90% (519) • 5 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Cessnock
Cranky Rock Hunter Valley
1. Cranky Rock Hunter Valley
91%
(531)
19km from Cessnock · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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 use a bush shower if needed but it’s reliant on rain water in the tank. Dogs are welcome, but as it's a working farm, we ask the remain on leash at all times.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$351
/ night
Watagan: BYO Horse Holiday
2. Watagan: BYO Horse Holiday
100%
(7)
26km from Cessnock · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Watagan presents: Dael's Mill
"Dael's Mill" is a charming 2 bedroom cabin with a rich history, dating back to the 1800s. Set upon a breathtaking 50-acre retreat nestled a the foothills of the Watagan Mountains, midway between Sydney and Newcastle. Dael's Mill offers a uniquely horse-friendly escape where guests have the option to bring their beloved ponies for midweek or weekend stays, or enjoy an intimate escape in the mountains, to slow down, recharge, and reconnect.
The cabin accommodates 4-6 guests and is equipped with self-contained amenities including:
- King or single beds with luxurious linen and towels
- Pull out double sofa
- Air conditioning
- Cedar, wood fired hot tub
- Bathroom
- Fridge
- Kitchenette (microwave, toaster, electric fry pan, tea and coffee facilities)
- BBQ
- Internal fireplace and outdoor fire pit
- TV with Chromecast
Horse accommodation:
(Maximum 4 horses per booking - 2 paddocks shared between 4 horses).
Please let us know if you would like us to feed your horses.
They have dedicated adjoining paddocks so you can look out your window and greet your four legged friend.
Activities:
Guests can unwind in an outdoor hot tub or take a refreshing dip in the property's dam and lagoons, adorned with lillies. The site grants easy access to vast trail networks in the Watagan State Forest, ideal for adventurous souls seeking extensive riding opportunities, either by horse, motor bike, mountain bike or 4WD. Or, you can try your luck fishing in the dam for some silver perch!
Property features:
For those seeking a more relaxed riding (or hiking) experience, the property boasts kilometers of purpose-built trails that don't require opening gates, catering to groups or individuals, providing spaces for bush bashing, hill climbs and canters. Guests can explore beautiful pockets of the property featuring our spring-fed dam, lagoons, and stunning Blarney Creek, meandering through the landscape. Spot the local wallabies, wombats, echidnas, water dragons, and so much more.
Local attractions:
Watagan enjoys proximity to takeaway shops, cafes, boutiques and restaurants just 10-15 minutes away, while the award-winning 8 @ Trinity is a mere 20-minute drive, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences.
- Beaches within 35 minutes
- Wineries within 45 minutes
- Lookouts and state forest picnic areas at your door step
Tyson & I are excited to welcome you to our little slice of paradise.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$339
/ night
Carawirry Forest Escape
3. Carawirry Forest Escape
75%
(4)
74km from Cessnock · 4 sites
Carawirry’s cabin accommodation combine luxury with rustic charm. Guests can choose between The Treehouse, Gum Leaf Cabin, and The Cottage, all featuring comfortable furnishings, outdoor baths, and cosy fireplaces for the cooler months, or Tathra House for larger groups who are looking for a plunge pool and plenty of space. Many visitors rave about the opportunity to disconnect, as there’s limited mobile reception—though Wi-Fi is available for those who need it.
Top Experiences:
Forest Walks and Wildlife: Explore the Waterfall Track, just one of approx 10km of trails on the property, where you can discover hidden waterfalls and natural swimming holes. The property is home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, possums, and the resident kookaburras, making it a nature lover’s paradise.
Outdoor Baths: One of the standout features is the alfresco bath experience. Imagine soaking in warm water, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the forest—a guest favourite for relaxation.
Gourmet Local Produce: Guests can indulge in locally sourced grazing boxes and breakfast hampers. Enjoy farm-fresh eggs, Hunter Valley cheeses, and sourdough bread either in front of a crackling fire or while soaking in the forest views from your deck.
