Camping near Forster with campfires

Explore pristine lakes, rivers, and beaches on the NSW mid-north coast.

97% (4391 reviews)
97% (4391 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Forster

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds near Forster with campfires

98%
(414)

The Riverside Farm Escape Minimbah

37 sites ¡ RVs, Tents103 acres ¡ Forster, NSW
The Riverside Farm Escape is a family owned cattle farm situated on the picturesque Wang Wauk River in Minimbah, Mid North Coast NSW. Our well maintained, grassy campground and RV stop provides spectacular views of the Wang Wauk River, which flows into the magnificent Wallis Lakes. The Riverside property spans 103 acres of rich farmland and has over 500 meters of river frontage, ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing, with water access to Forster / Tuncurry. A gravel boat ramp provides easy access to Wang Wauk River ideal for small boats/tinnies. The property also boasts a beautiful dam, full of blooming lilies, a favourite for the kids to kayak and swim. Surrounding natural bushland is teeming with wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos, lizards, and vibrant native bird species. Access: Suitable for 2WD and 4WD vehicles Site Options: Powered and non-powered sites available Fire Pits: Provided at all sites for cozy evenings under the stars Firewood: Conveniently available for purchase Pet-Friendly: Bring your furry friends (on-leash) Family-Friendly: A perfect escape for all ages Toilets/Shower: Available for a fee Kayaks: Complimentary for guests to enjoy river adventures River Access: Direct water frontage for kayaking, paddle boarding, and small boat launching. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS: Nabiac Village (7 mins): Supermarket, charming cafes, chemist, pub, post office, dump point, potable water, and the Artisan Farmer for paddock-to-plate delights. Tuncurry/Forster (25 mins): Stunning beaches, vibrant restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Barrington Tops (25 mins): Explore breathtaking trails and scenic vistas. Blueys Beach (50 mins): Relax on pristine, sandy shores. Port Macquarie (60 mins): A vibrant coastal town with pristine beaches, cultural attractions, and family-friendly activities.
Pets
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from 
AU$40
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(421)

Fame Mountain Camp - pets welcome

9 sites ¡ RVs, Tents25 acres ¡ Pindimar, NSW
We are a farm forestry property located in the middle of the north shore of Port Stephens. Two hours north of Hornsby. 1 hour north of Newcastle.  2 mins to Pindimar beach, 9 minutes to Coles and bottle shop, 11 minutes to surf beach, 12 minutes to Jimmy's Beach. Pets are welcome, but please pick up after them. Free firewood - Every site has a fire pit supplied. Hot showers and clean, decent toilets. Good mobile signal for Telstra and Optus networks. Communal Fridges and a communal spa. There is lots of space for campers so you will have privacy whilst you enjoy your camping adventure.  We are located on a dead end road, so very rare to have any traffic after 8pm. Good fishing. Pretty much everywhere you can wet a line. Prawns are best bait. If your dog is on the government list of restricted breeds or on the dangerous dog list please leave at home We have a gentle, well trained old German Shepherd who adores kids but after being bitten by another dog, now prefers to stay inside the house and not visit the camp sites. PLEASE NOTE: 1) We ONLY ALLOW ONE camper trailer or ONE caravan per site. No limit on number of tents. 2) IF You Have more than 3 vehicles/site please contact host before booking. 3) Depending on the weather on the day, we may have to limit the number of vehicles that can be parked adjacent to your campsite. 4) NO late night check in . If you are a group larger than two people the check in time is between midday and sunset. Do not arrive after sunset. The reason being if you are a large group turning up late, you will ruin the camping experience of other campers who got there earlier to watch the sunset and just chill. Furthermore, the sunsets are one of the reasons people come here. Every single day it is totally different. If you arrive late you have missed it.... 5) As the business name suggests (mountain) our property is on a slope. We do have several flat areas for tents , hybrids, camper vans and small caravans. And we have 6 levelling blocks scattered across the sites. However, where we struggle is when people turn up in 10m caravans with little to no ground clearance and then complain why the site is not dead flat. Dead flat is a concrete slab at any caravan park anywhere but here.
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from 
AU$70
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(574)

