Lake Camping Near Ettalong Beach, New South Wales, AU: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Camping by the lake in Ettalong Beach puts you right where the water meets the bush. With over 60 lakefront sites, you’ll find plenty of spots to pitch your tent and watch pelicans glide across the shallows. Top picks include Lakestead Farm (175 reviews), Fern Gully (147 reviews), and Two Shores Holiday Village (33 reviews). Campers here wake up to misty mornings and spend days fishing, swimming, or surfing—straight from the shoreline. Most sites offer hot showers, toilets, and let you bring your dog. Prices start at $40 a night, with the average around $132. If you want easy access to calm water and a laid-back camp vibe, Ettalong’s lakeside options deliver.

87% (413)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camping by the lake in Ettalong Beach puts you right where the water meets the bush. With over 60 lakefront sites, you’ll find plenty of spots to pitch your tent and watch pelicans glide across the shallows. Top picks include Lakestead Farm (175 reviews), Fern Gully (147 reviews), and Two Shores Holiday Village (33 reviews). Campers here wake up to misty mornings and spend days fishing, swimming, or surfing—straight from the shoreline. Most sites offer hot showers, toilets, and let you bring your dog. Prices start at $40 a night, with the average around $132. If you want easy access to calm water and a laid-back camp vibe, Ettalong’s lakeside options deliver.

87% (413)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Two Shores Holiday Village

90%

(74)

27km from Ettalong Beach · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · The Entrance North, NSW

Our picturesque lakefront Holiday Park is surrounded by breath taking surfing beaches and National Parks. Two Shores Holiday Village provides the ideal accommodation and getaway with comfortable cabins and great sites for caravans and camping. Relax to the beautiful sunsets over Tuggerah lake and enjoy lazy walks on the pristine beaches. The Park is an ideal base for boating, fishing, kayaking and with a selection of nearby Restaurants, Entertainment, Golf courses and great shopping Two Shores is a favourite for many visitors. Just 90 minutes north of Sydney, Two Shores Holiday Village is perfectly located for getaways at any time of the year. We accept a maximum of 2 dog. Pet fee is $5 per night per dog, which is payable at the property on arrival. A pet form will need to be completed at time of check in.

2. Lakestead Farm

98%

(336)

31km from Ettalong Beach · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Jilliby, NSW

Peaceful farm setting on a working horse property. Offering limited, laser levelled fully turfed sites, to allow space. The large lake is a feature of the property and abounds with bird life of many species. This campsite suits fully self sufficient campers with own drinking water and toilet/shower amenities. Pets are welcome by arrangement, especially your horses (please contact us to arrange holidaying with your dog or horse before booking). In summer you may see mumma swan and her baby cygnets, as well as lots of ducklings. Drop in your paddle board or kayak for a leisurely paddle. Take a relaxed stroll around the property and depending on the season you might spy a wylie fox or a turtle laying eggs. Deer occasionally visit and echidnas and wombats, although nocturnal animals sometimes are a precious sight. There are platypus in the creek and fish in the lake.k Pre-booked riding lessons available. We have a state forest over the road suited to bush walking or mountain bikes. Ammo the horse who galloped out in the Sydney 2000 Olympics opening ceremony is buried here at Lakestead Farm. We love to speak about our Olympic experience. Please note these campsite are for 2 people with one car only (children welcome to visit with adults). NOTE: There aror showers - campers need to BRING their own. We love our pristine environment so no bush poos allowed. We are located minutes from the M1, easy to break your journey, 40 minutes from Wahroonga and Newcastle exit. Just 5 minutes drive to Wyong Centre with shopping centre and good restaurants, and 20 minutes drive to beaches. Off the ground fires are allowed outside bushfire season. Wood to be supplied by campers. Our property is designed to welcome small groups of people who want a quiet getaway. Because we like to keep it more intimate, The property is not designed for large groups of 10 or more wanting a social gathering or party. We are an easy 40 minute drive to the Hunter Valley wineries and concerts in the vines The Lake can be fun to swim or paddle around but all visitors must wear life vests whilst in the water. Locally we have some great festivals to visit the Glenworth Food and Wine festival, Yarramalong valley Spring fair with Scarecrow comp, Wyong Love Lanes festival, Harvest festival, Ratmines Catalina Festival, Brisbane water Oyster Festival to name a few. IMPORTANT PLEASE READ. Camping toilet At Lakestead Farm we pride ourselves on our beautiful environment. We have lots of wildlife around. We are very upset when visitors to the Farm dig holes and poo in them. Leaving toilet paper on top. This is so unfair to us and future campers on our sites. Because this has occurred we will only allow campers with camping toilets. In order for us to accept your request you need to confirm you have a toilet. Don’t say yes if you don’t have one, Checks will be done, if you don’t have a portable toilet you will be asked to leave and your fees won’t be refunded. We are sorry if this offends anyone, we love to share our property but only with people who will love and respect it.

3. BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park

81%

(8)

21km from Ettalong Beach · 335 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sydney, NSW

At Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, we offer more than just a place to stay – we offer the ultimate blend of coastal escape and urban lifestyle. Nestled between the calm waters of Narrabeen Lake and the surf of North Narrabeen Beach, our park is the perfect blend of nature, relaxation and convenience. Unbeatable location between lake and surf. Just 45 minutes from Sydney CBD. Wide range of accommodation, from unpowered sites to villas. Family-friendly amenities including playground, splash park and BBQ areas. Ideal for couples, families, groups and solo travellers. Easy access to public transport, shops and restaurants.

4. Little Cat Oasis Garden Glamping

100%

(1)

30km from Ettalong Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Queenscliff, NSW

A studio room located in the backyard of the owner’s cottage residence which was established in 1938,. “The Printery” once operated as a printing factory and housed printing presses and machinery up to the 60's. The local newspaper “The Manly Daily” was printed on the property from 1940-41 The studio rental has a 4.8 star review on Airbnb. Quirky and unusual, Little Cat Oasis Garden Glamping studio offers something a little different to the usual local accomodation offerings. Stays are hosted in a one room garden studio which has a King size bed, 2 seater sofa, tv and tea/coffee making facilities. There is also use of an adjacent outdoor tropical private deck area.

5. Farm Stay on Beautiful Lake Mac

53km from Ettalong Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV · Eraring, NSW

Come and enjoy a little piece of our paradise, put your feet up by beautiful Lake Macquarie. Our property is located on direct lake front reserve, with a safe sandy bay to explore with the kids and is the perfect spot to relax and unwind with family or friends. Extensive lake front and bush land to explore also in immediate surrounds. Activities on offer: Swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, boating, bike riding, bush walking, feeding animals, picnic by the lake, sunrise to sunset lake walks, big swing, plenty of mown grassy areas to throw a frisbee. Farm animals to feed and seasonal lambs to enjoy. No Pets sorry! Fire Pit available to relax around in the evening. Boat Ramp at Dora Creek 8 mins away. Adult and child kayak including life jackets are available for your use. Or bring your own toys. Please arrive with all vehicle water tanks full of water. Water can be accessed from side of house but it is 50m from best camping spot. Please drive slowly on our lawn to designated camping area. Quite time from 9:30pm to respect our neighbours. Suitable for caravans with own amenities ONLY. Extra Tent can be erected. Close dumping point in Morisset 10 mins away. No refunds for checking out early.

6. Fern Gully

97%

(289)

41km from Ettalong Beach · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · Mandalong, NSW

Check in: MUST BE BEFORE 7PM. YOU MUST ARRIVE ON SITE BEFORE 7PM. No check in available after sunset. Text us at least 2 hours before if you are going to be late. Enter the driveway and park at the front carpark. Walk to the house and meet Les and/or Jade for directions to campsite location. Please make your booking prior to 1pm for same day arrival. The property is 40 acres of beautiful bushland, backing on to the Olney State Forest. Camp on a grassy site overlooking the dam or nestled in amongst the trees. Pets allowed. Keep your dog on leash at your campsite and under supervision at all times. Clean up after your dog. Fire pits provided on each campsite. Do not dismantle fire pits. Campsites have no toilet or shower facilities, and no electrical connection. Please bring your own water. Dry organic firewood for sale $15 for 15kgs Bag on request. Fresh free-range eggs for sale when available. Please respect our home and property and leave the campsite in the good condition you found it. The property is just 7kms from the M1 motorway (take the Morisset exit off the M1) and Morisset just 10kms away with shops and fuel. There is plenty to do in the Morisset area including visiting the pretty Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans National Park or kayaking around beautiful Lake Macquarie, Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake. There are some great areas for hiking, bike riding, bird watching and more. Set on the western foreshore of Lake Macquarie, which has the bush in its backyard. Find a patch of shade for a picnic in Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area where you can spot kangaroos and other wildlife. The saltwater lake is a haven for sea turtles and dolphins and you might see sea eagles and kookaburras, too. Fern Gully is just 1.5 hours drive from Sydney! We look forward to meeting you.