Whether you’re there for adventure or relaxation, Carawirry Forest Escape offers a unique blend of comfort and nature, making it an unforgettable destination for those looking to reconnect with the Australian wilderness.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
AU$531
/ night
90% (519) • 5 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Cessnock
Cranky Rock Hunter Valley
1. Cranky Rock Hunter Valley
91%
(531)
19km from Cessnock · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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 use a bush shower if needed but it’s reliant on rain water in the tank. Dogs are welcome, but as it's a working farm, we ask the remain on leash at all times.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$351
/ night
Watagan: BYO Horse Holiday
2. Watagan: BYO Horse Holiday
100%
(7)
26km from Cessnock · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Watagan presents: Dael's Mill
"Dael's Mill" is a charming 2 bedroom cabin with a rich history, dating back to the 1800s. Set upon a breathtaking 50-acre retreat nestled a the foothills of the Watagan Mountains, midway between Sydney and Newcastle. Dael's Mill offers a uniquely horse-friendly escape where guests have the option to bring their beloved ponies for midweek or weekend stays, or enjoy an intimate escape in the mountains, to slow down, recharge, and reconnect.
The cabin accommodates 4-6 guests and is equipped with self-contained amenities including:
- King or single beds with luxurious linen and towels
- Pull out double sofa
- Air conditioning
- Cedar, wood fired hot tub
- Bathroom
- Fridge
- Kitchenette (microwave, toaster, electric fry pan, tea and coffee facilities)
- BBQ
- Internal fireplace and outdoor fire pit
- TV with Chromecast
Horse accommodation:
(Maximum 4 horses per booking - 2 paddocks shared between 4 horses).
Please let us know if you would like us to feed your horses.
They have dedicated adjoining paddocks so you can look out your window and greet your four legged friend.
Activities:
Guests can unwind in an outdoor hot tub or take a refreshing dip in the property's dam and lagoons, adorned with lillies. The site grants easy access to vast trail networks in the Watagan State Forest, ideal for adventurous souls seeking extensive riding opportunities, either by horse, motor bike, mountain bike or 4WD. Or, you can try your luck fishing in the dam for some silver perch!
Property features:
For those seeking a more relaxed riding (or hiking) experience, the property boasts kilometers of purpose-built trails that don't require opening gates, catering to groups or individuals, providing spaces for bush bashing, hill climbs and canters. Guests can explore beautiful pockets of the property featuring our spring-fed dam, lagoons, and stunning Blarney Creek, meandering through the landscape. Spot the local wallabies, wombats, echidnas, water dragons, and so much more.
Local attractions:
Watagan enjoys proximity to takeaway shops, cafes, boutiques and restaurants just 10-15 minutes away, while the award-winning 8 @ Trinity is a mere 20-minute drive, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences.
- Beaches within 35 minutes
- Wineries within 45 minutes
- Lookouts and state forest picnic areas at your door step
Tyson & I are excited to welcome you to our little slice of paradise.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$339
/ night
Carawirry Forest Escape
3. Carawirry Forest Escape
75%
(4)
74km from Cessnock · 4 sites
Carawirry’s cabin accommodation combine luxury with rustic charm. Guests can choose between The Treehouse, Gum Leaf Cabin, and The Cottage, all featuring comfortable furnishings, outdoor baths, and cosy fireplaces for the cooler months, or Tathra House for larger groups who are looking for a plunge pool and plenty of space. Many visitors rave about the opportunity to disconnect, as there’s limited mobile reception—though Wi-Fi is available for those who need it.
Top Experiences:
Forest Walks and Wildlife: Explore the Waterfall Track, just one of approx 10km of trails on the property, where you can discover hidden waterfalls and natural swimming holes. The property is home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, possums, and the resident kookaburras, making it a nature lover’s paradise.
Outdoor Baths: One of the standout features is the alfresco bath experience. Imagine soaking in warm water, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the forest—a guest favourite for relaxation.
