The best star host camping near Bowral

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The biggest town in the Southern Highlands, Bowral is a popular place for Sydneysiders to visit for weekend getaways or Sunday drives. Just 90 minutes south of the Harbour City, the town is brimming with art galleries and boutiques, all while serving as a jumping-off point into the Highlands.

99% (4.3K) 93 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Bowral

Secrets of Terara

1. Secrets of Terara

99%
(104)
49km from Bowral · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This enchanting tree-filled, 13-acre property is located in the beautiful South Coast region of NSW, close to the spectacular beaches of Jervis Bay and quaint villages of Berry and Kangaroo Valley. The property is hidden away among the gumtrees and surrounded by dairy country. It is a perfect, peaceful place to base yourself for a weekend or a week exploring the beaches and nature walks in the region, or the rock climbing areas of Nowra. Your accommodation is either a cosy room in our converted barn, where you'll be very comfortable with all you need for a great weekend away, or a spacious camping spot in your own tent or van.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$49
 / night
Dharawal Camp

2. Dharawal Camp

99%
(168)
52km from Bowral · 1 site · Tent, RV
Dharawal Camp offers all the benefits of glamping. Enjoy a peaceful night's rest in your tent/vehicle, then hop out of bed and enjoy the peaceful surrounds of the cabin with access to a kitchen area supplying rainwater. With the secluded bush surroundings and the quiet, it's hard to believe you're only an hour away from Sydney. You might even see a Koala There is strictly no accomodation in the Cabin. The camp features a camping toilet and bathing facilities, gas bbq, a kitchen washing area, NO FRIDGE, a recreation space and dining table when the weather is bad. All you need to do is roll out your swag. Campers are encouraged to take their rubbish with them. There is access to power for campervans/caravans. Warm your toes at the outdoor fireplace whilst you chat with friends. (Please bring own firewood). You will be a 10 minute drive from the beautiful Dharawal National Park which has wonderful swimming holes and bush walks. The site is 15 minutes drive from Campbelltown, which offers all amenities of a large metropolitan city.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$146
 / night
Otford Park nr Royal National Park

3. Otford Park nr Royal National Park

99%
(461)
61km from Bowral · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Otford is a historic village in a valley between Sydney and Wollongong, and bounded by the Pacific ocean. Our private acreage backs onto the southern tip of the Royal National Park, so the outlook from the campsite is all leafy trees. Walk to lookouts over the ocean, hike down to the beach or a few minutes drive to dog friendly beaches. Our bathroom and kitchen facilities make it an easy experience for first time campers. We are well-behaved-dog-friendly BUT you must let us know in advance. Our access track to the camping sites has been repaired with a deep layer of asphalt but still best suited to 4WD. The majority of standard 2WD cars manage the track fine There is also the option of parking roadside, and walking in approx 300m to the sites. Please message us if unsure about your vehicle. IMPORTANT PLEASE READ 1. Please let us know if you are bringing a dog/dogs - we have horses, house dogs, chickens and; wildlife plus likely other campers close by, so need to be forewarned. Dogs must be on lead or contained at all times. 2. If you need to camp out of your 4WD RV (such as a roof top tent), please contact me before booking to ensure those two particular vehicle sites are still available :) and that your vehicle is suitable for our track. Maximum length is approx 5m. Please scroll through the photos to see our amenities and camping sites. 3. We limit the number of people staying at any one time, so weekends book up quickly. That said, due to Covid and weather, people often cancel at the last minute too, so if we are currently booked out, it's always worthile checking again closer to the date for any availability. We are on acreage (approx 7 acres) in Otford, surrounded by forest, backing onto the very southern end of the Royal National Park Sydney/Wollongong. Sleep under the stars, and to the hoot of our local owls, and yips of the gorgeous feather-tail gliders. Lovely, peaceful and private in a bushland backdrop but so close and just a hike to famous sites, beaches, cafes and bushwalking - so the perfect spot to stop, unpack and then go exploring. Max of 3 camp sites booked at a time. Each camp site is within shouting distance of each other, so if looking for absolute privacy, please talk to me first. As bookings come throu
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$79
 / night
Sussex Horses For Healing