7. Ingenia Holidays Avina

78%

(18)

45km from Ettalong Beach · 171 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sydney, NSW

Escape to the Vineyard region in Sydney for a country getaway at Ingenia Holidays Avina! Located only 50km from Sydney CBD, this countryside location offers an array of accommodation options, including camping or caravan sites, as well as modern villas and spacious cabins. During your stay, wine taste your way around the region, take a short drive to local attractions such as Featherdale Wildlife Park, Windsor Heritage Walk, Hawkesbury Valley and the Blue Mountains, or stay in and enjoy the resort-style pool. Whether your home base for your holiday is the canvas you packed, caravan or you’ve opted for a well-appointed villa or spacious cabin, you’ll have access to all of the park’s facilities which include a resort-style swimming pool, BBQ facilities and a kiosk.

8. Gondwana Retreat

86%

(50)

6.3km from Ettalong Beach · 5 sites · Tents · Green Point, NSW

My name is Jason and I am responsible for caring and creating this space.Gondwana Retreat is sacred land. It is sacred to the original people as two rivers meet here which was auspicious, and sacred to me and all that visit. The Aboriginal people used to live and commune here. And now it seems a place where people like to be, and Rest and Rejuvenation - even healing happens here.Since moving here myself in 2014 it has been a place of transformation and change. The land itself was abandoned with rubbish and weeds everywhere when I arrived and with a bit of hard work, some patience and care it has become a place of beauty. It has been returned to much more of its natural and native state. This process of positive change has created a healing in the environment and for myself, and visitors express this magic in the air.Nowadays we are offering meditation, yoga, and therapeutic types of practices in the main home that the land and campsite is a part of. Campers are welcome to join and this really makes staying here an opportunity for exploring these practices if you choose.Be good to share the land and we welcome all to Gondwana retreat!

Camper favorites near Ettalong Beach

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Little Cat Oasis Garden Glamping

100%

(1)

30km from Ettalong Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Queenscliff, NSW

A studio room located in the backyard of the owner’s cottage residence which was established in 1938,. “The Printery” once operated as a printing factory and housed printing presses and machinery up to the 60's. The local newspaper “The Manly Daily” was printed on the property from 1940-41 The studio rental has a 4.8 star review on Airbnb. Quirky and unusual, Little Cat Oasis Garden Glamping studio offers something a little different to the usual local accomodation offerings. Stays are hosted in a one room garden studio which has a King size bed, 2 seater sofa, tv and tea/coffee making facilities. There is also use of an adjacent outdoor tropical private deck area.

Farm Stay on Beautiful Lake Mac

53km from Ettalong Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV · Eraring, NSW

Come and enjoy a little piece of our paradise, put your feet up by beautiful Lake Macquarie. Our property is located on direct lake front reserve, with a safe sandy bay to explore with the kids and is the perfect spot to relax and unwind with family or friends. Extensive lake front and bush land to explore also in immediate surrounds. Activities on offer: Swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, boating, bike riding, bush walking, feeding animals, picnic by the lake, sunrise to sunset lake walks, big swing, plenty of mown grassy areas to throw a frisbee. Farm animals to feed and seasonal lambs to enjoy. No Pets sorry! Fire Pit available to relax around in the evening. Boat Ramp at Dora Creek 8 mins away. Adult and child kayak including life jackets are available for your use. Or bring your own toys. Please arrive with all vehicle water tanks full of water. Water can be accessed from side of house but it is 50m from best camping spot. Please drive slowly on our lawn to designated camping area. Quite time from 9:30pm to respect our neighbours. Suitable for caravans with own amenities ONLY. Extra Tent can be erected. Close dumping point in Morisset 10 mins away. No refunds for checking out early.

