The best great views camping near Armidale

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Encircled by state forests and national parks, Armidale is the gateway to New England’s High Country, where the lush landscapes provide a backdrop for outdoor activities. Once you’ve seen the heritage buildings and visited the art galleries in town, head out to hike through canyons, see waterfalls, and go wine tasting at cool-climate vineyards. There are plenty of ways to get on the water, whether fishing from the shore, cooling off with a swim, or exploring by canoe. Stay at the tourist park in Armidale or discover secluded bush camping grounds in the surrounding national parks.

99% (424)

Top-rated campgrounds near Armidale

1. Cracknback Riverside Campground

99%
(279)
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 – 3.30pm, Wednesdays 9am-2pm, Saturdays 8am – 1pm. If you leave Kempsey an hour before the road opens you will be able to drive straight through. Xmas. No roadworks from Sunday 21st December to Sunday 4th January. 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 54km 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

2. Blue Hole Riverside R&R

100%
(115)
15km from Armidale · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Blue Hole Riverside Camp (via Castle Doyle Rd) is located 10 minutes out of Armidale and provides sunny, cleared acres to camp by the riverside with peaceful surrounds and total relaxation. Easy access to the river to swim, fish, kayak or canoe. A short two minute drive (approx 3kms) to the beautiful Blue Hole Picnic Area and Gara Gorge offers swimming, picnic seating, BBQ and bush walking in a scenic bush setting with clean toilets. Armidale is home to many gorges and national parks like no other region. Dangars falls is a stunning waterfall with a picnic area. This rural property suits self sufficient campers only with own drinking water and shower/toilet amenities. All campers must take their rubbish with them leaving no trace - no bins provided. Please note that wifi is limited in this camping area by the river. You will find certain spots around the area that will work more efficiently. We do not offer wifi. Take your time to relax by a fire and enjoy the serenity! Check out our instagram page "Blue Hole Riverside Hipcamp" for more photos of our campground! The "Reynella" Hut is now available to stay in. This well appointed, fully renovated hut is a studio with a queen bed, lounge area, tv, kitchen, bathroom/laundry, front deck with a bbq and views to die for!! This provides all the luxuries with a rustic charm embracing a peaceful getaway with a magnificent outlook.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$55
 / night

5. "Glendawn"

99%
(77)
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

Encircled by state forests and national parks, Armidale is the gateway to New England’s High Country, where the lush landscapes provide a backdrop for outdoor activities. Once you’ve seen the heritage buildings and visited the art galleries in town, head out to hike through canyons, see waterfalls, and go wine tasting at cool-climate vineyards. There are plenty of ways to get on the water, whether fishing from the shore, cooling off with a swim, or exploring by canoe. Stay at the tourist park in Armidale or discover secluded bush camping grounds in the surrounding national parks.

99% (424)

Top-rated campgrounds near Armidale

1. Cracknback Riverside Campground

99%
(279)
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 – 3.30pm, Wednesdays 9am-2pm, Saturdays 8am – 1pm. If you leave Kempsey an hour before the road opens you will be able to drive straight through. Xmas. No roadworks from Sunday 21st December to Sunday 4th January. 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 54km 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

2. Blue Hole Riverside R&R

100%
(115)
15km from Armidale · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Blue Hole Riverside Camp (via Castle Doyle Rd) is located 10 minutes out of Armidale and provides sunny, cleared acres to camp by the riverside with peaceful surrounds and total relaxation. Easy access to the river to swim, fish, kayak or canoe. A short two minute drive (approx 3kms) to the beautiful Blue Hole Picnic Area and Gara Gorge offers swimming, picnic seating, BBQ and bush walking in a scenic bush setting with clean toilets. Armidale is home to many gorges and national parks like no other region. Dangars falls is a stunning waterfall with a picnic area. This rural property suits self sufficient campers only with own drinking water and shower/toilet amenities. All campers must take their rubbish with them leaving no trace - no bins provided. Please note that wifi is limited in this camping area by the river. You will find certain spots around the area that will work more efficiently. We do not offer wifi. Take your time to relax by a fire and enjoy the serenity! Check out our instagram page "Blue Hole Riverside Hipcamp" for more photos of our campground! The "Reynella" Hut is now available to stay in. This well appointed, fully renovated hut is a studio with a queen bed, lounge area, tv, kitchen, bathroom/laundry, front deck with a bbq and views to die for!! This provides all the luxuries with a rustic charm embracing a peaceful getaway with a magnificent outlook.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$55
 / night

5. "Glendawn"

99%
(77)
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

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
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The best great views camping near Armidale guide

Where to go

Western Tablelands 

West of Armidale, the forested slopes and farmlands of the New England tablelands provide plenty of options for campers and bushwalkers. Visit the gold rush town of Bingara and try gold panning along the Gwydir River, enjoy tranquil bush camping in the Warrabah National Park, or camp by Copeton Lake, where you can swim and enjoy water sports in the summer months. Further east, hike or mountain bike through the ancient volcanic landscapes of Mount Kaputar National Park.

Waterfall Way

The scenic 210-kilometre Waterfall Way driving route runs east of Armidale all the way to Coffs Harbour on the NSW coast. Taking around three hours to drive (not accounting for stops), this is a day trip to be savored. Hop out to admire five waterfalls, including Chandler Falls and Crystal Shower Falls, enjoy hikes in the Dorrigo and Cathedral Rock national parks, and spot platypus along the Wollomombi River.

Eastern Tablelands 

East of Armidale, wild rivers and rainforest-clad gorges hug the slopes of the eastern tablelands. Hike or horseback ride through World Heritage-listed rainforest in Washpool National Park, go white water rafting in the Nymboida National Park, or enjoy fishing, swimming, and canoeing in the Guy Fawkes River National Park. Campsites are dotted along the riversides, some of which are reachable only by canoe or 4WD.

When to go

Temperatures rarely hit extremes in the New England Tablelands, so outdoor activities are enjoyable year-round. Summer (December through January) is the best time for camping by the riverside, when it's warm enough to swim and enjoy water sports. Visiting in late spring means you’ll avoid the biggest crowds and see the hillsides blooming with wildflowers, while autumn transforms the bushlands with colorful fall foliage. Winter evenings can drop below 10°C, so wrap up warm if camping.

Know before you go

  • Armidale has bus links to the surrounding towns, but you’ll need a vehicle to explore the tablelands and national parks.
  • Armidale has a selection of shops where you can pick up camping gear and stock up on supplies.
  • Fire bans are common in New South Wales during summer and dry periods, so check local recommendations before lighting a campfire and always use designated fire pits. 
  • A permit is required to camp within NSW’s national parks, and campsites must be booked in advance.

Nearby attractions

  • An historic venue and an interesting tale in revival, the Tamworth Showgrounds have evolved over the last century to be the impressive event space that it is today.
  • An unexplained natural wonder on the border of the beautiful Pilliga State Conservation Area, Yarrie Lake was most likely formed by an asteroid. To this day, the lake resembles an almost lunar landscape.