Family-friendly farm camping near Forster

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

98% (2818 reviews)
98% (2818 reviews)

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Under $50

12 top farm campgrounds near Forster

98%
(480)

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) Please clean up after them. Family-Friendly: A perfect escape for all ages Toilets/Shower: Available for a fee ($10 per site per night) 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
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$40
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(144)

Willowbank

6 sites · RVs, Tents252 acres · Stroud Road, NSW
"Willowbank" is a stunning 252 acre property located in the picturesque Karuah River valley with 1km of river frontage. The property has been in our family for 4 generations, being bought by Ian's great grandfather in the 1920's. We cater for guests that are looking to get back to nature and enjoy the great outdoors without feeling overcrowded! We want our guests to be happy and have the best experience possible. Why not follow us on Facebook @Willowbank Hipcamp and see what is happening on the farm and in our community! Located only 8 minutes drive from the historical town of Stroud which was settled by the AA Company in the 1820's as a food growing area. There are still many beautiful buildings from that period to explore. A dairy farm for many years, we switched over to beef around 15 years ago. Currently we run around 120 head of Angus and mixed breed cattle. Within 3 hours drive of Sydney and around an hour from the Barrington National Parks, Newcastle, Maitland, Forster and Nelson Bay, it makes it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway! We are offering 5 beautiful, partly shaded, camping sites along the pristine Upper Karuah River. All sites are separated for privacy and are all right on the edge of the river. You may get a visit from our horses, Dolly and Banjo and the cows and calves! Plenty of opportunities for bird watching, hiking, swimming, kayaking, fishing (in summer), star gazing or just relaxing. All sites are site only and no toilet or shower facilities are provided. You will need to bring your own camping toilet or self contained caravan/ camper (dump point is located in Stroud township) We hope to make your stay a pleasurable one with many happy memories made. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. ***sorry no parties allowed*** Your hosts, Jo and Ian.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$35
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(455)

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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$45
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(74)

The Branch River Retreat

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · The Branch, NSW
Our property is private and we ask you to contact us first to ensure we can provide the facilities suitable for you. The property has limited facilities, but is the perfect setting for birdwatchers and native animal lovers. Just a 2-3 hour trip north of Sydney take the Bucketts Way to stay on sealed roads. A tributary river to Nelson Bay there is a rare offering in diversity as estuary dolphins gently make their way past the riverside sites at least once a day. The Branch River Retreat offers 110 acres with a range of sites beside a wide river, a fish-filled dam and other scattered paddock sites among trees and dams. This will suit off-road independent hybrid caravaners and tent dwellers. The river is lined with mangroves and branches off the Karuah River and the Port Stephens system. The extraordinary array of birdlife includes the quintessentially Australian Wedge-tailed eagle and sea eagles, hawks, and Tawny Frogmouths, water waders and even a regular visit from a Jabiroo and pelicans. Be lulled asleep under starry nights and be woken by Magpies and Kookaburras, and be dazzled by the colourful parrots and smaller shyer birds. You may even be visited by curious Kangaroos, Wallabies, or Echidnas. For the lucky few, you may espy a Koala along the foreshore. For this reason, while we accept dogs, they must be on a leash (if not just for their own safety). The rest of the property enjoys aspects of undulating landscapes with small mountains and valleys. The night sky puts on its own stellar show between setting suns and rising moons. The boat ramp offers easy access for kayaks and canoes (no motor vessels please). Or just sit on a camper chair and dangle your feet in the water while watching the mud crabs go about their social business. Riverside sites are not powered and do not have water or sewerage. They are situated within 10m to 25m of each other and if this is too close, we recommend booking two sites. (For this reason we have kept the price lower.) Generally, we prefer campers to be 100% self-contained, with their own toilet. A toilet is however accessible, but some 300m to 400m distance from the dams and rivers. There is cold potable running water here for topping up. There are sealed roads to the front gate to access the property from north and south. All-weather gravel road access is available, although paddock sites can only be accessed by vehicle during dry periods. Weather willing, we can provide more secluded sites by some lovely dams. If touring around the area is your aspiration, the property lies central to Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest, the Great Lakes district, Stroud Valley, Dungog, Gloucester/Barrington Tops, Nelson Bay, and Newcastle. Local groceries can be sourced from Karuah and Stroud. Activities include: - Bird/nature watching - Paddling/canoeing - Fishing - Bike riding (No motor vessels please) - Surface type: grass or paddock leveled areas and others with slight slopes and accessed with the essential 4WD (of course subject to weather). - Generally fair to good Mobile phone access. - It will be necessary to BYO or Preorder firewood for applicable sites out of fire season, (where facilities are provided). - No electrical connections unless by arrangement (for longer term Hipcampers) - We treat our own sewerage. - No generators please.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$49.50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
92%
(128)

