Why Winter is a Great Time to Go Camping Near Newcastle
Winter camping with kids gets a bad rap, but it shouldn’t. The campgrounds are quieter, the mozzies are gone, the air is crisp and clear, and there is nothing better than sitting around a campfire after a day of hiking or swimming in the river. If you’ve only ever camped in summer, winter camping might just convert you.
The Hunter region and surrounding areas are particularly well suited to winter camping. The weather is mild compared to the southern states, most campgrounds stay open year-round, and the Barrington Tops, Myall Lakes and Lake Macquarie all offer stunning winter landscapes that are genuinely beautiful in the cooler months.
Whether you want a fully equipped holiday park with hot showers and a camp kitchen, a rustic riverside spot with fire pits, or something in between, there’s a winter camping option near Newcastle to suit every family’s comfort level.
For tips on what to pack and how to prepare, check out the following article: Winter Camping With Kids: Our Best Tips for a Fun Family Adventure before you go.
What to Look for in a Winter Campground
Not all campgrounds are created equal in winter. Before you book, check for:
Hot showers: A non-negotiable with kids in cold weather. Confirm your campsite has hot showers before you arrive.
Campfires or fire pits: A campfire is the heart of winter camping. Many campgrounds permit fires in the cooler months, but always check current fire restrictions before lighting up.
Powered sites or cabins: A powered site or cabin is useful if you want to run a heater or electric blanket, or if rustic camping isn’t your style.
Shelter: Campgrounds in valleys or surrounded by trees are far more comfortable in winter than exposed coastal or open paddock sites.
Proximity to activities: Walking tracks, rivers for exploring and nearby towns for supplies all make winter stays much more enjoyable.
Best Winter Camping Spots in Lake Macquarie
Wangi Point Holiday Park
Wangi Point is one of the best winter camping spots close to Newcastle. It’s just 45 minutes from the city, and one of the few campgrounds in the region with a proper winter campfire policy. Open fires are permitted in designated fire pits between Easter and the October long weekend, which makes this ideal for a winter weekend away.
The park sits between the shores of Lake Macquarie and the Wangi Point Flora and Fauna Reserve, giving you stunning lake views from most sites and direct access to the water for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Bush walks through the adjoining nature reserve are excellent in winter when the wildlife is more active and the tracks are less crowded.
The facilities at Wangi Point are solid, and include hot showers, BBQ areas, a playground, a jetty and a camp kitchen. Accommodation ranges from powered and unpowered campsites through to two-bedroom villas with lake views, so families who want comfort without fully roughing it are well catered for.
Note that Wangi Point is within a conservation area and is not pet-friendly. Gather around the fire pit at night, toast some marshmallows and watch the possums come out.
Drive from Newcastle: 45 minutes
Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, playground, jetty, BBQ, camp kitchen, cabins and villas
Campfires: Yes. In designated fire pits, from Easter to the October long weekend
Pets: No
Find out more about Wangi Point Holiday Park
Best Winter Camping Spots in the Barrington Tops and Gloucester Region
The Barrington Tops region is the standout destination for winter camping near Newcastle. The forested valleys, mountain rivers and World Heritage wilderness make for spectacular winter scenery. As Australia’s highest sub-alpine region outside the Alps, you might even catch some snow at higher elevations after a cold snap.
Ferndale Park Camping Area, Bandon Grove (via Dungog)
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape where the kids can disconnect from devices, Ferndale Park Camping Area is a fabulous choice.
Nestled in a lush valley on the banks of the Chichester River, this camping area is tucked away in the foothills of the Barrington Tops. Ferndale sits in a protected pocket surrounded by rainforest, which helps block the worst of the winter chill.
Campfires are a huge drawcard here, and the overall vibe is incredibly laid-back. It’s the type of spot where kids make new friends at the next campsite while parents enjoy a quiet cuppa. The river offers plenty of shallow spots for exploring, and if you’re looking for adventure, the hiking trails of the Barrington Tops are just a short drive away.
Drive from Newcastle: 1.5 hours
Campfires: Yes. Fire pits are provided at each site, and firewood is available at the kiosk.
Facilities: Hot showers ($1 coins), flush toilets, laundry, kiosk, powered and unpowered sites.
Pets: Yes, Ferndale is dog-friendly (on-lead).
Find out more about Ferndale Park Camping Area
Riverwood Downs, Monkerai Valley
Riverwood Downs is arguably the best all-round winter camping destination within reach of Newcastle. Set on 750 acres in the Monkerai Valley at the foothills of Barrington Tops, this multi-award-winning property sits on the banks of the Karuah River with 5km of mountain river frontage, shady walking trails and abundant wildlife.
Campfires are allowed on unpowered sites (weather permitting), and the descriptions from guests say it all: crackling log fires, bright stars, fresh air and the sounds of birds and the mountain stream. It truly delivers on that promise.
