Camping near Boat Harbour with fishing
Beaches, bushlands, and ocean views surround this port town.
97% (2712 reviews)
- Boat Harbour
97% (2712 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Boat Harbour
Dog-friendly getaways
Under $50
12 top campgrounds near Boat Harbour with fishing
97%
(502)
Abstobys Retreat
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Bobs Farm, NSW
A private property with grass campsites by a tidal outlet to Port Stephens harbour.
You can spend your days fishing, kayaking or enjoying Nelson Bay and surrounding areas and beaches which are only 15 minutes away. Guests have the use of a retreat shelter/fire place/BBQ area and wifi.
Campers must try to be self contained bringing their own water, toilet and shower. Sorry, no caravans over 20ft. Suite solo travellers, couples wanting a quiet weekend and LGBT friendly. We do have available tank, rain water for drinking, a toilet and hot shower available for those who cannot be totally self contained. Yes there are mozzies because you are near water, so bring repellent.
Pets are welcome but must stay on a leash throughout your stay.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Please BYO firewood.
Fires are only permitted when there are no fire restrictions and in the designated fire pit and designated fire pit area for your own fire pit.
Children 16 & under stay for free. Please notify host if you are bringing children.
Please be careful and supervise young children near the water.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
AU$28
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(34)
Iggys Haven @ Anna Bay
8 sites · Tents25 acres · Anna Bay, NSW
Beautiful 25 acres with natural wild life, Koalas, Kangaroos, Flying Squirrels, Kookaburras and much more.
Located amongst 27 beaches (Samurai Nudist beach is one of them) around the Port Stephens peninsula with entry point to the largest sand dunes on the Eastern coast of Australia…stretching 41 kilometres.
4WD, camel rides or some great fishing at Birubi Beach NSW.
Property is located off grid, but also 2 min from Anna Bay Tavern, 3 min drive to the nearest rock pools and some fine surf.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$90
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
73%
(32)
The Heart of Port Stephens
6 sites · RVs, Tents88 acres · Bobs Farm, NSW
"Our campsite in located in Bobs Farm -Port Stephens is a beautiful coastal town in New South Wales, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to surf, fish, swim, or just relax on the beach, Port Stephens has something for everyone. Don't miss out on visiting One Mile Beach, Tomaree Head, or the Stockton Sand Dunes during your stay. And if you're interested in marine life, be sure to check out Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters and the Port Stephens Shell Museum. Book your stay now and start exploring this amazing destination!"
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$28
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(281)
Fame Mountain Camp - pets welcome
7 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Pindimar, NSW
We are a "farm stay" style camp in an actively managed pine forest located in the middle of the north shore of Port Stephens. There is lots of space for campers so you will have privacy whilst you enjoy your camping adventure.Our property is conveniently located just 5 mins off the Pacific Highway but a world away. You'll be 2 mins away from Pindimar Beach and 11 mins from Bennetts beach and Jimmy's beach. Good fishing pretty much everywhere you can wet a line.
We have clean flush toilets and showers facilities.
The campsite has good Mobile Phone Signal.
Free firewood. Each campsite has its own fire pit.
Pets are welcome, but please pick up after them.
We have a gentle and well trained German Shepherd who adores kids but she likes to stay inside the house and doesn't wander around the campsites .
Important Note: PLEASE PUT OUT YOUR CAMPFIRE WHEN YOU LEAVE YOUR CAMPSITE TO AVOID STARTING A BUSH FIRE. NO LOUD MUSIC AFTER 10:00 PM. IF You Have more than 1 camper trailer or caravan or more than 3 vehicles/site please contact host before booking.
