18 secret camping spots in NSW

Country NSW  

Dangars Gorge Campground* 

Why this one: Pitch your tent beside one of NSW’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls.  

Here, you’re deep in World Heritage-listed falls country, so there’s no shortage of bushwalks, waterfall lookouts and wildlife. If you can bring along some skewers and veg, make use of the fire pit to set up a great barbecue. After setting up your tent, caravan or trailer, cast your eyes skyward to see a twinkling, starry sky.  

Dangars Falls and gorge - Credit: Josh Smith | DCCEEW

Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground*

Why this one: You’re perfectly situated to behold the sculptural rock formations along the Pagoda Walking Track – true natural wonders.   

Dunns Swamp, or Ganguddy as it’s known to local Aboriginal people, is so spectacular that new visitors will understand why it’s remained a secret. For its waterside location, natural beauty and activity-rich offering including kayaking and swimming, it’s a well-rounded camping experience that devotees want to keep to themselves. Get settled into a tent, caravan or camper-trailer site, cook up some sausages and rest up for a day in a canoe you can rent on-site. 

Dunns Swamp, Wollemi National Park - Credit: Dunns Swamp

Burbie Camp*

Why this one: Within the Dark Sky Park boundary, this spot is your gateway to the stars – crystal-clear nights put the galaxy in your sights.  

Located between Mount Exmouth and Belougery Split Rock in Warrumbungle National Park, Burbie Camp is a great stopover on a longer hike (Burbie Canyon track and Burbie trail) as it’s only accessed by foot. It’s a rugged, bushy beauty and, due to its isolated nature, you’ll have to bring all your firewood, water and navigational tools with you. It’s worth it though. This is a special spot for stargazers and wildlife watchers – wallaroos and wallabies literally abound and they may just be the only other creatures you see throughout your stay.   

Burbie Canyon Walking Track Warrumbungle National Park. Camping permitted at Camp Burbie - Credit: Sue Brookhouse | DCCEEW

South Coast 

Mystery Bay Campground 

Why this one: Keen to bring your boat? There’s plenty of room for it here. 

The only mystery about this spot is how it’s managed to stay under the radar for so long. As one of the few natural campgrounds on the South Coast, Mystery Bay is bestowed with dazzling beauty, care of its beachfront location and aquamarine waters. This dog-friendly campground with cold showers and toilets also lets you choose your unpowered site on arrival, as they’re not pre-allocated.   

Coastal waters at Mystery Bay Rocks in Eurobodalla - Credit: Dee Kramer Photography

Beachcomber Holiday Park 

Why this one: You can lean into your own definition of camping, with a huge range of accommodation including everything from bungalows and ‘surfari’ tents to unpowered sites.  

While it’s not super under the radar, this multi-award-winning holiday park is certainly a secret wildlife spot. Not only does it give you the chance to make the most of the absolute (pristine) beachfront location in the Eurobodalla National Park, but the variety of sustainable accommodation options means you can adjust your experience based on your budget and camping-proficiency levels. This is a true natural playground, complete with all the wildlife cameos you’d hope for – the team guarantees you’ll see wallabies and roos.

Beachcomber Holiday Park - Credit: Valaze Group

Aragunnu Campground*

Why this one: This campground puts you in close proximity to walking tracks that link to culturally significant Aboriginal areas including a large midden.  

Sitting 50 metres from the beachfront, this secluded campground in Bermagui bears time-worn middens, hinting that there’s good fishing to be done. This large campground easily caters for tents, trailers and camping beside your vehicle, with woodfired barbecue facilities (bring your own firewood) and toilets for you to use after a day of adventure – the Mimosa Rocks Walking Track takes you to a stunning lookout, passing another Aboriginal site along the way.  

Walking through Mimosa Rocks National Park

Killalea Campground*

Why this one: Get the crew together and book nine sites for up to 40 people online.   

With subtropical rainforest on one side and coastal heath on the other, you’re very well placed to soak up the atmosphere at this coastal reserve between Shellharbour and Kiama. Even if you’re solo camping, you won’t be alone here, with a wealth of wildlife calling this spot home. You’ll discover rare and endangered birds like the Australian bittern and pied oystercatcher, as well as a night sky filled with up to 10 species of bat. Welcoming your tents, caravans and camper/trailer setups, this campground also offers an amenities block, barbecue facilities, power, drinking water and showers, and is within reach of great walks and beaches.  

Note: Killalea Campground will be closed from Tuesday 28 January 2025 to Monday 30 June 2025. Construction works will be underway during this time to replace the campground amenities block.

Killalea Campground - Credit: DCCEEW

North Coast 

Platypus Flat Campground  

Why this one: The riverside location means kayaking, canoeing and fishing – thrill-seekers may even be tempted to strap in for a whitewater rafting adventure with a guide.  

As part of the Nymboi-Binderay National Park – traditional Country of the Gumbaynggirr People, Platypus Flat Campground on the Coffs Coast offers a piece of riverside serenity. You’ll need to be self-sufficient here as it’s a remote camping spot for tents, camper-trailers and caravans, but well worth the sites and quiet of the rainforest-lined riverbanks of Nymboida River. Wildlife-watchers will relish the chance to spot local tiger quolls and southern boobooks. 

Samurai Beach Campground 

Why this one: Driving to this spot is only accessible by 4WD.   

