The best big rig friendly campgrounds near Brunswick Heads, New South Wales

At the mouth of the Brunswick River, the seaside village of Brunswick Heads is just 20 minutes drive north of Byron Bay, but it feels a world away. A much less frenetic version of Byron Bay, pretty Brunswick Heads—Bruns to the locals—has all the things that make Byron Bay so popular, like a beautiful surf beach, vegan cafes, hippy tarot card readers and a friendly pub with a shady beer garden, but without the traffic snarls and parking meters. Family friendly, the river has some good swimming spots ideal for little kids. An added bonus is that the three caravan parks are all riverside, and campsites are much more affordable because the celebrities and fashionistas haven’t discovered just how great this place is yet.Proudly boasting that it’s ‘the biggest little town in Australia’s Mullumbimby (locals call it Mullum), is just a 10-minute drive west of Brunswick Heads. Like nearby Nimbin, it’s a centre for counter culture, although a little less in your face. Full of lovely historic buildings, it makes for a great day trip from Brunswick Heads or Byron Bay. Attractions include the colourful Mullumbimby markets (every third Saturday) and the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens, home to some of the tallest crystals in the world. (https://www.crystalcastle.com.au/) Part of the World Heritage Gondwana rainforest, Border Ranges National Park and the neighbouring ridges that flank the coast are part of ancient volcano. The Tweed Valley is the crater. You can explore it by car on the Tweed Scenic Drive that runs along the edge of the caldera. Highlights include rainforest walking tracks and spectacular lookouts, as well as some lovely rainforest campsites in the national parks. It’s almost impossible to resist the siren call of the shops and boho glitz of Byron Bay, which is only 16km south of Brunswick Heads. It's the place to go for shopping and fine dining or perhaps a spa treatment. Go for the day and enjoy the surf beaches, soak in the view from the Cape Byron lighthouse, and indulge in some people watching.Follow the coast road, rather than the Pacific Motorway, north from Brunswick Heads to Tweed Heads at the southern end of the Gold Coast and you’ll discover a string of sleepy little seaside communities such as Pottsville, Mooball Creek, Cabarita and Kingscliff, each with their own beachfront caravan park or camping ground.

96% (315) • 24 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Brunswick Heads

At the mouth of the Brunswick River, the seaside village of Brunswick Heads is just 20 minutes drive north of Byron Bay, but it feels a world away. A much less frenetic version of Byron Bay, pretty Brunswick Heads—Bruns to the locals—has all the things that make Byron Bay so popular, like a beautiful surf beach, vegan cafes, hippy tarot card readers and a friendly pub with a shady beer garden, but without the traffic snarls and parking meters. Family friendly, the river has some good swimming spots ideal for little kids. An added bonus is that the three caravan parks are all riverside, and campsites are much more affordable because the celebrities and fashionistas haven’t discovered just how great this place is yet.Proudly boasting that it’s ‘the biggest little town in Australia’s Mullumbimby (locals call it Mullum), is just a 10-minute drive west of Brunswick Heads. Like nearby Nimbin, it’s a centre for counter culture, although a little less in your face. Full of lovely historic buildings, it makes for a great day trip from Brunswick Heads or Byron Bay. Attractions include the colourful Mullumbimby markets (every third Saturday) and the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens, home to some of the tallest crystals in the world. (https://www.crystalcastle.com.au/) Part of the World Heritage Gondwana rainforest, Border Ranges National Park and the neighbouring ridges that flank the coast are part of ancient volcano. The Tweed Valley is the crater. You can explore it by car on the Tweed Scenic Drive that runs along the edge of the caldera. Highlights include rainforest walking tracks and spectacular lookouts, as well as some lovely rainforest campsites in the national parks. It’s almost impossible to resist the siren call of the shops and boho glitz of Byron Bay, which is only 16km south of Brunswick Heads. It's the place to go for shopping and fine dining or perhaps a spa treatment. Go for the day and enjoy the surf beaches, soak in the view from the Cape Byron lighthouse, and indulge in some people watching.Follow the coast road, rather than the Pacific Motorway, north from Brunswick Heads to Tweed Heads at the southern end of the Gold Coast and you’ll discover a string of sleepy little seaside communities such as Pottsville, Mooball Creek, Cabarita and Kingscliff, each with their own beachfront caravan park or camping ground.

