The best star host camping near Canberra

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Canberra’s museums, galleries, and national monuments offer plenty of culture, but the city’s best asset is its natural setting. Hemmed in by sloping peaks and nature reserves, here outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy bushwalking, cycling, and wildlife trails, or head to Lake Burley Griffin to sail, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard with views of Parliament House. Campers have a wide range of options, whether parking your campervan or caravan on the outskirts of the city centre, or sleeping out in swags beneath the stars.

99% (3.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Travellers Village Rest

1. Travellers Village Rest

100%
(15)
64km from Canberra · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Bowning, NSW
Stay on our 2 acre block on the edge of a small village in the southern tablelands of NSW. We are conveniently close to the Hume Highway, with a level grassed site with scattered gum trees providing shade. Travellers between Melbourne and Sydney can easily pull in off the highway for a quick set up for the night, then be back on the road the next morning. Alternatively, our site is an excellent base to stay for a few days while you explore Canberra and surrounds, as it is an hour to the Nation’s capital. Sure, we can hear the highway and occasional trains as they go past on the main line but there are also plenty of bird calls and some neighbouring wallabies. There is a small creek on the boundary of the camping block that attracts birds but is not suitable for swimming. We have town water available for campers and toilet facilities are a short 400m walk to the middle of the village. The nearest dump point is 15 minutes away in the town of Yass. Winters are excellent for small fires for cooking and then putting another log on to enjoy the rest of the evening under the stars. We have dedicated fire pits or you can use your own. As an added bonus, there are metal sculptures dotted around the block created by the host. Each site is spacious enough for up to 4 vans if you are travelling in a group. It is easy to navigate through the trees and use it as a drive through.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$25
 / night
Spring Creek Valley Farm

3. Spring Creek Valley Farm

99%
(65)
46km from Canberra · 1 site · Tent, RV · Warri, NSW
Spring Creek Valley Farm is a 2200-acre farm located in the beautiful southern tablelands, 1 hour to the Canberra CBD and just 1 hour to Batemans Bay on the coast. With over 3km of creek frontage and 100+ acres of untouched native bushland, there are ample options for campsites to suit just about anyone. All campers must be completely self-contained, with their own camp toilet, and take all waste when they go. The original name of this property is Wooraba which is an aboriginal word for 'hidden' which describes it very well. Here, you will immerse yourself in the Australian bush and enjoy a truly peaceful retreat. Enjoy fantastic bushwalks amongst the native flora and fauna, or take your mountain bike to the high open hilly area to check out the expansive views. Or lay in some of the creek's rock pools and sunbathe. Whilst we can accept dogs, this absolutely must be discussed with us prior to booking. We are a working farm, with sheep, and it is important that any visiting pets do not hassle our sheep, and are kept on a lead at all times. Campfires are permitted in the designated fire pit when conditions allow and no local fire bans are in play.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$46
 / night
PEACEFUL RURAL PROPERTY SUTTON, NSW

4. PEACEFUL RURAL PROPERTY SUTTON, NSW

100%
(108)
22km from Canberra · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Sutton, NSW
Located on a sealed road, on 220 acres of land, approximately 5-6 minutes to Sutton or Gundaroo, 10 minutes to Gunghalin and 20 minutes into Canberra. The site is very quiet and private. Sutton village (5 kms away) has a toilet block and shower amenities available. A beautiful quiet location to stay. Close to a lot of amenities, such as Bakery, Wineries, Gundaroo, Mulligan's Flat Reserve and Gunghalin shops. Sutton has a world class bakery, we recommend chicken and leek or pepper steak pies. Gundaroo has an old world pub with local wines and food. The old police station at Gundaroo has been converted to a gourmet pizza restaurant, there is also an excellent restaurant named Grazing. There is also Eagle Hawke pub, which is very popular. There are numerous wineries nearby including Gundog at Gundaroo and all of the many Murrumbateman wineries. Water refill and waste disposal is available at Queanbeyan showground. The Mulligans Flat Reserve, about 10 minutes away, is a real first in Australia, given that a very large area has been set aside near Canberra to foster wildlife. A walk through the reserve is well worth while. Check it out. None of the above should be missed if you visit our area. Situated on a farm, our property has flat terrain in most areas. We have a land for wildlife reserve on site to explore native plants and wildlife. Sites are suitable for Tents, Campers, Vans and Caravans.Must have own amenities.• Check in: After 12 PM• Check out: Before 11 AM• Cancellation policy: Flexible • On arrival: Meet and greet • Minimum nights: 1 night• Accepts bookings: 1 month out Surface type: grass or field Surface levelness: flat Generators allowed Show less Approximately 30 minutes into Canberra. Owners live on site.
Pets
from 
AU$37
 / night

Canberra’s museums, galleries, and national monuments offer plenty of culture, but the city’s best asset is its natural setting. Hemmed in by sloping peaks and nature reserves, here outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy bushwalking, cycling, and wildlife trails, or head to Lake Burley Griffin to sail, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard with views of Parliament House. Campers have a wide range of options, whether parking your campervan or caravan on the outskirts of the city centre, or sleeping out in swags beneath the stars.

