Where are the best family camping destinations in NSW to go camping, glamping or stay in a cabin or villa within 3 hours of Newcastle? There are so many to choose from depending on your budget and camping comfort level.
Here’s a list of more than 50 camping spots, caravan parks and holiday parks suitable for families in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Central Coast, Sydney, Mid-North Coast and Port Macquarie.
No matter if you prefer the beach, river or valley, the city or country, there’s a campground or holiday park for you. For those who prefer a more rustic back to nature campgrounds like the National Parks campgrounds, we have those too as well as the more resort-style holiday parks.
Find a family-friendly campground, caravan park or holiday park near you.
Newcastle | Lake Macquarie | Hunter Valley | Barrington Tops | Port Stephens | Great Lakes | Port Macquarie | Central Coast | Sydney
Newcastle
NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park
Located a short ferry ride to Newcastle CBD, NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park provides a relaxed beach family holiday. Metres from patrolled Stockton Beach, the park includes children’s playground and a large recreation room with pool table and arcade games. Ideal for a staycation. From here, stroll along the Shipwreck Walk out to the breakwater. Accommodation includes tent sites, van sites and a variety of villas
Lake Macquarie
Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park
Enjoy views of the lake from almost every site at Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park. If your family are water-lovers, this is the place for you with direct access to the lake for fishing, swimming and windsurfing. Blacksmiths Beach is a 5 minute drive. Accommodation includes powered and unpowered tent sites, van sites, ensuite cabins, 2-bedroom cabins and 2-bedroom villas. Includes swimming pool, children’s playground and recreation room.
Big4 Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie
Big 4 Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie offers a waterfront location on the southern end of Lake Macquarie at Mannering Park. Kids will enjoy the jumping pillow and pool as well as water activities on the lake. Accommodation includes powered tent sites, cottages, cabins, 2 bedroom villas and 2-bedroom waterview villas.
Blacksmiths Beachside Holiday Park
A 200 metre walk to Blacksmiths Beach, Blacksmiths Beachside Holiday Park is for families who love the beach. Whether you’re swimming or surfing at Nine Mile Beach or hanging out with little ones at Grannie’s Pool, this is a great spot for a relaxed family beach holiday. Accommodation includes powered and unpowered tent sites, van sites, ensuite sites, 1& 2-bedroom cabins and 2-bedroom villas.
Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park
Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park feels more like a resort with loads of family-friendly facilities. Located lakeside on Lake Macquarie, you’ll enjoy great views of the lake from waterfront villas and camping sites. If you enjoy the beach, Blacksmiths Beach and Caves Beach are only a 5-minute drive. The larger 3 bedroom villas are great for large families or those holidaying with friends. Plus, there’s a splash park boasting two large waterslides and a mega soaker tipping bucket.
Wangi Point Holiday Park
If you want a more relaxing, back to nature camping experience, stay at Wangi Point Holiday Park. It’s ideal for those who want to go fishing, boating or bushwalking. Accommodation includes powered and unpowered tent sites, van sites, ensuite sites, ensuite cabins and 2 bedroom villas
Hunter Valley
Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley
Enjoy the best of the Hunter Valley by staying at Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley. Close to the wineries, this campground offers fun for the whole family. Accommodation includes powered tent sites, cabins and 2 and 3 bedroom villas.
NPWS Bangalow Campground
Enjoy nature with your family at Bangalow Campground, a rustic campground surrounded by tall blue gums and blackbutts at Martinsville. During your stay, hike the Gap Creek forest walk or walk to Monkey Face lookout for a spectacular view. It’s a more traditional camping experience with non-flush toilets and you’ll need to bring your own water supply. Tent camping, camper trailer and caravans.
NPWS Gap Creek Campground
For more intrepid campers, enjoy camping at Gap Creek Campground, a remote campground in Martinsville. It’s a peaceful setting in Watagans National Park. From here, you can hike the Gap Creek forest walk to the Gap Creek waterfall, always impressive after heavy rains. It’s a more traditional camping experience with non-flush toilets and you’ll need to bring your own water supply. Tent camping, camper trailer and caravans.
NPWS Mountain Arm Campground
Only accessible by 4WD, Mountain Arm campground is a peaceful and remote rustic camping site within Yengo National Park. There’s fun for the whole family. Swim in the shallow creek, walk along the Yango Walking Track or go mountain bike riding on the Mount Yengo loop trail. It’s a more traditional camping experience with non-flush toilets and you’ll need to bring your own water supply. Tent camping, camper trailer and caravans.
