The best camping near Hat Head National Park
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hat Head National Park adventure.
Popular ways to camp
Community favorites near Hat Head National Park
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Top-rated campgrounds near Hat Head National Park
95%
(514)
Stoney Park care of Dennis Stone
100 sites · RVs, Tents127 acres · North Shore, NSW
Stoney Park is set on 127 acres of manicured waterfront land. Set up your unpowered campsite overlooking the lake or adjacent to the beautiful lagoons. The park also plays host to Australia's largest inflatable Aqua Park along with a land park. Located next to the lovely Wilson River, 15min drive to Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid North Coast.
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from
AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(176)
Windermere
6 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · South West Rocks, NSW
Great location near Hat Head and South West Rocks
This lovely 4 acre camping spot is situated at Kinchela on the tidal Kinchela Creek which runs directly into the mighty Macleay river.
You can fish or set a crab trap, kayak, paddle board, bring the tinny or just relax and enjoy the water view and surrounding farmland.
A few shade trees and quiet surroundings makes this the perfect spot for your next getaway.
Fire baskets available.
Conveniently located only a 5 minute drive to Gladestone shops and hotel.
There is a tap and hose (town water) on site to wash the boats after a big days fishing at nearby South West Rocks (15 minutes) or Hat Head (10 minutes)
Last Minute Bookings Welcome subject to availability 😊
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from
AU$12
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(332)
Racecourse Camping
25 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Crescent Head, NSW
Secluded Racecourse Beach is a short drive south of Crescent Head on the mid-north coast of NSW. We have a beautiful 11 acres of coastal land where you can hear the waves as you sleep with the pristine Racecourse Beach only a 5 to 10 minute walk away. We are not directly on the beach and do not have beach access.
Racecourse Beach is a great spot for surfing, fishing and swimming. All you need to do is find one of our intimate sites for you to pitch a tent or pull up with the camper van.
THERE ARE NO AMENITIES SO YOU MUST BE FULLY SELF CONTAINED AND LEAVE NO TRACE.
Each campsite has a fire pit - Firewood is available to purchase from the service station in Crescent Head and you are also welcome to gather wood from the property.
No Dogs.
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from
AU$15
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(274)
Macleay Home Camp
12 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Jerseyville, NSW
We are located right on the edge of the Macleay river with lots of space for you to camp near the river front, or in the paddock amongst the green flat grass. Use the camp as a base and head out for a kayak, on the stand up paddle board or simply throw a line in for a spot of fishing. Crabbing is permitted in this area.You need to be fully self-contained with own camping toilet/shower. Relax around the campfire and help the kids toast marshmallows.The beach is within driving distance, it's 5 minutes to townDrinking water is available. Dogs on leashes welcome.Please note that each booking includes 1 drivable + 1 towable vehicle. If your group has more than 1 drivable vehicle, please book a second site. This helps us minimise the impact on our land; we thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
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from
AU$36
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(156)
Way Way Getaway
5 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Way Way, NSW
Minutes away from Scotts Head beach and town, but feels like you’re out in the bush.
Surf famous Scotts head point, or head to the back beaches for some in crowded beach breaks, explore local rural towns, enjoy some peace and quiet!
Fire friendly, pet friendly, family friendly (pretty friendly in general)!
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from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(654)
Bundilla River Camp
15 sites · RVs, Tents260 acres · Ballengarra, NSW
Come camp along the beautiful Wilson River on a working cattle property. Shady, grassy campsites by a flowing river, just 25 minutes drive from Port Macquarie.
The camp area includes a camp shed, where campers can make use of the
picnic table, stainless steel food preparation bench and camp fire pit.
There are only 2 sites available with power. Please select power as an ad on extra when booking.
Port a loos are available for Hire.
If you have 3 or more children please call me for a discount.
Kids will love the farm tour and feeding of pigs, sheep and horses. It's an excellent area for mountain bike riding as well!
Kayaks available for free.
