The best bell tent rentals near Ballina, New South Wales

The gateway to the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Ballina tends to get overlooked in the rush to get to the more popular holiday hot spots of Byron Bay and beyond. Those who do take time to explore this spot on the mouth of the Richmond River find 32 kilometres of beaches and a maze of waterways flanked by World Heritage-listed rainforest. Area caravan parks are popular with anglers, paddlers, and boaties, as well as families thanks to resort-style facilities and adventure playgrounds. Many of Ballina’s best attractions are free—the South Ballina breakwall nearly guarantees dolphin sightings, while the coastal lookouts and headlands are fantastic spots to see whales.

Ballina is just a half hour drive south of Byron Bay, one of the most popular holiday spots in northern NSW. Browse the boutiques and galleries, dine out in one of the many cafes or restaurants, and head up to the Cape Byron lighthouse for spectacular views. The lovely seaside village of Brunswick Heads, which has some good-value riverside caravan parks, is just a short drive further north of Byron Bay.

The stretch of coastline that runs south of Ballina to Evans Head and beyond to the Clarence River on the north side of Yamba is one of the least developed in New South Wales. Most of it is protected within Bundjalung National Park, which has some superb beachside camping sites.

Home to some of the best surfing in the NSW (Angourie Point was the first official surfing reserve in the state) and famous for its prawns and seafood, this holiday town at the mouth of the Clarence River makes for an ideal camping getaway. Take a dip in the ocean swimming pools, kayak the river, or explore the World Heritage-listed rainforest in Iluka.

Perfectly positioned between the rainforest and the sea, this prosperous riverside city 35 kilometres west of Ballina is full of historic architecture and has a lively arts scene.

89% (181)

Top-rated campgrounds

The gateway to the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Ballina tends to get overlooked in the rush to get to the more popular holiday hot spots of Byron Bay and beyond. Those who do take time to explore this spot on the mouth of the Richmond River find 32 kilometres of beaches and a maze of waterways flanked by World Heritage-listed rainforest. Area caravan parks are popular with anglers, paddlers, and boaties, as well as families thanks to resort-style facilities and adventure playgrounds. Many of Ballina’s best attractions are free—the South Ballina breakwall nearly guarantees dolphin sightings, while the coastal lookouts and headlands are fantastic spots to see whales.

Ballina is just a half hour drive south of Byron Bay, one of the most popular holiday spots in northern NSW. Browse the boutiques and galleries, dine out in one of the many cafes or restaurants, and head up to the Cape Byron lighthouse for spectacular views. The lovely seaside village of Brunswick Heads, which has some good-value riverside caravan parks, is just a short drive further north of Byron Bay.

The stretch of coastline that runs south of Ballina to Evans Head and beyond to the Clarence River on the north side of Yamba is one of the least developed in New South Wales. Most of it is protected within Bundjalung National Park, which has some superb beachside camping sites.

Home to some of the best surfing in the NSW (Angourie Point was the first official surfing reserve in the state) and famous for its prawns and seafood, this holiday town at the mouth of the Clarence River makes for an ideal camping getaway. Take a dip in the ocean swimming pools, kayak the river, or explore the World Heritage-listed rainforest in Iluka.

Perfectly positioned between the rainforest and the sea, this prosperous riverside city 35 kilometres west of Ballina is full of historic architecture and has a lively arts scene.

89% (181)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay

94%

(286)

22km from Ballina · 214 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Byron Bay, NSW

This northern New South Wales hotspot needs no introduction. Byron Bay attracts some two million visitors to its sandy shores each year. To see what makes this beach holiday destination so alluring, stay amongst Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay’s 28 acres of parklands which fronts onto the famous Tallow Beach. Whether you like to caravan, camp, or stay in a cabin, there is a range of accommodation options at Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay to suit any holiday style.

2. Petaurus Gardens

96%

(36)

49km from Ballina · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bungawalbin, NSW

