Top campsites & caravan parks on the Central Coast

Best for activities: Glenworth Valley Campground 

There are so many activities on offer at Glenworth Valley you’ll need a week here to try them all. Go horse riding through native bushland, take a riding lesson or even bring your own horse to explore the beautiful trails. You can also try abseiling, laser skirmish battles and axe throwing or take a scenic paddle along the waterways on a kayak. Pitch your tent on the 200-acre campground and take a morning deep each day at Popran Creek. There are also glamping tents and eco cabins on offer.  

Glenworth Valley Camping, Glenworth Valley - Credit Koorosh Lohrasbi

Best for luxury: Go Glamping & Belle Glamping

If you’d prefer a little luxury, glamping is the perfect blend of high-end comforts and a retreat in nature. Go Glamping and Belle Glamping are mobile services that will set up a glampsite (complete with comfy beds, rugs and stylish décor) at different locations around the Central Coast.

Belle Glamping and Events, Glenworth Valley - Credit: Michelle Brown

Best for surfers: Tallow Beach campground 

Located in Bouddi National Park, Tallow Beach campground is a picturesque spot, popular with experienced surfers who can enjoy long waves without the crowds. It takes a bit of effort to get there, and is not accessible by car, so you’ll need to carry your board and gear along a 1.2km walking track to the campsite, but you’ll be rewarded with the tranquility of only six tent pitches a few steps to the beach. There are some great bushwalking tracks around here too including Box Head Track and Flannel Flower Walking Track.   

Tallow Beach campground, Bouddi National Park - Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW

Best for facilities: Kookaburra Ridge 

Kookaburra Ridge, run by tiny house experts Into The Wild Escapes, is made up of two bell tents, each surrounded by decking with outdoor bathtubs, barbecues and seating areas. There’s also a firepit, a private tavern and lounge space, and communal bathrooms. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, but is also child friendly if you want to bring the kids.

Into The Wild Escapes, Kookaburra Ridge - Credit: Into The Wild Escapes/Kookaburra Ridge

Best for small budgets: Ten Mile Hollow campground

Camping is free at Ten Mile Hollow Campground in Dharug National Park (a $6 booking fee applies). The remote campsite is only accessible by cycling or walking and is a rest stop on the multi-day Old Great North Road hike. Facilities include barbecues and toilets.

Old Great North Road, Dharug National Park - Credit: Nick Cubbin/DCCEEW

Best for wildlife: Australia Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary

Plan a wild night out at Australia Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to kangaroos, wallabies, emus, meerkats, koalas, Tassie devils, dingoes and even pythons. You can hire the whole campsite for you and your friends and explore the park after dark on your own or take an after-hours tour. Tents and camping mattresses are provided and there is a camp kitchen, toilets and hot showers.  

Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, Calga - Credit: Tourism Central Coast/Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park

Best for serenity: Little Beach campground 

There is no vehicle access to Little Beach campground in Bouddi National Park, you need to park at Grahame Drive and make your way down the 750m walking trail to get there. This along with the fact that there are only six pitches overlooking the beach, surrounded by littoral rainforest, make it one of the quietest and most serene campsites on the Central Coast. Facilities are limited to toilets and barbecues; you will need to bring food and water with you.  

Little Beach campground, Bouddi National Park - Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW

Best for families: NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort

NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort at Umina Beach is perfect for families with swimming pools, a playground, a waterpark, go-karts, jumping pillows, kayaks, bikes and more. It has powered and unpowered sites, along with cabins and villas, located on the sheltered beach at Umina. Within walking distance is Pearl Beach to the south and Ettalong Beach to the north.  

NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, Umina Beach

Best for rock pools: Frazer campground  

Set in a secluded spot in Munmorah State Conservation Area, Frazer campground is only 50m from the stunning Frazer Beach. At the southern end are beautiful rock pools, where you can bathe, paddle or search for crabs with the kids. The beach is also great for surfing and fishing. The campground has picnic tables, barbecues, showers and toilets. 

Frazer Campground, Munmorah State Conservation Area - Credit: John Spencer/DPE

Best for pets: Canton Beach Holiday Park

Dogs are welcome to camp at Canton Beach Holiday Park, which has powered, unpowered and ensuite sites located on the foreshore of tranquil Tuggerah Lakes. The park has a boat ramp, great fishing and you can cook your catch on sheltered barbecues on the foreshore or in the camp kitchen. If you’re travelling during peak periods only one dog per site is permitted. 

Canton Beach Holiday Park, Canton Beach - Credit: Central Coast Council/Central Coast Holiday Parks