The best mountainous campgrounds near Gerringong, New South Wales

Looking for a mountainous camping spot around Gerringong? You’ll find 22 sites geared for rugged terrain, with options starting at $49 a night and an average of $85. Showers, pet-friendly sites, and campfires are common across the area. Most campsites sit within reach of hiking trails, swimming holes, and top-notch wildlife-watching. Locals favour Mellows Ridge (98 reviews) for its rolling views, Wombat Hollow (95 reviews) for easy trail access, and Joadja Gorge Retreat & Camping (70 reviews) for its peaceful bush setting. Expect steep slopes, big skies, and the kind of quiet you only get when you’re well off the main road.

98% (402)

Top-rated campgrounds

Look for the small orange arrow - it's pointing to the property which sits on a ridge line that leads right to the top of the escarpment.

Looking for a mountainous camping spot around Gerringong? You’ll find 22 sites geared for rugged terrain, with options starting at $49 a night and an average of $85. Showers, pet-friendly sites, and campfires are common across the area. Most campsites sit within reach of hiking trails, swimming holes, and top-notch wildlife-watching. Locals favour Mellows Ridge (98 reviews) for its rolling views, Wombat Hollow (95 reviews) for easy trail access, and Joadja Gorge Retreat & Camping (70 reviews) for its peaceful bush setting. Expect steep slopes, big skies, and the kind of quiet you only get when you’re well off the main road.

98% (402)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Mellows Ridge

95%

(174)

24km from Gerringong · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Calderwood, NSW

Nestled right up against the escarpment at an elevation of 450m, this high-end, off-grid 40 acre property effectively offers your own private slice of Macquarie Pass National Park - amazing views, giant cedar trees, fern forests, cascading waterfalls and palms surround. It feels remote but it's only 90 min from Sydney, 30 min to Kiama and just 15 min to the shops. The property also offers the only hiking path up to the top of the escarpment for some truly amazing views. As of September 2025, many of the trails on the property have been degraded by the rains and are now challenging for 2WD cars. If you're towing or it's wet we recommend AWD or 4WD vehicles. Since this is coastal rainforest and it has been very wet, expect leeches anywhere it is damp. These are easily kept at bay with deet and or trousers tucked into socks. We're not particularly price sensitive - until all those rate rises - but we are extremely value sensitive so we set out to make your stay extremely good value for your hard earned money. The land itself does most of the heavy lifting but also personal service and of course there's Lana to fall in love with. Note, Mellows Rd is 2.6km long and rises 400m - in parts the road is a 15 degree grade. It's all paved but narrow so if you are towing a large heavy load, it's going to strain your car.

2. Wombat Hollow

99%

(139)

35km from Gerringong · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Budgong, NSW

100 acres of secluded paradise with a kilometer of free flowing pebbled creek. Bound on two sides by the craggy escarpments of the Budgong and Morton National Parks there is ample grassland to give a feeling of space yet an abundance of trees to wander through as you engage with the tame wildlife and magnificent birdlife. Bring your mountain bike, fishing rod, swimmers, hiking boots, tennis racket, basketball (a hoop on the tennis court) or climbing gear and leave the kids in the play area while you sit by the creek and listen to the water tumbling through the rocks. If you are as intrigued by rare animals as we are, then this is the place for you. 63 Bird species, 24 mammals, 16 reptiles, and 12 amphibians have been sighted in the area (Clarke 2012) and this includes many rare and endangered species including the platypus, brush-tailed rock wallaby, Giant burrowing frog, Gang-gang cockatoo, Glossy black-cockatoo, Koala, Little Lorikeet and the Yellow-bellied glider. We only have three campsites at present, so you will be guaranteed peace, space and privacy. with a minimum of 400m between all sites. Please note, that your group must be self-contained, with their own camp toilet, however fresh drinking water is available. Access is into a valley on a well maintained unsealed road but there are some minor causeways making it unsuitable for busses or long low slung vans. An ordinary sedan will do for Billabong and Dad's camp sites but you will need some power for towing and a 4x4 to tow out in any rain. Riverbend site is only suitable for 4x4's and off-road camp trailers. You are a 40 minute drive from the sea (try the Shoalhaven 100 beach challenge https://www.shoalhaven.com/100-beach-challenge/ ) and just 15km from the historical town of Kangaroo Valley with its myriad of water activities, golf, wine estates, and quaint shopping. ttps://visitkangaroovalley.com.au/see-and-do/

