Camping near Forster with horseback riding

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

97% (962 reviews)
97% (962 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds near Forster with horseback riding

99%
(444)

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
91%
(122)

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
100%
(485)

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
96%
(12)

Stoney Creek Sanctuary

10 sites · Tents40 acres · Boolambayte, NSW
Welcome to Stoney Creek Sanctuary on the Mid North Coast of NSW. We are a family farm with a leave no trace policy. We are co-creating a place for people to restore and connect to their health and wellbeing through farm fresh chemical free food, connection to nature and the nature within. Eco Consciousness is key. We have a community barn with lounge, dining, gallery and library for visitors to enjoy. We have BBQ area, kitchen sink and outdoor cold water shower, living grey water system, use our eco friendly wash products or please bring your own. We have compost toilets. 10 mins Bulahdelah, pristine Seal Rocks our nearest beach and we are very near to the Grandis, tallest tree in NSW. This is Worimi Country ~ We acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional custodians of the land upon which we now live, we pay respect to elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Original Caretakers and the wisdom and knowledge they hold around the World. We're cradled in a valley and surrounded by national park with wildlife all around. We have a dedicated parking area for cars and walk in camping, for safety and ecological reasons we keep cars off camping fields. We do not host caravans on the property. Farm tours and workshops are available throughout the year. Fires are ok, unless there is a ban on, bring your own fire bin and wood. All funds raised from visitors go back into the land to continue to support our work here on the ground. Please see map below for easiest way to get here.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Cooking equipment
from 
AU$50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(13)

Herring Estate - Panoramic Views

6 sites · RVs200 acres · Koorainghat, NSW
Amazing views, nestled in nature and only 1 minute off the highway. Located close to the Forster-Tuncurry exit. We are located 3 hours north of Sydney and 5 hours south of the QLD Border making it a convenient stop over for your travels, or a nice place to stop and explore the local areas being close to beaches and the Barrington Tops. The property has spectacular views that you won't find anywhere else. We are in a quiet rural area where the neighbours can't be seen. There are walking tracks for you to explore the natural environment. There are many kangaroos, wallabies and numerous amount of birds in the area. The property backs onto national park. There is a river that is only a few kms behind the property that you can put a small boat in to take you out to Saltwater Beach. Old bar beach is a 12 minute drive, Forster-Tuncurry is 15 minutes and the beaches of Pacific Palms a 45 minute drive. There are file piles near the bush sites that you can help yourself too. If in need of groceries or supplies Taree supermarkets and Stores are only 10 minutes away.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(5)

Escape to the Country

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Cedar Party, NSW
Enjoy 10 acres of nature, with lots of peace and serenity yet just 10min to boutique town of Wingham 30min to beautiful Old Bar Beach (dog friendly) 20 min to Taree and just 30min drive from A1 highway. Wingham has award winning coffee and dining, golf club, town hotel with great meals and live bands most weekends, swimming pool, bowling club, monthly markets, Coles, fuel, chemist, rifle range, clay pigeon shooting, famous brush walk to enjoy the resident bats and much more. Shared camp kitchen available with gas oven/stove and some pots, pans, utensils etc. Camp kitchen has table and chairs and wash-up facilities with tank water. Outside Solar shower also set up where you can gaze at the sky above but private so modesty is protected! We have two full dams that host our 2 ducks, free range chooks (collect your own fresh eggs daily-not available in winter), 5 guinea fowl a couple of farm cats and awesome birds-Rainbow Lorikeets, King Parrots, Crimson Rosellas and Kookaburras. We also have a couple of swamp hen families. A number of fruit bats from Wingham brush reach us most nights at dusk. We have also seen an owl near the chicken coop and if you're lucky you may spot the kangaroos in the paddock. We welcome tents, campervans, trailer tents and caravans but you need to provide your own water- outside solar shower is available that can be filled up at the rainwater tank by the camp kitchen. Although we do have a porta potty that can be hired. Nearby Wingham showgrounds has a dump point. We have The Paddock that suits all vehicles- Max 6 parties at once. We also have more private spot Woodland Area which suits just one party but vehicle access is a couple of mins walk and further to the camp kitchen. Fires allowed but only in contained firepits and off ground. We currently have 3 firepit presently to use at your own site (must be kept off ground on bricks provided) or shared one is provided by camp kitchen. Fires not allowed during total fire bans Take your camping chairs to the edge of 1 of 2 dams and watch our pet ducks. The campsite is 2WD accessible and has plenty of space for your caravan, campervan or camper trailer. Pets on leashes are welcome. Plenty to see and do around here.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$35
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
92%
(71)

Ridge Line Camping

30 sites · RVs, Tents106 acres · Possum Brush, NSW
Welcome to Ridge line camping where you will have 106 Acres of land to explore. Being elevated over 600 feet above the surrounding land the property boasts the best views of the area, we can see as far as the great lakes to the south including Forster -Tuncurry, then Hallidays point, Crowdy head and Laureton to the north. Located just off the Pacific highway, 3 hours drive north of Sydney and just under an hours drive South of Port Macquarie, access is very straight forward and we can accommodate some of the largest set ups. Stay for a night on your way through or spend a few nights exploring the property and the local area. Wake up with some spectacular sunrises and a kangaroo or two and go to sleep with the best sunsets around. We are only 15mins drive from Forster/Tuncurry, 10 mins to Hallidays Point, 15 mins to Taree.Some of the local attractions include:Walking the "Big Hill" its hard work but totally worth the views when you make it to the top. Enjoy the sunrise with a cup of coffee, the sunsets with a glass of wine or pack a picnic lunch.Talawahl National park which features some of the best hiking, 4WD and Dirt bike trails in Australia.Kiwarric State Forest which features brand new downhill biking trails and ramps.Big Buzz Fun Park, 8 min drive.Clarendon horse Riding, located on the same road.The pristine fishing/ boating/ jet skiing and swimming waters that our entire coastline is renowned for.Amaroo dolphin and whale watching cruises.Diving with Grey Nurse sharks with Forster Dive Centre.Various local markets and funfairs in peak periods.On new years eve, see the fireworks from multiple different locations up the coast from the comfort of your campsite.Walamba river is our local boat ramp located only 5 mins away and is excellent for water skiing and direct access to the great lakes and Ocean.Boats, jetskis and Motorbikes are all welcome.Pets are also welcome.Our sites are for self-contained campers only. You must have your own toilet, power and drinking water. Please take your rubbish with you.Split dry firewood is available from $10 per bag however there is plenty lying around if you would prefer to gather your own.A 4WD is recommend but is not essential as there are multiple locations and access points available, We can also provide you with a tour of the summit of the property with our ATV with advanced notification.We will be updating the photos shortly. Please feel free to contact us for special arrangements or requests.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$49
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in Forster

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

Camping near Forster with horseback riding 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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Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.