Wine Country Tourist Park
A small family-owned holiday park, Wine Country Tourist Park offers value accommodation in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Accommodation includes powered tent and slab sites, 2 bedroom cabins and 3 bedroom cottage.
Barrington Tops
Lostock Dam Caravan Park
Tucked away in a valley is Lostock Dam Caravan Park camping spot on the Paterson River. Favoured by those who prefer a more traditional campground, this is one to visit to be immersed in nature. Pitch a tent or bring the caravan and enjoy the serenity. There are lots for kids to do that don’t involve screens like spotting platypus in the still pools. Accommodation includes powered and unpowered tent and van sites.
Riverwood Downs
Stay riverside at Riverwood Downs, a rural 750-acre property in the foothills of the Barrington Tops. This is where you go to get away from it all and reconnect with nature. There are lots for families to do including bushwalking, swimming in the river, riding a tube down mini rapids and gathering around a campfire at night. Accommodation includes powered and unpowered tent and van sites, cabins and 2 bedroom cabins.
NPWS Gloucester River campground
There are lots to do for families at Gloucester River campground including swimming, walking, and picnicking. This campground located alongside the Gloucester River is for those who appreciate wide open natural spaces. During your stay, enjoy swimming in the river, spotting local wildlife like brush turkeys and lyrebirds and exploring Sharpes Creek walking track and Gloucester River walking track. It’s a more traditional camping experience with non-flush toilets and you’ll need to bring your own water supply.
NPWS Woko campground
Situated alongside the Manning River, Woko campground has plenty of space. It’s a top spot for those who enjoy walking, swimming and floating along the river on a lilo. It’s a more traditional camping experience with non-flush toilets and you’ll need to bring your own water supply. Tent camping, camper trailer and caravans.
The Steps Barrington Campground
The Steps features free-form riverside camping in camping zones so it’s great for groups of campers with their own tents and trailers. There are lots for families to do including swimming at swimming holes, paddling river rapids in a kayak, canoe or surf mat or mountain biking through the trails of the cross-country mountain bike park.
Port Stephens
Big 4 Ingenia Holidays Soldiers Point
There’s tons of family fun to be had at Big 4 Ingenia Holidays Soldiers Point with pools, playground and indoor toddler area. You’ll have to convince your kids to leave to explore Soldiers Point and its beautiful beach. Accommodation includes powered tent and slab sites, ensuite camping and tent sites and 2 bedroom cabins.
Big 4 Koala Shores Port Stephens Holiday Park
Located waterfront at Lemon Tree Passage, Big 4 Koala Shores Port Stephens Holiday Park offers lots for families to do. Named because of its resident koala population, look out for koalas nearby in this bush setting. Accommodation includes powered tent and slab sites, ensuite camping and 2 bedroom cabins, 2 bedroom villas and spa suites.
Fingal Bay Holiday Park
Located directly opposite to beautiful Fingal Bay Beach, you’ll be sure to have a great holiday at Fingal Bay Holiday Park. Accommodation includes tent and van sites, ensuite sites, 2 bedroom cabins, 2 & 3 bedroom villas and 3 bedroom cottage.
Halifax Holiday Park
If you want to be close to calm waters in Port Stephens, stay at Halifax Holiday Park. It’s between Little Beach and Shoal Bay Beach. It’s also just a 15-minute walk to the shops and restaurants of Nelson Bay. Accommodation includes powered tent sites, motorhome sites and 2 & 3 bedroom beach villas.
Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach
Located right on the beach at beautiful One Mile Beach in Port Stephens, Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach holiday park over 15 acres offers a range of accommodation for different budgets. There’s also lots of keep kids busy as well as the nearby beach. Accommodation includes powered tent, van and motorhome sites and 1, 2 & 3 bedroom cabins and villas.
Middle Rock Holiday Resort
Located on One Mile Beach, there’s a range of accommodation options at Middle Rock Holiday Resort ranging from powered and unpowered camping sites, motel rooms, studios, bungalows, 2 bedroom villas and three bedroom townhouses. This holiday park caters to the needs of parents and kids alike with a swimming pool and jumping pillow playground.
