The best waterfall campgrounds near Clarence Town, New South Wales

Chasing waterfalls in Clarence Town? Pitch your tent beside shaded creeks or wake to the sound of rushing water—this patch of New South Wales delivers. With 27 campsites that put you close to the area’s cascades, you’ll find everything from thick bushland to open paddocks, all with hiking trails that lead straight to the falls. Average nightly rates sit at $75, but you can snag a site for as little as $30. Hot showers, toilets, and campfire rings come standard at many spots, so you won’t miss basic comforts after a day on the trail. Top picks? Bonneydoon (125 reviews) sits right on the river, Peaceful Sunny Ridge Farm (13 reviews) is a magnet for birdlife, and Faraway Farm (11 reviews) keeps things quiet and secluded. Hiking, climbing, and wildlife-watching fill your days; evenings are for swapping stories around the fire. Locals know: pack your swimmers and sturdy boots—Clarence Town’s waterfalls are worth the scramble.

90% (373)

Top-rated campgrounds

Chasing waterfalls in Clarence Town? Pitch your tent beside shaded creeks or wake to the sound of rushing water—this patch of New South Wales delivers. With 27 campsites that put you close to the area’s cascades, you’ll find everything from thick bushland to open paddocks, all with hiking trails that lead straight to the falls. Average nightly rates sit at $75, but you can snag a site for as little as $30. Hot showers, toilets, and campfire rings come standard at many spots, so you won’t miss basic comforts after a day on the trail. Top picks? Bonneydoon (125 reviews) sits right on the river, Peaceful Sunny Ridge Farm (13 reviews) is a magnet for birdlife, and Faraway Farm (11 reviews) keeps things quiet and secluded. Hiking, climbing, and wildlife-watching fill your days; evenings are for swapping stories around the fire. Locals know: pack your swimmers and sturdy boots—Clarence Town’s waterfalls are worth the scramble.

90% (373)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Bonneydoon

96%

(255)

30km from Clarence Town · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · Main Creek, NSW

With over 600 acres of private natural forest, valleys, and mountain top look outs, there's more room to explore than you could possibly cover in one visit. Bordering world heritage listed Barrington Tops national park, the views seem to go on forever, and natural beauty that truly takes your breath away. Previously owned by Yoga australia for 20yrs, upon entering this hilltop getaway, it's easy to understand why this beautiful location has been a highly sought after retreat to relax and unwind. Close to so many wonderful locations and activities in the local Dungog area, there's many options to enjoy. Or just sit back and enjoy the serenity. At Bonneydoon you can visit Sunset Rock, walk the great timber staircase of General Sherman trail, The Big Fig that's hundred's of years old, walk the majestic flatbed rock creeks, etched out over a millennia, adorned with unique flora and fauna, or relax atop the camping grounds and see the mountain tops that seem to stretch on forever.

2. Faraway Retreat (Drug/Alcohol Free)

96%

(14)

38km from Clarence Town · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Bandon Grove, NSW

Faraway Farm is an organic retreat with a focus on nourishment and well-being. A place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Here there is no need for tv, emails, music, parties, drugs or alcohol. You’ll be too busy hearing, seeing, exploring and enjoying all that the bush has to offer. With Chichester State Forest and Barrington Tops National Park nearby there is so much to explore. And being only 20 minutes from Dungog, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Newcastle, and 3 hours from Sydney it’s not too far to travel for a weekend getaway. The farm is bordered by the pristine Jerusalem Creek which offers waterfalls, swimming holes within 10 minutes walk from camp and an abundance of wildlife. Special sightings include Orchids, Koalas and Lyrebirds Camping is located on the ridge line overlooking the Barrington Tops to the west and as you can imagine the most incredible sunsets. A bush toilet with hand washing facility is available at the site. BYO water and firewood. The farm includes a small herd of goats so getting to feed the goats is just one of the many highlights. Nearby attractions include Chichester Dam, Jerusalem Creek Falls and Dundungarra Falls.

3. Carawirry Forest Escape

67%

(3)

34km from Clarence Town · 5 sites · Lodging · Main Creek, NSW

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.

Stories from the community

C

Chris

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Bonneydoon

We loved our stay at Bonneydoon. The property is outstanding with plenty to do without even leaving the property if you don’t want to travel around the local points of interest. At the time of our 2 night stay, there was nobody else there so Nicholas said we can take our pick of sites even though we only paid for the cheapest camp site. Throw in the beautiful views, fantastic wildlife and great weather, we couldn’t fault this Hip Camp.

