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Trial Bay Gaol campground, Arakoon Credit: Andrew Winter | DCCEEW |
New South Wales is one of Australia’s premier destinations for beachside camping, offering unforgettable coastal escapes from Eden in the south to Byron Bay in the north. With campsites nestled beside pristine beaches, national parks and marine reserves, NSW delivers the perfect blend of nature, comfort and adventure. Falling asleep to the sound of waves and waking to ocean sunrises is all part of the experience at these standout seaside campgrounds.
Here are five of the best beachside campsites in NSW for travellers seeking scenic views, fresh sea air and easy access to the sand.
Campers can explore the historic Trial Bay Gaol, visit Smoky Cape Lighthouse or experience world-class diving at Fish Rock Cave, famous for encounters with grey nurse sharks. Facilities include toilets, hot showers, drinking water, barbecues, a camp kitchen, boat ramp and nearby cafe. Most areas are wheelchair accessible, making this campground welcoming for all travellers.
During winter and spring, the headlands around the campground provide prime vantage points for watching humpback whales on their annual migration.
Woody Head campground in Bundjalung National Park is a peaceful beachside retreat near the fishing village of Iluka. Ideal for families, this campground sits beside a sheltered sandy beach perfect for swimming, fishing and paddling.
Facilities include toilets, showers, drinking water, barbecues, a boat ramp, cafe kiosk and public phone. Accessible toilets, showers and pathways make the campground suitable for visitors with mobility needs. Surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest, Woody Head offers a quieter alternative to busier coastal destinations while still delivering classic NSW beach camping.
For travellers seeking a simple, back-to-nature experience, Delicate campground in Goolawah Regional Park is a standout choice. Located near Crescent Head, this campground offers easy access to surf breaks, shallow swimming areas and coastal walking tracks.
Facilities include toilets, showers and picnic tables, with paved access to amenities and the beach. Delicate campground is one of the few northern NSW national park campgrounds that allow dogs in designated areas, making it a popular option for pet-friendly camping. Whale watching during migration season is another highlight from the surrounding headlands.
Facilities include toilets, outdoor showers, drinking water, barbecues and picnic tables. While access to the beach includes some steps, paved paths lead to amenities and accessible toilets are available. Nearby highlights include Split Rock lookout and natural rock pools only metres from the campground, offering sheltered ocean swimming.
Facilities include modern amenities, kitchens, barbecues and a conference centre, making it ideal for families and longer stays. Guests can enjoy beach walks, kayaking on the lake, dolphin and whale-watching cruises or scenic drives to nearby Elizabeth Beach. The park is also pet-friendly, ensuring every family member is welcome.
For more information on camping availability, park access and bookings, visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website at https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/
Here are five of the best beachside campsites in NSW for travellers seeking scenic views, fresh sea air and easy access to the sand.
1) Trial Bay Gaol Campground, South West Rocks
Located within Arakoon National Park, Trial Bay Gaol campground is one of the most iconic beachside camping spots on the NSW North Coast. Set directly beside the beach, this campground combines coastal beauty with rich colonial history.Campers can explore the historic Trial Bay Gaol, visit Smoky Cape Lighthouse or experience world-class diving at Fish Rock Cave, famous for encounters with grey nurse sharks. Facilities include toilets, hot showers, drinking water, barbecues, a camp kitchen, boat ramp and nearby cafe. Most areas are wheelchair accessible, making this campground welcoming for all travellers.
During winter and spring, the headlands around the campground provide prime vantage points for watching humpback whales on their annual migration.
2) Woody Head Campground, Iluka
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Woody Head campground, Woody Head Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW |
Facilities include toilets, showers, drinking water, barbecues, a boat ramp, cafe kiosk and public phone. Accessible toilets, showers and pathways make the campground suitable for visitors with mobility needs. Surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest, Woody Head offers a quieter alternative to busier coastal destinations while still delivering classic NSW beach camping.
3) Delicate Campground, Crescent Head
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| Delicate campground, Crescent Head Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW |
Facilities include toilets, showers and picnic tables, with paved access to amenities and the beach. Delicate campground is one of the few northern NSW national park campgrounds that allow dogs in designated areas, making it a popular option for pet-friendly camping. Whale watching during migration season is another highlight from the surrounding headlands.
4) Diamond Head Campground, Forster
 Diamond Head Campground Crowdy Bay National Park |
Set within Crowdy Bay National Park, Diamond Head campground delivers classic beach camping surrounded by unspoilt nature. Campsites are positioned on grassy flats just a short walk from a quiet, expansive beach ideal for swimming and long coastal walks.
Facilities include toilets, outdoor showers, drinking water, barbecues and picnic tables. While access to the beach includes some steps, paved paths lead to amenities and accessible toilets are available. Nearby highlights include Split Rock lookout and natural rock pools only metres from the campground, offering sheltered ocean swimming.
5) Tiona Holiday Park, Booti Booti National Park
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Tiona Holiday Park, Forster Credit: Tiona Holiday Park |
Positioned between Seven Mile Beach and Wallis Lake, Tiona Holiday Park offers one of the most versatile beachside camping experiences in NSW. Located on the edge of Booti Booti National Park near Forster, the park caters to tents, caravans, cabins and glamping stays.
Facilities include modern amenities, kitchens, barbecues and a conference centre, making it ideal for families and longer stays. Guests can enjoy beach walks, kayaking on the lake, dolphin and whale-watching cruises or scenic drives to nearby Elizabeth Beach. The park is also pet-friendly, ensuring every family member is welcome.
Why NSW Beachside Camping Is Unmatched
From remote national park settings to family-friendly holiday parks, beachside campsites in NSW offer exceptional variety, natural beauty and accessibility. Whether you are chasing surf breaks, wildlife encounters or relaxed coastal living, these five campsites showcase why New South Wales remains one of Australia’s top camping destinations.For more information on camping availability, park access and bookings, visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website at https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/
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