Beach camping in New South Wales with horseback riding

Beaches, snow-capped peaks, rainforest wilderness, and vast outback plains, NSW has it all.

91% (514 reviews)
91% (514 reviews)

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12 top beach campgrounds in New South Wales with horseback riding

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Otford Park nr Royal National Park

3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Otford, NSW
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. . There is also the option of parking roadside, and walking in approx 400m 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 & just a walk 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 through, I assess the number of people booked for a site, and adjust availability on the others accordingly (such as blocking the rest of the day/s to prevent over-crowding) We usually only have two unconnected groups/families at a time. Our site is the perfect place to camp in comfort and safety, when taking an overnight rest after the long backpacking trek from Bundeena. We have firewood available for our cosy camp firepits (one firepit available for each site) We buy in reclaimed hardwood to reduce the impact of logging of native forest, but also often have seasoned firewood from our own fallen trees. $20 for approx 20kg. Heaps of kindling sticks are around on the forest floor. Please leave large and rotting logs alone for wildlife. Water - Connected to Sydney Catchment drinking water, so supply isn't an issue, but we conserve where we can. Kitchenette We have a tiny house mobile kitchenette with sink, basic table wear, microwave, kettle, toaster, LÓr Nespresso compatible Pod machine (BYO pods) single hot plates, mini bar fridge ,and; USB ports. You can also use the facility to recharge your mobile phone and; torches. We also provide a billy kettle, cast iron fry pan and camp fire hot plate. You'll also find 6 comfy directors chairs stored within the kitchenette, and a deck of cards, jigsaw puzzles, boardgames etc. Cricket bat, Bocce ball game, and Finish Kubbs set are stored within the timber box under the gazebo. "Nature Calls" We have a new long drop compost toilet - only human waste and; toilet paper please. A small bin is provided for sanitary products etc. Please leave the bushland surrounds free of solid waste. Gazebo Weatherproof /insect meshed gazebo and outdoor furniture. Absolutely no fires under the gazebo, otherwise it will melt and catch fire. Quiet Hours Quiet hours between 10pm and 7am Outdoor and Indoor Showers Warm water is heated by LPG gas bottles - please help conserve water and gas QUIET HOURS: To respect other campers who may be staying, and our amazing nocturnal wildlife, our quiet hours are 10pm to 7am, when noise is asked to be kept minimal. Such an exception would be event times like New Years Eve. We have found that camping is a great way to reset your Circadian rhythm - waking and sleeping according to the natural light & darkness , and a drink around a crackling camp fire super relaxing :) CONTACT: If you want me to send you more photographs of the camping sites/facilities , you can look up Otford Park or OtfordParkCamping on Facebook and contact me through there (can't send photos etc via HipCamp messages yet) WHAT TO EXPECT: We have horses, poultry, dogs and abundant wildlife so visiting pets must be either caged or leashed at all times. We have two waterproof dog beds available - just need to bring their blanket etc for softness As its a sanctuary for wildlife - absolutely No Hunting is permitted. Wildlife can be loud at times - morning and night, from the wild deer that wander through, to domestic roosters that like to visit. Its a bit 'farm country and wild bushland' tucked between Sydney and Wollongong Caravans/large motorhomes cannot access the rear of our property, due the narrowness of the track, but no problem for the many 4wd style camper vehicles. Necessities/consumables We have a supply of toilet paper, hand wash, hand sanitiser, insect repellent , fire lighters, mossie coils, matches, dish soap, paper towels and spray disinfectant. Its an honour system for use just while you're here, so please don't take them home with you. If you need to buy toilet paper for your next journey, just ask me. WHAT'S NEARBY: - easy walk to Otford railway station - easy walk to our free local