Spirit of the Forest

19 sites ¡ RVs, Tents70 acres ¡ Boolambayte, NSW
Spirit of the Forest is one of the oldest properties in the area. Many years ago  it was an old dairy farm, but it has been through many transitions since then.... uniquely situated only a few kms. from the majestic "Grandis" tree it has an abundance of wildlife close by, wallabies come out to feed on the pasture at dusk and dawn, mighty eagles soar overhead and beautiful Arabian horses run free in the paddocks.Trevor and Maya moved here from Berry NSW 17 years ago. Trevor is an internationally acclaimed entertainer and horse whisperer and Maya is an artist, author and lecturer. Both found the property a haven from their busy schedule of performing overseas.A unique 70 acre Arabian horse property, surrounded by Myall Lakes National Park 4 kms from "The Grandis" the tallest tree in NSW and 10 kms from Bulahdelah Town also near to beautiful North Coast beaches. There are many beautiful areas to choose from to camp, as well as a cabin.A portable 240v generator (1) is available for hire $10.00 a day, fuel included, advance booking.
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from 
AU$45
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(400)

Blueys Beach Farmstayz

16 sites ¡ Tents9 acres ¡ Blueys Beach, NSW
*Please note that this is not a working farm. You can pet and interact with the animals (horses, goats and chickens) through the fence, but no feeding, sheering or other activities available. Thank you for your understanding. Welcome to Blueys Beach Farmstay! MerryLegs's Paddock offers fantastic group bookings, perfect for larger groups. Strawberry's paddock is located towards the rear of the property, offering a comfortable spot for those with kids, with easy access to the amenities. Merrylegs's Paddock is the perfect spot for couples and smaller or larger groups. Merrylegs's is located towards the front of the property, and offers sites for up to 4 guests per site. Enjoy lovely grassed areas with ample shade for your camper-van, roof top tent, free standing tent or swag. We have seven (7) acres of fully fenced grassy paddocks, with mostly shaded open areas. We have a 2 night minimum and a 5 night maximum stay at both listings. We're located very close to Blueys Beach where you can stroll along the shore, go for a swim or help the kids build sandcastles. It’s a flat walk from your campsite, only minutes away along the footpath (approximately 350 metres) to local restaurants, cafes and shops. Those visiting with their furry family member can enjoy the nearest dog friendly beach within council regulated hours just a further 150 down the path. You can enjoy access to flushable toilets x 2 and a singular hot shower and a singular cold shower for those after the beach days, please BYO toiletries. We ask that you place all of your rubbish in the bins provided .. we can take your recyclable cans and bottles for the Earn and Return program. To clarify .. YES we have a garbage bin for general waste only .. no recycling bin. We allow campfires when it is safe. ALL fires must be contained in a fire pit. Absolutely no fires are to be lit on the open grass. WE have fire pits for hire and bagged firewood is available for purchase on site .. all fire pits brought onto the property for use by guests will be subject to the discretion of the property owners. All fires and fire pits must be "OK'd" with the property owners prior to lighting, what we're looking for is clearance from the ground to the base of the fire pit .. the greater distance the better. Fires can only be lit in accordance with NSW Rural Fire Services fire restrictions or total fire bans. We've had multiple patches of our buffalo lawn scorched to beyond charcoal by careless guests .. you must ask the hosts / property owners before lighting any fires .. unnecessary burnt patches of lawn may result in you and your guests leaving!! We ask you to please note: ** UNFORTUNATELY WE DO NOT TAKE ANY CARAVANS .. HYBRID CARAVANS .. MOTOR HOMES .. RV'S .. FIFTH WHEELER's .. BUSES INCLUDING MERCEDES SPRINTERS of any size .. mainly the footprint of these types of vehicles is far too great .. once again we're only a grassy paddock not a caravan park. Standard size camper trailers and camper-vans, roof top tents are all completely fine. If your bus is longer than 4 meters in length, over 2 meters in height and/ or width with a tare weight of 3 tonne or over SORRY BUT IT IS A NO!! If your camper trailer is wider than 2.5 meters or longer than 4.5 metres in length inclusive of the drawbar .. SORRY BUT ITS A NO!! If you have a Jayco of any description .. regardless of length / width OR what the "registration papers say" .. SORRY BUT IT IS STILL A NO!! - If you have solar panels to charge you might have to chase the sun a little, as there are plenty of shaded areas which is perfect come summer. We do not allow the use of "Slackline or Tightropes" strung between our trees, it causes them to be ringbarked after a prolonged use .. meaning they die in the long run .. rope clotheslines and hamocks perfectly ok on the palms, sheoaks and paperbarks!! - Dogs are permitted here however they must be friendly off leash and must NOT chase my pets which include horses, goats , dogs and our pet chooks. Please pick up after your pooch .. as a courtesy to other guests and also to us, it doesn't happen in a caravan park .. please do the right thing here!! PLEASE ADVISE US UPON BOOKING IF YOU ARE BRINGING A PET/PETS!! - There are animals that live here and they occasionally make animal noises. Specifically, we have a pet Rooster called Billy .. he is meticulous at his job of being a rooster and can start very early in the morning 4am We ask you to please be understanding during your visit, that this is Billy's home and we ask you to PLEASE RETHINK YOUR BOOKING if you feel this might impact on your holiday or your guests holiday. On arrival, we ask that you stop at the garages at the front of the house to confirm your check-in and get instructions .. PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE PROPERTY, prior to letting us know you have arrived. NO ARRIVALS AFTER 10PM .. during peak periods it impacts greatly on our other onsite guests, we've had too many complications in the past, appologies it simply it doesn't work. When we have heavy rain, some areas of the property are not car accessible and you may need to walk to some amenities. and keep driving to a minimum. Upon your booking you will receive a couple of private messages from us .. these will be located in your HipCamp Messages on the App or the website they will contain instructions for once you arrive .. PLEASE READ THEM!! If you have not already, please download the "HipCamp" app it makes communication a lot easier. We're happy to help if you need more information .. safe travels always!!
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from 
AU$40
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
83%
(9)

