6 Cosy and Cool Campsites in NSW You Need to Experience

It's no secret that NSW is home to some of the most incredible national parks that Australia has to offer. And in these national parks, outdoor enthusiasts can find some of the best camping spots and camping sites to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the busy cities.

In this guide, we'll be rounding up the best camp sites you may, or may not, have heard about. It's about time for your next weekend escape to nature - head out and discover them before the rest of the world does!

1. Honeymoon Bay, Jervis Bay

2. Diamond Head, Crowdy Bay National Park

3. Cathedral Reserve, Blue Mountains National Park

4. Picnic Point Campground, Mimosa Rocks National Park

5. Killalea Beach, Kiama

6. Glenworth Valley, Central Coast

Located at the northern end of Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast, about three hours’ drive south of Sydney, the camping site is moments away from the bay and close to some of the region’s most beautiful beaches so you can finally do some beach camping!

This secluded bay at Currarong makes for one of the most memorable bush camping experiences in all of New South Wales. It’s open most weekends and during school holidays: sites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis outside of summer, so make sure you get in quick and secure your beach campground fast!

While getting a spot in peak season might be tricky, it’s totally worth it to score some front-row seats to the white sands and clear water of this private camping gem.

While at Jervis Bay, you'll have to jump on a cruise to see the best of Jervis - from towering sea cliffs, caves and even catch sight of seals, dolphins and whales if you're lucky! Pass under spectacular limestone formations contrasted by deep blue waters and also take in views of stunning rock formations along the way.

It departs at 11am and 1.30pm daily and goes for two hours so you'll have plenty of time to sit back, relax and take in the best views of Hyams Beach, Booderee National Park Beaches, Point Perpendicular - Towering Sea Cliffs and Caves, Honeymoon Bay, Callala Reef and spot dolphins!

Diamond Head Campground lies in the sheltered southern corner of Dunbogan Beach, on the watery edge of Crowdy Bay National Park. So if unzipping your tent and having front row seats to a sunrise over the ocean sounds like your dream morning, you’ll definitely want to check out Diamond Head.

There's plenty to do here too: from swimming in the calm, crystal blue water, to exploring spectacular Split Rock. Bush walkers can even conquer one of the nearby hiking trails, which take in swamp mahogany and paperbark forests, as well as coastal panoramas.

This incredible headland is home to a total of 75 camping sites, picnic tables, BBQ facilities, showers and toilets. So you're guaranteed to make a few new friends, like the local kangaroos, wallabies and the occasional dolphin. The best part? This camping spot is pretty cheap too. 

Just check NSW National Parks website first, as some are still closed because of the bushfires. The campground has 75 pitches for tents, but you're welcome to pull up in your caravan or motor home, too. Among the facilities are showers, toilets, barbecues and picnic tables, so you're fully covered here.

Head on over to Port Stephens if you have the time, where you absolutely have to try out the sand dune quad bike adventure!

Roar into the sand dunes with an incredible quad bike adventure over the sand dunes near Stockton Beach. You get to ride a 400cc quad bike and bash through the sand dunes, enjoying the thrills, all whilst being accompanied by a professional guide who will ensure your safety. Then, finish off the day by trying out sandboarding. It'll be day of discovery and adventure out in the desert you won't want to miss!

Or perhaps you're brave enough to get up close and personal with sharks and rays?!

Who doesn’t love the Blue Mountains? How about free camping in the Blue Mountains? Well, then Cathedral Reserve is just the place for you.

Located on the Mt Irvine Rd on the way out of the Mt Wilson village travelling towards Mt Irvine opposite the Cathedral of Ferns. This campground is a flat grassy area nestled amongst the gum trees, with dramatic scenery surrounding it. There are even a few waterfalls in the area.

Just 10 minutes hike from the campground is the Cathedral of Ferns trail, a must-see for anyone who loves ferns. There are also plenty of bushwalks in the local area, so make sure to pack your hiking boots.

Consider an early rise on one or two mornings to see the misty sunrise. It makes for a truly incredible visual, whether you’re into your photography enthusiast or not. Also, make sure to watch out for the fireflies glowing in the warm summer nights; a truly unique experience if you manage to see it.

If you're there with kids, you should definitely take them to check out Scenic World - where you can explore Scenic Skyway, Walkway, Cableway and Railway! See the best views of the park on a number of breathtaking rides and walkways, and conquer your fear of heights with a ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world, and feel the thrill of a 52-degree incline. The glass-roofed carriages offer amazing views of the lush rainforests and the spectacular Jamison Valley.

Looking for something more relaxing? Stroll along the Scenic Walkway and enjoy the ultimate tranquility of ancient rainforest on traverse the Scenic Skyway, suspended 270 m above a deep ravine. Last but not least, complete the trip with a ride on the Scenic Cableway, the largest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.

There's nothing like a stargazing experience with professional grade telescopes! Led by a local expert guide, you'll learn how to identify stars and constellations with the naked-eye too:

Picnic Point is a littler harder to get to than some of the others, because of the drive that is required to get there. But trust us, it's worth it. This secluded spot in the Mimosa Rocks National Park will truly make you appreciate how beautiful Australia is.

The park is close to Bega on the Sapphire Coast in the State’s far south, and has lagoons, pockets of rainforest and rocks with castle-shaped features all within walking distance.

At the campsite, you have the choice of two beaches, plenty of coastal walks to explore and as the name suggests, some great spots to picnic.

It’s only a short distance from where you'll be camping on the beach, so you’ll fall asleep listening to the sounds of the crashing waves - bliss.

Since you'll be driving past Canberra, might as well jump on a sneaky half day brewery tour to make the journey a bit more enjoyable!

Known as "The Farm" to the locals of the area, Killalea Beach is the ultimate camping spot for 360° views of the ocean, perfect to fulfil those beach camping dreams.

If you’re up for a little adventure, there are some solid surf spots, picnic areas, and hikes to do in the area. The beaches are not patrolled, so make sure you be careful.

However, the beautifully landscaped picnic areas are located in the park with barbecues and public amenities for you, friends, and family to enjoy. All this while you enjoy breathtaking views of the Kiama coastline.

Located just around the corner, Illawarra Fly is a great spot to check out where you'll get to walk amongst treetops and even try out zip lining for a rush of adrenaline! Spend 2.5 hours soaring among the treetops and on your self-guided treetops walk where you can get a birds-eye view of the native rainforest and look out towards the Pacific Ocean.

Or maybe a glass-bottom kayak tour is more your vibe?

Looking for something away from the coast? Then Glenworth Valley is the perfect spot for you.

Just over an hour’s drive from Sydney, this valley paradise is best known as a haven for horse riders, but it’s also home to some excellent bush camping. Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures operates a series of campsites on 80 hectares along Popran Creek, featuring wood-fired BBQs, hot showers and plenty of peace and quiet.

You can also indulge in some glamping, or hire a tent or teepee, and go horse riding, quad-biking, abseiling and kayaking.

If a long horse ride under an Australian forest canopy sounds like something you'd enjoy, then Glenworth Valley is absolutely worth exploring.

On the way up to Glenworth, you could also pop by Lane Cove National Park for a private cruise tour up the river:

And that ends our roundup of the best camping spots in New South Wales!