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
Spend your nights immersed in an idyllic natural koala habitat at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. Here you can see koalas in their natural habitat. Either stay in one of their 20 four-star glamping tents or you can stay in Deluxe Studio Rooms or One Bedroom Deluxe Suites. Set in 8 hectares of stunning bushland and nestled on the edge of One Mile Beach and Worimi Conservation Lands sand dunes, it’s a top location.
Shoal Bay Holiday Park
If you want to stay in Shoal Bay, Shoal Bay Holiday Park is a great spot. Across the street is the calm Shoal Bay Beach. Accommodation includes powered tent, van and motorhome sites and 1 & 2 bedroom cabins and villas. For those who want to try glamping, stay in a safari tent.
Great Lakes
NPSW Banksia Green campground
Situated near Bombah Broadwater on Myall Lakes, Banksia Green campground offers back to basics camping. It’s non-flush toilets, wood barbecues and bring your own water supply. Local activities include beach fishing, swimming and bush walks. Tent camping, camper trailer and caravans.
Big4 Great Lakes at Forster-Tuncurry
Enjoy a fun family holiday at Big4 Great Lakes at Forster-Tuncurry. Accommodation includes powered camping sites,ensuite sites, safari tents, studio bungalows, 1 & 2-bedroom cabins and 2 & 3 bedroom villas. There’s lots to keep kids happy in the park as well as being a short walk to town.
Big4 Happy Hallidays
Big4 Happy Hallidays website in Hallidays Point is a much-recommended park is a favourite with families due to its amenities. You’ll have problems getting kids to leave as it’s the ultimate family holiday destination with a resort pool, paddle pool and indoor pool as well as playgrounds, and kids activities. Accommodation includes powered grass, slab and ensuite sites, family studios, 2 bedroom bungalows, 2-bedroom cabins and 2 bedroom villas.
Big4 River Myall
Big4 River Myall in Bulahdelah is perfect for families. A jumping pillow, waterslide into the pool, games room, tennis court, playground, camp kitchen and rec room all make your stay as comfortable and entertaining as possible. Accommodation includes powered sites and self-contained family cabins.
Lani’s Holiday Island
Located on Wallis Lake in the heart of the twin seaside towns of Forster, Tuncurry, Lani’s Holiday Island offers a variety of accommodation options including powered grass, camping, bushland and ensuite sites, cabanas, villas, spa villas and cottages. Choice of two pools and children’s waders plus playground and games room.
NPSW The Ruins Campground – Booti Booti National Park
Situated on Wallis Lake at Booti Booti, this well-equipped The Ruins campground is a popular spot. It’s a top spot for those who want to explore local beaches and swim, walk and fish. Nearby beaches include Seven Mile Beach and Elizabeth Beach. Unlike some other camping spots, this campground offers drinking water, hot showers and flush toilets. Tent camping, camper trailer and caravan sites.
NPSW Mungo Brush Campground – Myall Lakes
Situated on the beautiful Myall Lakes, Mungo Brush campground is a popular spot. It’s a top spot for those who enjoy fishing, walking and kayaking. It’s a more traditional camping experience with non-flush toilets and bring your own water supply. Tent camping, camper trailer and caravans.
NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park
Prefer your camping less rustic? Stay at NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park. Situated lakefront within Myall Lakes National Park, it’s a top spot for a relaxing getaway or water sports holiday. Either pitch a tent or stay in your caravan or choose a safari tent or luxury villa, there’s a range to suit every budget and preference.
Reflections Hawks Nest
Close to town and close to Bennetts Beach, Reflections Hawks Nest gives you the best of both worlds. It’s a fun beach holiday yet still close to cafes and shops. Accommodation includes powered camping and slab sites and a variety of cabin styles from standard to deluxe.
Reflections Jimmys Beach
Located in a natural bushland setting, Reflections Jimmys Beach provides a variety of accommodation to chill out and relax by the water at Jimmys Beach. Accommodation includes powered and unpowered camping and slab sites, cabins, 2 & 3 bedroom villas and glamping beach tents.
Reflections Tuncurry
Reflections Tuncurry is a 150 metres from Nine Mile Beach and 100 metres from Tuncurry Rockpool. From here, it’s a short walk to Tuncurry Bowlo and shops. Accommodation includes powered camping and slab sites and a variety of cabin styles from standard to deluxe. It’s a great spot for water activities including swimming, surfing, fishing, diving and sailing.