tennis court just down the road -road walk up to Bald Hill lookout (famous for its hang-gliding and view of the Seacliff Bridge) or hike up the fire trail and around the Stony Batter headland - walk to Otford Lookout and the start of the many trails through the Royal National Park or the hike down (about 20 to 30min) to Bulgo beach to swim, fish or snorkel. Be sure to take water and wear comfy shoes - quick walk to the hidden entrance of the historic abandoned Otford railway tunnel entrance -its also an interesting and fun way to walk to Stanwell Park beach! Otherwise its just few minutes drive to Stanwell Park beach and Coalcliff Beach - all clean and beautiful or go further north to the many stunning beaches of the Royal National Park such as Garie, Burning Palms, Wattamolla - Darkes Forest - for trail horse riding, and the Glenbernie Orchard, for fresh apple and stone fruit produce and apple picking tours * * * * * * * * * * Off Leash Beaches - If you have a dog , it will probably love the northern end of Stanwell Park beach its been designated an off-leash area, north of the creek. - park your carpark of Park Parade. Sharkey's Beach, Coledale. A dedicated off-leash beach for dogs and surfers alike, all year round. Approx 10 min drive south. * * * * * * * * * * Others Sights & Activities - Four km to Symbio Wildlike Park - a lovely day out to see both exotic animals such as cheetahs or more local cuddly koalas and opportunities to hand feed kangaroos and wallabies. A water theme park will keep the kiddies entertained and cool too - On the way to Symbio is the beautiful Kelly's Falls - part of the Garrawarra State Conservation area & historic Princess Marina Cliff Walk. - Seacliff Bridge - Not to be missed and part of the Grand Pacific Drive along the South East Coast, Seacliff Bridge is now an iconic Australian landmark. It beautifully hugs the huge sandstone cliffs around the ocean, and is popular to tourist and film makers alike. - Cafes - yum! Walk to the Otford Pantry on the corner of Domville Rd and Lady Wakehurst Drive, open weekends for great coffee and pastries, overlooking the ocean. Then many other cafes in nearby Stanwell Park and Helensburgh - We are situated in a valley, with the Illawarra train line about 500m to 1km away, so occasionally you might here a coal train passing, or more interesting on many weekends the historic Cockatoo Run steam train comes through around 10am and on its return approx 6pm. If children are at the station waiting to see it, the drivers usually oblige with a friendly toot of the steam horn. - Horse Riding - Book ahead for trail rides at either the local Otford Farm in Lloyd Place, or can drive to Darkes Forest Riding Ranch - Wodi Wodi track at Stanwell Tops - if you're fit and love a challenging hike, the Wodi Wodi track can take you from the Hanging swamp around and down to Coalcliff. Water, comfortable shoes and insect repellent (for the odd leach) etc is essential, but the spectacular views at the top and destination make it worth it FOOD and PROVISIONS Helensburgh shopping centre is just 4km drive away. But if you're hiking on foot from the Royal National Park and would like basic provisions such as milk and bread available on your arrival, please let us know in advance, and we'll do our best to have them here. We have a generator run mini-fridge in the kitchenette to keep such items cold, if needed. TINY HOUSE If you'd like to sleep in a bit of luxury, check out our new tiny house listing here SYDNEY, WOLLONGONG &; BEYOND Otford is 9km by car to Waterfall, Sutherland Shire, 43 km to George St, Sydney CBD, 25km to Wollongong CBD. 44km to Bondi Beach, and 53km to Kiama. All can be accessed by train too. So the perfect area to set up base camp, whilst exploring greater Sydney, as well as the many beautiful spots within walking distance. HIP CAMP REVIEWS When reading and leaving reviews , please have a heart towards your camp hosts. The way the rating % works, it takes about 111 positive reviews out 112 reviews, to over-ride that 1 negative. So for the average Hipcamp, it takes a looong time, to get back to 99 or 100% positive feedback. If you have an issue onsite, please raise it immediately. I know the majority of hosts will try and rectify it for you.
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AU$60
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(81)