4. Sussex Horses For Healing

97%
(100)
74km from Bowral · 1 site · Tent, RV
A peaceful private 16 acre property an easy 5 minutes drive to the beach, lake and river around Sussex Inlet. Paddocks and 2 dams, kangaroos, horses & alpacas, backing onto bushland, great area for bush walks. Plenty of space for caravans, motor homes or tents. Privacy in the back paddock for those that have their own setup. Good access for caravans. Campfires permitted when restrictions aren't in place. DOGS ON REQUEST. PLEASE ASK. We have horses and you are welcome to interact/feed/brush/pat, just ask me on arrival. **DO NOT USE OUR BINS, take all of your rubbish with you when you leave, guests will be fined if you put rubbish in our bins, no fireworks and abide by fire ban. Toilet is a Portaloo, no plumbing, watering can or hose used for flushing. Please never use our toilet to dump from you caravan/RV toilet cassette. Check in 2pm, check out 10am. No fires on our grass, use fire pit on sandy areas where there is no grass. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from 
AU$97
 / night
Melon Green at Oakdale

5. Melon Green at Oakdale

99%
(71)
42km from Bowral · 2 sites · RVs, Lodging
Update: access road is now sealed. Melon Green welcomes self contained caravans and /or motorhomes. Lovely grassy farm on a 15 acre block. A quick 15 minute drive into Picton where you can find our local club and shops. Short drive to Nattai lookout overlooking Warragamba water catchment. Spectacular view. Also Thirlmere Lakes. Nearby Camden township restaurants, cafes, pool, bike track along Nepean River and more. We are located approximately 1 hour from Sydney airport so a day in the city is not out of the question. Shopping malls a short distance away. We have 4 horses, two dams, nice outlook, Clean tank water is available and picnic table can be provided. Please note we can no longer offer bathroom facilities. As we have horses, dogs must be on a leash. Campfires are welcome in the fire pit.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$46
 / night

The biggest town in the Southern Highlands, Bowral is a popular place for Sydneysiders to visit for weekend getaways or Sunday drives. Just 90 minutes south of the Harbour City, the town is brimming with art galleries and boutiques, all while serving as a jumping-off point into the Highlands.

99% (4.3K) 93 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Bowral

Secrets of Terara

1. Secrets of Terara

99%
(104)
49km from Bowral · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This enchanting tree-filled, 13-acre property is located in the beautiful South Coast region of NSW, close to the spectacular beaches of Jervis Bay and quaint villages of Berry and Kangaroo Valley. The property is hidden away among the gumtrees and surrounded by dairy country. It is a perfect, peaceful place to base yourself for a weekend or a week exploring the beaches and nature walks in the region, or the rock climbing areas of Nowra. Your accommodation is either a cosy room in our converted barn, where you'll be very comfortable with all you need for a great weekend away, or a spacious camping spot in your own tent or van.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$49
 / night
Dharawal Camp

2. Dharawal Camp

99%
(168)
52km from Bowral · 1 site · Tent, RV
Dharawal Camp offers all the benefits of glamping. Enjoy a peaceful night's rest in your tent/vehicle, then hop out of bed and enjoy the peaceful surrounds of the cabin with access to a kitchen area supplying rainwater. With the secluded bush surroundings and the quiet, it's hard to believe you're only an hour away from Sydney. You might even see a Koala There is strictly no accomodation in the Cabin. The camp features a camping toilet and bathing facilities, gas bbq, a kitchen washing area, NO FRIDGE, a recreation space and dining table when the weather is bad. All you need to do is roll out your swag. Campers are encouraged to take their rubbish with them. There is access to power for campervans/caravans. Warm your toes at the outdoor fireplace whilst you chat with friends. (Please bring own firewood). You will be a 10 minute drive from the beautiful Dharawal National Park which has wonderful swimming holes and bush walks. The site is 15 minutes drive from Campbelltown, which offers all amenities of a large metropolitan city.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$146
 / night
Otford Park nr Royal National Park