Fern Gully

97%

(289)

41km from Ettalong Beach · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · Mandalong, NSW

Check in: MUST BE BEFORE 7PM. YOU MUST ARRIVE ON SITE BEFORE 7PM. No check in available after sunset. Text us at least 2 hours before if you are going to be late. Enter the driveway and park at the front carpark. Walk to the house and meet Les and/or Jade for directions to campsite location. Please make your booking prior to 1pm for same day arrival. The property is 40 acres of beautiful bushland, backing on to the Olney State Forest. Camp on a grassy site overlooking the dam or nestled in amongst the trees. Pets allowed. Keep your dog on leash at your campsite and under supervision at all times. Clean up after your dog. Fire pits provided on each campsite. Do not dismantle fire pits. Campsites have no toilet or shower facilities, and no electrical connection. Please bring your own water. Dry organic firewood for sale $15 for 15kgs Bag on request. Fresh free-range eggs for sale when available. Please respect our home and property and leave the campsite in the good condition you found it. The property is just 7kms from the M1 motorway (take the Morisset exit off the M1) and Morisset just 10kms away with shops and fuel. There is plenty to do in the Morisset area including visiting the pretty Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans National Park or kayaking around beautiful Lake Macquarie, Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake. There are some great areas for hiking, bike riding, bird watching and more. Set on the western foreshore of Lake Macquarie, which has the bush in its backyard. Find a patch of shade for a picnic in Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area where you can spot kangaroos and other wildlife. The saltwater lake is a haven for sea turtles and dolphins and you might see sea eagles and kookaburras, too. Fern Gully is just 1.5 hours drive from Sydney! We look forward to meeting you.

Ingenia Holidays Avina

78%

(18)

45km from Ettalong Beach · 171 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sydney, NSW

Escape to the Vineyard region in Sydney for a country getaway at Ingenia Holidays Avina! Located only 50km from Sydney CBD, this countryside location offers an array of accommodation options, including camping or caravan sites, as well as modern villas and spacious cabins. During your stay, wine taste your way around the region, take a short drive to local attractions such as Featherdale Wildlife Park, Windsor Heritage Walk, Hawkesbury Valley and the Blue Mountains, or stay in and enjoy the resort-style pool. Whether your home base for your holiday is the canvas you packed, caravan or you’ve opted for a well-appointed villa or spacious cabin, you’ll have access to all of the park’s facilities which include a resort-style swimming pool, BBQ facilities and a kiosk.

Gondwana Retreat

86%

(50)

6.3km from Ettalong Beach · 5 sites · Tents · Green Point, NSW

My name is Jason and I am responsible for caring and creating this space.Gondwana Retreat is sacred land. It is sacred to the original people as two rivers meet here which was auspicious, and sacred to me and all that visit. The Aboriginal people used to live and commune here. And now it seems a place where people like to be, and Rest and Rejuvenation - even healing happens here.Since moving here myself in 2014 it has been a place of transformation and change. The land itself was abandoned with rubbish and weeds everywhere when I arrived and with a bit of hard work, some patience and care it has become a place of beauty. It has been returned to much more of its natural and native state. This process of positive change has created a healing in the environment and for myself, and visitors express this magic in the air.Nowadays we are offering meditation, yoga, and therapeutic types of practices in the main home that the land and campsite is a part of. Campers are welcome to join and this really makes staying here an opportunity for exploring these practices if you choose.Be good to share the land and we welcome all to Gondwana retreat!

Stories from the community

J

Jackie

October 2025

5 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Lakestead Farm

We loved our first weekend away in our new caravan at Lakestead Farm, was so close to home but felt like we were miles away on holiday, the hosts instructions were amazingly detailed, the property was great, flat level grassy large sites, was very relaxing watching the bird life arrival at dusk, amazing sunsets, had a fish in the lake, caught a couple or Eels, nothing better in life than sitting around a campfire watching the stars in the sky!!, Thank you Sandy for sharing your beautiful property

K

Kim

October 2025

4 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Lakestead Farm

Thank you Sandy we enjoyed our stay at Lakestead Farm. Great location, easy access. This is our second time at the farm as we love it.