While you can’t drive on the sand dunes, they certainly make a powerful impression, adding to the ever-changing views that surround you. The fact they’re only accessible via 4WD also means a limit to how many people will be joining you. Don’t forget to organise your fuel stove, water and portable toilet to stay here as you’ll need to be self-sufficient and settled following days adventuring and exploring the Port Stephens headland near Big Rocky Island, which is about 1.5km away.  

Samurai Beach Campground - Credit: Jim Cutler | DCCEEW

Dingo Tops Campground*

Why this one: Feel small next to ancient rainforest and eucalypts in this peaceful place geared to getting back to nature.  

There’s so much to explore in Tapin Tops National Park near Taree: subtropical rainforest, old-growth eucalypt trees, waterfalls and swimming holes. Dingo Tops Campground is the launchpad to immerse yourself amongst all this and more, as this remote site is frequented by plenty of local wildlife, including wallabies, red-legged pademelons, greater gliders (at night) and koalas. 

Mountain Brush circuit Tapin Tops National Park - Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW

Diamond Head Campground*

Why this one: Sunrise or sunset at nearby Split Rock is something to behold.  

Crowdy Bay National Park is all about postcard beach scenery and wildlife, particularly the resident Eastern grey kangaroos – Diamond Head Campground is the ticket to feel like you’re at the centre of it all. With gas barbecues, picnic facilities, showers and supplies on offer 10km away at Laurieton, this beachside camp site makes settling into your tent, caravan or motorhome a breeze. With a handful of hikes around you, the sparkling ocean in front of you, and nearby epic rock formations, you might want to retire here. 

Diamond Head Campground, Crowdy Bay National Park - Credit: Robert Mulally | DCCEEW

Broughton Island Campground 

Why this one: With only five sites available, this campsite puts birdwatchers right amongst the action.  

As part of an active seabird colony, this Broughton Island camping spot is a truly special place as it’s a key breeding site for wedge-tailed shearwaters. Only accessible by boat from Port Stephens, the island will feel like it exists for you alone, but you’ll need to bring everything – this is purely for the purists as it’s tents and backpack camping only. 

Broughton Island Campground - Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW

Central Coast 

Little Beach Campground 

Why this one: It’s tucked in a secluded cove and surrounded by beachside rainforest.  

At the end of the 750m hike from the carpark, you’ll find this small campsite, that’s figuratively and literally secluded from the outside world. There are toilets and sheltered barbecues but, other than that, it’s just you and your tent right on the beachfront. Spend your day surfing (hit the early morning swell), fishing or hiking, with the stunning Bouddi Coastal Walk a 14-minute drive away. 

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

Putty Beach Campground*

Why this one: Group bookings are possible, so you can have a friends and family camping trip. 

Sitting steps away from Putty Beach, this campground puts you at the mouth of a natural playground for campers of all ages. Surfers will love the breaks of Killcare Beach, while beginners can enjoy the calm waves of the Putty Beach end (the two beaches run on from each). Snorkellers will relish the protected rocky coves and the little ones will love exploring the rock pools. Offering tent sites only, barbecue facilities, toilets and (cold) showers, you’ll be able to truly immerse yourself in the spectacular Bouddi National Park.   

Putty Beach Campground - Credit: John Yurasek | DCCEEW

Tallow Beach Campground

Why this one: Only six tent spots mean you’re far from the crowds.  

A 1.2km hike in via a rough, hilly fire trail makes arriving at this quiet spot all the more worthwhile. Pitch your tent on one of only six grassy spots and spy a soaring sea-eagle or passing echidna before exploring the Bouddi National Park, which contains more than 100 culturally significant Aboriginal sites. You’ll find toilets here, but you’ll have to bring everything else in including your drinking water.

Tallow Beach Campground - Credit: Susan Davis | DCCEEW

Freemans Campground* 

Why this one: Secure a spot in winter and you’ll enjoy a front-row seat for whale watching.  

This beachy campground caters for trailers, caravans and tents. Right among the Munmorah State Conservation Area, this site offers covered barbecue areas, toilets, picnic tables, drinking water and a mix of grassy and landscaped areas, so it’s very hospitable to campers of all levels. Walk to Birdie Beach every morning and spend your days surfing, hiking or fishing. Naturalists can enjoy the secluded nude spot at the end of the beach nearby.

Freemans Campground - Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW

Outback NSW 

Nelia Gaari Station 

Why this one: Fancy a round of outback golf? The nine-hole bush course has got you covered.  

Right on the banks of the Darling River in the Wilcannia area, this 8,000-hectare working sheep station offers absolute river frontage and varied accommodation options. Bring your well-behaved dog and take your pick from the self-contained Overseer’s Cottage, which sleeps 12, as well as secluded spots to pitch your tent. Spend your day yabbying, fishing and boating on the water before washing the dust of the Outback off in the hot shower facilities on site.   

Nelia Gaari Station - Credit: Hayley Mayne | Nelia Gaari Station

Carinya Station Farm Stay*

Why this one: See the inner workings of a 2,600-hectare station with a complimentary one-hour tour with Acknowledgement of Country when you stay here.  

Deep in red-earth Yuwaalaraay Country, Carinya Station Farmstay lets you choose between off-grid camping, powered-camping and glamping. Just 10 minutes out of town, you’re within reach of the Bore Baths of Lightning Ridge, but remote enough that you’ll be able to enjoy the crystal-clear sky for stargazing. Find your spot on the riverbank and forage fallen firewood from the surrounds before switching off entirely and leaning into the station’s sounds and sights (including many a friendly farm animal).  

Carinya Station Farm Stay - Credit: J.N. Barry & J.G. Barry | Carinya Station Farm Stay