Camping near Nelson Bay with hiking
Beautiful beaches, boating, and national park adventures abound in Port Stephens’ largest town.
96% (4595 reviews)
- Nelson Bay
96% (4595 reviews)
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12 top campgrounds near Nelson Bay with hiking
97%
(1038)
Bunyip's Camp
18 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Martinsville, NSW
At the foot of the Watagan mountains, close to the Watagan 4WD tracks, picnic areas, and bike tracks. Also close to Lake Macquarie where you will find fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing etc. About a 20 - 40 min drive to beautiful beaches.
Ideal for those wanting to be surrounded by birds, nature and a couple of friendly doggos. Also great for people wanting to try out their new camper, van or tent for the 1st time as we are an easy 1 hour drive north of Sydney on the M1 and close enough to shops for those forgotten items.
Also we have unfenced dams, if you are camping with young children please consider carefully and let me know before booking.
We have very basic bathroom facilities of 1 flushing toilet in the shed and an outdoor warm shower.
Pets
Potable water
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from
AU$18
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
82%
(679)
Dungog Showground Camping
18 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Dungog, NSW
Dungog Shire is in the Hunter Region of NSW and is renowned for its forests, mountains and picturesque river villages. Go for a scenic drive through historical villages, you will find beautiful picnic areas or take a walk in the World Heritage listed Barrington Tops National Park.
Dungog is bordered in the north by the Barrington Tops plateau, which is part of the Great Dividing Range. The Shire consists predominantly of very rugged to hilly country which becomes less rugged from north to south.
Pets
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from
AU$18
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(510)
Abstobys Retreat
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Bobs Farm, NSW
A private property with grass campsites by a tidal outlet to Port Stephens harbour.
You can spend your days fishing, kayaking or enjoying Nelson Bay and surrounding areas and beaches which are only 15 minutes away. Guests have the use of a retreat shelter/fire place/BBQ area and wifi.
Campers must try to be self contained bringing their own water, toilet and shower. Sorry, no caravans over 20ft. Suite solo travellers, couples wanting a quiet weekend and LGBT friendly. We do have available tank, rain water for drinking, a toilet and hot shower available for those who cannot be totally self contained. Yes there are mozzies because you are near water, so bring repellent.
Pets are welcome but must stay on a leash throughout your stay.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Please BYO firewood.
Fires are only permitted when there are no fire restrictions and in the designated fire pit and designated fire pit area for your own fire pit.
Children 16 & under stay for free. Please notify host if you are bringing children.
Please be careful and supervise young children near the water.
Pets
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Campfires
Showers
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from
AU$28
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(304)
Fame Mountain Camp - pets welcome
7 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Pindimar, NSW
We are a "farm stay" style camp in an actively managed pine forest located in the middle of the north shore of Port Stephens. There is lots of space for campers so you will have privacy whilst you enjoy your camping adventure.Our property is conveniently located just 5 mins off the Pacific Highway but a world away. You'll be 2 mins away from Pindimar Beach and 11 mins from Bennetts beach and Jimmy's beach. Good fishing pretty much everywhere you can wet a line.
We have clean flush toilets and showers facilities.
The campsite has good Mobile Phone Signal.
Free firewood. Each campsite has its own fire pit.
Pets are welcome, but please pick up after them.
We have a gentle and well trained German Shepherd who adores kids but she likes to stay inside the house and doesn't wander around the campsites .
Important Note: PLEASE PUT OUT YOUR CAMPFIRE WHEN YOU LEAVE YOUR CAMPSITE TO AVOID STARTING A BUSH FIRE. NO LOUD MUSIC AFTER 10:00 PM. IF You Have more than 1 camper trailer or caravan or more than 3 vehicles/site please contact host before booking.
Please note this property is a working private pine forest. Therefore, as and when the weather is right we could be, logging the forest, milling the logs, or drying the large dimension traditional timber framing lumber. In the near future we will be running sustainable building classes from the property. i.e. showing people how to economically build their own tiny homes using timber sourced from their own land.
Pets
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Toilets
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Showers
from
AU$70
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(43)
The Branch River Retreat
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents108 acres · The Branch, NSW
Our property is a private farm and we ask you contact us first to ensure we can provide the facilities suitable for you. The farm has limited facilities, but is the perfect setting for birdwatchers and native animal lovers. A rare offering is the diversity as estuary dolphins gently make their way past the riverside sites at least once a day. The Branch River Retreat offers 110 acres with a diversity of sites beside a wide river, a fish-filled dam and other scattered paddock sites among trees and dams. This will suit off-road independent caravaners and tent dwellers. The river is lined with mangroves and branches off the Karuah River and into the Port Stephens system.