Riverdell Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Ballina, NSW
Riverdell Farm is a 43 acre property that's located in East Wardell along the Richmond River. It's a central location thats a few minutes away from Patches Beach, the village of Wardell and approximately 15 minutes away from Ballina CBD and 20 minutes from Evans Head. The property offers opportunity for great fishing, boating, biking and beach visits etc. The property is pet friendly; but there aren't any fences to keep pets contained within the property.
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AU$40
 / 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.
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AU$90
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(186)

Waterfalls & More

11 sites · RVs, Tents104 acres · Sherwood, NSW
HIDING IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE! Pure. Unadulterated. WILD. 104 very private acres, securely sandwiched between a National Park Nature Reserve and State Forest. On a dead end road. No agriculture or farms upstream, only one other like-minded property owner. Secluded, but hiding smack bang in the middle of everywhere! From vertiginous sandstone cliffs on which epipetrics cling tight, right through to palm-filled rainforests, and with two quite different creek systems (including a monster waterfall), you'll be spoiled for things to do and places to explore - without even leaving the property! HISTORY This land is Gumbaynggirr land. Please be particularly mindful of our First Nation's long presence on this land. In the 1800's, white men came seeking Red Cedar, closely followed by settlers having a go at dairying; though logging has remained this area's mainstay. This special property, despite last being selectively logged about 50 years ago, hosts many huge old-growth trees remaining steadfast for your discovery and wonder. And many more are continuing to grow out too. About 35 years ago about nine of this property's eastern-most 104 acres became part of a far larger nashi pear orchard which filled much of the flats of this top end of the valley that you see today. Ultimately they failed to set good commercial fruit, and the rootstocks took over. You can see remnant rows of these trees just south of the property, from along the road. (Beware though - they have spikes that could puncture Caterpillar tracks!) MORE RECENTLY extensive lantana control efforts have been undertaken as we now move into revegetating with native species and implementing a permaculture plan. Today the property is registered with Land For Wildlife and hosts a very wide mix of native vegetation communities. ACTIVITIES Bird watch. Climb. Abseil. Photograph wildflowers. Paint. Swim. In the next valley there's even gold to be found. Explore trails by mountain bike. Whale watch. Surf. Learn SCUBA. Go beach-combing. Catch a mudcrab. Go whitewater river rafting. Ask your host about where to find all the local waterfalls, the best walking, how to find gold, the gnarliest off-road tracks, Anything is possible here in this magnificent part of the world, except perhaps snow and ice.
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AU$29
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(132)

Pipe Dream Bush Camp - Dog Friendly

109 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Kempsey, NSW
If you want to avoid the crowds our property is only 10 minutes drive to great local surf and fishing beaches at Crescent Head. There is an abundance of bird life, the odd kangaroos and wallabies, and other wildlife. There is a melaleuca forrest that children are welcome to play in and build a cubby house, and 2 pretty little dams to catch yabbies, and for dogs to enjoy a swim. The property where camping is provided is approx 20 acres with a limit of 10 groups so you can find your own little piece of paradise. There is plenty of fire wood for you to collect on the property on your way in. Please help yourself to any fallen timber for firewood but please do not cut any standing trees down. When checking out, ensure you properly extinguish fires and return any unused firewood to the bush. Dogs are welcome to be here off leash as long as they are well socialised and reasonably obedient. There is large areas for them to run freely and dams to swim in. It is accessible via a 2WD dirt road, even with a little wet weather. If rainfall is extreme we recommend 4wd's. The property is completely off grid so we have a 'leave it as you found it' approach. This means you will need a camp toilet, and to take all of your rubbish with you. We are a rural property so do not have rubbish collection services. (Fees apply for any left behind rubbish). Happy camping!
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AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(9)

Cailleach Farm on the River

4 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Johns River, NSW
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
80%
(5)

Mount Warning Views Camp

1 site · RV, Tent1 acres · Nimbin, NSW
Our beautiful property offers 1.5 acres of slightly sloping grassy land with divine views onto Mount Warning and the Border Ranges. Unplug from technology and dive into nature with an abundance of National Parks and Beaches on the doorstep. There are plenty of recreational opportunities with nearby dams, waterholes, hikes, Mountain bike tracks, villages and beaches. Explore the nearby quaint village of Uki or Murwillumbah. We are an hour away from Byron Bay and 25 minutes from Nimbin. Campers must be self sufficient with their own camping toilet and take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Pets are welcome.
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AU$28
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(26)