Ben

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park

Great spot for families. Great facilities, beautiful beach short walk away, really enjoyed it

E

Elaine

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Lakestead Farm

Such a beautiful and peaceful property, with huge, level sites and amazing views. Perfect location to disconnect and for a weekend break from Sydney, and Sandy is a wonderful host. We loved our stay and will definitely be back!

Troy

October 2025

9 m travel trailer

1 night at Lakestead Farm

The dog and I had a wonderful stay at this beautiful open site right on the pond. There was plenty of space and easy access for our large caravan, which made it great for an ovrrnight stop witjout having to unhitch the van. The directions provided were spot on, making it simple to find even for first-time visitors. Sandy was a warm and welcoming host who made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. Peaceful setting, lovely views, and excellent hospitality ... highly recommended!

D

Donna

October 2025

8 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Lakestead Farm

We had a wonderful family get together and this beautiful farm, so peaceful highly recommend :)

Jamie

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Fern Gully

Such a lovely lush property with heaps of room to set up and was very quiet even being close-ish to the road (and also so convenient because of it!). We booked the Waterlily site which was very nice sitting next to the Pond with frequent visits from the friendly resident dog Boris. Highly recommend, I’m sure we’ll be back. Thanks for having us! :)

J

Jessica

September 2025

9 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lakestead Farm

A lovely place to stay with the family. Lots of space for the kids to run around and beautiful views of the lake.

L

Lauren

September 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park

Stayed for 2 nights during the horrific rain Sydney had, so we didn't have a chance to explore. The first night was a powered site with an en suite, which was fantastic. Second night was a powered site with communal toilets/showers. Both were super clean, showers were hot and powerful.

G

Gaurav

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fern Gully

It was one of the best camping experience I ever had

a

arnie

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lakestead Farm

We had a great time camping this weekend, the view was stunning, the site is quiet and peaceful. We loved waking up to the view of the lake and to patting the horses. Bonus that you can fish in the lake. The directions for getting in were straight forward and easy to navigate. Everyone there was super friendly from the host to the horse feeders. Keen to visit this spot again!

S

Stephen

June 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakestead Farm

Had a lovely weekend down at Jiliby. Grounds were very well kept and the kids loved the space . The bird life especially in the afternoon was amazing.

Ophelia

June 2025

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Lakestead Farm

Lovely spot by a lake surrounded by horse paddocks. Watching the birds come in at dusk was cool to watch.

G

Gregory

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Little Cat Oasis Garden Glamping

The printery is the most perfect place to stay if you are exploring the northern beaches. The bed is so big and comfy, easy parking and the manly dam at the end of the street, it’s a perfect little nature getaway! And the best part is the outdoor shower, a real little tropical oasis and you can have a piping hot shower under the stars ✨ J.S is the most amazing host too, very accommodating and friendly, a real gem of a stay 💎

J

Jayme

April 2025

Tent

1 night at Lakestead Farm

Absolutely beautiful location with lots of your own space without other campers being on-top on you. Would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a low key camping spot to relax. Close to shops and freeway as well. The birds in the afternoon were so cool to see!! Will definitely be back again :)

K

Katie

April 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fern Gully

Beautiful spot, with fantastic hosts- lovely Walks into the state forest. Grassy dappled sunlight sites amongst the beautiful trees. Dog friendly and plenty of room between sites on the property.

K

Kyle

April 2025

6 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakestead Farm

Loved our stay at the lake, great relaxing couple of days, our nearest neighbors were 50m away

Lori

April 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fern Gully

Friendly Owners, with private sites. Close enough to town if you run out of anything. We can easy put up a zip line for our dogs to run. Great stay!

a

aaron

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lakestead Farm

Beautiful well kept camp spot,nice and level For our rooftop tent, definitely be back

P

Patrick

April 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lakestead Farm

We had a great time camping at Lakestead. Nice and relaxing. Highlight was watching the flocks of birds come in to spend the night in the trees on the banks of the lake at dusk. Kids had a great time exploring! Will visit again!