3. Joadja Gorge Retreat & Camping

94%

(152)

60km from Gerringong · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Joadja, NSW

Escape to 100 acres of natural beauty, where 60% of the land is pristine bushland perched high above the Wingecarribee River. Our 4 secluded campsites offer the perfect retreat for nature lovers, with walking tracks, bush climbing adventures, and exceptional stargazing on clear nights. We’re a pet-friendly getaway—dogs are welcome on-leash and under control. Share the space with our friendly farm animals, including horses, a donkey, an alpaca, and free-ranging peacocks, chooks, ducks, and guinea fowl. Our property is fully off-grid, so campers must be self-contained and follow a leave-no-trace policy. To enhance your stay, we’ve recently added a flush toilet, outdoor sink, and cold shower, centrally located near the homestead due to the natural landscape. It’s a short walk from most sites and fully lit at night for easy access. Each site has its own firepit. Firewood is plentiful, fresh drinking water is available, and we can provide table and chair setups on request. Located just 30 minutes from Mittagong and 20 minutes from Berrima, you're close to great restaurants and cafes, lots of boutique shopping, weekly markets, award-winning cellar doors, and world-class distilleries and farm experiences. Don't miss the World Heritage-listed Joadja town and distillery, just a 15-minute drive away. To make your stay even more special, indulge in one of our gourmet hampers filled with the best local produce. Discover the Southern Highlands—peaceful, adventurous, and unforgettable.

4. Jamberoo Mountain Farm Camp

93%

(23)

12km from Gerringong · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Jamberoo, NSW

Our property is located in Jamberoo on an elevated working beef cattle farm with unique and beautiful views. We accept bookings with a maximum of 2 nights per stay. Our campsite is best suited to couples or families who would to explore the local area then chill out in the quiet and peaceful surrounds of our place. Take a breathe and enjoy the amazing vista. The large grassy site has stunning ocean views and is the perfect spot to relax after exploring all the great activities the surrounding area has to offer or play some outdoor sports if you bring a ball. We are a working farm and have three farm dogs, horses and cattle on the property along with plenty of wildlife. The camp site is approximately 75 metres frome the house. It is in view of he house however we do have a busy life,so you won't see us much unless you need something. We are only a short drive to Kiama and the stunning beaches of the south coast. Kiama has a great market on each month where you can check out the local offerings and enjoy a stroll along the esplanade or check out the famous Kiama blowhole and lighthouse. We are with easy reach of the Budderoo National Park which is full of stunning walks and waterfalls that are always popular. We are a short drive to the Jamberoo Action Park and Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk which are both great places to visit for kids and families. Please note our dogs can sometimes bark during the night as they are protecting the house and areas nearby. You must bring your own portable toilet. You are unable to bring your own dogs. Our site maximum is 2. Sites are opened at short notice when weather permits and not in conflict with farm activities. Weather permitting sites are generally available XMAS, NYE and Easter.

from

AU$97

/ night

5. Bendameer

100%

(21)

22km from Gerringong · 1 site · Tent, RV · Tongarra, NSW

Bendameer is a 100 acre hobby farm running beef cows on the South Coast. The farm is located just 15min drive to pristine beaches or 10min drive to national parks, walking tracks and swimming holes. We provide Elevated camp sites over looking Lake Illawarra and Warilla Beach or stay on the farm and enjoy bush walking to water fall and swimming holes plus heaps of other attractions close by.