The extraordinarily diverse birdlife includes the quintessentially Australian Wedge-tailed eagle and sea eagles, hawks, and Tawny Frogmouths. Be lulled asleep under starry nights and be woken by Magpies and Kookaburras, and be dazzled by the colourful parrots and smaller shyer birds. You may even be visited by curious Kangaroos, Wallabies, or Echidnas. For the lucky few, you may espy a Koala along the foreshore. For this reason, while we accept dogs, they must be on a leash (if not just for their own safety).
The rest of the property enjoys aspects of undulating landscapes with small mountains and valleys. The night sky puts on its own stellar show between setting suns and rising moons.
The boat ramp offers easy access for kayaks and canoes (no motor vessels please). Or just sit on a camper chair and dangle your feet in the water while watching the mud crabs go about their social business.
Riverside sites are not powered and do not have water or sewerage. They are situated within 10m to 25m of each other and if this is too close, we recommend booking two sites. (For this reason we have kept the price lower.) Generally, we prefer campers to be 100% self-contained, with their own toilet. A toilet is however accessible, but some 300m to 400m distance from the dams and rivers. There is cold potable running water here for topping up.
There are sealed roads to the front gate to access the property from north and south.
All-weather gravel road access is available, although paddock sites can only be accessed by vehicle during dry periods. Weather willing, we can provide more secluded sites by some lovely dams.
If touring around the area is your aspiration, the property lies central to Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest, the Great Lakes district, Stroud Valley, Dungog, Gloucester/Barrington Tops, Nelson Bay, and Newcastle. Local groceries can be sourced from Karuah and Stroud.
Activities include:
- Bird/nature watching
- Paddling/canoeing
- Fishing
- Bike riding
(No motor vessels please)
- Surface type: grass or paddock leveled areas and others with slight slopes and accessed with the essential 4WD (of course subject to weather).
- Generally fair to good Mobile phone access.
- It will be necessary to BYO or Preorder firewood for applicable sites out of fire season, (where facilities are provided).
- No electrical connections unless by arrangement (for longer term Hipcampers)
- We treat our own sewerage.
- No generators please.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$50
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(234)
Bucketts Way Camp n Stay
20 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Twelve Mile Creek, NSW
Being only 2 hours from Sydney and 470 metres off the Pacific Highway, north of Newcastle, Port Stephens, we are set on 25 acres, with large sites, most drive through (dry weather only) for your convenience.
We have hot showers ($1 for 3min hot water), fresh water, amenities and a very large Camp Kitchen. Wonderful amenities facility for campers to enjoy, with access to drinking water, toilets, (wet area) showers. The camp kitchen is a very comfortable space to prepare and eat meals under cover, and there is access to a kettle, toaster and microwave as well as a cooktop. Campers have reception to 4G.
We have installed a turning lane entrance with boom gate security.
When you arrive and set up, you will be able to ramble around our property and enjoy the ambience of the beautiful tree studded campground. Sit back in the afternoon and enjoy nature at its best and then a beautiful warm campfire, perfect!!
Whether you're camping in a tent or vehicle, there's plenty of space to set up. The campsite is grassy and level, and 2WD accessible. We offer water hookup for caravans fill then disconnect $2, and there is a dump point for your camping toilet. Generators are permitted from 8am till 5pm (extreme heat on the day consideration).
Pets welcome.
Pets
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Toilets
Campfires
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from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(449)
La Cascina
3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Floraville, NSW
*****No toilet or shower available at this listing. You must bring your own. PLEASE BE AWARE ENTRY TO THE PROPERTY IS STEEP. Entry is not ideal for large caravans or campervans. *****
We do not allow fires at the campsite between the 1st of October and the 1st of March. We apologise for any inconvenience to this rule.
La Cascina is a small property on a hill surrounded by trees and bushland. There are two main camping areas which would suite tent and small to medium van/car camping. There is access to neighbouring bushland with nice short walks available in the area. Only 20 minutes by car to Newcastle CBD, 10 minutes by car to Redhead Beach and 5 minutes by car to Lake Macquarie.
La Cascina is a great spot to stop overnight on a road trip or to get away for the weekend to relax. We have no toilets so please bring your own. The access to the property is a steep sealed driveway.
Site 1 is an open site with plenty of shade. The area is flat. More suited to larger camping setups. This site is less private. There is vision of the neighbouring property and an overflow campsite 50 meters away.
Site 2 is a more uneven surface area which is better for smaller vans and tents.
Redhead Beach is the closest dog beach 10 minutes by car.
Croudace Bay is a dog park on the lake which is 5 minutes by car.
This is a family owned acreage that brings the best parts of environmental living with the benefits of being close to the coast and a city. A very long time ago it was the site of a quarry. The nature has returned and we are left with a beautiful forested acreage.