Camp Elim

47 sites ¡ RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Forster, NSW
With a legacy spanning over 65 years, Camp Elim is nestled in the serene Booti Booti National Park, situated between Green Point and Tiona. Camp Elim offers a unique ALCOHOL free, smoking free, and pet free environment for a peaceful retreat. This property truly is a slice of paradise where you can walk across the road to see the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean then see it set across the beautiful Wallis Lake from the edge of our property. Camp Elim offers a unique alcohol free, smoking free, and pet free environment for a peaceful retreat. The lake is perfect for swim with a long sand bank making it safe for all ages. If you enjoy fishing it is an amazing spot for whiting, flathead and bream in the lake and mulloway, tailor, salmon and bream off the beach. As a Christian campsite and caravan park, we warmly welcome holidaymakers. Camp Elim upholds a commitment to a wholesome environment, reflected in our policy of no ALCOHOL, no SMOKING, and no PETS. Discover the beauty and tranquillity of Camp Elim for an unforgettable retreat. All sites are powered and with water and we can accommodate caravans, campervans, rooftops and tents.
Potable water
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from 
AU$35
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(292)

Bucketts Way Camp n Stay

20 sites ¡ RVs, Tents25 acres ¡ Twelve Mile Creek, NSW
PLEASE NOTE : Reception/ check ins strictly close at 8pm. If you would like to make arrangements to arrive later you must contact Brad on 0402859669 prior to closing hours. Upon arrival please call numbers located at the boom gate to arrange entry. Being only 2 hours from Sydney and 470 metres off the Pacific Highway, Nth of Newcastle & a 40 drive to Port Stephens, we are set on 25 acres, with lge sites, most drive through (dry weather only) for your convenience. Hot showers are available ($1 coin for 2 min hot water), toilets and a disability accessible bathroom. The camp kitchen is large and well equipped with tables, chairs, a lounge area & tv for you to enjoy. The kitchen has cooking facilities, a kettle, toaster, microwave, prepping areas & more making it a comfortable space to prepare and eat meals under cover. Campers have reception to 4G. We have a turning lane entrance with boom gate security. When you arrive and set up, you will be able to ramble around our property and enjoy the ambience of the beautiful tree studded campground. Sit back in the afternoon and enjoy nature at its best and then a beautiful warm campfire, perfect!! ​Whether you're camping in a tent or vehicle, there's plenty of space to set up. The campsite is grassy and level, and 2WD accessible. We offer water hookup for caravans fill then disconnect $2, and there is a dump point for your camping toilet. Generators are permitted from 8am till 5pm (extreme heat on the day consideration). Pets welcome.
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from 
AU$36
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(177)

