The best mountainous camping near Armidale

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If you’re looking to pitch your tent in the mountains around Armidale, you’ve got 50 options carved into ridges, tucked beside creeks, and scattered through high-country bushland. Expect cold nights, misty mornings, and star-packed skies. The average price for a site sits at $40 a night, but you’ll find spots from $20, especially if you’re happy with basic facilities. Showers and toilets are common, and campfires are allowed at most sites—just check the local fire restrictions. Fishing, hiking, and swimming are all on the cards, often right from your campsite. Favourites like Cracknback Riverside Campground (164 reviews), New Valley Dreaming (27 reviews), and Briarfield (27 reviews) give you direct access to rivers and mountain trails. Pack for changing weather—Armidale’s altitude keeps things brisk, even in summer.

95% (326)

Top-rated campgrounds near Armidale

1. Cracknback Riverside Campground

99%
(278)
65km from Armidale · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
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. New Valley Dreaming

100%
(39)
63km from Armidale · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
This cattle and sheep property in New Valley, half an hour south of Inverell, is raw and beautiful, with New Valley Creek running through it, swimming holes, and waterfalls. Newly laid trails make exploring the property easy, from valleys to hilltops. If you are looking for a natural wonderland, where you can enjoy Australian bush camping at its absolute best, this is it. The property is so spectacular, that parts of it have even been featured on TV's Farmer Wants a Wife. The terrain is rugged and hilly, but the host has created easy access to several excellent, grassy camping sites some exclusive to one group at a time, others around the large dam but still with plenty of space. They all have good road access for even 2WD, provided they have good clearance. The creek and rocks are stunning and will provide hours of fun. Fishing tours are run on the property at an extra cost, it is strictly catch and release and must discuss it beforehand with the host. We do not permit hunting as we want our guests to have and enjoy the tranquility and space. Please note, that our Farmer Wants a Wife site has a long-drop toilet and designated fire ring, however, our other sites are for completely self-contained campers only. If you are visiting during the shearing season, you are welcome to come and check it out for an insight into farm life! Pet friendly, but only small breeds, and must be kept on a lead at all times. Please discuss bringing your dog with the host before booking. Campfires are ok provided you BYO firepit, and they are kept small and manageable. There is plenty of fallen timber you are welcome to collect for firewood. Strictly no cutting down of trees. No campfires during fire bans, or when conditions are not favourable. Whilst fishing tours are possible on the property, you must discuss your interest with the host prior as there are important rules around this and is , it's strictly catch-and-release only. We do not allow hunting of any description so that our visitors can have a quiet and relaxing stay without interruptions. Just five minutes up the road is Green Valley Fun Park with a huge playground, jumping pillow, animal walkabout, museum and 18 hole mini putt. So plenty to keep kids entertained both on and off the property!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$31
 / night

3. Bimbivale Caravan & Camp Sites

100%
(15)
41km from Armidale · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Bimbivale is a working farm located half way between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Highway. We grow superfine wool, sheep and beef cattle, and we enjoy working with our Australian Stock Horses, Welsh Mountain Ponies and various working dogs on farm. There are critically endangered White Box - Yellow Box - Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodlands located across the property, making it a beautiful place to experience the great Aussie outdoors. Being granite country, the property offers some special rocky outcrops and features. You may get to see some rare or even endangered species here. At 1100 m elevation, the winters are cold (with occasional snow), and the summers are divine, with daytime maximums reaching a top of around 28-30 degrees. Activities include bushwalking, mountain biking, fishing for trout or yellow belly in the farm dams, watching spectacular sunrises or sunsets from elevated parts of the New England landscape, watching your campfire crackle (fire season permitting), visiting the nearby Dobson's Gin Distillery or Kentucky General Store (10-12 km), or treating yourself to Uralla's many fine eateries or shopping experiences just 20 km up the highway. Bimbivale is also just 45 minutes from Tamworth and its Country Music Festival and AELEC (Australia Equine & Livestock Events Centre), or just 30 minutes from Armidale, host city to the University of New England and base for visiting the many National Parks and World Heritage Wilderness areas the region offers. Our camp sites are located along a central ridge line, which is fully accessible by motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers and two wheel drive cars in dry weather conditions. Most sites have a fire pit and access to water, but we recommend you byo drinking water. We can top up drinking water if required. Currently we prefer visitors who have their own ensuite/toilet facilities, although we will soon offer a toilet on-site. Sometimes we can offer eggs and fruit or vegetables from our orchard and garden. We are happy for your well-behaved dog to visit with you, as long as it remains confined or on a leash at all times. If you have more than 6 guests or 3 cars in your group, please book additional sites and we can ensure you are all able to camp together.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$49
 / night

