Ranch camping near Boat Harbour

Beaches, bushlands, and ocean views surround this port town.

99% (1303 reviews)
99% (1303 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Boat Harbour

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Under $50

12 top ranch campgrounds near Boat Harbour

97%
(230)

Bucketts Way Camp n Stay

20 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Twelve Mile Creek, NSW
Being only 2 hours from Sydney and 470 metres off the Pacific Highway, north of Newcastle, Port Stephens, we are set on 25 acres, with large sites, most drive through (dry weather only) for your convenience. We have hot showers ($1 for 3min hot water), fresh water, amenities and a very large Camp Kitchen. Wonderful amenities facility for campers to enjoy, with access to drinking water, toilets, (wet area) showers. The camp kitchen is a very comfortable space to prepare and eat meals under cover, and there is access to a kettle, toaster and microwave as well as a cooktop. Campers have reception to 4G. We have installed a turning lane entrance with boom gate security. When you arrive and set up, you will be able to ramble around our property and enjoy the ambience of the beautiful tree studded campground. Sit back in the afternoon and enjoy nature at its best and then a beautiful warm campfire, perfect!! ​Whether you're camping in a tent or vehicle, there's plenty of space to set up. The campsite is grassy and level, and 2WD accessible. We offer water hookup for caravans fill then disconnect $2, and there is a dump point for your camping toilet. Generators are permitted from 8am till 5pm (extreme heat on the day consideration). Pets welcome.
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from 
AU$40
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(41)

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.
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from 
AU$50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(238)

The Riverside Farm Escape Minimbah

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents103 acres · Forster, NSW
The Riverside Farm Escape is a family owned cattle farm situated on the Wang Wauk River in Minimbah on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Our property has very well maintained, grassy camping ground, RV stop and modern 2 bedroom vanhome/cabin that overlooks the picturesque Wang Wauk River that feeds the magnificent Wallis Lakes. The Riverside property is 103 acres of rich farmland and has over 500 meters of river frontage, ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing, with water access to Forster / Tuncurry. The property also boasts a beautiful dam, full of flowering lillies, great for the kids to kayak and swim in. We have lots of natural bush and wildlife including wallabies, kangaroos, lizards and native birds. Camp grounds are accessible via 2wd/4wd (Non-powered and powered sites) Family friendly Pets welcome (on leash) Fire Pits provided for all sites Firewood available for purchase from host Local Attractions: NABIAC VILLAGE (7MINS AWAY) - Supermarket, cafes, chemist, Hotel/pub, Post office, Dump point, potable water, Artisan Farmer - paddock to plate. Tuncurry/Forster (25 MINS AWAY) - Beaches, restaurants, entertainment, shopping Barrington Tops (25 Mins) Blueys Beach (50 mins) Port Macquarie (60mins)
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from 
AU$40
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(75)

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.
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from 
AU$45
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(24)