Sugar Creek Dream. Rainforest Oasis

7 sites ¡ RVs, Tents25 acres ¡ Bungwahl, NSW
This property is situated between Smiths Lake and the rainforests of Wallingat National Park. A 15 min drive to the beautiful Seal Rocks, Submarine Beach and Treachery Beach, 12 minutes drive to Blueys Beach, Boomerang, Elizabeth and Shelley Beaches, a 25 min drive to Foster town and also 20 min drive, further up Sugar Creek Rd. to the Whoota Whoota lookout which is located in Wallingat National Park. It is a 25 acre property that is home to an abundance diversity of flora and fauna. It's a beautiful spot for birdwatching (or listening), relaxing under the trees with a picnic, chilling in a hammock or going for a day trip to some of the beauty of the surrounding region. Some perks of the place include: Our brand new camp kitchen equiped with many conveniences of home. Large barbeque kitchen, fridge, showers. Sites with firepits. Dried, hardwood for sale at $10 per crate. The first one is complimentary! Dog friendly. Space, privacy, tranquility. **** Whether you are active or not there is so much here for you. Yes you can surf, hike, horse ride, fish, bike ride. Within 15 mins drive you have the ocean side of Seal Rocks, the Lakesides of Myall Lakes National Park, the forests of Wallingat National Park and so many more incredible places. You can venture out into the madness (particularly around holiday time) but then you can return to the magic and tranquility of your campsite. If you'd like a place where you can chill out, relax, rejuvenate your body mind or spirit, this is the place. You'll awake to the sound of our resident Kookaburras and sleep to the chorus of frogs. A friend once described it as a hundred shades of green. I adore this space and have been blessed with its surrounds and abundance for 20 years. My dream has always been to share it with others, hence the name. It is a sanctuary where humans can connect with nature.
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from 
AU$70
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(484)

Hodge Lodge Grounds Johns River

22 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres ¡ Johns River, NSW
Hodge Lodge Grounds is private property Cabin/s and Camp in Johns River, NSW. Pet Friendly! 4 hours north of Sydney, halfway between Port Macquarie and Taree. Your easy access stop for the night for traveler's heading north and south on the east coast freeway of NSW, Perfect accommodation between Sydney and Byron Bay, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. Hodge Lodge Grounds NSW is on a sealed road and close to the A1 motorway. No getting stuck in the mud, or going off the beaten track because we offer a large internal heavy-duty driveway! Large vehicles can turn around and drive on solid ground inside the property on some of our dispersed sites. Make your trip into an experience as you relax by the fire-pit with your beverage of choice, enjoy hot shower and cozy king bed of Sunrise Hut. All the comforts of home and more as soon as you unlock the door! You can drive any size vehicle into our expansive grounds on our heavy-duty driveway that leads you to your cabin, powered or native camp site. Large site. Private space. Stay safe in our gated 11-acre private property. Here you can enjoy your music and social atmosphere, have your wood delivered via 'extras booking' for your evening by the fire pit, and wake up to the sounds of our local birds! Situated between the 3 brother mountains NSW, North Brother, Middle Brother and South Brother. We're located within minutes to the beaches which is ideal for swimming, fishing, surfing and walking the local break walls. Crowdy Bay National Park and Middle Brother National Park for those 4WD sporting and adventure enthusiasts. Close to the local townships for shopping, dining and visiting local attractions of Kew, Harrington, North Haven and Laurieton for those keen to enjoy the outdoors.
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from 
AU$18
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(68)

Myalls Away

6 sites ¡ RVs8 acres ¡ Bungwahl, NSW
Myalls Away is located close to Myall Lake and Corrigans Bay, 22 kilometres from Bulahdelah on the way to Forster with easy access off the main road. The local fuel and bottle shop is only minutes away for your supply needs. Set up camp here at Myalls Away, enjoy the quiet open paddocks and fresh air, listen and look at the abundance of bird life whilst feeling relaxed amongst the native trees that surround the property. Watch the sky come alive at night with millions of stars, enjoy the warmth of the huge firepit in the paddock, enjoy exploring this amazing area of the lakes, ocean and the coastal bush environment. Bring your kayaks and boats as Seal Rocks is only 12 kilometres away, all the other amazing beaches and cafes like Blues Beach are 20 minutes away, the local boat ramp is a 2 minute drive to access the beautiful Myall Lake. We welcome self-contained campers who bring their own camping toilet/shower. There is access to drinking water, picnic table and rubbish facilities. The property is flat and open, it has paper bark trees for privacy, is has many species of birds, star gazing is a must on clear nights. The campsite is 2WD friendly and can accommodate all types of camping vehicles including caravans, motorhomes, campervans . The camping area is generally level. No pets please.
Potable water
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from 
AU$38
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

