Oceanfront Escapes: Four of the Best Beachside Campsites on the NSW Central Coast

Little Beach campground, Bouddi

Credit: Eduardo Martinez | Office of Environment and Heritage

Beachside Camping on the Central Coast of NSW

The Central Coast of New South Wales is a dream destination for beachside camping, where golden sands meet coastal rainforest and national parks spill directly onto the ocean. These campsites offer the simple pleasure of falling asleep to the sound of waves and waking to birdsong, with nature and native wildlife close at hand. From secluded walk-in sites to well-equipped holiday parks, the Central Coast delivers unforgettable seaside camping experiences.

1) Little Beach Campground, Bouddi National Park

Tucked into a sheltered cove within Bouddi National Park, Little Beach campground is a favourite for surfers and nature lovers seeking seclusion. Reached via a 750-metre walk from the car park, this peaceful campsite rewards those willing to carry their gear with sweeping views of waves rolling onto the sand.

Facilities are basic, with toilets, barbecues and picnic tables, making it best suited to self-sufficient campers. Surrounded by coastal rainforest, the campground feels wonderfully remote, while nearby secluded swimming and fishing spots provide endless opportunities to explore the coastline.

2) Putty Beach Campground, Bouddi National Park

Putty Beach Campground, Killcare Heights

Credit: John Yurasek | DCCEEW

Putty Beach campground is the largest camping area in Bouddi National Park and one of the most scenic beachside camps on the Central Coast. Set on a grassy clearing framed by eucalypt forest, the campground sits just moments from the shoreline, making sunrise swims an easy daily ritual.

Facilities include toilets, drinking water, barbecues, picnic tables and an outdoor shower. The mostly flat campground offers accessible toilets and picnic tables, though access to the beach involves steps or sandy paths. Putty Beach is also a perfect base for tackling sections of the Bouddi Coastal Walk, one of the region’s most rewarding coastal hikes.

3) Tallow Beach Campground, Bouddi National Park

Tallow Beach campground, Bouddi National Park

Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW

For those craving a truly quiet coastal escape, Tallow Beach campground delivers intimacy and raw natural beauty. With room for just six tents, this small campground sits just behind the dunes, separated from the sand by a handful of trees.

Facilities are limited to toilets, so campers should arrive prepared. Days here are best spent swimming, surfing, bushwalking or exploring nearby tracks such as the Box Head Track and Flannel Flower Walking Track, which lead to Lobster Beach and panoramic views across Broken Bay towards Woy Woy.

4) NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park

NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park, Stockton
Credit: NRMA Parks and Resorts

While slightly north of the Central Coast, NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park is a popular option for travellers extending their coastal camping journey. Set directly behind the dunes, the park offers the luxury of waking to ocean views combined with excellent facilities.

Accommodation ranges from villas to traditional tent sites, supported by amenities including hot showers, camp kitchens, barbecues, laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi and family-friendly recreation spaces. The long stretch of Stockton Beach is ideal for walking, swimming and fishing, while Newcastle’s vibrant city attractions are just a short drive away.

Why the Central Coast Is Perfect for Beachside Camping

With its mix of national park campgrounds and well-serviced holiday parks, the Central Coast offers some of the most diverse beachside camping in NSW. Whether you seek solitude, surf breaks or easy access to coastal walks and wildlife, these four campsites showcase the natural beauty and relaxed pace that make the region so appealing.

Web Contact Details

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
Little Beach Campground, Bouddi National Park: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/little-beach-campground
Putty Beach Campground, Bouddi National Park: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/putty-beach-campground
Tallow Beach Campground, Bouddi National Park: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/tallow-beach-campground

NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park: https://www.nrmaparksandresorts.com.au/stockton-beach/

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