- Forest Camping
The best forest camping near Armidale
96% (338) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Armidale
Back to Nature Bush Camping
1. Back to Nature Bush Camping
96%
(13)
10km from Armidale · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Elderslie lies at the foot of Mount Duval Nature Reserve. We encompass a variety of landscapes from stringy bark Forrest and creek lands to open timber and mountains. We travel through 1.5km of rough terrain that follows the powerlines, steep in parts. 4WD vehicle required.
The campsite is a flat, grassy area, the perfect spot to get back to nature and enjoy the tranquillity. Campers are welcome to enjoy a campfire - do not light fires during fire ban. Pets are allowed.
There are no facilities here, campers need to BYO camp toilet and leave no trace. Just 15 minutes down the road you'll find yourself in the regional hub of Armidale for all your shopping and supply needs.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
AU$73
/ night
Briarfield
2. Briarfield
96%
(37)
32km from Armidale · 1 site · Tent, RV
Our piece of heaven is Briarfield, a beef & wool farm on the Northern Tablelands 30km east of Guyra. 1300m above sea level.The southern end of our farm is one large paddock of 500 acres for you to explore, relax & enjoy the peaceful seclusion. We only take one booking/group, it's all yours.There are gullies to explore full of natural rock outcrops, ferns & enormous gum trees. Lots of little tracks to follow under the canopy of our great stringy bark trees. An abundance of wildlife to share your space with, kangaroos, wallabies, echidna & if you are lucky koalas! We back onto the start of the Wollomombi River, where we would suggest that you camp, but there are many beautiful spots.Please bring your own camp toilet. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. Campfires - see rules.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
AU$25
/ night
Peppermint Flat Glamping
3. Peppermint Flat Glamping
97%
(15)
46km from Armidale · 2 sites
Located within half an hour drive of several World Heritage listed National Parks, Peppermint Flat Glamping provides 3 canvas bell tents for groups of up to 9 people.
20m from the Platypus-filled Oaky River and with all the luxuries of home: hot water showers, real mattresses, luxury bedding, device charging facilities and lights and all the cooking equipment and utensils you could ever need.
Just bring ice, food and drinks for the esky and you’re set!
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
AU$158
/ night
Cracknback Riverside Campground
4. Cracknback Riverside Campground
99%
(313)
65km from Armidale · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
If the calendar wont let you book, send us a message as we can likely fit you in
Our working farm is located between Kempsey and Armidale in the beautiful Macleay Valley in the Northern Tablelands of NSW. We offer large, grassy campsites on the beautiful Macleay River and a modern amenities block with hot showers and flushing toilets. Choose your own campsite
Additional guests welcome at $25 per head per night. Kids 5 - 15 years $5 per night. Under 5 years free
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**
Roadworks will be occurring at Peedee Hill from now until July 2026. This will only affect campers travelling through Kempsey. Peedee Hill is 30 minutes from the campground and just over an hour from Kempsey. The road will be impassable Monday to Friday 9am – 3pm, Wednesdays 9am-2pm, Saturdays 8am – 1pm. If you leave Kempsey an hour before the road opens you will be able to drive straight through.
No roadworks Sunday 25 or Jan 26, 2026
DO NOT USE GPS once on Kempsey Road! Because the road is closed on Live Traffic, GPS will take you into the back hills.
From Kempsey
1.5 hours. Travel through Willawarrin, Bellbrook and continue straight for 32 kms until you see our signs on the left.
From Armidale
From the corner of Kempsey-Armidale Road and Waterfall Way, Cracknback is app 54 km on the right.
* Heaps of flat ground for kids to ride bikes
* Watch tortoises and fish in the river
* Dogs welcome (must be people, dog and cow friendly)
* Free kayaks for use
* Beautiful mountain ranges and such an open sky you can see the Milky Way!
* Flushing toilets, hot showers
* Family friendly
* Fire pits provided but bring your own wood
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$31
/ night
Merridale
5. Merridale
91%
(22)
67km from Armidale · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Our beautiful property is located near Inverell, featuring 1,850 acres of gently sloping farmland edged by mountains with beautiful eucalyptus bush. There is a big dam and yabbies in the creek. We have a range of fruit trees which you are welcome to help yourself to fruit when in season.
Farm Rules
- clean up after yourself
- The hut and the yard up on the hill are out of bound.
- Fishing is welcome however we run a catch and release.
- Shut the gates when passing through.
- Dogs are welcome but must be under control/on lead as we do run cattle on the property.
- No hunting.