The facilities at Riverwood Downs are excellent for a rural property: hot showers, laundry, a kiosk stocking basics, and the Barrington Bar and Grill on site for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation ranges from riverside campsites to self-contained cabins, motel-style rooms, spa cabins and a homestead, so it works for everyone from serious campers to families who want a proper bed after a day outdoors.
It’s 1.5 hours north of Newcastle, which makes it very achievable for a winter weekend. The property is also pet-friendly.
Drive from Newcastle: 1.5 hours
Campfires: Yes. Campfires are permitted on unpowered sites, weather permitting
Facilities: Hot showers, laundry, kiosk, restaurant and bar, pool, games room, range of cabins and rooms
Pets: Yes. Riverwood Downs is pet-friendly.
Find out more about Riverwood Downs
The Steps Barrington Campground, near Gloucester
The Steps is one of the most atmospheric camping spots in the Hunter region. A boutique riverside campground, it’s set at the most picturesque rapids on the Barrington River, just a short drive from Gloucester. It feels like the wilderness but comes with surprisingly good facilities: hot showers, flushing toilets, filtered drinking water and fire pits at every site.
The campfire setup here is exceptional for winter. There are fire pits at each site plus two large bonfire pits and two permanent shelters that can be hired, making this one of the best campfire experiences in the region. Sit by the river, listen to the rapids and watch the wallabies graze while the fire crackles.
Activities on site include swimming holes along the river, kayaking the rapids, and mountain biking through the cross-country trails of the adjacent Barrington Bike Park. The surrounding mountain ranges offer walking and hiking options for all ages.
Numbers at The Steps Barrington are capped to keep it uncrowded. Bookings are essential, particularly in school holidays. Note: there are no powered sites and no pets.
Drive from Newcastle: 2 hours
Campfires: Yes. There are fire pits at every site, plus two large bonfire pits
Facilities: Hot showers, flushing toilets, filtered drinking water, fire pits, shelters for hire
Pets: No
Find out more about The Steps Barrington
Lostock Dam Caravan Park, Lostock
Tucked away in a beautiful, sheltered valley in the foothills of the Barrington Tops, this spot is a bit of a hidden secret. Located right on the Paterson River (just downstream from the dam wall), the campground is nestled in a natural amphitheatre. The surrounding hills provide some much-needed shelter from those biting winter winds, perfect for when you’re trying to keep the kids warm!
Campfires are permitted at each site, and firewood is available to buy on site at $20 per wheelbarrow load. Hot showers and toilets are basic but clean, and the friendly owners make this feel like a genuine community campground rather than a corporate park.
Kids love the creek for swimming and tubing, and there’s a small shop at the office stocking basic supplies. Star gazing from the valley is exceptional on clear winter nights. Barrington Tops National Park is on the doorstep for bushwalking, 4WD and mountain biking.
Drive from Newcastle: 1.5 hours
Campfires: Yes. Fires are permitted at each site, and firewood is available on site
Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, laundry, playground, kiosk, powered and unpowered sites
Pets: Yes
Find out more about Lostock Dam Caravan Park
Best Winter Camping Spots in the Myall Lakes and Great Lakes Region
NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park, Bombah Point
Myall Shores is one of the most beautiful holiday park settings in NSW. Boasting 1.5km of absolute lakefront inside Myall Lakes National Park, surrounded by national park bushland and shared with kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, possums and hundreds of bird species. In winter, the crowds thin out significantly and the national park setting becomes even more peaceful.
As it’s within a national park, open fires are generally not permitted here, so it’s not the campfire camping experience. But for families who want a stunning, sheltered lakeside setting with great facilities and a range of accommodation from unpowered campsites to luxury waterfront villas and safari glamping tents, it’s hard to beat.
The Barefoot Cafe on site is open for coffee, meals and pizza. The lake is calm and sheltered year-round for kayaking and fishing, and the surrounding national park has excellent walking and cycling trails. It’s about 2.5 hours from Newcastle but worth the drive for a longer winter break.
Drive from Newcastle: 2.5 hours
Campfires: Not generally permitted (national park)
Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, swimming pool, cafe, jetty, playground, safari tents, villas
Pets: No
Find out more about NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park
Treachery Camp, Seal Rocks
If you’re looking for a wild, off-grid feel without sacrificing a hot shower, Treachery Camp at Seal Rocks is a winner.
Nestled behind the dunes of Treachery Beach, this private park is tucked away in a lush coastal forest that feels worlds away from the daily grind. The campsite is protected from the wind by the surrounding headland and thick coastal scrub, making it a surprisingly cosy choice for a winter seaside getaway. Kids can roam free amongst the trees and you can fall asleep to the sound of the ocean.