Fernbrook

10 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Stroud Road, NSW
Nestled within the picturesque Karuah River catchment area, Fernbrook is a working poultry and cattle farm, set over eight peaceful acres, and just five km away from the historic Stroud township. Spend evenings around the firepits (when fire restrictions are not in place), roasting marshmallows and stargazing under the night sky. Mornings are filled with the melodies of birds and wildlife, allowing you to truly reconnect with nature. Encounter local Red Necked Wallabies, Eastern Grey Roos, and the occasional Echidna. A haven for birdwatchers, the area teems with bird life, including King Parrots, Eastern and Crimson Rosellas, Kookaburras, Yellow Tailed and Glossy Black Cockatoos, satin bowerbirds, and various honey eaters. Mill Creek, which runs through the property, offers Bass fishing and summertime paddling and swimming opportunities. There is a short walking trail along the eastern bank of the creek to another small picnic area. Keep in mind this trail was created by and is shared with the local wildlife. Adventure awaits just minutes from our property, as kilometers of public bush tracks cater to hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts. Alternatively, explore the charm of Stroud, with its country pub, golf club, shops, cafes, and free public swimming pool. Local conveniences include our friendly country butcher and IGA supermarket. With roots dating back to the late 1820s, Stroud boasts a rich history as the headquarters of the Australian Agricultural Company. Join us each July for the renowned Stroud Brick throwing competition! The camping area is caravan-friendly, but mindful access during wet weather is crucial to preserving the landscape. Fernbrook welcomes your furry companions too but requires dogs to be supervised and leashed at all times for their safety and that of our livestock. Leaving dogs off-leash may lead to eviction without refund, and any harm to livestock or dogs must be avoided. Basic amenities include a toilet (please bring your own environmentally friendly toilet paper) and shower. Campers may use our rainwater to fill their tanks, and hot water connections are available, with campers providing their own gas bottles. A small kitchenette equipped with a sink, cupboards, microwave, and power outlets for fry pans is available, with clear labeling of personal belongings. We provide firepits for your enjoyment and offer firewood upon request for a fee. Alternatively, campers may bring their own firewood. Please remember to take all waste with you upon departure.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(110)

Dungog Horseshoe Camp

4 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Fosterton, NSW
We are located in the Dungog Shire, in the Hunter Region of NSW. This area is renowned for its forests, mountains and picturesque river villages. Horseshoe camp is a perfect location for couples or families to get away for a short or extended stay. The Barrington Tops National Park, State Forests, Chichester Dam, river systems as well as the historic and scenic character of the area provide for a stunning experience. There's plenty of sightseeing and exploring awaiting visitors to this area. The seclusion and privacy of Horseshoe camp allows for total relaxation in a beautiful rural setting providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of work and city life. We are a quiet camp and cater for like minded guests who enjoy nature and their own space. Horseshoe was originally a small dairy farm with a history going back to the 1800's. The land comprises fertile river flats surrounded by the Williams River. The higher land comprises mainly forested areas with some sites offering good views over the countryside. There are several campsites to choose from including some situated on the banks of the Williams River. Your choice and subject to weather conditions. Allowing only four sites to be occupied ensures privacy for our guests, Horseshoe camp is only 10 minutes drive, (7km) from Dungog township. Please note, our river sites may not always be available-subject to flooding or boggy access track. We do have a flush toilet in the shed but if you have your own all the better as it will save you a bit of a walk.
Pets
Toilets
from 
AU$40
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(285)

Wootton Arabian Stud Farmstay

7 sites · RVs, Tents86 acres · Wootton, NSW
A beautiful hilly 90 acre working farm in the hinterland above The Great Lakes (Myall, Smith , Wallis Lakes), 30 mins from Seal Rocks, just 10km off the M1 about 20 minutes from Bulahdelah. Forster is a 45 min drive. Nabiac 20 minutes. The property offers privacy and magnificent views of rolling green hills and ancient trees and a huge dam with pontoon for swimming. No street lights means great stars at night. Sit, relax, and enjoy the magnificent views or utilise the surrounding forests, beaches, lakes, markets and local winery or weekend Cafe. You'll be camping with a herd of horses who do visit camping sites. There's also the Pet pig "Barney Rubble" and ponies / ducks/ chickens/ talking parrot to entertain little people. Firewood can be purchased for $10 per load. We limit bookings for your privacy. It is a hilly property so you need adequate power and 4WD to access the higher sites. Message before booking if any questions about access, particularly after rain. Dogs are welcome and are fine to be off-lead provided they don't chase horses and are friendly. They must be on a lead near the house around the chooks etc. Campers should be fully contained. Bring all, take all, no footprint camping. We look forward to hosting you.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(493)