- Fires are welcome but must be contained and kept under control.
Activity's
- Being a kayak or something to float around on.
- Bring your metal detectors
- Horses are welcome with the addition cost. Enjoy scenic horse rides around the valley.
- Fishing (catch and release)
- Yabbies (welcome to eat what you catch).
- Panning in the creek for gems.
- hike
Sites
- we run a undesignated system meaning you can set up and camp anywhere you would like however some ideas below.
Anywhere around the dam
You have an option to camp at the shed where there is a generator for power (lighting) and toilet amenities. This area is generally flat and can accommodate any type of camping vehicle.
There is a shed to provide shelter for your food prep etc. There is a sink under the awning but you will need to carry water in a container to wash dishes. Outside there is wood-burning BBQ the camping paddock is fully fenced in .
For 4WD enthusiasts, there are good camping spots at the top of the mountain ridge however need to be self contained eg toilet.
You will need to bring your own fresh drinking water supply and unleaded fuel to run the water pump and generator.
We have secure cattle yards as a holding space if holidaying with your horses (please see Extras for horse facility fees).
Enjoy scenic horse rides around the valley and relax in front of the campfire by night. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
There is no phone reception on site
There is a pub in Bundarra where meals hospitality and spending time with the locals and a corner store 25km away at Bundarra, and all shops and amenities are available 75km at Inverell.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$49
/ night
"Glendawn"
6. "Glendawn"
99%
(83)
79km from Armidale · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
"Glendawn" is a small farming/ cattle grazing property with many beaut spots for camping. There are 2 sites with access to power and a few others without. It's a great place to get away but not too far from town. Fire pits and some firewood provided.
We have a powered site in the old Woolshed. The Woolshed has had some modifications. It has a camp kitchen, hot and cold running water, toilet & shower. There is a fridge, toaster, kettle, microwave, gas BBQ, outdoor fire pit, chairs, power and lighting. Large central area indoors. Its a delightful spot in the paddock to enjoy being "in the country".
The woolshed itself is 2WD accessible. In the winter months its really quite cold overnight. There's a great outdoor firepit and I provide firewood for $10. There's a patio heater too and its 8kg gas cylinder costs
$30. I will provide the first one.
This venue has been popular for families 'plugging in' their vans and for others to roll their swags out either inside the shed or under the stars. Privacy and peace and quiet in abundance here.
We also have unpowered camping in the paddocks. There are a few places with shade near a dam, by the old hayshed, or on a hill with views over the valley, excellent sunsets and a clearing for camping, 4WD accessible.
Children under 12 stay for free on unpowered sites!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$19
/ night
Taylors Run Farm Camping
7. Taylors Run Farm Camping
37km from Armidale · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
The Taylor family history goes back to the early days of fine wool production in Australia. Taylors Run was one of the original properties established on the New England Tablelands. Today this region produces the largest percentage of top quality superfine wool in the world.Taylors Run is now represented by one of the six Taylor family farms. All properties are still owned and managed by direct descendants of William Tydd Taylor and the sheep are mostly of the same original bloodline that has been improved through selection and breeding for producing the premium quality superfine wool we sell today.
from
AU$61
/ night
96% (338) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Armidale
Back to Nature Bush Camping
1. Back to Nature Bush Camping
96%
(13)
10km from Armidale · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Elderslie lies at the foot of Mount Duval Nature Reserve. We encompass a variety of landscapes from stringy bark Forrest and creek lands to open timber and mountains. We travel through 1.5km of rough terrain that follows the powerlines, steep in parts. 4WD vehicle required.
The campsite is a flat, grassy area, the perfect spot to get back to nature and enjoy the tranquillity. Campers are welcome to enjoy a campfire - do not light fires during fire ban. Pets are allowed.
There are no facilities here, campers need to BYO camp toilet and leave no trace. Just 15 minutes down the road you'll find yourself in the regional hub of Armidale for all your shopping and supply needs.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
AU$73
/ night
Briarfield
2. Briarfield
96%
(37)
32km from Armidale · 1 site · Tent, RV
Our piece of heaven is Briarfield, a beef & wool farm on the Northern Tablelands 30km east of Guyra. 1300m above sea level.The southern end of our farm is one large paddock of 500 acres for you to explore, relax & enjoy the peaceful seclusion. We only take one booking/group, it's all yours.There are gullies to explore full of natural rock outcrops, ferns & enormous gum trees. Lots of little tracks to follow under the canopy of our great stringy bark trees. An abundance of wildlife to share your space with, kangaroos, wallabies, echidna & if you are lucky koalas! We back onto the start of the Wollomombi River, where we would suggest that you camp, but there are many beautiful spots.Please bring your own camp toilet. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. Campfires - see rules.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
AU$25
/ night
Peppermint Flat Glamping
3. Peppermint Flat Glamping
97%
(15)
46km from Armidale · 2 sites
Located within half an hour drive of several World Heritage listed National Parks, Peppermint Flat Glamping provides 3 canvas bell tents for groups of up to 9 people.