Don't have a caravan, we have partnered up with Wrighty's Caravan Hire & Repairs. linktr.ee/wrightyscaravans. They offer family caravans delivered, setup ready for you to enjoy.
Pets allowed but you must discuss with owners prior to booking.
Rules:
1. For the piece and quiet of other campers all check-ins must be before 4.30pm during the colder months. Check ins after 8pm may be turned away in busy times.
2. No Fireworks - this is very unsettling for our livestock
3. 9pm quiet time.
4. No drones in the camping area, for the privacy of other campers
5. Generators are allowed for short period of time but not permitted after 8pm.
6. Dogs on leads when walking around the farm
Rick and I thank you for your support in these matters.
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from
AU$32
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(1156)
The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie
23 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · The Hatch, NSW
Welcome to Port Macquarie's 'The Hatch Farm'; a pet friendly, interactive animal and fishing farm stay! A 150-acre working farm with a stunning outlook over the saltwater Maria River (with a rustic boat ramp and waterway running into the Hastings River).
Located on the Mid North Coast NSW, 4kms off the Pacific Highway, and a quick 13/15-minute drive to the holiday township of Port Macquarie. Port Macquarie is known for its beautiful beaches, coastal scenery and walks, koala hospital, and local strawberry and tomato picking.
Bernard and Susan are custodians of the farm, primarily using the land for poultry (egg), pig, and goat farming. They are transitioning to an off-grid and eco-friendly lifestyle for their retirement.
The Hatch Farm is home to many animals, most of whom are rescues - including border collies, cavalier king charles spaniels, chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep, goats, miniature horses, cows, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. There is plenty to do and see around the farm from complete relaxation, interacting with the friendly animals (there is usually a variety of babies to cuddle!), to casting a line or launching your boat from the rustic boat ramp.
Friendly pets welcome.
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from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(11)
Summer Island Farm
2 sites · RVs170 acres · Summer Island, NSW
170 acre working cattle farm with approx 1km Esplanade river frontage along the mighty Macleay.
10 minutes drive to South West Rocks which has some of the best beaches in Australia. Not far to the surfing Mecca of Crescent Head and beaches at Hat Head.
Only 6 minutes drive to the villages of Smithtown and Gladstone, renowned for their cafes, galleries and friendly pubs.
Activities include, fishing on your doorstep.
Up close experiences with farm animals including chickens, cows, our friendly horse, Giraffe.
The property has 3 of the oldest and largest Morton Bay Fig trees in this area.
Please note at this stage there are no toilet/bathroom facilities so we would recommend for those with self contained van set up.
Potable water
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from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(354)
Yarralen Retreat
44 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Yarrahapinni, NSW
Yarralen is a beautiful 40 acre property on the mid-north coast of NSW. Situated under Mt Yarrahapinni on the Eastern side of the Pacific Hwy. Halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. We are surrounded by National Parks and close to pristine beaches , grassy heads , scotts head and the Macleay River.
Please note there is a $10 pet fee for the campsites, and $15 pet fee for lodgings (the two Vans and Units).
We offer a magical bush retreat with all the modern felicities with a range of camping and accommodation options:
-The Eclectic Bush Haven is a family-friendly camping area where kids under 12 yrs camp for free, campers booking this option have access to camp kitchen, toilets and electricity.
-The Yarralen Retreat Camp Ground 2 is a more secluded camping area for off-road campers that are completely self-contained with their own toilet, kitchen facilities and power.
-The Butterfly Caravan and Retro Glam Vans are renovated caravans nestled in the rainforest.
-Yarralen Retreat Glamping are glamping tents offering the perfect romantic escape, or if you just like camping but don't want to set up a tent, this is the perfect choice.
- Our Entire Property Exclusive option means you can book out the whole place for your group to enjoy privately. Please thoroughly read the site description which explains exactly what this option does and does not include.
Our 40-acre property features eclectic, arty, and striking sculptures and artworks. Stroll through the beautiful bush surroundings, visit the water lilies, and say hello to the roaming peacocks.