96% (315) • 24 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Brunswick Heads

1. OZ SKY RANCH

96%

(1475)

81km from Brunswick Heads · 89 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Oz Sky Ranch is set on 350+ acres in the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland, just outside of Brisbane at the bottom of Mount Tambourine near Canungra. We cater to adventurous souls, with a range of adventure tourism activities in and around our property. Try tandem hang-gliding and paragliding and a full range of hang gliding and paragliding courses or just bring your own stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. Our lake is lovely and clean and is great to swim in. We opened up our working cattle and turf farm to promote Hang gliding and paragliding, we believe the more people see it, then the more people may like to come for a tandem flight or learn to fly with us. You can buy a friend or loved one a gift of a life time. Tandem hang gliding gift vouchers are very popular, as you get to take off from the property and flyover you’re campsite and then up to 2500ft. Then come and land right next to your friends and family at the Oz Sky Ranch. We pride ourselves on keeping the property lovely and clean. We are also opening our home and farm to you. So please respect it and enjoy it as we do. We have 5 designated campsites positioned around the property. Within the designated sites, there are camp spots that we rotate. Please check with us to see what ones are open. We need to rotate the sites and rest them. This is how we keep them well-maintained and looking amazing. If it is wet weather we will close down sites and recommend other spots. We pride our self’s on having a lovely property and want you to have an amazing camping experience. If it is bad weather, we will recommend another site or you can change dates. Campfires are allowed at designated camp spots when fire bans aren't in place. Firewood is available to purchase . We have a no dog policy No smoking is allowed on the property, vaping is fine at your own campsite. No glass Policy, bring cans plastic glasses to drink out off. We do have a lot of rule, they are in place to give you a Beautiful environment to Camp in and To look after our Animals and farm. We accept groups however we have strict rules around this, so please discuss with us first. If you are up early in the morning you may be lucky enough to see the best in QLD barefoot water skiers training on the lake and also tandem hang gliders getting towed up from the airstrip. All campers must check in before dark and call me before entering. We look forward to your enquiry.

2. Rainforest Gateway

98%

(373)

57km from Brunswick Heads · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Escape to serenity at Rainforest Gateway. Relax and unwind to the gentle murmur of the creek, go for a paddle, take a hike or simply put your feet up and enjoy a crackling campfire under a sky bursting with stars. With great views, tranquil bushland, abundant wildlife and the stunning Border Ranges National Park close by, there is always something to do. The park is nestled alongside the everflowing Gradys Creek and features large, easily accessed, grassy powered and unpowered sites overlooking the creek. For those after more of a glamping experience, there are 3 x one bedroom cabins available. On-site amenities include hot showers, flush toilets, fully equipped camp kitchen with a large undercover area (perfect for large groups or private functions), and a laundry. We are a dog-friendly park so the whole family is welcome. Dogs need to be controlled at all times and cleaned up after. No aggressive dogs please. Campfires are permitted in designated fire pits only and may be subject to fire bans. Firewood and ice are available for purchase (cash preferred). Recycling bins are provided, otherwise campers are required to take their rubbish with them. Wi-Fi and Telstra coverage are available. Rainforest Gateway is located approximately 8klms along Grady's Creek Road, just 20 klms north of Kyogle and 15 klms from the Queensland border on the popular scenic tourist route, Lions Road. Kyogle is a bustling town with an IGA supermarket, MTB riding tracks, lovely gift shops, cinema, bowling alley, and a selection of dining outlets. For those wanting to immerse themselves in nature, the Border Ranges National Park is a short drive away. Please note Lions Road is temporarily closed for road repairs and expected to be reopened late January 2026. We can still be reached on Gradys Creek Road off Summerland Way, ignore Google maps if it directs you to Lynches Creek Rd. Check in is strictly between 2 - 5pm. Please contact us to make arrangements if you are unable to arrive between these times. Feel free to message if you have any questions prior to booking :)