20m from the Platypus-filled Oaky River and with all the luxuries of home: hot water showers, real mattresses, luxury bedding, device charging facilities and lights and all the cooking equipment and utensils you could ever need.
Just bring ice, food and drinks for the esky and you’re set!
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
AU$158
/ night
Cracknback Riverside Campground
4. Cracknback Riverside Campground
99%
(313)
65km from Armidale · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
If the calendar wont let you book, send us a message as we can likely fit you in
Our working farm is located between Kempsey and Armidale in the beautiful Macleay Valley in the Northern Tablelands of NSW. We offer large, grassy campsites on the beautiful Macleay River and a modern amenities block with hot showers and flushing toilets. Choose your own campsite
Additional guests welcome at $25 per head per night. Kids 5 - 15 years $5 per night. Under 5 years free
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**
Roadworks will be occurring at Peedee Hill from now until July 2026. This will only affect campers travelling through Kempsey. Peedee Hill is 30 minutes from the campground and just over an hour from Kempsey. The road will be impassable Monday to Friday 9am – 3pm, Wednesdays 9am-2pm, Saturdays 8am – 1pm. If you leave Kempsey an hour before the road opens you will be able to drive straight through.
No roadworks Sunday 25 or Jan 26, 2026
DO NOT USE GPS once on Kempsey Road! Because the road is closed on Live Traffic, GPS will take you into the back hills.
From Kempsey
1.5 hours. Travel through Willawarrin, Bellbrook and continue straight for 32 kms until you see our signs on the left.
From Armidale
From the corner of Kempsey-Armidale Road and Waterfall Way, Cracknback is app 54 km on the right.
* Heaps of flat ground for kids to ride bikes
* Watch tortoises and fish in the river
* Dogs welcome (must be people, dog and cow friendly)
* Free kayaks for use
* Beautiful mountain ranges and such an open sky you can see the Milky Way!
* Flushing toilets, hot showers
* Family friendly
* Fire pits provided but bring your own wood
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$31
/ night
Merridale
5. Merridale
91%
(22)
67km from Armidale · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Our beautiful property is located near Inverell, featuring 1,850 acres of gently sloping farmland edged by mountains with beautiful eucalyptus bush. There is a big dam and yabbies in the creek. We have a range of fruit trees which you are welcome to help yourself to fruit when in season.
Farm Rules
- clean up after yourself
- The hut and the yard up on the hill are out of bound.
- Fishing is welcome however we run a catch and release.
- Shut the gates when passing through.
- Dogs are welcome but must be under control/on lead as we do run cattle on the property.
- No hunting.
- Fires are welcome but must be contained and kept under control.
Activity's
- Being a kayak or something to float around on.
- Bring your metal detectors
- Horses are welcome with the addition cost. Enjoy scenic horse rides around the valley.
- Fishing (catch and release)
- Yabbies (welcome to eat what you catch).
- Panning in the creek for gems.
- hike
Sites
- we run a undesignated system meaning you can set up and camp anywhere you would like however some ideas below.
Anywhere around the dam
You have an option to camp at the shed where there is a generator for power (lighting) and toilet amenities. This area is generally flat and can accommodate any type of camping vehicle.
There is a shed to provide shelter for your food prep etc. There is a sink under the awning but you will need to carry water in a container to wash dishes. Outside there is wood-burning BBQ the camping paddock is fully fenced in .
For 4WD enthusiasts, there are good camping spots at the top of the mountain ridge however need to be self contained eg toilet.
You will need to bring your own fresh drinking water supply and unleaded fuel to run the water pump and generator.
We have secure cattle yards as a holding space if holidaying with your horses (please see Extras for horse facility fees).
Enjoy scenic horse rides around the valley and relax in front of the campfire by night. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
There is no phone reception on site
There is a pub in Bundarra where meals hospitality and spending time with the locals and a corner store 25km away at Bundarra, and all shops and amenities are available 75km at Inverell.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$49
/ night
"Glendawn"
6. "Glendawn"
99%
(83)
79km from Armidale · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
"Glendawn" is a small farming/ cattle grazing property with many beaut spots for camping. There are 2 sites with access to power and a few others without. It's a great place to get away but not too far from town. Fire pits and some firewood provided.