The campsites are located on a grassed area surrounded by a corridor of tall trees for your shade and comfort.
We're not far from the beach, with Grassy Heads being the closest beach. While you're exploring why not check out Scott’s Head and South West Rocks for the amazing vistas.
Refresh and recharge in the Magnesium pool and detox in our sauna (please book access under our Extras).
Warm your soul around the campfire in the evening. Firewood is available (please see our Extras).
Campers at the Eclectic Bush Haven will enjoy our fantastic camp kitchen, along with amenities including hot showers and flushing toilet. The kitchen is fully equipped with a Webber BBQ, gas cooktop, large fridge, lighting and power. (IMPORTANT: Campers who book the Yarralen Retreat Camp Ground 2 area DO NOT have access to these facilities, we expect campers in this area to be fully self-contained)
For your convenience entry to the property and main camping area is via our asphalt driveway, which suits all vehicles. (IMPORTANT: Campers who book the Yarralen Retreat Camp Ground 2 will need a 4WD to access this secluded part of the property).
Overnight or longer stays are also available for private parties, weddings, retreats, team building - anything possible. Please message us to have a chat.
Peaceful tall timbered bushland with abundant wildlife throughout the property. It's a great experience for kids, feeds the chooks, free-ranging peafowl, rainforest and billabong walks, and amazing gardens.
Campfires are permitted in the communal fire pit area or individual firepits are available to enjoy at your site.
Please use tank water sparingly (for cooking, cuppas) and BYO drinking water.
We offer a range of Extras to make your stay memorable and comfortable:
-Infra-red Detox Sauna
-Magnesium heated Pool
-Firewood for your campfire
We look forward to welcoming you!
Pets
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from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(246)
Kooinda Farm
10 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Eungai Creek, NSW
100 acre farm of mixed native bush and orchard plantings, with a mixture of secluded camp areas for campers with their own amenities and sites with facilities. The Woodland Lakeside campsite has a single compost toilet, and the Woodland Ridgetop sites share a camp kitchen with compost toilets and hot showers.
We have two beautiful dams that are great for kayaking and swimming, and creek frontage where you can fish. Beautiful views of Yarrahapinni Mountain to the east and hills out to the west. There are 40 acres of bushland to go walkabout. Geese and ducks free range the property and feeding time visits can be arranged. We are just 1.5km of single track gravel road to the Pacific Highway with good access for all types of vehicles.
There is a choice of private campsites either by the dam or the creek with no other campers in sight! We also have a multi site area at the Woodland Ridgetop with a camp kitchen, compost toilets and showers. This will be available to be booked as a large group area or as 3 individual sites. Later in 2024 we will also have beautiful glamping bell tent sites available.
Drinking water (tank water) is available from an outdoor tap at the farmhouse, as long as we have had sufficient rainfall. Please check in advance if you require water. Campers MUST have their own self contained amenities for the Creek Camp, and the 2 Parking Sites, and leave no trace. There is a toilet dump point for chemical toilets in Macksville, 10 mins away.
All he sites are dog friendly as long as all dog poo is cleared up.
20 mins to Scotts Head and Grassy Head beaches and Yarrahapinni National Park. State Forest on the doorstep great for mountain bikes, and with motorbike trails heading out to the west.
The farm is 5 minutes from the Eungai Buffallo Farm cafe. There is also farm produce available for sale - fresh eggs for breakfast!
Pets
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from
AU$8
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(28)
Kingfisher farm
9 sites · RVs, Tents105 acres · Kempsey, NSW
Campsite surrounded by farm land and a throw stone away for the beautiful crystal clear waters of Dungay creek
Enjoying swimming, bird watch, say hello to the friendly cows and maybe even spot the platypus.