Platypus Pools

5 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Monkerai, NSW
Premium and exclusive natural camping at its best. Our farm is located on the beautiful Karuah River in the picturesque Monkerai valley. The river is a fresh mountain river running from the foothills of Barrington Tops. We only offer 5 sites across our 300 acre property giving you absolute privacy and a sense of serenity We were very pleased to have been recognised by Hipcamp as being one of the top 20 Hipcamp locations in NSW for 2022. Most of the year the river is lovely and clear and ideal for swimming canoeing floating on airbeds fishing photography or just enjoying. There is also some really nice bike riding and walking opportunities around the valley although you will be on gravel roads and we are only 25 min drive from the popular Dungog mountain bike park. You are likely to see a variety of birdlife other wildlife including black and white cockatoos ducks some lizards, occasionally wallabies, echidnas and if you are lucky a Platypus or two. We are fortunate to see platypus in the river frequently which is a sign of just how pristine the water running down from the mountains really is. You will have your campsite completely to yourself with no other camper near you. Privacy, tranquillity, relaxation and just enjoying nature is waiting for you. Be sure to bring your telescope as you’ll be amazed at the stargazing at night with no light pollution. With some lovely Spring rain the river is running beautifully and is great for a swim, fish or canoe. Swimming, canoeing and running the rapids on surf mats is always popular at our property and as long as the river is it normal levels and a lot of fun. However, we always highly recommend people wear some form of footwear in the river such as rafting sandals or old joggers or similar as the rocks are very hard on your feet and there’s a particular nasty little fish called a “Bullrout” that whilst rare can infect a nasty sting if you tread on one. No need to be overly concerned but be mindful. Our property is ideal for self-contained vans, camper trailers, medium motor homes, tents or swags, it’s up to you. There are no toilets so only suitable if you have your own toilet facilities and take away all waste when you leave. All toilet waste, leaving our property is very important and an absolutely essential requirement for all visitors. Public waste dump points are at Stroud, Dungog and Gloucester. Gloucester Dungog and historic Stroud village are nearby as well as Barrington Tops World Heritage wilderness area and national park. This is an operating farm and therefore farming activities such as cattle droving, fencing, grass cutting or hay making may occasionally be occurring somewhere near your site but we would always let you know. We are sure you will enjoy our farm far more than a crowded traditional caravan park or campgrounds. We do have some limited bags of firewood for sale at $20 a bag most of the year. These are heavy bags of very dry local Hardwood. You can also collect firewood along the riverbanks yourself or bring your own firewood for a campfire (subject to any fire restrictions) if that is easier and more convenient for you. When you make a reservation at the property we will always endeavour to put you in your preferred location as best we can. However if we are impacted by adverse weather or need to run cattle on certain parts of the farm then we may need to make a change to the actual site you are in and trust you understand. We look forward to you visiting our farm.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
AU$100
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(36)

Diamond Park Campsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Diamond Beach, NSW
A private fenced campsite with table, chairs, undercover area, fireplace, firewood, and private access to flushing toilet, hot shower and washing machine. If you are looking for somewhere quiet and secluded that welcomes dogs, Diamond Park Campsite is for you. Situated in beautiful Hallidays Point and backing on to national park, this property offers one fully fenced tranquil bush site for tents, campervans, or caravans. Bush walk, bird watch or bring your kayak to paddle in the dam. You’ll feel like you’re miles away from it all, but it’s only a few minutes’ drive to beaches, cafes, a pub and a supermarket. We’ve got you covered with the creature comforts: a private amenities area including a hot shower, flushing toilet, sink, washing machine and power points for charging your phone. The campsite is situated 300m away from the amenities. Getting to the site involves driving through a grassed paddock area. If you’re bringing a 2WD vehicle or a caravan it’s fine, but in the event of sustained wet weather we’ll let you know beforehand if there’s a chance of getting bogged. Dogs are welcome - on leash throughout the property or off-leash in our fenced campsite. Nearby Diamond Beach and Black Head Beach are dog friendly. A fire pit and free firewood is available and fires are permitted in the appropriate weather conditions. On the property you’ll see horses, deer, Daisy the cow and wallabies, as well as a variety of bird life. There are dams throughout and children must be supervised at all times. Nearby: Diamond Beach (+ cafe, bottle shop) - 2km Black Head Beach (+ Foodworks, pub, cafes) - 5km
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$60
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

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

Family-friendly farm camping near Forster 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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