99% (3.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Travellers Village Rest

1. Travellers Village Rest

100%
(15)
64km from Canberra · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Bowning, NSW
Stay on our 2 acre block on the edge of a small village in the southern tablelands of NSW. We are conveniently close to the Hume Highway, with a level grassed site with scattered gum trees providing shade. Travellers between Melbourne and Sydney can easily pull in off the highway for a quick set up for the night, then be back on the road the next morning. Alternatively, our site is an excellent base to stay for a few days while you explore Canberra and surrounds, as it is an hour to the Nation’s capital. Sure, we can hear the highway and occasional trains as they go past on the main line but there are also plenty of bird calls and some neighbouring wallabies. There is a small creek on the boundary of the camping block that attracts birds but is not suitable for swimming. We have town water available for campers and toilet facilities are a short 400m walk to the middle of the village. The nearest dump point is 15 minutes away in the town of Yass. Winters are excellent for small fires for cooking and then putting another log on to enjoy the rest of the evening under the stars. We have dedicated fire pits or you can use your own. As an added bonus, there are metal sculptures dotted around the block created by the host. Each site is spacious enough for up to 4 vans if you are travelling in a group. It is easy to navigate through the trees and use it as a drive through.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$25
 / night
Spring Creek Valley Farm

3. Spring Creek Valley Farm

99%
(65)
46km from Canberra · 1 site · Tent, RV · Warri, NSW
Spring Creek Valley Farm is a 2200-acre farm located in the beautiful southern tablelands, 1 hour to the Canberra CBD and just 1 hour to Batemans Bay on the coast. With over 3km of creek frontage and 100+ acres of untouched native bushland, there are ample options for campsites to suit just about anyone. All campers must be completely self-contained, with their own camp toilet, and take all waste when they go. The original name of this property is Wooraba which is an aboriginal word for 'hidden' which describes it very well. Here, you will immerse yourself in the Australian bush and enjoy a truly peaceful retreat. Enjoy fantastic bushwalks amongst the native flora and fauna, or take your mountain bike to the high open hilly area to check out the expansive views. Or lay in some of the creek's rock pools and sunbathe. Whilst we can accept dogs, this absolutely must be discussed with us prior to booking. We are a working farm, with sheep, and it is important that any visiting pets do not hassle our sheep, and are kept on a lead at all times. Campfires are permitted in the designated fire pit when conditions allow and no local fire bans are in play.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$46
 / night
PEACEFUL RURAL PROPERTY SUTTON, NSW

4. PEACEFUL RURAL PROPERTY SUTTON, NSW

100%
(108)
22km from Canberra · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Sutton, NSW
Located on a sealed road, on 220 acres of land, approximately 5-6 minutes to Sutton or Gundaroo, 10 minutes to Gunghalin and 20 minutes into Canberra. The site is very quiet and private. Sutton village (5 kms away) has a toilet block and shower amenities available. A beautiful quiet location to stay. Close to a lot of amenities, such as Bakery, Wineries, Gundaroo, Mulligan's Flat Reserve and Gunghalin shops. Sutton has a world class bakery, we recommend chicken and leek or pepper steak pies. Gundaroo has an old world pub with local wines and food. The old police station at Gundaroo has been converted to a gourmet pizza restaurant, there is also an excellent restaurant named Grazing. There is also Eagle Hawke pub, which is very popular. There are numerous wineries nearby including Gundog at Gundaroo and all of the many Murrumbateman wineries. Water refill and waste disposal is available at Queanbeyan showground. The Mulligans Flat Reserve, about 10 minutes away, is a real first in Australia, given that a very large area has been set aside near Canberra to foster wildlife. A walk through the reserve is well worth while. Check it out. None of the above should be missed if you visit our area. Situated on a farm, our property has flat terrain in most areas. We have a land for wildlife reserve on site to explore native plants and wildlife. Sites are suitable for Tents, Campers, Vans and Caravans.Must have own amenities.• Check in: After 12 PM• Check out: Before 11 AM• Cancellation policy: Flexible • On arrival: Meet and greet • Minimum nights: 1 night• Accepts bookings: 1 month out Surface type: grass or field Surface levelness: flat Generators allowed Show less Approximately 30 minutes into Canberra. Owners live on site.
Pets
from 
AU$37
 / night

Stories from the community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best star host camping near Canberra guide

Where to go

Australian Alps

The Australian Alps roll out south of Canberra into New South Wales and Victoria. On the outskirts of the capital, the rocky peaks and bushlands of Namadgi and Brindabella national parks harbour rustic camping spots with alpine views and plenty of options for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Further south, the mountain resorts of Thredbo and Perisher are two of the country’s most popular ski areas

Wine Country

Just a half-hour drive north of the city, the green hills of Murrumbateman, Gundaroo, and Yass make up the Canberra wine region, where boutique wineries and cellar doors offer vineyard strolls and wine tasting. Some of Canberra’s best camping sites lie here, where you can pitch your tent in the hills, cool off with a dip in a natural swimming hole, then tuck into a BBQ around the campfire.

Canberra Nature Reserves

Canberra is encircled by nature reserves, where you can roam along woodland trails, swim in freshwater creeks, and spot wild kangaroos hopping through the bushlands. Popular getaways from the city include Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, just southwest of the city; Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve to the north; and Kowen Forest to the east.

When to go

Canberra’s distinct seasons mean that the city’s landscapes are ever changing—autumnal leaves blanket the hillsides with shades of red, orange, and gold, while the mountaintops are dusted with snow in winter. The best time for camping trips, bushwalking, and outdoor activities is from September through May, but the region is busiest in summer (December through February), when it’s best to book camping grounds in advance.

Know before you go

  • Public transport is limited between Canberra and the surrounding national parks and reserves, so you will need your own car. Some sites are only reachable by 4WD.
  • Camping sites in the ACT’s parks often have few amenities, so bring everything you need with you, including drinking water and firewood. 
  • Fire bans are common in the ACT during summer and dry periods, so be sure to check local recommendations before lighting your campfire.
  • A National Parks pass is required to visit, hike, or camp within Australia’s national parks. 
  • Snakes are common around Canberra—keep your ankles covered if walking through tall grass and pack a first-aid kit when hiking or camping in bushland areas.

    Nearby attractions

    Located at the end of the Snowy Mountains Highway and surrounded by breathtaking views, Tantangara Dam is a great place to visit for hiking and water sports.