Star Hosts in Forster

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Forster with campfires guide

Overview

Surrounded by beaches, lakes and rivers, Forster is paradise for water lovers. Drive over the bridge from sister town Tuncurry on a sunny day, and you’ll be welcomed by the turquoise hues of Wallis Lake, which is dotted with deserted islands and sand bars beckoning to be explored. The area is popular for boating, fishing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Swim in secluded coves, ocean baths and rock pools, roll down the sandhill at One Mile Beach, and book a cruise to spot dolphins or whales during their annual migration.

Forster

Wander down the main street of Forster perusing its boutiques and surf shops, before grabbing fish and chips for a picnic on the grass by Wallis Lake, followed by an ice-cream. It’s the quintessential Forster experience. Hire a tinnie to explore the lake and frolic around Miles Island at low tide, or book a dolphin, whale watching or charter fishing cruise. Head to the easily accessible Forster Beach (known as Main Beach), or one of the other beautiful beaches nearby. They include One Mile Beach, which has sandhill you can slide down, or the unpatrolled Pebbly Beach. The nearby natural rock formation known as The Tanks is a popular swimming spot for locals and visitors alike. There are plenty of caravan parks and holiday parks to stay in the Great Lakes area.

Tuncurry

Just over the bridge, the sister town of Tuncurry has a cinema and a carnival over summer, with rides such as dodgem cars and swinging chairs, arcade games and food trucks.

Pacific Palms

Drive along the Lakes Way to explore Pacific Palms, one of the best hidden gems to be found on the north coast of New South Wales. Around 15km south of Forster, you’ll find Booti Booti National Park. Set on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and the lake, it is blessed with beautiful beaches, walking tracks, lookouts, and coastal rainforest. At the northern end of the park, the Cape Hawke lookout offers 360-degree views along the coast from the top of a 8m-high tower, ideal for whale watching. On a clear day you can see as far as Barrington Tops, more than 100km away.

Wallingat National Park

A little further along, Wallingat National Park is a great destination for hiking, mountain biking, horseriding, birdwatching and fishing or swimming in the river and lake. Walk through the tall flooded gum trees to Sugar Creek, where you’ll also find stands of cabbage palms. Whoota Whoota Lookout offers sensational views over the eucalypt forest and the winding, rugged coastline and if you’re lucky you may even spot a sea eagle soaring through the air.

When to go

The best time to visit for warm weather and water sports is from October to March, however it can be crowded during the summer school holidays (late December until late January). While it rains there year-round, it tends to get the most rainfall in February, and the least in August. June to October is the best time to spot whales as they pass by on their annual migration.

Know before you go

  • Forster is around 3.5 hours’ drive north of Sydney, and makes a great first stop on a road trip north to Byron Bay or Queensland
  • Busways operates daily coach services from Newcastle to Forster via Hawks Nest, Tea Gardens and Pacific Palms
  • Forster is part of the Destination Barrington Coast tourist region, which also includes the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops National Park 
  • Stockland Forster, a short drive from the centre of town on The Lakes Way, has two supermarkets and department stores such as Kmart, Target Country and Best & Less
  • Bushland in the vicinity of Forster was severely impacted by the 2019 bushfires, but is now regenerating in most areas, leading to wildlife returning.

Nearby attractions

  • An excellent surfing beach with stunning sights for beachgoers, Blueys Beach's coastline stretches for 900 metres between Blueys Head and Boomerang Point.
  • A scenic headland bordered by two pristine beaches, Crowdy Head boasts panoramic views over the ocean and an excellent vantage point of the Three Brothers Mountains.
  • The best surfing beach in the Pacific Palms precinct, Boomerang Beach's unique shape, and rock formations give consistent and powerful waves.
  • A lakeside getaway in the Barrington Coast region, Smiths Lake is a great alternative to the often bustling, nearby beaches.
  • The best all-around beach for those camping near Port Stephens, One Mile Beach is patrolled during the holidays and has a consistent swell perfect for those looking to get out and surf.
  • A remote stretch of golden sand with a unique surf break, Treachery Beach is a lesser-known locale with plenty of hidden surprises.

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