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
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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 4 powered sites and 4 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
Peak Season: Message us about our overflow camping area if we are fully booked
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AU$20
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
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Bonville Camp Ground
15 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Sawtell, NSW
Located minutes off the A1 it's the perfect spot to stop overnight or for a few days to see all the Coffs Coast has to offer.
Beautiful camping on pristine grasslands that back onto the Bongil Bongil National Park. Cows with Guns MTB park and Sawmill are close by as well.
Enjoy the splendid views or walk through the bush which, also has the biggest tree in the area. With fishing available and plenty of horse trails around, there is plenty to do.
Bore water is available on-site.
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AU$10
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
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(199)
Windermere
5 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · South West Rocks, NSW
Great location near Hat Head and South West Rocks
This lovely 4 acre camping spot is situated at Kinchela on the tidal Kinchela Creek which runs directly into the mighty Macleay river.
You can fish or set a crab trap, kayak, paddle board, bring the tinny or just relax and enjoy the water view and surrounding farmland.
A few shade trees and quiet surroundings makes this the perfect spot for your next getaway.
Fire baskets available.
Conveniently located only a 5 minute drive to Gladestone shops and hotel.
There is a tap and hose (town water) on site to wash the boats after a big days fishing at nearby South West Rocks (15 minutes) or Hat Head (10 minutes)
Last Minute Bookings Welcome subject to availability 😊
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AU$13
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
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Hodge Lodge Grounds Johns River
23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Johns River, NSW
Hodge Lodge Grounds is private property Cabin/s and Camp in Johns River, NSW. Pet Friendly Accommodation!
4 hours north of Sydney, half way between Port Macquarie and Taree.
Your easy access stop for the night for traveller's heading north and south on the east 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 relaxe by the fire-pit with your beverage of choice, enjoy hot shower and cosy king bed. 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 breakwalls.
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.
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AU$18
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
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Way Way Getaway
5 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Way Way, NSW
Minutes away from Scotts Head beach and town, but feels like you’re out in the bush.
Surf famous Scotts head point, or head to the back beaches for some in crowded beach breaks, explore local rural towns, enjoy some peace and quiet!
Fire friendly, pet friendly, family friendly (pretty friendly in general)!
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AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
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The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie
23 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.
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AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
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Anchorage Park
7 sites · RVs100 acres · Urunga, NSW
Riverfront campground on the majestic Kalang River.
Boating, fishing, crabbing, swimming literally on your doorstep.
20 minutes south of Coffs Harbour, 5 minutes from Urunga town centre.
All sites are generally level and grassed.
Communal fire pits and potable water on-site.
All campers must be self contained ( rubbish, toilet, grey water).
Use of boat ramp, jetty and kayaks available from farm house.
Due to our coastal location camp may close in extended periods of wet weather.
This is a dog friendly campground inviting self contained campers to enjoy our beautiful property.
Raised individual fire pits are allowed ( no fires on the ground)
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AU$43
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* Before taxes and fees
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Little Rawdon Island Camp
6 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.
***** PLEASE NOTE the continuing coastal wet weather may restrict access to 4WD to some sites and there may be short term closures.
Peaceful enjoyment and low impact on other campers is our theme, so if you want to party or make noise, then please book somewhere else!
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. KIDS under 13 FREE.
Your friendly dog is welcome, don't bring other dogs thanks!
There is an undercover camp kitchen for site 1 with Gas or fire BBQ, good drinking water, 12v lighting and 12v power outlet. Large 3 man canoe available.
SORRY NO TENT ONLY CAMPING, Camper trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes welcome. You will need to be self contained. Dump points are at Wauchope and Port Mac.
The last 3 klm of road to the farm is a council maintained gravel road in good condition. ** Please arrive before sunset. **
We also host events (up to 100 people) and we have a covered band stage, see pics below.
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AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
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Yarrawin Camping
26 sites · RVs, Tents680 acres · Argents Hill, NSW
Yarrawin is 680 acre cattle farm and hardwood timber plantation in the heart of the Nambucca Valley, offering scenic, secluded , private campsites with their own swimming hole and a river gravel beach on 3km of beautiful double river frontage.
Camping options include river side camps, the Shack and riverside camp and a large secluded valley. Each campsite is separate from the others, giving guests privacy and exclusive use of the swimming hole (except Chinamans Valley) at their site. All riverside sites offer a natural gravel beach entry into the water.
There are no amenities here, campers will need to be self contained and leave no trace. Every site has a fire pit which must be used for campfires. If you want to use your own it must be off the ground.
Free firewood and fire pit set up for the first night. Firewood $20/ night after that (CASH ONLY PLEASE), except when camping at Chinamans Valley where you collect your own free firewood for each night.
Beautiful drinking rain water is available in a 20lt Jerry can if required on arrival.
Bird lovers can enjoy watching the various bird varieties, as well as ducks. Animals include wallabies, goannas, deer and fish as well as cattle and stock horses. Fishing is okay but it is STRICTLY catch and release ONLY.
There are many places to go bushwalking, either following the river or heading up the valleys or hiking up the hills through the trees.