Just 20mins from Kempsey and 40mins to beaches
Not suitable to camp during heavy rain periods, as it is subject to flooding
Please note that during prolong periods with no rain the creek can dry up.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$36
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(245)
Fernbank Creek - Port Macquarie
17 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Fernbank Creek, NSW
***FERNBANK CREEK - PORT MACQUARIE***
Six and a half acres of level paddock with two spring fed dams surrounded by tree lines for morning and afternoon shade.
Suitable for self-sufficient vans, tents, camper trailers, motorhomes. You will need your own amenities.
Suggest families with young toddlers camp away from the dams. You can utilise your own fire pit, strictly no glass to be burned. You can find sticks and branches along the tree lines.
All rubbish is to be removed.
Direct road access to the property. Just 7 minutes drive to the centre of Port Macquarie and an easy 2 minute drive from the Pacific Highway on a quiet and scenic road.
Pets welcome, but please be mindful of other guests and our resident pets.
Fernbank Creek Road runs along a natural ‘chain-of-ponds’ water way, wildlife include turtles, ducks, quail, red bills, tawny frogmouth, ring tail possums, sugar gliders and kangaroos to name a few.
Walking distance to local winery and horse riding centre.
We do our best to allow you to access our piece of paradise.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
The best camping near Hat Head National Park guide
Overview
About
On a clear day, it feels like you can see forever from the headland on the Korogoro Walking Track in Hat Head National Park—and if you’re on the trail in the cooler months, you’ve got a great chance of seeing whales as you walk. It’s just one of several great bushwalking tracks in the coastal national park roughly halfway between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour on the Macleay Valley Coast. Perfect for those who love back-to-basics camping holidays, fishing, bushwalking, and splashing in the sea or Korogoro Creek, Hat Head tends to get overlooked by most travellers rushing to get to more fashionable spots to the north—this is a bonus for those who prefer their getaways crowd-free.
Caravan Camping Near Hat Head National Park
Just an hour’s drive north of Port Macquarie or south of Coffs Harbour, Hat Head National Park affords the perfect coastal escape along the Pacific Highway. Whether you’re bushwalking along wild headlands, bird-watching and whale-watching from the shore, or picnicking by the beachside, this is the spot to dodge the crowds. Get up early to watch the sunrise, and you might even get the beach to yourself. Caravanners can head to one of Hat Hin’s two beachside campgrounds, which provide unpowered sites suitable for self-contained motorhomes and camper trailers, with basic facilities such as picnic tables and toilets. Alternatively, check into the holiday park, which offers spacious, powered sites along with access to a dump point, camp kitchen, and kiosk. Or, head further afield to spend the night at a quiet Hipcamp in the hills and explore the national park on a day trip instead.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for families: Hungry Gate Campground has plenty of shade, and kangaroos often graze in the camping area.
- Best for beach lovers: Smoky Cape Campground, beneath the Smoky Cape Lighthouse, is right beside the beach and popular with fishers.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- All campsites in NSW national parks must be pre-booked online before you arrive.
- All national park campgrounds get busy during summer and Easter school holidays, when you’ll need to book well ahead. But go mid-week in February and March, and it’s quite possible you’ll be the only ones there.
- Hungry Gate Campground is a 20-minute walk from the beach, so it’s sometimes easier to secure a campsite here than at the beachside Smoky Cape Campground.
When to go
Although it can get rainy, summer offers the best camping weather and is the most popular time to visit. Days might be hottest in January and February, but March and April are best for swimming, when the sea is warmest. Winter time, May to November, is best for seeing whales from the lookouts.
Know before you go
- Hat Head National Park is 24 kilometres east of Kempsey, near South West Rocks.
- Neighbouring Arakoon National Park—at the Smoky Cape end of the park near South West Rocks—is also worth a visit. Highlights include the sandstone Trial Bay Gaol ruins on the headland.
- You can stock up with basics at the Hat Head General Store, which also stocks beer and wine and does a pretty good hamburger, too.
Nearby attractions
A beautiful partially sheltered beach with an elaborate past, Trial Bay is a great place to spend your day exploring both nature and history.
Top cities near Hat Head National Park
- Hat Head National Park
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