Reflections Seal Rocks
The untouched village of Seal Rocks is where you go for a laidback holiday. Located across the street from Number One beach, Reflections Seal Rocks offers powered sites, standard and deluxe cabins, premium villas, and glamping beach tents. Go for a surf or swim at the beach or enjoy a hike up to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.
Sandbar & Bushland Holiday Park
Sandbar & Bushland Holiday Park is the place to stay if your family loves being outdoors. Located at Pacific Palms, there’s plenty to do within the immediate proximity. Across the street at Smiths Lake, kids can enjoy swimming, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and fishing in the shallow waters. If you feel like a surf, head to Cellito Beach. Accommodation includes powered and unpowered sites, bures, standard cabins and ensuite cabins.
Smugglers Cove Holiday Park
For some family fun, stay at Smugglers Cove Holiday Park, a nautical themed holiday park. Set on 20 acres of sub-tropical gardens, this park is located in Forster with direct access to Pipers Bay. Accommodation includes powered and unpowered grass, slab and ensuite sites, bures, cabins, 2-bedroom cottages and 3 bedroom luxury cabins.
Treachery Camp
Ideal for those large groups of family or friends who want to get away, Treachery Camp in Seal Rocks offers its guests an unspoilt coastal retreat. Accommodation includes free form camping (no allocated sites) with an amenity block, 2 bedroom cabins and studio cabins. Situated on 38 acres behind Treachery Beach and surrounded by Myall Lakes National Park, this is a place to enjoy nature. The beach is known for its surf breaks and great fishing. It’s also a short distance to the Seal Rocks Lighthouse.
Port Macquarie
NPSW Diamond Head Campground
Camp beachside at Diamond Head at Laurieton. This beautiful campground is one of the most popular spots to stay in Crowdy Bay National Park so book ahead. It’s a great spot for a back to nature family stay with plenty to do. Enjoy a swim at the beach, explore rockpools or hike the 4.8km Diamond Head loop walk. Accommodation includes unpowered marked sites suitable for motorhomes, caravans, campervans, camper trailers and tents.
Flynns Beach Caravan Park
Stay near Flynns Beach at Flynns Beach Caravan Park, a small family-owned holiday park in Port Macquarie. Surf, swim or walk along Flynns Beach. Accommodation includes powered and unpowered camping and caravan sites, studios, and 1 & 2 bedroom cabins.
Ingenia Big 4 Bonny Hills
There’s loads of families to enjoy at Ingenia Big 4 Bonny Hills holiday park. It has direct access (2 minutes to Rainbow Beach. Accommodation includes powered camping and caravan sites, safari tents, studios and 1, 2 and 3 bedroom cabins. It includes a resort-style pool with water splash park and tipping bucket.
NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park
Camp right in the middle of Port Macquarie at NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park at this well-situated spot. Near to Town beach, city centre and the Hastings River, you can leave the car parked for your entire stay if you want. Accommodation includes powered and unpowered camping and caravan sites, studios, and 1 & 2 bedroom cabins.
Reflections Bonny Hills
It’s all about the beach at Reflections Bonny Hills, a 5-acre holiday park. It has direct access (2 minutes to Rainbow Beach and is perfect for a laidback holiday. Accommodation includes powered camping and caravan sites, safari tents and 2 bedroom cabins.
Reflections North Haven
Want a quieter holiday? Check out Reflections Holiday Park North Haven, a peaceful and spacious 12-acre holiday park. Close to the river and beach, it offers lots of opportunities for water-based activities. Accommodation includes unpowered and powered camping and caravan sites and 2 bedroom cabins.
Central Coast
Big 4 Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie
Big 4 Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie at Mannering Park offers a waterfront location on the southern end of Lake Macquarie. Kids will enjoy the jumping pillow and pool as well as water activities on the lake. Accommodation includes powered tent sites, cottages, cabins, 2 bedroom villas and a 2-storey, 2 bedroom waterview villas.
Budgewoi Holiday Park
Enjoy the lake and the beach when you stay at Budgewoi Holiday Park. It’s a relaxing spot facing Lake Munmorah yet it’s short walking distance to Budgewoi Beach. There’s plenty to keep kids happy while you enjoy the serenity of this relaxing park. Accommodation includes powered tent sites and 2 bedroom cabins.