8. 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

9. Bai-Yai River Eco-Camp & Artist Retreat

100%
(37)
59km from Armidale · 4 sites · Lodging
Bai-Yai is a 480 acre partly Conservation Covenanted property, 70 minutes south-west of Armidale & 70 minutes north-west of Tamworth. On the tablelands 700 metres above sea level, next door to Warrabah National Park. Our northern boundary is the Macdonald river, just before it drops westward through the gorges & changes its name to the Namoi.We're for the nature-lover who enjoys peace & quiet away from crowds, who values birdsong above the hum of cars & generators! Our facilities are simple but comfortable, all off-grid. There's a covered platform kitchen area overlooking some of the great river swimming spots for campers to enjoy, a pit toilet, simple shower, & fresh drinking water supplied daily. The owners house is out of sight but within coo-ee if needed.The river & general wildness of terrain make Bai-Yai camping not really suitable for young children who requite 24/7 supervision for their safety.CRITICAL: Please ensure your personal profile is completed including a photo before submitting a booking request.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night

10. The Hylands Wilderness Retreat

79%
(7)
79km from Armidale · 22 sites · Tents, RVs
We introduce you to ‘The Hylands’ 830 acres of undisturbed tranquility. A special beautiful wilderness, surrounded by ancient trees, an abundance of bird life, with a long, main completely private and secluded river and multiple creeks with deep swimming holes, waterfalls. and rapids to explore. Will completely wipe the tears of stress from your eyes and instil a deep sense of overwhelming peace. Get completely immersed in the magic of the Australian bush with endless ancient gullies to explore, steep hills and high country fauna and flora, undiscovered hiking trails, mountain biking tracks, and long rides if you have your own horses. If you’re into the setting yourself challenges of any kind this place is yours! If your not then this also is your perfect getaway…from kayaking challenges the full length of the rivers or casual boating floating around large swimming holes with a fishing rod in hand admiring the variety of terrain we can offer here The Hylands is for you.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$53
 / night

If you’re looking to pitch your tent in the mountains around Armidale, you’ve got 50 options carved into ridges, tucked beside creeks, and scattered through high-country bushland. Expect cold nights, misty mornings, and star-packed skies. The average price for a site sits at $40 a night, but you’ll find spots from $20, especially if you’re happy with basic facilities. Showers and toilets are common, and campfires are allowed at most sites—just check the local fire restrictions. Fishing, hiking, and swimming are all on the cards, often right from your campsite. Favourites like Cracknback Riverside Campground (164 reviews), New Valley Dreaming (27 reviews), and Briarfield (27 reviews) give you direct access to rivers and mountain trails. Pack for changing weather—Armidale’s altitude keeps things brisk, even in summer.

95% (326)

Top-rated campgrounds near Armidale

1. Cracknback Riverside Campground

99%
(278)
65km from Armidale · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
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. New Valley Dreaming

100%
(39)
63km from Armidale · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
This cattle and sheep property in New Valley, half an hour south of Inverell, is raw and beautiful, with New Valley Creek running through it, swimming holes, and waterfalls. Newly laid trails make exploring the property easy, from valleys to hilltops. If you are looking for a natural wonderland, where you can enjoy Australian bush camping at its absolute best, this is it. The property is so spectacular, that parts of it have even been featured on TV's Farmer Wants a Wife. The terrain is rugged and hilly, but the host has created easy access to several excellent, grassy camping sites some exclusive to one group at a time, others around the large dam but still with plenty of space. They all have good road access for even 2WD, provided they have good clearance. The creek and rocks are stunning and will provide hours of fun. Fishing tours are run on the property at an extra cost, it is strictly catch and release and must discuss it beforehand with the host. We do not permit hunting as we want our guests to have and enjoy the tranquility and space. Please note, that our Farmer Wants a Wife site has a long-drop toilet and designated fire ring, however, our other sites are for completely self-contained campers only. If you are visiting during the shearing season, you are welcome to come and check it out for an insight into farm life! Pet friendly, but only small breeds, and must be kept on a lead at all times. Please discuss bringing your dog with the host before booking. Campfires are ok provided you BYO firepit, and they are kept small and manageable. There is plenty of fallen timber you are welcome to collect for firewood. Strictly no cutting down of trees. No campfires during fire bans, or when conditions are not favourable. Whilst fishing tours are possible on the property, you must discuss your interest with the host prior as there are important rules around this and is , it's strictly catch-and-release only. We do not allow hunting of any description so that our visitors can have a quiet and relaxing stay without interruptions. Just five minutes up the road is Green Valley Fun Park with a huge playground, jumping pillow, animal walkabout, museum and 18 hole mini putt. So plenty to keep kids entertained both on and off the property!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$31
 / night