3. Evans Head Camping

96%

(69)

60km from Brunswick Heads · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Our powered site gives you a bathroom with hot water shower, septic toilet and sink. Part of a shed with a tv, radio, fridge and tables, a bbq, fire pit and plenty of space to spread out. Firewood is available on site only for $25.00 per night and includes 30 kg of seasoned split firewood and 10 kg of kindling/fire starters per night. Firewood must be ordered through Hipcamp with no refunds available. TO BE CONSCIOUS OF BIOSECURITY COMPLIANCE, NO FIREWOOD IS TO BE BROUGHT INTO OR TAKEN FROM OUR PROPERTY. Evans Head Camping is a peaceful, tranquil, private property within 4km of the beautiful beaches, river and township of Evans Head, on the Far North Coast of NSW. Surfing, fishing, bushwalking, swimming are popular activities in Evans Head. There are ample shops, IGA, SPA, Post Office, Newsagents, Butcher, Muzza's Milk Bar, just to name a few. Dining options - Evans Head RSL, Evans Head Bowlo, Illawong Hotel, plus thai, Japxican, fish and chip take away. 4WD Beach Access is located at Airforce Beach, about 4km's away. Woodburn-Evans Head Golf Club is a 5min drive. Activities include kayaking, bird watching, bushwalking, photography and just relaxing while listening to the birdlife. Koalas and kangaroos are regular visitors. The property is only available for camping weekends (varied nights) public holidays, and Easter and Christmas holidays. Enjoy the benefits of beautiful Evans Head, without sharing your campsite with the tourist crowds! Evans Head Camping also provides a safe and secure location for your holiday set up while you're explore the beautiful Northern Rivers and beyond. Take a day trip to some of the most interesting places on the NSW Far North Coast, knowing that your van/tent is in a safe secure setting. We are only a 45min drive from world famous Byron Bay in the north or Yamba in the south, just over an hour to the Queensland Border, with many coastal, country and hinterland towns and National Parks, inviting many adventures.

4. Swampwood

92%

(6)

44km from Brunswick Heads · 1 site · Tent, RV

Quiet rural area with sealed road access north and south to the Pacific Motorway. Slashed grassy area with scattered trees, two dams, lowland rainforest, wetland with abundant birds and wildlife. Private ensuite with flush toilet, basin and solar shower with 240v light and power. Rainwater and bore water available and dump point. Caravan power available via 15A outside socket limited by 10A breaker. Reasonably flat 5-acre area one hundred meters off the main road via slightly rough but reasonably flat driveway. Mosquitoes are about day and night and a few ticks so repellent recommended. Blue billy goat weed is present and can cause allergies to dogs. Only cooking fires are allowed in the bushfire danger period, a portable fireplace and free kindling is available and some firewood but you may need to cut it up. Electric kettle & tea/coffee in container in shed. Prefer no pets unless they are indoor or on a lead under control as this property has a private conservation covenant, pets should have tick and heartworm medication. Fifteen minutes' drive to Alstonville or Patches and Broadwater beaches., 20 minutes' drive to Ballina and Evans Head. Wildlife includes abundant birdlife , Swamp Wallaby, Koala, Echidna, Bandicoot, Possums, goannas, carpet snakes and green and brown tree snakes. A good location to explore the Tuckean Swamp, the property takes in 20 ha of Lowland Subtropical Rainforest on floodplain and Melaleuca Swamp. Heading 4.5 km south along the road is the Bagotville Barrage from which you can explore the Tuckean Swamp by canoe for kilometres and observe the birdlife including ducks, comb-crested jacana and black swan.