Canton Holiday Park
Explore Tuggerah Lakes at Canton Holiday Park. Located near Canton Beach, this lakeside spot offers a variety of activities for families while still being close to the cafes and restaurants in Toukley. Enjoy watersports, hiking through surrounding parkland or go surfing at nearby Norah Head and Soldiers Beach, a short drive away. Accommodation includes unpowered and powered tent sites and 1 & 2 bedroom cabins.
Frazer Campground at Munmorah State Conservation Area
It’s old school at Frazer Campground with only tent camping allowed and cold showers. But why do you need anything else with Frazer Beach less than a 50 metre walk. Spend your holiday swimming and surfing. If you’re after calmer water than the beach, take the family to the lagoon. Accommodation is unpowered and unmarked and suitable for tents only.
Norah Head Holiday Park
Located near the historic Norah Head Lighthouse, Norah Head Holiday Park offers lots of fun for young and old. Swim either at the on-site swimming pool or at nearby Soldiers Beach or Norah Head Beach. Accommodation includes unpowered and powered tent sites, ensuite sites and 1 & 2 bedroom cabins.
NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort
Enjoy a fun family getaway at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort. It’s full of fun activities to keep kids occupied. Located directly on Umina Beach, you can swim at the beach or at the resort style on-site pool. Accommodation includes unpowered and powered tent sites, ensuite sites and 2 bedroom cabins, 2 & 3 bedroom villas plus Safari tents.
Toowoon Bay Holiday Park
Located south of The Entrance, Toowoon Bay Holiday Park offers a relaxed quiet campground. It’s close to town yet far enough to feel like you’re on holiday. Accommodation includes unpowered and powered tent sites, ensuite sites and 1 & 2 bedroom cabins. There’s nearby beaches at Toowoon Point and Shelly Beach. For those with little ones, swim at nearby Little Beach which enjoys calmer conditions due to the breakwall at Toowoon Bay.
Patonga Camping Ground
Pitch a tent or bring the trailer and camp at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River surrounded by Brisbane Water National Park at Patonga Camping Ground. It’s adjacent to both the beach and creek. Spend the days swimming, kayaking, fishing or bushwalking. From the campground, you can walk round to Patonga Pub. Accommodation includes unpowered and powered grassed sites.
Sydney
Cockatoo Island
Camp at Cockatoo Island and wake up to views of Sydney Harbour. This iconic destination accessible via a ferry is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is the world’s first urban waterfront campground. You can either BYO your tent and camping gear or stay in one of the pre-erected tents. Even better is a deluxe waterfront two-bedroom tent. All campers have access to toilets, hot showers and a communal kitchen featuring sheltered facilities.
NPSW Lane Cove River Tourist Park
Enjoy nature in northern Sydney at Lane Cove River Tourist Park near Lane Cove National Park. From here, you can enjoy bush walking. Walk through the Lane Cove National Park section of the Great North Walk. Accommodation includes unpowered and powered tent sites, camper trailer and caravan sites. Also cabins and a luxury style safari tent available to book in the tourist par
NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park
Located between Narrabeen Beach and the lagoon at Narrabeen lake lagoon, NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park gives you the best of both worlds. Swim, surf, kayak or fish from this idyllic lakefront location. It’s also a short walk to the North Narrabeen rockpool. Accommodation includes unpowered and powered tent sites, ensuite sites, dorm style rooms, studio, 2 bedroom cabins and 2 bedroom villas.
NPSW The Basin Campground
If you’re looking to camp in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, The Basin Campground is the only place you can do it. With views of Pittwater, it’s one of Sydney’s most popular beach camping spots. It’s an experience just getting to the campground as there’s no car access to The Basin campground. You’ll need to arrive by water taxi, boat or ferry or else it’s a steep 2.8km walk to the campground from the carpark. Accommodation includes unpowered and unmarked tent sites
If you want tips on winter camping, check out our article Winter Camping With Kids. Not sure if you should go camping, read our article The 9 myths of family camping and why you should try camping with your kids.
Any campgrounds we should add? Email Newy with Kids with your recommendations.
You might also like:
The Best Day Trips From Newcastle to Enjoy With Your Family
Top Things to do in Port Macquarie for Family Fun
Top Things to do in the Blue Mountains for Family Fun
Seal Rocks: Lighthouse, Beaches & Nature
How to Have a Fun & Memorable Backyard Camping Adventure With Kids