds, which provide unpowered sites suitable for self-contained motorhomes and camper trailers, with basic facilities such as picnic tables and toilets. Alternatively, check into the holiday park, which offers spacious, powered sites along with access to a dump point, camp kitchen, and kiosk. Or, head further afield to spend the night at a quiet Hipcamp in the hills and explore the national park on a day trip instead.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for families: Hungry Gate Campground has plenty of shade, and kangaroos often graze in the camping area.
  • Best for beach lovers: Smoky Cape Campground, beneath the Smoky Cape Lighthouse, is right beside the beach and popular with fishers.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. All campsites in NSW national parks must be pre-booked online before you arrive.
  2. All national park campgrounds get busy during summer and Easter school holidays, when you’ll need to book well ahead. But go mid-week in February and March, and it’s quite possible you’ll be the only ones there.
  3. Hungry Gate Campground is a 20-minute walk from the beach, so it’s sometimes easier to secure a campsite here than at the beachside Smoky Cape Campground.

When to go

Although it can get rainy, summer offers the best camping weather and is the most popular time to visit. Days might be hottest in January and February, but March and April are best for swimming, when the sea is warmest. Winter time, May to November, is best for seeing whales from the lookouts. 

Know before you go

  • Hat Head National Park is 24 kilometres east of Kempsey, near South West Rocks.
  • Neighbouring Arakoon National Park—at the Smoky Cape end of the park near South West Rocks—is also worth a visit. Highlights include the sandstone Trial Bay Gaol ruins on the headland.
  • You can stock up with basics at the Hat Head General Store, which also stocks beer and wine and does a pretty good hamburger, too.

Nearby attractions

A beautiful partially sheltered beach with an elaborate past, Trial Bay is a great place to spend your day exploring both nature and history.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, caravan parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
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.