Gourmet Local Produce: Guests can indulge in locally sourced grazing boxes and breakfast hampers. Enjoy farm-fresh eggs, Hunter Valley cheeses, and sourdough bread either in front of a crackling fire or while soaking in the forest views from your deck.
Whether you’re there for adventure or relaxation, Carawirry Forest Escape offers a unique blend of comfort and nature, making it an unforgettable destination for those looking to reconnect with the Australian wilderness.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
AU$531
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
E
Evan
January 2026
Weekend Trip to Cranky Rock Hunter Valley
Such a beautiful experience! We loved our stay here at Cranky Rock. The cabin is so unique with so many cool details, the more you look the more you find. The property is also incredible! We stayed with our dog who loved the horses and we also spotted multiple deer which I’ve never seen before so was thrilled about that. The hosts Pam and Lindsey were so welcoming and lovely, made us feel so at home. The best part, it’s dog friendly so you can bring your fur babies! We had such a great time here and thank you so much for having us 🩷
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C
Cheye
January 2026
With kids
Absolutely incredible location. Everything about the tree house was made with comfort and pure relaxation. The kangaroos that visit you are so sweet and was the possum. Lizards and birds, just beautiful. Heather, you have made that Treehouse a home for any to come, right down to the cutlery and beautiful bedding. Thankyou for designing a stunning tranquil home we have foreever remember this holiday, will be sure to be back again and again!
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M
Megan
October 2025
1 m travel trailer
With pets
Dael’s Mill is a gorgeous old cottage packed with charm and character. We loved the place, the fire pit, the hot tub, the birds, the wallaby’s, the dam, the jetty, all of which surrounded by horses and natural beauty! Thanks Chantelle and Tyson for enabling us to share your place for a short while!
See moreJ
Jessica
July 2025
1 night at Carawirry Forest Escape
Loved it! The treehouse was so cosy and peaceful, it was beautiful to be surrounded by bushland and wildlife. The cabin was well equipped with what need and the bed was super comfy!
Make sure to take a long soak in the outdoor bath, this was my favourite part of the stay and so relaxing!
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Adelaide
March 2025
3 nights at Carawirry Forest Escape
The cottage was a stunning place to spend the weekend even though it rained so we didn’t get to explore as much of the bush as we would have liked. Loved the maps which greeted us with so many surprising options to explore. We walked lyrebird and yowie tracks which were challenging but very rewarding. No lyrebird sightings this time round but definitely worth the climb up the side of the mountain. Had a lovely time chilling with the walleroos in the outdoor tub after that one!
See moreA
Alex
December 2024
With pets
We loved our stay at cranky rock and are return guests. The hosts have poured so much love into creating a space that is full of character and comfortable for their guests. My husband, myself and our dog Millie were well looked after and loved that the hosts also went the extra mile to make sure we had a enjoyable stay we loved that the extra breakfast items they included of fresh eggs etc. Thank you once again for opening cranky rock up for us to stay on our journey back to Sydney.
Alex, Deb & Millie the Staffy.
See moreV
Viranthi
December 2024
6 nights at Cranky Rock Hunter Valley
Cranky Rock Cottage was a delightful find! Nestled amidst stunning scenery, the cottage itself is beautifully appointed with a cozy and rustic charm. We particularly enjoyed the farm, views and hot tub. The location was perfect for exploring nearby historic towns and wineries.
Pam & Lindsay are excellent hosts, kind and helpful.
Overall, we had a wonderful stay and would highly recommend Cranky Rock Cottage for a peaceful and memorable getaway.
See moreR
Rebekah
December 2024
2 nights at Cranky Rock Hunter Valley
Lindsay and Pam have created a unique cottage set among the fields and mountains near Wollumbi. Lindsay has used his particular knowledge of historic building techniques to create a space that takes you back to the mid nineteenth century, with pull cord electric lights and hewn logs throughout. One of the highlights for me was the abundant bird life. The native vegetation planted around the cottage brings past a host of scarlet browed finches, wrens and black cockatoos. Well worth slowing down with a cup of coffee on the veranda.
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