Set Amongst 100 acers of abundant native fauna and flora including riparian rainforest and semi-mesic open grass forest dominated by large Forest Red Gums with a series of freshwater lagoons spread across the property and bordered by the Bungawalbin Creek on the west and private conservation land on the north and east. This property is the essence of tranquil Australian camping, set up from the beginning to be completely off grid this property offers a true escape from a busy life. Listen to native bird calls and enjoy a scenic trek along one of our many walking trails, perfect for birdwatchers or nature enthusiast alike. Our unique location enables us to offer a wide range of eco minded activities from hiking in the nearby Bungawalbin National Park to water activities along the Bungawalbin creek. We are conveniently located only 20 mins from the M1 motorway, with many of the North Coast great attractions only being a short drive from us, including: Evans head 20min. Lismore 30min. Byron bay 40min. Gold Coast 1.5 hr Petaurus Gardens offers a mix of sites, from glamping tents ready to go for a magical stay to unpowered sites for camping or vans or try one of our forest camp sites set by the creek amongst tall Red Gums. PLEASE NOTE ROAD WORKS, DRAINAGE WORKS AND PATH RAISING WORK IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY TO IMPROVE ACCESS, PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY ON ARRIVAL, SOME SITE PARKING MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE.

3. Wildland Homestead

73%

(11)

39km from Ballina · 4 sites · Lodging · Tuntable Creek, NSW

Welcome to the Wildland Homestead. Our off-grid organic family farm. We have a campsite on our self sufficient permaculture property. Our glamping bell tent setup is separately & privately down by the creek. Our property is situated 15mins from Nimbin, 20mins from the Nightcap National Park and Protesters Falls, 25mins from Lismore and 45mins from Byron Bay. We hope you respect the land and keep it clean. Thank you.

4. Figtree Camping & Glamping

100%

(10)

65km from Ballina · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · West Wiangaree, NSW

Figtree Camping &Glamping is set on an operation cattle farm sprawling the banks of the Richmond River in Kyogle, Northern NSW. The nature here at Figtree is incredible, we have a large array of native flora and fauna. Figtree Camping & Glamping offers 3 sites from self-contained sites where you can camp with all your own gear or full-service Glamping site, called 'Silky Oak'.

Stories from the community

P

Parina

3 weeks ago

1 night at Petaurus Gardens

We had such a great stay at Petaurus Garden! Chris was an awesome host — he upgraded us to a larger tent since it was just me and my husband, and made sure we had everything we needed, including extra torches, lighters, and other essentials. He even offered us a bike ride, which was such a nice touch. We also went kayaking and explored the walking trails around the property- such a peaceful and beautiful spot. There was hot water available for tea and coffee too, which made the mornings even better. Highly recommend this place for a relaxing nature getaway! We will definitely be back 💛

J

Juan carlos

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Petaurus Gardens

I loved the place — everything was tidy, very clean, and peaceful. We felt very welcomed. If you’re looking for a place to escape the routine, this is the perfect spot. Thank you so much!

M

Mel

October 2025

1 night at Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay

In general the camp site is super clean and well looked after. The Tent was beautifully set up - however would have been great to have more space between the tents. Facilities were great and late check in was easy.

Damon

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Petaurus Gardens

Chris has done a most wonderful job of setting up his camp sites. Our Glamping Tent was very well appointed, extremely comfortable and in a beautiful setting. The toilets and showers were extremely clean and a pleasure to use. Chris went to a lot of trouble throughout our stay to provide the most excellent service. He provided firewood, extra blankets, tea and coffee, local area advice and a level of service we were not expecting in a camp site. The location is also brilliant. Only 30 minutes from Evans Head meant we had the best of both worlds. Privacy and seclusion in a bush setting along with easy access to towns and beaches. We were blown away with the effort Chris has gone to in order to provide the best possible experience for his guests. Congratulations!! P.S. The on-site Paddymelons were an unexpected treat.

O

Olle

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Petaurus Gardens

My friends and I stayed in the glamping tents. It was very spacious and comfy. The Pataurus Native Gardens was the most relaxing and peaceful place. Chris was a fantastic host and well accommodating for his guests. The place itself says it all, native plants and wildlife were amazing and spacious. Nature walk was so peaceful and cooling for us. I would say the all 3 days was so amazing. I will highly recommend this property. Thank you Chris for your warm nature and hospitality. Thank you for sharing your amazing native property with us.