Pets
Potable water
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from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(421)
Glenmoore
6 sites · RVs, Tents250 acres · Chichester, NSW
We have 250 acres in the Chichester Valley, we grow chemical-free vegetables and farm cattle. We have campsites on the Chichester River and we are in the water catchment area for the Chichester Dam. Suitable for caravans, camper trailers, tents, motor-homes etc. Good access, 4WD not required & plenty of site options.
There is no mobile reception here (unless you climb the hills!). Dogs are not permitted due to livestock. Campfires permitted when restrictions aren't in place, firewood for sale by the small garden trailer load, see photo. Tank water available at the house if required. No amenities so campers must be self-contained and leave no trace. There is a dump site in Dungog Showground, bring a CHEMICAL TOILET !
All campsites are by the river, you can bring your own fire wood.
Price is per person.
Kids under 12 stay free!
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$20
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(369)
Mt Nellinda Campsite
31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents47 acres · Cooranbong, NSW
The property rests on the shoulder on Mt Nellinda on nineteen hectares of land, there are two large Greenhouses where we grow potted flowers and some veggies, also several large dams which are used for irrigation and act as a Sanctury for our geese, best of all are the views. The perfect spot for relaxing next to a fire and listening to the Frogs and nightlife and waking to the sounds of kookaburras and bird life, Lots of Rock Wallabies in the evenings and early mornings.
Dog friendly, no leads required, portable toilets in the multiple Camp site 1 and an older style toilet in the camping area 2, fresh water available only next to the portable toilets camping area 1. also included is a camp kitchen with fridge, kettle microwave etc for your convenience. Check with host regarding campfires.
Group bookings accepted with prior notice to save camping areas.
Range of six camping areas.
CAMP 1 allows up to 14 or more campsites to include caravans, motor homes, large or small. tents etc. with flat and slightly flat areas and close to the roadway dead end street.
CAMP 2 allows up to eight or more smaller caravans tents rooftops etc also with some flatter areas.
CAMP 3 is a private in the bush area and will cater for five or so rooftops tents, difficult for caravans or large vehicles.
CAMP 4 smaller possibly two tents or rooftops secluded in the bush.
CAMP 5 similar to camp 3 in the bush and completely private great for a get together with friends.
CAMP 6 is the very top of the mountain with a long wide strip of cleared area with bush on both sides and a window at the end to the valley below, very private, must be fully contained and would suit most vehicles, may lose traction if pulling a heavy caravan or trailer.
Pets
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from
AU$32
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(25)
Willowbank
5 sites · RVs, Tents252 acres · Stroud Road, NSW
"Willowbank" is a stunning 252 acre property located in the picturesque Stroud Road valley with 1km of river frontage. The property has been in our family for 4 generations! Being bought by Ian's great grandfather in the 1920's.
We cater for guests that are looking to get back to nature. Enjoy the great outdoors without feeling overcrowded! We want our guests to be happy and have the best experience possible.
Located only 8 minutes drive from the historical town of Stroud which was settled by the AA Company in the 1820's as a food growing area. There are still many beautiful buildings from that period to explore.
A dairy farm for many years, we switched over to beef around 15 years ago. Currently we run around 120 head of Angus and mixed breed cattle.
Within 3 hours drive of Sydney and around an hour from the Barrington National Parks, Newcastle, Maitland, Forster and Nelson Bay, it makes it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway!
We are offering four beautiful partly shaded, camping sites along the pristine Upper Karuah River. With two adjoining sites at The Paperbarks that can be booked seperately or if you would like the whole place to yourselves, book both! If the other sIte is already booked and you would like a little more space we have a few other areas we can show you. Alternatively, there are also two other sites further down the river, these are 4wd accessible only.
All sites are site only and no toilet or shower facilities are provided. You will need to bring your own camping toilet or self contained caravan/ camper (which can be emptied at the dump point located in Stroud township 10 minutes drive away).
Access to The Paperbarks sites is provided by the unsealed council road right to the sites. The sites themselves are subject to wet weather so 4wd vehicles are preferred though 2wd vehicles may be parked just off the road if it gets a bit wet. Please note, we do have a house up the hill from these sites. It faces away from the area though. The Rapids and Riverview sites are accessed via a laneway through the property. These sites are for 4wd drive vehicles with tents or camper trailers only.
As sites are located along the riverbank, at times they are subject to flooding. This may mean that camping there may not be suitable at all times and you may need to move to higher ground in this event. The whole property is also cut off from road access during times of flood.
Site 1 (The Paperbarks) the larger of the sites is suited to camper trailers, caravans, camper vans or tents. It has some flat areas and also some slightly sloping with river access. Bring your cricket bat and enjoy a game!
Site 2 (The Paperbarks) is slightly smaller and is also suited to camper trailers, caravans, camper vans or tents. It also has a flat area with some slight slope and river access. Put up your hammock between the trees and just relax.