3. Bimbivale Caravan & Camp Sites

100%
(15)
41km from Armidale · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Bimbivale is a working farm located half way between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Highway. We grow superfine wool, sheep and beef cattle, and we enjoy working with our Australian Stock Horses, Welsh Mountain Ponies and various working dogs on farm. There are critically endangered White Box - Yellow Box - Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodlands located across the property, making it a beautiful place to experience the great Aussie outdoors. Being granite country, the property offers some special rocky outcrops and features. You may get to see some rare or even endangered species here. At 1100 m elevation, the winters are cold (with occasional snow), and the summers are divine, with daytime maximums reaching a top of around 28-30 degrees. Activities include bushwalking, mountain biking, fishing for trout or yellow belly in the farm dams, watching spectacular sunrises or sunsets from elevated parts of the New England landscape, watching your campfire crackle (fire season permitting), visiting the nearby Dobson's Gin Distillery or Kentucky General Store (10-12 km), or treating yourself to Uralla's many fine eateries or shopping experiences just 20 km up the highway. Bimbivale is also just 45 minutes from Tamworth and its Country Music Festival and AELEC (Australia Equine & Livestock Events Centre), or just 30 minutes from Armidale, host city to the University of New England and base for visiting the many National Parks and World Heritage Wilderness areas the region offers. Our camp sites are located along a central ridge line, which is fully accessible by motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers and two wheel drive cars in dry weather conditions. Most sites have a fire pit and access to water, but we recommend you byo drinking water. We can top up drinking water if required. Currently we prefer visitors who have their own ensuite/toilet facilities, although we will soon offer a toilet on-site. Sometimes we can offer eggs and fruit or vegetables from our orchard and garden. We are happy for your well-behaved dog to visit with you, as long as it remains confined or on a leash at all times. If you have more than 6 guests or 3 cars in your group, please book additional sites and we can ensure you are all able to camp together.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$49
 / night

8. 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

9. Bai-Yai River Eco-Camp & Artist Retreat

100%
(37)
59km from Armidale · 4 sites · Lodging
Bai-Yai is a 480 acre partly Conservation Covenanted property, 70 minutes south-west of Armidale & 70 minutes north-west of Tamworth. On the tablelands 700 metres above sea level, next door to Warrabah National Park. Our northern boundary is the Macdonald river, just before it drops westward through the gorges & changes its name to the Namoi.We're for the nature-lover who enjoys peace & quiet away from crowds, who values birdsong above the hum of cars & generators! Our facilities are simple but comfortable, all off-grid. There's a covered platform kitchen area overlooking some of the great river swimming spots for campers to enjoy, a pit toilet, simple shower, & fresh drinking water supplied daily. The owners house is out of sight but within coo-ee if needed.The river & general wildness of terrain make Bai-Yai camping not really suitable for young children who requite 24/7 supervision for their safety.CRITICAL: Please ensure your personal profile is completed including a photo before submitting a booking request.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night

10. The Hylands Wilderness Retreat

79%
(7)
79km from Armidale · 22 sites · Tents, RVs
We introduce you to ‘The Hylands’ 830 acres of undisturbed tranquility. A special beautiful wilderness, surrounded by ancient trees, an abundance of bird life, with a long, main completely private and secluded river and multiple creeks with deep swimming holes, waterfalls. and rapids to explore. Will completely wipe the tears of stress from your eyes and instil a deep sense of overwhelming peace. Get completely immersed in the magic of the Australian bush with endless ancient gullies to explore, steep hills and high country fauna and flora, undiscovered hiking trails, mountain biking tracks, and long rides if you have your own horses. If you’re into the setting yourself challenges of any kind this place is yours! If your not then this also is your perfect getaway…from kayaking challenges the full length of the rivers or casual boating floating around large swimming holes with a fishing rod in hand admiring the variety of terrain we can offer here The Hylands is for you.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$53
 / night

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