The best bell tents near Ballina

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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.

88% (333) 9 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ballina

Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay

1. Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay

93%
(324)
22km from Ballina · 214 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$225
 / night
Cedar Waters Regen. Living Hub

2. Cedar Waters Regen. Living Hub

94%
(187)
79km from Ballina · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Cedar Waters Regenerative Living Hub, a 52-acre site managed by Grounded Permaculture Action Party Inc. Grounded is a not-for-profit community org on the mission to regenerate our sacred connection to country, community and culture. Our creek flat is set up to host guests for camping. It has; - 2WD accessibility, cars, vans, tents all ok. - RVs and camper suitable (no power, water, or disposal systems) - all campsites flat and well-grassed. - communal camp kitchen with pizza oven, water, and gas cookers available - compost toilets (no showers) The pristine waters of Cave Creek flow through the site after falling through the infamous Natural Bridge. Bordering Springbrook National Park there are plenty of hikes and walks nearby to satisfy exploratory vibes. Otherwise, you can just sit back and enjoy the beauty, peace and quiet of this little slice of paradise. We can also offer many optional extras for private group bookings (large tents/marquees, generators, wood-fired hot tub, sauna, guided farm tour, paddock-to-plate produce etc). The income generated from Hipcamp is used to continue to manage, maintain and regenerate the site.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
AU$133
 / night
Petaurus Gardens

3. Petaurus Gardens

96%
(51)
49km from Ballina · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
AU$97
 / night
Wildland Homestead

4. Wildland Homestead

73%
(11)
39km from Ballina · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to the Wildland Homestead. Our off-grid organic family farm. We have a campsite on our self sufficient permaculture property. Our campground is setup separately and 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$164
 / night

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.

88% (333) 9 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ballina

Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay

1. Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay

93%
(324)
22km from Ballina · 214 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$225
 / night
Cedar Waters Regen. Living Hub

2. Cedar Waters Regen. Living Hub

94%
(187)
79km from Ballina · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Cedar Waters Regenerative Living Hub, a 52-acre site managed by Grounded Permaculture Action Party Inc. Grounded is a not-for-profit community org on the mission to regenerate our sacred connection to country, community and culture. Our creek flat is set up to host guests for camping. It has; - 2WD accessibility, cars, vans, tents all ok. - RVs and camper suitable (no power, water, or disposal systems) - all campsites flat and well-grassed. - communal camp kitchen with pizza oven, water, and gas cookers available - compost toilets (no showers) The pristine waters of Cave Creek flow through the site after falling through the infamous Natural Bridge. Bordering Springbrook National Park there are plenty of hikes and walks nearby to satisfy exploratory vibes. Otherwise, you can just sit back and enjoy the beauty, peace and quiet of this little slice of paradise. We can also offer many optional extras for private group bookings (large tents/marquees, generators, wood-fired hot tub, sauna, guided farm tour, paddock-to-plate produce etc). The income generated from Hipcamp is used to continue to manage, maintain and regenerate the site.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
AU$133
 / night
Petaurus Gardens

3. Petaurus Gardens

96%
(51)
49km from Ballina · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
AU$97
 / night
Wildland Homestead

4. Wildland Homestead

73%
(11)
39km from Ballina · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to the Wildland Homestead. Our off-grid organic family farm. We have a campsite on our self sufficient permaculture property. Our campground is setup separately and 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$164
 / night

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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.

Popular Ballina glamping styles