Hobbs Bay Farm Narooma

7 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Narooma, NSW
Only minutes to Narooma on the NSW South Coast, this lovely 100 acre bush and open farmland setting has it all. Bike and walking trails all over the property, heaps of wildlife and you may even get to see some red deer wandering around. Guests are required to be fully self contained with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Check out the new born swans and spoonbills in the wetlands on the property. Whether it be bushwalking, mountain biking or water sports on Wagonga inlet, there is always something to do. We do have some kayaks for your use that can be launched on Punkalla creek alongside Hobbs Bay Farm. Only 15 minutes from Historic Tilba and 10 minutes from Narooma it is the perfect location for your next getaway. A real nature lovers paradise. At this stage it is primitive camping/caravan or camper trailer only.
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AU$35
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
87%
(27)

Ingenia Holidays Tomakin

80 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Tomakin, NSW
Set on the banks of the Tomaga River, between Batemans Bay and Moruya on the New South Wales South Coast, Ingenia Holidays Tomakin is where city stress is replaced with coastal relaxation. Choose between new riverfront cabins or DIY your accommodation by way of camping or caravanning and prepare to drop straight into holiday mode. Most people are drawn to at this New South Wales holiday spot by our resort style pool, perfect for families. Outside the perimeter of the park, you’ll find cafes, boutiques and beaches for exploring. And of course, there’s always the Tomakin Sports and ; Social Club next door where you can enjoy a meal if you don’t feel like self-catering (or washing up) during your stay.
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AU$999
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(22)

Narooma Paradise

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Narooma, NSW
*** PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to take any bookings until March 2023 due to flooding. Please don't send requests at this time, I will be unable to accept them. Thank you and apologies for the inconvenience. *** Our property is a five minute hike to the Wagonga Inlet with its flowing turquoise waterways, and a five minute drive to any of the beaches in Narooma: Barunga Point Beach, Kianga Beach and another 10 minutes to Mystery Bay. We are close to the town but secluded. It's a short trip into Narooma town centre from our property, where you will find grocery stores, cafes, and everything to cover your supply needs. We offer just two secluded camp sites situated in the middle of a lush garden on a 3 acre lot. You will be camping on the top of the property surrounded by a subtropical rainforest. On one side looking through the trees, you will catch glimpses of Mount Gulaga, and on the other side you will be surrounded by the subtropical rainforest surrounds. The campsites have rainwater tanks for drinking, washing and a compostable drop toilet. We can supply a solar camping shower to wash off your swim in the ocean at your request. You can recharge any batteries if you need to, such as charging a phone or laptop. Just let us know. :) We put a lot of love into our Hipcamp so if something isn't quite right for you during your stay, please let us know and we'd be very happy to help you. It's important to us that your stay is very comfortable. We are musicians/singer-songwriters and at times offer an acoustic concert of original songs or our "like a version" of cover songs. Just for that different experience or as a surprise for someone special, so please let us know. You will receive a free CD with 18 songs to carry you on your homeward journey. Check out our music on changotree.com.au Our house is also here on the acreage, with verandas in the homestead style, surrounded by a beautiful garden that circles the habitat tree - this tree is home to many small creatures such as ducks, possums and king parrots. To start you off on the nature smorgasbord that Eurobodalla offers, why not enjoy a beautiful walk to the ancient fig trees on the Wagonga Inlet trail, which is just down the road. There are many good beaches here. We suggest Bar Beach (northern side of Wagonga Inlet), which is a great family beach with swimming, fishing and Apex park nearby for picnics. Carters beach is to the north at Kianga. Easy access, good car parking and toilet facilities available. There is much to see and do here: * Mals BBQ Boats, Narooma - the BBQ boats hold up to 12 people includes BBQ equipment and onboard restroom * Narooma Marina - BBQ boats and Fishing boats for hire * Charter boat adventures where you can see penguins, dolphins and seals or go on a light house tour on Montague Island * Have lunch or dinner at the quirky Quarterdeck * Get up close and personal with the seals sun baking on the rocks at the breakwall * Have your portrait taken with Australia Rock (near the seals) * Take a trip to Tilba at the foot of Mount Gulaga (Mount Dromedary) and hike to the top of the mountain. Treat yourself from one of the many curiosity shops or take part in a tasting at the Cheese Factory.
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AU$35
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 2 times