Please note this property is a working private pine forest. Therefore, as and when the weather is right we could be, logging the forest, milling the logs, or drying the large dimension traditional timber framing lumber. In the near future we will be running sustainable building classes from the property. i.e. showing people how to economically build their own tiny homes using timber sourced from their own land.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$70
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(40)
One Mile Paradise
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · One Mile, NSW
Our property is located at One Mile Beach in Port Stephens, we are on 1 acre of land and are only offering 1 site so you will have plenty of privacy. Our property is child friendly with access to our large cubby house and trampoline available. We have two friendly, placid dogs on the property and we welcome other friendly pets to the property. We are close to plenty of wonderful attractions, activities including, Quad Biking, Koala Sanctuary, Camel Rides, Sting Ray Centre and 4WD on Birubi Beach (permit required). We are a 10 minute drive from Tomaree National Park which has plenty of beautiful walks including the summit of Mt Tomaree walk. One Mile Beach is a stunning beach which is perfect for families and surfing enthusiasts. It is bordered by a large park with BBQ and playground facilities. You can also access Bennett's Head lookout from here and enjoy the stunning views.. The area is surrounded by plenty of stunning beaches which offer amazing swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Port Stephens has a number of great cafes and restaurants you can enjoy. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$60
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
82%
(663)
Dungog Showground Camping
18 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Dungog, NSW
Dungog Shire is in the Hunter Region of NSW and is renowned for its forests, mountains and picturesque river villages. Go for a scenic drive through historical villages, you will find beautiful picnic areas or take a walk in the World Heritage listed Barrington Tops National Park.
Dungog is bordered in the north by the Barrington Tops plateau, which is part of the Great Dividing Range. The Shire consists predominantly of very rugged to hilly country which becomes less rugged from north to south.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from
AU$18
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
92%
(58)
Fernbrook
8 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Stroud Road, NSW
Nestled within the picturesque Karuah River catchment area, Fernbrook is a working poultry and cattle farm, set over eight peaceful acres, and just five km away from the historic Stroud township.
Spend evenings around the firepits (when fire restrictions are not in place), roasting marshmallows and stargazing under the night sky. Mornings are filled with the melodies of birds and wildlife, allowing you to truly reconnect with nature. Encounter local Red Necked Wallabies, Eastern Grey Roos, and the occasional Echidna.
A haven for birdwatchers, the area teems with bird life, including King Parrots, Eastern and Crimson Rosellas, Kookaburras, Yellow Tailed and Glossy Black Cockatoos, satin bowerbirds, and various honey eaters.
Mill Creek, which runs through the property, offers Bass fishing and summertime paddling and swimming opportunities. There is a short walking trail along the eastern bank of the creek to another small picnic area. Keep in mind this trail was created by and is shared with the local wildlife.
Adventure awaits just minutes from our property, as kilometers of public bush tracks cater to hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts.
Alternatively, explore the charm of Stroud, with its country pub, golf club, shops, cafes, and free public swimming pool. Local conveniences include our friendly country butcher and IGA supermarket. With roots dating back to the late 1820s, Stroud boasts a rich history as the headquarters of the Australian Agricultural Company. Join us each July for the renowned Stroud Brick throwing competition!
The camping area is caravan-friendly, but mindful access during wet weather is crucial to preserving the landscape.
Fernbrook welcomes your furry companions too but requires dogs to be supervised and leashed at all times for their safety and that of our livestock. Leaving dogs off-leash may lead to eviction without refund, and any harm to livestock or dogs must be avoided.
Basic amenities include a toilet (please bring your own environmentally friendly toilet paper) and shower. Campers may use our rainwater to fill their tanks, and hot water connections are available, with campers providing their own gas bottles. A small kitchenette equipped with a sink, cupboards, microwave, and power outlets for fry pans is available, with clear labeling of personal belongings.
We provide firepits for your enjoyment and offer firewood upon request for a fee. Alternatively, campers may bring their own firewood.
Please remember to take all waste with you upon departure.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(25)
Peaceful Pond
3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · The Branch, NSW
Peaceful Pond is our 10-acre property in bushland, just 15 minutes from the village of Karuah, NSW.
The pond has an island, reached via a floating bridge. Enjoy the tranquility of listening to the abundant birdlife, or swim in the cool, clear water, among the waterlilies. If you prefer more activity you can paddle a kayak or go for a bush walk. There are pushbikes available to ride through the bush tracks to the river, if you feel energetic. You may see wallabies and kangaroos, goannas, and even echidnas. The dark night skies are ablaze with stars for you to enjoy.
Tim and Vicki will welcome you with some fresh eggs for your breakfast, and give you access to drinking water from their rainwater tank.
We offer several camping sites tucked around the property. All for self-contained campers, with no access to power or running water, so campers must have their own toilet.
Fires are permitted in firepits provided when weather and fire ratings allow. Firewood is provided.