5. Kerry Valley Secret, Scenic Rim

100%

(42)

62km from Brunswick Heads · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Kerry Valley Secret - Stockyard Creek, Kingfisher and Platypus Campsites in the Scenic Rim are exclusive bush campsites - once you have booked no-one else will be able to camp at that site - and they are perfect for groups! The Stockyard Creek Campsite is situated on the babbling Stockyard Creek and there is a short walk to the bigger Albert River waterhole. This pretty spot features Silky Oaks and Ironwood trees, views to Luke's Bluff and Ding Bing falls in Lamington National Park, has plenty of shade for tents and a huge space for caravans and camper trailers to turn around in Family groups love the site for the babbling but shallow child friendly Stockyard Creek - perfect for paddling and playing in. The Kingfisher and Platypus Campsites have larger waterholes than the Stockyard Creek Campsite and you are able to wander the 2km of river frontage while fishing. They have easy access off the main Kerry Road. Friends love our campsites for catch ups, the bird watching, small historical or nature walks around the property and of course the cool waterholes in the Albert River. Other groups use Kerry Valley Secret as a base camp for hiking adventures in the wilderness end of Lamington National Park. Bring your togs and floaties to cool down in the waterhole on the Albert River. Don't forget the marshmallows to roast on the fire at night (firewood provided). Binoculars and boots are a must for bird watching and exploring our walking tracks through the forest. All campsites have basic toilet facilities (a portaloo) and firepit (with a free bag of kindling provided). Stockyard Creek Campsite also includes a picnic table. Exclusivity is a feature of all our campsite and for that reason we only take a flat rate booking. Once you have booked no one else will be able to camp at the site, it is all yours.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

l

libby

2 weeks ago

5 m travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Rainforest Gateway

This is a beautiful and peaceful camping spot. The creek was a refreshing and fun to float down. The area attracts so many beautiful birds and provides stunning views and sunsets.

Raquel

2 weeks ago

5 m pop-up camper

With pets

3 nights at Rainforest Gateway

Excellent camp site. Plenty of space and creek was great to cool off. Enjoyed hearing the train go by.

N

Neil

2 weeks ago

5 m Class B

6 nights at Rainforest Gateway

The site is next to a train line; however, don’t be put off, there is only an occasional train. It is a very quiet location with plenty of room and lots of bird life around the creek, which was a great place to chill and have a swim. The toilets and showers were always clean, the camp kitchen is very well set up and has a great area to relax. We would 100% go back. Thanks Peter and Jannine.

Veronica

2 weeks ago

11 m pop-up camper

3 nights at Kerry Valley Secret, Scenic Rim

We loved The Stockyard Campsite, what a gorgeous location. Lots of wildlife and so relaxing hearing the creek flowing gently. Awesome set up for camp fire and the most immaculate porta loo ever!! Thank you so much for the greeting on arrival. Lots of terrific local information and appreciated the beautifully kept massive mowed area. Lots of space and easy to turn the car and camper trailer around. We will very definitely be back!!

J

Julie-Anne

3 weeks ago

5 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Rainforest Gateway

Absolutely gorgeous place to stay! Jannine and Peter are lovely hosts and ever so helpful. The creek was perfect and very clean amenities. We will definitely be back.

P

Phil

3 weeks ago

12 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rainforest Gateway

Lovely spot overlooking Gradys Creek. Great camp kitchen. Relaxing vibe about the place. This was our 2nd short stay. Well worth a stay.

Maddison

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Rainforest Gateway

One of the most incredible & welcoming campsite’s I have ever been fortunate enough to find. The owners & the groundskeeper (Frank) are so incredibly kind & accommodating! Such a beautiful space for big celebrations or even a pit stop along the way to your destination. I can’t wait to come back :)

B

Brooke

December 2025

15 m travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Rainforest Gateway

Amazing atmosphere, fantastic hosts. We stayed for a week and wished it was longer. The bird life was amazing too.