I

Ian

October 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bonneydoon

Nicholas was great helping me pick the right site for a tent and two campervans. Nice and flat, loads of space and fantastic views. We had the whole place to ourselves. Access to a water tap and clean pit toilets close by. We didn’t use the showers or camp kitchen down the hill but seemed okay. Bit hot during the day - need to bring your own shade for this site but there are others under trees. Steep downhill bush bash to see an amazing sunset from lookout, breathtaking sunrises to start the day and THE STARS - wow!! Delighted to see our first ever fireflies ✨ Got too dark to visit the big tree but good to save something for next visit. On the more expensive side of the hipcamps we have stayed at but worth it for the views, walks, peace and serenity only 1.5 hours from Newcastle. Thank you 🙏🏼

S

Sascha

October 2025

10 m Class B

1 night at Bonneydoon

Such a beautiful spot to stay! The views were truely spectacular! Lots of amenities available too

Z

Zoe

October 2025

5 m car

1 night at Bonneydoon

Amazing views! But our spot seemed to be double booked which caused a bit of a mix up, but it was all resolved well.

C

Corinne

October 2025

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Bonneydoon

we were there for a long week end during school holidays and the way the sites are designed are very private and doesn't feel crowded. We are self sufficient but truly appreciated the clean facilities and environment. Our dog loved swimming in the dams.

T

Thomas

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bonneydoon

Fantastic location with great vistas and facilities. Amazing sunrise and sunsets.

Mitch

October 2025

5 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Bonneydoon

Loved our stay, good walking tracks close by and great for dogs

E

Emily

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bonneydoon

Bonneydoon was an awesome camp ground. Beautiful setting with a great view from site 12. The sites are really big and nicely spread out so you are not all on top of each other and leaves room to kick a ball or play games. It’s close into Dungog for the mountain bike park, swimming pool, brewery, bakery and IGA

B

Ben

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bonneydoon

Stunning views. Well maintained facilities. Well spaced out between sites. Good walks to do right there.

J

Julie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Faraway Retreat (Drug/Alcohol Free)

Toby's property was a beautiful and peaceful place to camp. Big grass area with a compost toilet. Toby also provided us with a helpful map for a 10-minute bushwalk down to explore Jerusalem Creek.

a

ahmad

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bonneydoon

We really enjoyed our stay at Nicholas and Jane's over the weekend! Clean amenities and vast land to explore!! Highly recommend 👌 thanks again!

S

Simone

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bonneydoon

Beautiful Spot, photos and descriptions are accurate. The host was very responsive to our questions. Would definitely come back and try some of the other sites!

K

Krishna

August 2025

7 m travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bonneydoon

If you are looking for relaxed touch back to nature. Amidst the nature. On top of a hill, than Bonneydoon is place for you. Rv, trailer camper, caravan, or just tent camping. Its one place for it all. Nicholas was warm host, who figured the place we originally booked was water damaged,so he fenced the damaged portion and let us know about it so we could get ready accordingly. Most of the ones in our team had their first camp ever and m glad i took them here.

Melise

July 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at Bonneydoon

Bonneydoon was awesome, amazing spot high on the mountain with incredible views. I had the place to myself but spots were well spaced & the added bonus of a hot shower & toilets was great. Lots of kangaroos about too, highly recommend!

M

Macy

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bonneydoon

Really pretty area with lots of nice things to do while enjoying the area. Owners were easy to contact and friendly.

Han

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bonneydoon

The campsite was amazing, owners were also kind enough to send an email with things to do around the venue, but sitting in the campsite and admiring the view was more than ample for us. I had already been to the campsite prior last year and it still held its ground as the best campsite in nsw, in my books. Toilets were clean and accessible. Ground was not muddy despite the rain during our camping trip, which made clean up a breeze. Would definitely return. Absolutely worth the three hour drive from Sydney. My only tip would be to make sure that you have all your supplies before heading to the venue as the nearest grocery store is quite a drive from the campsite.

F

Felicity

July 2025

8 m travel trailer

With kids

5 nights at Bonneydoon

We had a lovely stay recently at Bonnydoon. Great large pitches with plenty of space. We’ll definitely return.

J

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!

L

Lauren

July 2025

10 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bonneydoon

This place is stunning! Great walking tracks, amazing sites and beautiful views! Highly recommend!

S

Shab

July 2025