We have a powered site in the old Woolshed. The Woolshed has had some modifications. It has a camp kitchen, hot and cold running water, toilet & shower. There is a fridge, toaster, kettle, microwave, gas BBQ, outdoor fire pit, chairs, power and lighting. Large central area indoors. Its a delightful spot in the paddock to enjoy being "in the country".
The woolshed itself is 2WD accessible. In the winter months its really quite cold overnight. There's a great outdoor firepit and I provide firewood for $10. There's a patio heater too and its 8kg gas cylinder costs
$30. I will provide the first one.
This venue has been popular for families 'plugging in' their vans and for others to roll their swags out either inside the shed or under the stars. Privacy and peace and quiet in abundance here.
We also have unpowered camping in the paddocks. There are a few places with shade near a dam, by the old hayshed, or on a hill with views over the valley, excellent sunsets and a clearing for camping, 4WD accessible.
Children under 12 stay for free on unpowered sites!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$19
/ night
Taylors Run Farm Camping
7. Taylors Run Farm Camping
37km from Armidale · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
The Taylor family history goes back to the early days of fine wool production in Australia. Taylors Run was one of the original properties established on the New England Tablelands. Today this region produces the largest percentage of top quality superfine wool in the world.Taylors Run is now represented by one of the six Taylor family farms. All properties are still owned and managed by direct descendants of William Tydd Taylor and the sheep are mostly of the same original bloodline that has been improved through selection and breeding for producing the premium quality superfine wool we sell today.
from
AU$61
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Mic
2 weeks ago
5 m pop-up camper
With pets
Nice spot not too far out of town. The Woolshed and the power were an absolute bonus.
Would highly recommend.
See more
S
Shae
January 2026
Tent
With pets
Wonderful place to camp! Right next to river, plenty of shade and space to spread out!
A well kept property, toilets and showers were very clean!
Beth and Ben were lovely hosts and always make sure you were ok!
Road in from Kempsey is windy and narrow but certainly not to worried about, if you just take your time and concentrate
Will we be going back again
See more
Krystle
January 2026
Tent
Beautiful & relaxing spot close to the creek where u can swim with amenities. What else could you ask for 🙌 Great hosts
See moreT
Tammie
January 2026
5 m travel trailer
With pets
We had a great time away with a group of friends and all our kids. Most of our time was spent in creek which was lovely and cool.
The only recommendation would be a better way to get down to creek and into creek. Rocks are slippery in lake so tricky to get in and out.
We would love to return in the future ☺️
See moreE
Erin
January 2026
5 m pop-up camper
With kids
Great site, owners are wonderful.
Toilets and showers are great, water was wonderful, rocks are hard with little kids but everything else amazing!
See morec
chanel
January 2026
Tent
With pets
We had the most wonderful, feel-good stay at Cracknback Riverside Campground! 🌞🌿
Ben was super warm and welcoming, and the delightful Beth absolutely made our trip — she even sent us off with fresh, home-grown garlic, which was such a sweet touch! 🧄💛 The place has the happiest, easy-going riverside vibes and feels so cared for.
If you’re after a cheerful, relaxing escape with brilliant hosts, this is it! Can’t wait to come back! ✨
See moreB
Blue
January 2026
4 m pop-up camper
With pets
Top shelf - goid price, top location, excellent hosts, clean and well maintained facilities! Definitely going back!
See more
D
Darrell
January 2026
Tent
Drive in was fine with a kamper trailer,
Hot water
Clean and flushable shitters
Water is allways slow flowing 23°
Nice place to
'Kick ya feet up at'
Fire pitts
Wood to gather around
Bird life
Some goanna's...
And every one is friendly.
See more
M
Mikaela
January 2026
Tent
Such a beautiful property! We had booked The Spring but ended up at the Hay Shed and it was so divine. We were lucky to watch a storm roll past in the distance. Frances is so lovely and accommodating, couldn’t recommend it more!!
See moreE
Ella
January 2026
Tent
We had a fantastic stay at Riverside Camping. The site was clean, peaceful, and well maintained, with plenty of space between camps. The river access was a highlight, especially at sunset. Facilities were practical and tidy, and the booking process was easy. We’ll definitely be back and would recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxed getaway.