Willowbank

5 sites · RVs, Tents252 acres · Stroud Road, NSW
"Willowbank" is a stunning 252 acre property located in the picturesque Stroud Road valley with 1km of river frontage. The property has been in our family for 4 generations! Being bought by Ian's great grandfather in the 1920's. We cater for guests that are looking to get back to nature. Enjoy the great outdoors without feeling overcrowded! We want our guests to be happy and have the best experience possible. Located only 8 minutes drive from the historical town of Stroud which was settled by the AA Company in the 1820's as a food growing area. There are still many beautiful buildings from that period to explore. A dairy farm for many years, we switched over to beef around 15 years ago. Currently we run around 120 head of Angus and mixed breed cattle. Within 3 hours drive of Sydney and around an hour from the Barrington National Parks, Newcastle, Maitland, Forster and Nelson Bay, it makes it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway! We are offering four beautiful partly shaded, camping sites along the pristine Upper Karuah River. With two adjoining sites at The Paperbarks that can be booked seperately or if you would like the whole place to yourselves, book both! If the other sIte is already booked and you would like a little more space we have a few other areas we can show you. Alternatively, there are also two other sites further down the river, these are 4wd accessible only. All sites are site only and no toilet or shower facilities are provided. You will need to bring your own camping toilet or self contained caravan/ camper (which can be emptied at the dump point located in Stroud township 10 minutes drive away). Access to The Paperbarks sites is provided by the unsealed council road right to the sites. The sites themselves are subject to wet weather so 4wd vehicles are preferred though 2wd vehicles may be parked just off the road if it gets a bit wet. Please note, we do have a house up the hill from these sites. It faces away from the area though. The Rapids and Riverview sites are accessed via a laneway through the property. These sites are for 4wd drive vehicles with tents or camper trailers only. As sites are located along the riverbank, at times they are subject to flooding. This may mean that camping there may not be suitable at all times and you may need to move to higher ground in this event. The whole property is also cut off from road access during times of flood. Site 1 (The Paperbarks) the larger of the sites is suited to camper trailers, caravans, camper vans or tents. It has some flat areas and also some slightly sloping with river access. Bring your cricket bat and enjoy a game! Site 2 (The Paperbarks) is slightly smaller and is also suited to camper trailers, caravans, camper vans or tents. It also has a flat area with some slight slope and river access. Put up your hammock between the trees and just relax. Site 3 (The Rapids) and Site 4 (Riverview) are both private, flat sites with 4wd access only. Bring your tent, swag or camper trailer and enjoy the river rapids. The river bank is a little steep in places and access is via a track so please be mindful when walking. River shoes are also encouraged as the rocks in the river can be slippery. Perfect for a relaxing stay in summer with swimming, canoeing or floating on your raft down the river. Bring your fishing gear for some relaxing bass or mullet fishing (catch and release is encouraged). The pristine river is also home to platypus which can be seen early in the morning or late afternoon from the campsites. Please do not try and interact with these beautiful animals, photography is encouraged though! There are numerous birds, water dragons and wallabies that also inhabit the area around the campsites. Sit around the camp fire (restrictions permitting) and watch the stars with family and friends. Firepits are provided for use, subject to fire restriction periods. (Firewood may be purchased for $20 a bag) There are opportunities for bush walking, bird watching and mountain bike riding on the property. With beautiful views from the top of the mountain as well. Our farm is a working beef cattle property. Please be mindful that cattle and horses have free range of the property, which includes the road, so take care when driving. There will also be at times motorbikes, chainsaws and vehicles operating around the farm. We will endeavour to keep the noise away from campers where possible. There will also be the odd cow/horse poo and mooing at night in case anyone has an issue. Small to medium dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times. This is due to there being working dogs and cattle in the area. Sorry, NO LARGE DOGS allowed. Please also be aware that we are in a tick prone area so make sure your pet has adequate tick protection. We do have mobile phone reception with Telstra and Optus on the property. Historic Stroud township has a supermarket, butcher, chemist, cafes, a club and pub along with swimming pool, playground and skate park. Dungog is located 25 minutes drive away and also has many historic buildings and cafes etc. Gloucester is 40 minutes drive and offers similar as well as access to the World renowned wilderness of the Barrington Tops National Park. We hope to make your stay a pleasurable one with many happy memories made. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. ***sorry no parties allowed*** Your hosts, Jo and Ian.
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(517)

Spirit of the Forest

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents70 acres · Boolambayte, NSW
Spirit of the Forest is one of the oldest properties in the area. Many years ago  it was an old dairy farm, but it has been through many transitions since then.... uniquely situated only a few kms. from the majestic "Grandis" tree it has an abundance of wildlife close by, wallabies come out to feed on the pasture at dusk and dawn, mighty eagles soar overhead and beautiful Arabian horses run free in the paddocks.Trevor and Maya moved here from Berry NSW 17 years ago. Trevor is an internationally acclaimed entertainer and horse whisperer and Maya is an artist, author and lecturer. Both found the property a haven from their busy schedule of performing overseas.A unique 70 acre Arabian horse property, surrounded by Myall Lakes National Park 4 kms from "The Grandis" the tallest tree in NSW and 10 kms from Bulahdelah Town also near to beautiful North Coast beaches. There are many beautiful areas to choose from to camp, as well as a cabin.A portable 240v generator (1) is available for hire $10.00 a day, fuel included, advance booking.
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from 
AU$45
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(399)