Rock Shelf Campsite at Curl Curl

1 site · Tent1 acre · Curl Curl, NSW
This campsite is situated on top of a beautiful sandstone rock shelf in Curl Curl, NSW. The site has views across the valley to North Curl Curl. We keep native stingless bees and other beautiful native animals. Located only 300m from the Beaches best surf beach which has two beautiful rock pools to explore. Especially good for people that are not used to the surf. The 33km Northern Beaches Coast Walk is nearby. Cafes with views are everywhere. Only 30 minutes drive to Ku-ring-gai National Park. Close to W'gah mall and public transport for easy access to Manly and the city. Pets are welcome and we have a fire pit available. Please bring your own firewood.
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AU$60
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(5)

Michaels Place

2 sites · RVs, Tents18 acres · Lake Munmorah, NSW
Michaels Place is 18 acres but mostly bushland, about 5 acres grassed area. It's kind of hidden but central to everything in Lake Munmorah, Frazer national park is minutes away. The lake is in walking distance as is bowling club , shopping centre. At the property is just me my daughter, dogs and the chickens. There is birdlife everywhere. help yourself to free range eggs ... cant beat it...
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AU$200
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

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Beach camping in New South Wales with horseback riding guide

Overview

Head north and south of Sydney and you’ll find more beaches than you can count, as well as lakes and winding rivers, thundering waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Beyond the sandstone curtain of the Great Dividing Range, with its gorges in the north and snow-covered alps in the south, stretch the western slopes and plains, full of country towns and hidden surprises. Head to the far west and you’ll find yourself on the edge of the Outback. With more national parks than any other state (and more diversity of landscapes, too) New South Wales delivers the goods when it comes to unforgettable getaways.

Where to go

The Blue Mountains

Lace up your boots for one of Australia's best bushwalking destinations. The ridge of mountains two hours west of Sydney by road or train is a World Heritage-listed wonderland of sandstone canyons, waterfalls, valleys, and clifftop lookouts. The national park offers remote bush campsites, or you can go for a bit more comfort in one of the region’s many caravan and holiday parks. 

NSW North Coast

The coastline of northern NSW, from north of Newcastle to the Queensland border, is classic beach holiday territory. Almost every town has at least one caravan park, often with waterfront campsites, and most of the coastline is protected by national parks with fantastic camping spots and facilities. Flanked by the Great Dividing Range and World Heritage rainforests, the North Coast has Hipcampers spoilt for choice. 

NSW South Coast

Every bit as wild as the North Coast, the South Coast stretches south of Sydney to the Victorian border with a string of national parks, state forests, campgrounds, and seaside towns with family-friendly holiday parks. Kangaroos and wallabies graze the camping grounds and laze on the beaches, which have some of the whitest sand in the world. Kayak the waterways, bushwalk the forests, and soak in the views from the mountaintops.

Snowy Mountains

Alpine New South Wales, also known as the Snowy Mountains, stretches from the ACT south to the Victorian border along the spine of the Great Dividing Range. Along with hundreds of camping spots, the big attraction of Kosciuszko National Park—the largest national park in NSW—is Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. In winter, the area is a magnet for skiers, and in summer, fishing, bushwalking, and mountain biking reign supreme.

NSW Outback

The far western corner of NSW is a great introduction to the Outback, where endless red dust plains seem to stretch on forever under cloudless blue skies. Take a road trip out here and you'll see plenty of kangaroos and emus, but not many people. National parks such as Mungo, Mutawintji, and Kinchega offer superb camping spots, Aboriginal art sites, and stunning scenery.

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