T

Tahli

December 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

4 nights at Rainforest Gateway

A beautiful spot above a little flowing creek. Nice and flat with some shady areas. Shower/toilet not too far away. There is also a fully equipped kitchen and communal area where you can relax and charge phones etc. The lovely lady filling in for Peter and Jannine (sorry, I didn't get your name!) was very friendly, helpful and accommodating. Both myself and my dog felt very welcome and comfortable. I would definitely stay again :-)

A

Alliyah

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Evans Head Camping

Absolutely gorgeous stay. Will be back for sure, Cameron goes above and beyond with the hospitality and amenities. Favourite part of our trip up the coast.

P

Peter

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rainforest Gateway

Beautiful place to camp facilities were very clean, beautiful big well kept grassy camp spots, pet friendly, there is a cool lil shop about 10 -20min out called Wiangaree General Store that has nearly everything from tent pegs to pork chops so handy if need to stock up, Rainforest Retreat sell fire wood and ice which was handy for the esky and the fire pit,

Our first Hipcampers were so well set up!

E

Ethan

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Evans Head Camping

great location, great hosts, great time. would recommend.

Ellie

November 2025

6 m Class B

With pets

3 nights at Rainforest Gateway

Janine was super friendly and accomodating. The place is beautiful, it has large flat sites and I think is a very reasonable price for power and water. Quiet mid week with just two other campers there. Trains do go past across the road through the night, but I just shut my window on that side and it didn't bother me.

S

Sue

November 2025

7 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Rainforest Gateway

It is a beautiful spot. So well maintained and clean. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. We will definitely come back again

R

Richard

November 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Swampwood

It was a quick stop on my way back down the country, but a lovely peaceful field. Unfortunately it decided to rain a lot so didn’t really get out of the van, but I sat in the front and watched the countryside until it got dark which was very peaceful.

Debi

November 2025

Tent

3 nights at Rainforest Gateway

This is one of the nicest camp grounds we have ever been too. Flat, level sites. Amenities are clean and well kept. The common area and camp kitchen is a highlight. Hosts: Peter and Jannine are extremely accommodating and super friendly. The creek is beautiful. Its a magical place with the birdlife & fireflies at the right time of the year!

P

Peter

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rainforest Gateway

I camped here for a quick recharge, this place is amazing, I was very happy with the facilities, the site, and the welcoming vibe, access to the river, well kept flat camp sites, dog friendly, very highly recommend and will be booking again soon ❤️

A

Anthony

November 2025

Tent

3 nights at Rainforest Gateway

Beautiful spot and so close to Brisbane. Great base to birdwatch from with so many national parks nearby. Slept so well with the sound of the creek just below our tent

A

Allan

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rainforest Gateway

I love the camping. The campsis were big and rig6 on the river, beautiful

M

Michael

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rainforest Gateway

Beautiful spot will definitely be going back soon

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best big rig friendly camping near Brunswick Heads guide

When to go

Like nearby Byron Bay, the weather is kind all year round, so there’s no really bad time to go, although it does get a bit rainy in February and March. It gets very busy during summer and Easter school holidays, when it pays to book campsites well in advance.

Know before you go

Go retro in style and hire a vintage caravan, set up with everything you need. It will be waiting for you at the camping site of your choice. https://retropod.com.au/
Brunswick Heads is almost exactly halfway between Ballina and the Gold Coast airport in Queensland, which doubles your flight options. If you do fly in or out of the Gold Coast remember there’s a one-hour time difference between NSW and Queensland thanks to daylight saving in summer.
The Brunswick River is perfect for kayaking. Hire a kayak from the Scout Hall (across the footbridge from town) and paddle the Brunswick River brunswickriverkayaktours.com.au
Ask at the Brunswick Heads Visitors Centre (7 Park St, Brunswick Heads) for a free ‘clue sheet’ and use it to follow the Brunswick Heads Fairy Trail to find little fairy houses that have been hidden all over town. Adults love it just as much as kids.