The property is just 10kms from the convenience of Bowraville, a historic township with a supermarket, folk museum, a war museum, a historic theatre, and other historic buildings. Nambucca Heads and the beautiful surrounding beaches are just 27kms east and Coffs Harbour 80kms away.
Please note this is a working farm, so there will be cattle and stock horses on the property that may approach your campsite.
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AU$27
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
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Cracknback Riverside Campground
16 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Lower Creek, NSW
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**
Cracknback Campground is situated almost half way between Kempsey and Armidale shires. They are each responsible for this road. The boundary between the two shires is at Blackbird Flat - which is 12 km from us towards Kempsey. The Armidale Shire section of road is officially closed (though not policed). We are obliged to pass on this information as it must be your decision whether to drive on Armidale Shire Road. There are also old signs still up saying road closed/landslip/turn around etc.
Our working farm is located between Kempsey and Armidale at Lower Creek in mid-north NSW. We have grassy campsites right on the beautiful Macleay River, which is famous for Bass fishing, kayaking and swimming.
*When you come here, our home is your home. Please respect the pristine wilderness and leave no trace. Clean up your camp and take your rubbish home.
* Heaps of flat ground for kids to ride bikes
* Watch tortoises and fish in the river
* Beautiful mountain ranges and and such an open sky you can see the Milky Way
* 30 roomy sites, flushing toilets, hot showers
* We are dog friendly...if your dog is friendly. Please pick up after them.
* Fire pits provided but bring your own wood
Additional guests welcome at $20 per head per night over 15 years old. Kids under 15 years $5 per night.
Pets
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from
AU$20
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
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Stoney Park care of Dennis Stone
100 sites · RVs, Tents127 acres · North Shore, NSW
Stoney Park is set on 127 acres of manicured waterfront land. Set up your unpowered campsite overlooking the lake or adjacent to the beautiful lagoons. The park also plays host to Australia's largest inflatable Aqua Park along with a land park. Located next to the lovely Wilson River, 15min drive to Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Pets
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AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(362)
Yarralen Retreat
44 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Yarrahapinni, NSW
Yarralen is a beautiful 40 acre property on the mid-north coast of NSW. Situated under Mt Yarrahapinni on the Eastern side of the Pacific Hwy. Halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. We are surrounded by National Parks and close to pristine beaches , grassy heads , scotts head and the Macleay River.
Please note there is a $10 pet fee for the campsites, and $15 pet fee for lodgings (the two Vans and Units).
We offer a magical bush retreat with all the modern felicities with a range of camping and accommodation options:
-The Eclectic Bush Haven is a family-friendly camping area where kids under 12 yrs camp for free, campers booking this option have access to camp kitchen, toilets and electricity.
-The Yarralen Retreat Camp Ground 2 is a more secluded camping area for off-road campers that are completely self-contained with their own toilet, kitchen facilities and power.
-The Butterfly Caravan and Retro Glam Vans are renovated caravans nestled in the rainforest.
-Yarralen Retreat Glamping are glamping tents offering the perfect romantic escape, or if you just like camping but don't want to set up a tent, this is the perfect choice.
- Our Entire Property Exclusive option means you can book out the whole place for your group to enjoy privately. Please thoroughly read the site description which explains exactly what this option does and does not include.
Our 40-acre property features eclectic, arty, and striking sculptures and artworks. Stroll through the beautiful bush surroundings, visit the water lilies, and say hello to the roaming peacocks.
The campsites are located on a grassed area surrounded by a corridor of tall trees for your shade and comfort.
We're not far from the beach, with Grassy Heads being the closest beach. While you're exploring why not check out Scott’s Head and South West Rocks for the amazing vistas.
Refresh and recharge in the Magnesium pool and detox in our sauna (please book access under our Extras).
Warm your soul around the campfire in the evening. Firewood is available (please see our Extras).
Campers at the Eclectic Bush Haven will enjoy our fantastic camp kitchen, along with amenities including hot showers and flushing toilet. The kitchen is fully equipped with a Webber BBQ, gas cooktop, large fridge, lighting and power. (IMPORTANT: Campers who book the Yarralen Retreat Camp Ground 2 area DO NOT have access to these facilities, we expect campers in this area to be fully self-contained)
For your convenience entry to the property and main camping area is via our asphalt driveway, which suits all vehicles. (IMPORTANT: Campers who book the Yarralen Retreat Camp Ground 2 will need a 4WD to access this secluded part of the property).
Overnight or longer stays are also available for private parties, weddings, retreats, team building - anything possible. Please message us to have a chat.
Peaceful tall timbered bushland with abundant wildlife throughout the property. It's a great experience for kids, feeds the chooks, free-ranging peafowl, rainforest and billabong walks, and amazing gardens.
Campfires are permitted in the communal fire pit area or individual firepits are available to enjoy at your site.
Please use tank water sparingly (for cooking, cuppas) and BYO drinking water.
We offer a range of Extras to make your stay memorable and comfortable:
-Infra-red Detox Sauna
-Magnesium heated Pool
-Firewood for your campfire
We look forward to welcoming you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
AU$25
/ 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
- All campsites in NSW national parks must be pre-booked online before you arrive.
- 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.
- 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.
Top cities near Hat Head National Park
- Hat Head National Park
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