Unlike the nearby National Park sites, campfires are the heart of the experience at Treachery Camp. There is nothing quite like sitting around a roaring fire under the stars after a day of exploring. It’s a short, scenic walk to the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, one of the best spots on the coast for whale watching during the winter migration, and the rugged beach is perfect for a morning walk or a bit of sand-dune sliding.
The facilities are well-maintained with a great communal vibe, and there’s an onsite kiosk for a morning coffee or a treat for the kids.
Drive from Newcastle: 1 hour 45 minutes
Campfires: Yes. Small campfires are allowed (subject to fire bans), and you can buy firewood at the onsite kiosk
Facilities: Hot showers, toilets, camp kitchen, laundry, and a kiosk for coffee and essentials
Pets: No. Treachery Camp is a “no pets” zone to protect the local wildlife
Find out more about Treachery Camp
Best Winter Camping Spots in the Hunter Valley
Wine Country Tourist Park, Hunter Valley
For families who want a winter base in the Hunter Valley wine region, Wine Country Tourist Park is a well-priced option right in the heart of Pokolbin. It puts you within easy reach of Hunter Valley Gardens, Snow Time in the Garden (late June to late July), wineries, restaurants and the Cessnock area’s family attractions.
Wine Country Tourist Park is a small, family-owned park with a relaxed vibe. There’s powered tent and slab sites, 2-bedroom cabins and a 3-bedroom cottage. It’s a practical, affordable base for exploring the Hunter Valley in winter rather than a destination campground in its own right.
Drive from Newcastle: 1 hour
Campfires: Check with park directly
Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, cabins, cottage
Pets: Check with park directly
Find out more about Wine Country Tourist Park
Tips for Winter Camping with Kids
Book your fire pit early: Campgrounds with designated fire pits are hot property in winter! They book out quickly, especially for weekends and school holidays, so don’t leave it to the last minute. Every park is different – some provide wood for free, some sell it by the bag, and others ask you to BYO. It’s always worth a quick double-check with the park before you pack the car.
Always check fire restrictions: We all love a campfire, but safety comes first! Even if a park normally allows fires, a Total Fire Ban can be declared at any time. Before you head off, do a quick check on the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) website or the Fires Near Me NSW app to make sure it’s safe to light up.
Pack layers, not just one big coat: Don’t let a mild sunny day fool you! Temperatures in the Barrington Tops can plummet as soon as the sun goes down. Thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers and a waterproof outer layer work best.
Invest in quality sleeping bags: If there is one thing that makes the difference between a miserable night and a wonderful family memory, it’s a good sleeping bag! For winter camping in our region, a bag rated to at least -5 degrees is worth every cent. It’s the secret to everyone waking up happy and ready for a day of exploring!
Aim to arrive before dark: Setting up camp in the dark and cold is no fun for anyone, especially with kids in tow. Aim to pull into your site by at least 3pm. This gives you plenty of time to get the tent up, the beds made, and the fire crackling before the sun dips behind the hills and the temperature drops. Plus, it means you can actually enjoy that first sunset with a drink in hand while the kids explore!
Embrace the campfire: There’s something magical about huddling around a fire on a crisp winter night. To make it extra special for the kids, don’t forget the marshmallows and hot chocolate sachets. And for the grown-ups? A reliable camp stove is a must-have for those brisk morning coffees and a warm, hearty breakfast to start the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The region has a mild winter climate compared to the southern states. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing at lower elevations, though the Barrington Tops can get very cold at higher altitudes. Pack appropriately, check weather forecasts before you go and always check fire restrictions.
Wangi Point Holiday Park (Easter to October long weekend), Ferndale Park (fire pits at every site), Riverwood Downs (weather permitting), The Steps Barrington (fire pits at every site), Lostock Dam Caravan Park (conditions permitting), and Treachery Camp (subject to fire bans), all allow campfires in winter. Always verify current fire restrictions before lighting any fire.
Riverwood Downs at Barrington Tops is the standout for families wanting the full winter camping experience, with campfires, river, wildlife, great facilities, and a restaurant on site. Wangi Point Holiday Park is the best option close to Newcastle if you don’t want to drive far.
Yes. All the parks in this guide have hot showers and are open year-round. Wangi Point, Riverwood Downs, The Steps Barrington, Lostock Dam and NRMA Myall Shores all have good amenities.
Campgrounds in the Barrington Tops foothills like Riverwood Downs and Lostock Dam are about 1.5 hours from Newcastle. The Steps Barrington near Gloucester is about 2 hours.
Planning a winter camping trip? Check out our Winter Camping With Kids guide for packing tips and everything you need to know before you go. For a full list of 50+ campgrounds within 3 hours of Newcastle, see our Complete Camping and Holiday Parks guide.