Pets are welcome, as long as they are on a lead or under close control, to ensure the safety of the wildlife.
Relax, unwind, and listen to the sounds of nature.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(74)
Stoney Creek
35 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Boolambayte, NSW
Stoney Creek is on 70 acres, in the middle of the national park, and offers campers a beautiful mixture of rainforested areas and clear grassed paddocks, just 1 hour from Newcastle.
It's very peaceful here, with options for bushwalking and birdwatching. Creeks run through the property, providing some lovely areas to explore. Stoney Creek is also the closest property to the famous Grandis - the biggest tree in NSW!
There are portable toilet facilities available. Showers are made available by appointment only. Please ask.
Large swimming lagoon for the kids - please just ensure they are supervised around the dam at all times.
Dogs welcome.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$45
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(99)
Noonameena
7 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Salt Ash, NSW
Noonameena is a beautiful retreat that feels secluded from the world, yet is just a stones throw from shops, beach, good food and parklands. We offer a number of grassy, level sites, some with shade, others with sun, all with bushland to the rear. There is also a pond/dam area, and lots of wildlife. We have a fire pit for communal use.
The kangaroos will come and visit you early in the morning, and in the evening. You will also see lots of different parrots and birds. We even have goannas and echidnas about and the black cockatoos will come in for a visit.
You will need to bring your own camp toilet, as we don't have facilities here.
Pets are welcome but please keep them on a lead at all times as we have lots of wildlife around!
Please note, when we have heavy rain, the ground can get boggy. We are very mindful to keep tabs on the weather for our guests, and will be in good communication with you in the lead up to your stay should we suspect there to be any issues. Whilst camping by the beautiful dam is lovely in fine weather, when it's raining, it’s best to camp towards the front of the property on higher ground. We'll advise the best solution in these circumstances.
LET US KNOW about your preferred booking even if it appears booked out, as we can probably make it work or have ALTERNATIVE solutions for you!
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from
AU$55
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(38)
The Branch River Retreat
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents108 acres · The Branch, NSW
Our property is a private farm and we ask you contact us first to ensure we can provide the facilities suitable for you. The farm has limited facilities, but is the perfect setting for birdwatchers and native animal lovers. A rare offering is the diversity as estuary dolphins gently make their way past the riverside sites at least once a day. The Branch River Retreat offers 110 acres with a diversity of sites beside a wide river, a fish-filled dam and other scattered paddock sites among trees and dams. This will suit off-road independent caravaners and tent dwellers. The river is lined with mangroves and branches off the Karuah River and into the Port Stephens system.
The extraordinarily diverse birdlife includes the quintessentially Australian Wedge-tailed eagle and sea eagles, hawks, and Tawny Frogmouths. Be lulled asleep under starry nights and be woken by Magpies and Kookaburras, and be dazzled by the colourful parrots and smaller shyer birds. You may even be visited by curious Kangaroos, Wallabies, or Echidnas. For the lucky few, you may espy a Koala along the foreshore. For this reason, while we accept dogs, they must be on a leash (if not just for their own safety).
The rest of the property enjoys aspects of undulating landscapes with small mountains and valleys. The night sky puts on its own stellar show between setting suns and rising moons.
The boat ramp offers easy access for kayaks and canoes (no motor vessels please). Or just sit on a camper chair and dangle your feet in the water while watching the mud crabs go about their social business.
Riverside sites are not powered and do not have water or sewerage. They are situated within 10m to 25m of each other and if this is too close, we recommend booking two sites. (For this reason we have kept the price lower.) Generally, we prefer campers to be 100% self-contained, with their own toilet. A toilet is however accessible, but some 300m to 400m distance from the dams and rivers. There is cold potable running water here for topping up.
There are sealed roads to the front gate to access the property from north and south.
All-weather gravel road access is available, although paddock sites can only be accessed by vehicle during dry periods. Weather willing, we can provide more secluded sites by some lovely dams.
If touring around the area is your aspiration, the property lies central to Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest, the Great Lakes district, Stroud Valley, Dungog, Gloucester/Barrington Tops, Nelson Bay, and Newcastle. Local groceries can be sourced from Karuah and Stroud.