Cranky Rock Hunter Valley

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Sweetmans Creek, NSW
Set at the base of the mountains on a beautiful valley floor, located in wine country in the lower Hunter Valley, Cranky Rock gets its name from a 25 tonne sandstone rock that graces our home. The 120 acre working beef and horse farm is situated a scenic 2 hour drive North from Sydney or 1 hour East from Newcastle. Whether you chose to stay of one of our campsites or in our pioneer-style cottage, all visitor being awoken to the natural bush sounds of lyre birds and cooling their heels in the crystal creek at the bottom of the property. On your way in or out, be sure to check out the boutique village of Wollombi which is just 10 minutes from Cranky Rock, where you'll enjoy wine tasting, fresh produce and quaint cafes. Other must-see's in the area include the Olney State Forest and the Wattagan National Park.The property is located just off a scenic drive, over a 2wd accessible creek crossing. It is peaceful and secluded. Campers can used shared kitchen and bathroom facilities located at the top of the camp area. Dogs are welcome, but as it's a working farm, we ask the remain on leash at all times. 
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from 
AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(71)

Hunter Valley Hill Top

32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Lovedale, NSW
Situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley, our 300 acre property boosts spectacular views over Hunter Valley and Wine country. Set amongst all the wineries this is the perfect spot to camp, set up your caravan or motorhome. We offer showers, toilets, BBQ facilities, function room, kiosk, campfire area, courtesy bus to our local hotel, concerts, wineries and much much more. We offer an extensive range of activities that include horse riding, tractor hayrides, ATV tours including a horse stud tour, bush walking, cray fishing, kayaking, spot lighting and more. Our Property boasts a fantastic array of wildlife, kangarros, wallabies, goannas, Wedge Tail eagles, Black Cockatoos, Possums etc etc. COME STAY AND PLAY AT HILL TOP!
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AU$150
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(58)

Purple Pear Farm Camping & RV's

9 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Anambah, NSW
Purple Pear Farm is a working Permaculture Farm and Education center. We have a wide range of animals from pigs to cows and a pony and all types and numbers of poultry. You can join us for "chores" in extras. We aim to provide a restful site close to other activities on the farm and in the Maitland area such as festivals and farm field days at Tocal. Guidance for a pleasant stay at Purple Pear Farm. • Speed limit is 5 km per hour. There are animals and children that may be in the driveway. • Respect private spaces on the farm (residences) and with other campers. • No noise after 9pm. • No drugs. • We are a working farm – for your safety and ours, please stay within the camping areas including the car park and shower block. • Supervised tours of the farm only – you can book for a tour or children’s morning or evening chores via Hipcamp or come and see us. • If there are aspects of the facilities you do not like please give us the opportunity to correct prior to your leaving/reviewing. • We welcome any feedback that helps make the stay worthwhile and improvements for the future.
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AU$35
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(27)

Rosebrook Eco Campgrounds

3 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Rutherford, NSW
Enjoy camping in an open paddock with beautiful views over the Hunter River (Coquun) and the rolling countryside. Located in the quiet rural suburb of Rosebrook, just 12 minutes from Maitland, and 30 minutes from Pokolbin. The property has an access point to the river, that guests are able to access at their own risk for fishing, swimming, or exploring. All guests must be fully self-contained, with their own camp toilet and we kindly ask you to take all waste when you go.
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AU$33
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

99 Hipcamp

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Cessnock, NSW
Close to vineyard concerts; close to vineyard restaurants; close to Hunter Valley wineries. 20 acres of 'almost parkland' with dam and small wooded area. Quiet and peaceful. Plenty of space to wander and explore. Park you van on the high side, but walk anywhere. And we have a very friendly cat called Gladys! :) Places of interest nearby might be the Bimbadeen Lookout, the Watagan Mountains viewing areas, Mount view look out - close to Wollombi and Broke historic villages. Lots of markets held nearby too!
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AU$22
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(113)

Camping @ Emerald Park Equine

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents112 acres · Mandalong, NSW
Located at Mandalong, a small rural community near the town of Morisset and west of Lake Macquarie, New South Wales.We offer campsites and glamping. Glamping @ Emerald Park means nothing better than relaxing. Imagine having your own glamping tent waiting for your arrival for the duration of your stay on a private property with amazing views.The established green 112 acre equine property has the Watagan Mountains as the backdrop. We are approximately 5 minutes off the M1 Motorway and 1 hour drive north of Sydney. For those wanting to explore further, we are 40 minutes out from the Hunter Valley and a nice drive to stunning local beaches, cafes and restaurants.Groups welcome! Special events, weddings birthdays, family gatherings - just ask.
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AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in Boat Harbour

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Ranch camping near Boat Harbour 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.

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