Site 3 (The Rapids) and Site 4 (Riverview) are both private, flat sites with 4wd access only. Bring your tent, swag or camper trailer and enjoy the river rapids.
The river bank is a little steep in places and access is via a track so please be mindful when walking. River shoes are also encouraged as the rocks in the river can be slippery.
Perfect for a relaxing stay in summer with swimming, canoeing or floating on your raft down the river. Bring your fishing gear for some relaxing bass or mullet fishing (catch and release is encouraged).
The pristine river is also home to platypus which can be seen early in the morning or late afternoon from the campsites. Please do not try and interact with these beautiful animals, photography is encouraged though!
There are numerous birds, water dragons and wallabies that also inhabit the area around the campsites.
Sit around the camp fire (restrictions permitting) and watch the stars with family and friends. Firepits are provided for use, subject to fire restriction periods. (Firewood may be purchased for $20 a large bag)
There are opportunities for bush walking, bird watching and mountain bike riding on the property. With beautiful views from the top of the mountain as well.
Our farm is a working beef cattle property. Please be mindful that cattle and horses have free range of the property, which includes the road, so take care when driving. There will also be at times motorbikes, chainsaws and vehicles operating around the farm as well as on neighbouring properties. We will endeavour to keep the noise away from campers where possible. There will also be the odd cow/horse poo and mooing at night in case anyone has an issue.
Small to medium dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times. This is due to there being working dogs and cattle in the area. Sorry, NO LARGE DOGS allowed. Please also be aware that we are in a tick prone area so make sure your pet has adequate tick protection.
We do have mobile phone reception with Telstra and Optus on the property.
Historic Stroud township has a supermarket, butcher, chemist, cafes, a club and pub along with swimming pool, playground and skate park. Dungog is located 25 minutes drive away and also has many historic buildings and cafes etc.
Gloucester is 40 minutes drive and offers similar as well as access to the World renowned wilderness of the Barrington Tops National Park.
We hope to make your stay a pleasurable one with many happy memories made. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
***sorry no parties allowed***
Your hosts, Jo and Ian.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(25)
Peaceful Pond
3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · The Branch, NSW
Peaceful Pond is our 10-acre property in bushland, just 15 minutes from the village of Karuah, NSW.
The pond has an island, reached via a floating bridge. Enjoy the tranquility of listening to the abundant birdlife, or swim in the cool, clear water, among the waterlilies. If you prefer more activity you can paddle a kayak or go for a bush walk. There are pushbikes available to ride through the bush tracks to the river, if you feel energetic. You may see wallabies and kangaroos, goannas, and even echidnas. The dark night skies are ablaze with stars for you to enjoy.
Tim and Vicki will welcome you with some fresh eggs for your breakfast, and give you access to drinking water from their rainwater tank.
We offer several camping sites tucked around the property. All for self-contained campers, with no access to power or running water, so campers must have their own toilet.
Fires are permitted in firepits provided when weather and fire ratings allow. Firewood is provided.
Pets are welcome, as long as they are on a lead or under close control, to ensure the safety of the wildlife.
Relax, unwind, and listen to the sounds of nature.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(157)
Bonneydoon
21 sites · RVs, Tents640 acres · Main Creek, NSW
With over 600 acres of private natural forest, valleys, and mountain top look outs, there's more room to explore than you could possibly cover in one visit.Bordering world heritage listed Barrington Tops national park, the views seem to go on forever, and natural beauty that truly takes your breath away.Previously owned by Yoga australia for 20yrs, upon entering this hilltop getaway, it's easy to understand why this beautiful location has been a highly sought after retreat to relax and unwind.Close to so many wonderful locations and activities in the local Dungog area, there's many options to enjoy.Or just sit back and enjoy the serenity.At Bonneydoon you can visit Sunset Rock, The Big Fig that's hundred's of years old, walk the majestic flatbed rock creeks, etched out over a millennia, adorned with unique flora and fauna, or relax atop the camping grounds and see the mountain tops that seem to stretch on forever.
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Cooking equipment
from
AU$65
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Under $50
Camping near Nelson Bay with hiking guide
Overview
Looking for the perfect camping experience near Nelson Bay, New South Wales? Look no further! At Hipcamp, we have over 2500 options for you to choose from, all offering incredible hiking opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. With options starting as low as $5 per night, camping has never been more affordable. Our top campsites, Fern Valley Ranch (401 reviews), Rivers Run Colo River (389 reviews), and Bunyip's Camp (577 reviews), have received rave reviews from fellow campers. And with facilities like rubbish disposal, potable water, and pet-friendly sites, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, if you're looking for more adventure, you'll find popular activities like wind sports, snow sports, and climbing nearby. So pack your hiking boots and get ready to explore the stunning terrain near Nelson Bay, New South Wales!
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Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.