Activities include:
- Bird/nature watching
- Paddling/canoeing
- Fishing
- Bike riding
(No motor vessels please)
- Surface type: grass or paddock leveled areas and others with slight slopes and accessed with the essential 4WD (of course subject to weather).
- Generally fair to good Mobile phone access.
- It will be necessary to BYO or Preorder firewood for applicable sites out of fire season, (where facilities are provided).
- No electrical connections unless by arrangement (for longer term Hipcampers)
- We treat our own sewerage.
- No generators please.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$50
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(448)
La Cascina
3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Floraville, NSW
*****No toilet or shower available at this listing. You must bring your own. PLEASE BE AWARE ENTRY TO THE PROPERTY IS STEEP. Entry is not ideal for large caravans or campervans. *****
We do not allow fires at the campsite between the 1st of October and the 1st of March. We apologise for any inconvenience to this rule.
La Cascina is a small property on a hill surrounded by trees and bushland. There are two main camping areas which would suite tent and small to medium van/car camping. There is access to neighbouring bushland with nice short walks available in the area. Only 20 minutes by car to Newcastle CBD, 10 minutes by car to Redhead Beach and 5 minutes by car to Lake Macquarie.
La Cascina is a great spot to stop overnight on a road trip or to get away for the weekend to relax. We have no toilets so please bring your own. The access to the property is a steep sealed driveway.
Site 1 is an open site with plenty of shade. The area is flat. More suited to larger camping setups. This site is less private. There is vision of the neighbouring property and an overflow campsite 50 meters away.
Site 2 is a more uneven surface area which is better for smaller vans and tents.
Redhead Beach is the closest dog beach 10 minutes by car.
Croudace Bay is a dog park on the lake which is 5 minutes by car.
This is a family owned acreage that brings the best parts of environmental living with the benefits of being close to the coast and a city. A very long time ago it was the site of a quarry. The nature has returned and we are left with a beautiful forested acreage.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Available this weekend
Star Hosts in Boat Harbour
Camping near Boat Harbour with fishing guide
Overview
Rocky headlands and sandy shores hem in the tiny port of Boat Harbour on the south coast of the Port Stephens peninsula. Hike along the seashore to spot humpback whales along the rocks, head down to the beach to swim and sunbathe, or enjoy fishing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. Two national parks lie on either side of the village—zip along the beaches of Worimi Regional Park in a 4WD or discover the bushwalking trails and surf beaches of Tomaree National Park. Camp at One Mile Beach just north of Boat Harbour, or choose from holiday parks around the peninsula.
Where to go
Great Lakes
North of Boat Harbour, the Myall, Smiths, and Wallis Lakes make up the Great Lakes region, surrounded by golden beaches and lush rainforest. Camp at coastal towns such as Forster, Bulahdelah, and Pacific Palms; cruise around the Myall Lakes National Park in a houseboat or kayak; or hike through the rainforest in the Booti Booti National Park.
Central Coast
To the south, the Central Coast of NSW runs from Newcastle all the way to Sydney. Wildlife watching opportunities abound—spot migrating whales from Shelly Beach or pelicans around the lakes and lagoons of The Entrance. On route to Sydney, the beaches and waterways of the Brisbane Water National Park and Bouddi National Park are ideal for camping, cruising, and bird-watching.
Greater Blue Mountains
Inland from Boat Harbour, the Yengo and Wollemi National Parks are part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are popular ways to explore, or you can venture off-road in a 4WD. Camping here is all about getting back to nature, with backcountry campsites reachable only on foot or by 4WD.
When to go
NSW’s balmy summers (December through February) are the most popular time for swimming and water sports along the coast of Boat Harbour. Temperatures are mild year-round and rarely drop below 10°C, even on winter evenings, so it’s possible to camp at any time. Visit between May and August to spot humpback whales on their annual migration.
Know before you go
- Buses run to Boat Harbour from Newcastle, but to explore the coast and national parks, you’ll need your own vehicle.
- There are no shops in Boat Harbour—the closest supermarket is in Salamander Bay, a 10-minute drive away.
- Fire bans are common in New South Wales during summer and dry periods, so check local recommendations before lighting your campfire.
- A permit is required to camp within NSW’s national parks, and campsites must be booked in advance.
Top cities near Boat Harbour
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.