3. Otford Park nr Royal National Park

99%
(461)
61km from Bowral · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Otford is a historic village in a valley between Sydney and Wollongong, and bounded by the Pacific ocean. Our private acreage backs onto the southern tip of the Royal National Park, so the outlook from the campsite is all leafy trees. Walk to lookouts over the ocean, hike down to the beach or a few minutes drive to dog friendly beaches. Our bathroom and kitchen facilities make it an easy experience for first time campers. We are well-behaved-dog-friendly BUT you must let us know in advance. Our access track to the camping sites has been repaired with a deep layer of asphalt but still best suited to 4WD. The majority of standard 2WD cars manage the track fine There is also the option of parking roadside, and walking in approx 300m to the sites. Please message us if unsure about your vehicle. IMPORTANT PLEASE READ 1. Please let us know if you are bringing a dog/dogs - we have horses, house dogs, chickens and; wildlife plus likely other campers close by, so need to be forewarned. Dogs must be on lead or contained at all times. 2. If you need to camp out of your 4WD RV (such as a roof top tent), please contact me before booking to ensure those two particular vehicle sites are still available :) and that your vehicle is suitable for our track. Maximum length is approx 5m. Please scroll through the photos to see our amenities and camping sites. 3. We limit the number of people staying at any one time, so weekends book up quickly. That said, due to Covid and weather, people often cancel at the last minute too, so if we are currently booked out, it's always worthile checking again closer to the date for any availability. We are on acreage (approx 7 acres) in Otford, surrounded by forest, backing onto the very southern end of the Royal National Park Sydney/Wollongong. Sleep under the stars, and to the hoot of our local owls, and yips of the gorgeous feather-tail gliders. Lovely, peaceful and private in a bushland backdrop but so close and just a hike to famous sites, beaches, cafes and bushwalking - so the perfect spot to stop, unpack and then go exploring. Max of 3 camp sites booked at a time. Each camp site is within shouting distance of each other, so if looking for absolute privacy, please talk to me first. As bookings come throu
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$79
 / night
Sussex Horses For Healing

4. Sussex Horses For Healing

97%
(100)
74km from Bowral · 1 site · Tent, RV
A peaceful private 16 acre property an easy 5 minutes drive to the beach, lake and river around Sussex Inlet. Paddocks and 2 dams, kangaroos, horses & alpacas, backing onto bushland, great area for bush walks. Plenty of space for caravans, motor homes or tents. Privacy in the back paddock for those that have their own setup. Good access for caravans. Campfires permitted when restrictions aren't in place. DOGS ON REQUEST. PLEASE ASK. We have horses and you are welcome to interact/feed/brush/pat, just ask me on arrival. **DO NOT USE OUR BINS, take all of your rubbish with you when you leave, guests will be fined if you put rubbish in our bins, no fireworks and abide by fire ban. Toilet is a Portaloo, no plumbing, watering can or hose used for flushing. Please never use our toilet to dump from you caravan/RV toilet cassette. Check in 2pm, check out 10am. No fires on our grass, use fire pit on sandy areas where there is no grass. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from 
AU$97
 / night
Melon Green at Oakdale

5. Melon Green at Oakdale

99%
(71)
42km from Bowral · 2 sites · RVs, Lodging
Update: access road is now sealed. Melon Green welcomes self contained caravans and /or motorhomes. Lovely grassy farm on a 15 acre block. A quick 15 minute drive into Picton where you can find our local club and shops. Short drive to Nattai lookout overlooking Warragamba water catchment. Spectacular view. Also Thirlmere Lakes. Nearby Camden township restaurants, cafes, pool, bike track along Nepean River and more. We are located approximately 1 hour from Sydney airport so a day in the city is not out of the question. Shopping malls a short distance away. We have 4 horses, two dams, nice outlook, Clean tank water is available and picnic table can be provided. Please note we can no longer offer bathroom facilities. As we have horses, dogs must be on a leash. Campfires are welcome in the fire pit.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$46
 / night

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The best star host camping near Bowral guide

Where to go

Mt. Gibraltar Reserve

The highest point between Sydney and Canberra, Mt. Gibraltar is believed to have been formed by a collapsed volcanic core which pushed through the sandstone 150 million years ago. The reserve has seven walks to suit all levels, ranging from short treks from the car park to longer circuits with steep tracks. One of the best is the 25-minute The Rim, which takes you to lookouts on the western side of the reserve. 

When to go

Temperatures in the Southern Highlands are mild, so it’s not too hot to visit in summer. At an average temperature of 19°C, January is the hottest month. July is the coldest, with temperatures averaging 7°C, making it a great time to sit in front of an open fire. There are regular farmers’ markets and events, such as the Tulip Time Festival, held from late September until early October.

Know before you go

  • Bowral is about 1.5 hours’ drive south of Sydney. You can also catch the train from the city to Bowral on the Southern Highlands Line.
  • There are three supermarkets in town to stock up on supplies: Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI. For camping-specific gear, try Botanex or Field and Stream.