See morea
amalie
January 2026
Tent
Beautiful and quiet (we visited early January), Beth was absolutely lovely and the creek was DEVINE! Thanks a bunch for having us. - Mia and Amalie
See more
N
Nathan
January 2026
2 nights at Peppermint Flat Glamping
Peppermint falt glamping , where do I start what a spot 15/10 !! We stayed in the platypus lair , to the amazing tent set up which is like a small house , one of if not the most comfortable bed we have ever slept in , the amenities was superb , love love love ..
Oh wait there , can't leave without saying I have ticked another ozzy jewl of my animal bucket list , just made my year , both nights we cooked up a storm , and sat down beside the river and had an outstanding moment veiwing your family of platypus whist having dinner, between the platypus, water dragons and turtles we were truly spoilt , and not to mention sum beefy owl on the first night , that we couldnt see but definitely knew they were present ... thanks again for allowing people to come enjoy your true peice of paradise. And can't wait to come back as we only scratched the surface on the stunning walks in the erea ..
I can't recommend this place enough , all boxes ticked .....
See more
K
Kristina
January 2026
5 m car
20/10 would recommend! An absolute hidden gem, scenic and stunning drive in through narrow mountains and rolling hills. Spread out but can see some of neighboring campers, site dependent. I camped on the riverfront because.. why wouldn’t you? 😄 Beautiful creek, kayaks and games provided. Short walk to amenities, flushing toilets & showers (although no hot water when I was there, not an issue in the middle of summer!).
No reception with optus 👌 Hosts absolutely awesome people, great chats, very welcoming.
Will definitely become a regular :)
See more
Mal
January 2026
7 m Class A
After some weeks ‘on the road’ with lots of heat and storms the ‘Woolshed’ was such a haven. No just the private shower an loo, but the HUGE space in the woolshed itself. We are self contained in our Moho but it was so comfortable to have a kitchen, dining and lounging area. It ‘rustic’ and thereby enables the camping/outdoors/travelling experience to continue, Frances is so responsive and accommodating, we would not hesitate to return.
See moreL
Lizzy
January 2026
Tent
With pets
I wanted to escape my daily routine and technology and experience a place of tranquility, nature and to just be! CracknBack Riverside Campground delivered all of that, and more. Set in a picturesque location with views of the mountains and surrounded by trees, all you can hear is the beautiful sound of birds (and no traffic or sirens!). It was warm when we arrived so we dipped ourselves in the river, just a stones throw from our camp set up and swam, floated (bring inflatables) and fished. My teenage son wasn't able to use his phone the entire 4 days so to alleviate his boredom he set up his fishing gear and spent hours in the river, he even caught a fish, cooked it and ate it - watching him feel a sense of accomplishment was definitely worth the trip. Our dogs loved roaming around and swimming in the river. It truly is a magical place. The icing on the cake though was the hosts - Ben and Beth were an utter delight. They are kind hearted, generous and wonderful to chat to. You won't regret visiting this place and you will leave feeling completely relaxed, heading back to nature is the best way to completely switch off and reset.
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Emma
January 2026
3 m Class B
This is such a lovely spot! The river is stunning and so beautiful to swim in. Lots of beautiful spots to set up depending on your vehicles capability.
Although it technically is 2WD accesible it should be noted that there are approx 30kms of fairly rough unsealed roads leading out to the property. We managed it in our loaded ford transit SWB van but it greatly extended the amount of time it took us to get out there so definitely take it into account.
I think the drive in to the property itself could also be a bit sketchy in a longer or more top heavy vehicle.
We will definitely be back at some point!
See more
C
Catriona
January 2026
4 m Class B
With pets
The location was beautiful, and we had the entire woolshed to ourselves. Francis only hosts one guest at a time, which made it feel very private and peaceful. The amenities had everything we needed, including a gas heater that was perfect for the colder evenings. The shower was excellent—lovely and hot with great water pressure.
See more
A
An
January 2026
Tent
With kids
Beth and ben are generously sharing their beautiful piece of the world and have set up an amazing spot for people to enjoy. Thanks for a great stay, we all enjoyed it so very much.
See moreS
Simon
January 2026
5 m pop-up camper
With kids
Great camp site with good river access. Facilities were good and well maintained. Excellent fishing. We’ll definitely be back.
See moreJ
Jo
January 2026
5 m pop-up camper
Group trip
Such a beautiful place to get away from it all, with no traffic noise and like minded campers. So peaceful with only the birds, flowing water and wind in the trees to interrupt your thoughts.
Lots of options to camp away from others and great toilets and showers
See more