S

Senorita

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Petaurus Gardens

I had an amazing time here! Chris is just wonderful. He was so accommodating and arranged everything for us. The tents were cozy and comfortable to sleep in! Chris also has tea and coffee arrangements at the entrance. Just note that the toilets are compost toilets. Everything else was just perfect! Would love to come and stay in the bigger tent

S

Soyas

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Petaurus Gardens

We loved our glamping site, all the surroudings and mainly the hot shower was cherry on top as we had long distance drive ahead. Would love to go back again

M

Micah

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Petaurus Gardens

Amazing! Friendly! Such a great place to get away from it all

So cozy at night, it was all set up for us

T

Trisha

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Petaurus Gardens

This is an amazing place! We stayed for two nights, four adults and three kids and hired out the large glamping tent plus one tent site directly opposite. Chris is amazing! Such a warm and professional welcome and made us feel right at home. The glamping tent was very luxurious and all the amenities were wonderful. The shower was heavenly! Beautiful grounds, great walks for most abilities. We loved the fire pit, and loved toasting marshmallows and star gazing at night. Great wildlife on the property and the flora was great to walk through. We took a trip to Byron Bay during one of the days, very doable, the kids loved it. Highly recommend Chris and Petaurus Gardens...thank you so much for making our stay so memorable.

J

Jacob

September 2025

1 night at Wildland Homestead

Great spot along the water . Couldn’t ask for anything more here will be back

Adri

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Petaurus Gardens

We stayed at the glamping site and it was absolutely amazing! The tent was super comfortable and well set up, with everything we needed for a relaxing stay. The surroundings were peaceful and beautiful, and it felt like the perfect mix of nature and comfort. It was honestly one of the best camping experiences we’ve had – highly recommend!

T

Theresa

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Petaurus Gardens

Chris is really friendly and helpful, offered us an upgrade to a larger tent and helped us to set the fire. Hot shower is also perfect. Recommend for couples to spend a weekend there! The best thing we spotted an echidna in the bush at night. Very cute.

Lauren

September 2025

1 night at Petaurus Gardens

My partner and I loved glamping in the tents at Petaurus Gardens. If you want a quiet getaway surrounded by gumtrees, waking up to bird calls, then this is the place for you. With trails leading to freshwater reservoirs, creeks, and a unique bush beach, there are spaces to explore. Chris was super helpful and kind. He set up our fire and made sure we had everything we needed, with advice on the cool spots on the land to check out. The rustic bathroom block was great for a hot shower at the end of a peaceful day.

Erin-john

July 2025

2 nights at Petaurus Gardens

Communication with the owner isn't the best. There was no toilet paper in the toilet the first night. For somewhere to stay in the cold times warm bedding was lacking. It is a beautiful place but needs tonstepmupma level for the cost

Caio

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Petaurus Gardens

We spent an amazing weekend in this beautiful and very cozy tent. Advice to take your kitchen as it doesn’t have there. The host said they are installing one.

M

Mic

July 2025

1 night at Petaurus Gardens

The experience was great and Chris was amazing. We were the only campers so he upgraded us to a bigger tent which he did not need to do. Would definitely recommend!!

v

viviana

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Petaurus Gardens

It’s a quiet place. The owner makes you feel at home.

C

Chloe

April 2025

1 night at Wildland Homestead

I had a wonderful stay at this campsite. The place was cozy and peaceful, surrounded by nature. One of the best parts was the beautiful creek right in front of the site. At night, the sound of the flowing water filled the air, creating a calm and soothing atmosphere. It was the perfect getaway to unwind and recharge. Highly recommend!

M

Meg

April 2025

1 night at Petaurus Gardens

We had such a lovely stay at this camp site the setting was peaceful and beautiful. The facilities were great even had hot water and the tents were amazing. The host really made it stand out. We had a run of bad luck with our car, and he went absolutely above and beyond to help us out. From offering advice to physically helping us sort things out, he was incredibly kind and generous with his time. Highly recommend staying here, not just for the gorgeous setup and great facilities but for the amazing hospitality. Thank you again!

Kori

April 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Petaurus Gardens

Booked two of the glamping tents to camp with a friend and our kids. Host was very helpful and attentive, setting us up with a fire and free insect repellent. This place was more established than I expected. Didn't get a chance to do any of the activities (kayaking, mountain biking etc) but had a really great time nonetheless. Great price as well 😊

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best bell tents near Ballina guide

When to go

Like the rest of the NSW North Coast and Northern Rivers region, Ballina gets very busy during summer and Easter school holidays. The best time to go is late spring or early autumn when you’ll find the beaches practically deserted, along with warm weather. June through to November is the best time to see whales.

Know before you go

The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is just 5 kilometres from the centre of Ballina, and is well serviced by domestic flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, and Canberra.
The Ballina Visitor Information Centre is at 6 River St, and has easy parking for large motorhomes and caravans.
There is no free camping in the Ballina Shire.
Don’t leave Ballina without snapping a selfie at the Big Prawn—it’s nine metres high and weighs 35 tonnes. You’ll find it in the carpark of Bunnings hardware store on River Street.