6. Hope's View Retreat

100%

(5)

31km from Gerringong · 1 site · Lodging · Tapitallee, NSW

Hope's View Retreat is nestled under the Cambewarra Mountain, close to popular places of interest like Berry, (Voted NSW most popular town) Kangaroo Valley, Gerringong Beach, Shoalhaven River. You are welcome to share our home to explore local walks, country towns, great cafes and beautiful beaches or simply stay and restore, renew and refresh. Enjoy a wine as the sun sets over the trees, the sounds of the birds and wildlife, walk through the gardens and around the dam. At night the fire pit will keep you warm, with a BBQ and outside lights and tables and chairs.

7. Oakwood - Blue Mountains Views

100%

(7)

74km from Gerringong · 1 site · Tent · Bullio, NSW

You'll be peacefully isolated from the world at this 100 acre property with the most stunning clifftop views across the Nattai National Park to the Blue Mountains and Warragamba dam. Catch magnificent sunsets from our 'sunset rock' and wake to Kangaroos and beautiful bird life as well as the extraordinary call of our resident Lyrebirds. Oakwood is located 25 minutes from Mittagong and Berrima with all that the Southern Highlands has to offer and 30 minutes to the beautiful Wollondilly River at Goodman's Ford. It's on a windy dirt road with very little traffic - a true escape to paradise.

Camper favorites near Gerringong

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Jamberoo Mountain Farm Camp

93%

(23)

12km from Gerringong · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Jamberoo, NSW

Our property is located in Jamberoo on an elevated working beef cattle farm with unique and beautiful views. We accept bookings with a maximum of 2 nights per stay. Our campsite is best suited to couples or families who would to explore the local area then chill out in the quiet and peaceful surrounds of our place. Take a breathe and enjoy the amazing vista. The large grassy site has stunning ocean views and is the perfect spot to relax after exploring all the great activities the surrounding area has to offer or play some outdoor sports if you bring a ball. We are a working farm and have three farm dogs, horses and cattle on the property along with plenty of wildlife. The camp site is approximately 75 metres frome the house. It is in view of he house however we do have a busy life,so you won't see us much unless you need something. We are only a short drive to Kiama and the stunning beaches of the south coast. Kiama has a great market on each month where you can check out the local offerings and enjoy a stroll along the esplanade or check out the famous Kiama blowhole and lighthouse. We are with easy reach of the Budderoo National Park which is full of stunning walks and waterfalls that are always popular. We are a short drive to the Jamberoo Action Park and Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk which are both great places to visit for kids and families. Please note our dogs can sometimes bark during the night as they are protecting the house and areas nearby. You must bring your own portable toilet. You are unable to bring your own dogs. Our site maximum is 2. Sites are opened at short notice when weather permits and not in conflict with farm activities. Weather permitting sites are generally available XMAS, NYE and Easter.

from

AU$97

/ night

Bendameer

100%

(21)

22km from Gerringong · 1 site · Tent, RV · Tongarra, NSW

Bendameer is a 100 acre hobby farm running beef cows on the South Coast. The farm is located just 15min drive to pristine beaches or 10min drive to national parks, walking tracks and swimming holes. We provide Elevated camp sites over looking Lake Illawarra and Warilla Beach or stay on the farm and enjoy bush walking to water fall and swimming holes plus heaps of other attractions close by.

Hope's View Retreat

100%

(5)

31km from Gerringong · 1 site · Lodging · Tapitallee, NSW

Hope's View Retreat is nestled under the Cambewarra Mountain, close to popular places of interest like Berry, (Voted NSW most popular town) Kangaroo Valley, Gerringong Beach, Shoalhaven River. You are welcome to share our home to explore local walks, country towns, great cafes and beautiful beaches or simply stay and restore, renew and refresh. Enjoy a wine as the sun sets over the trees, the sounds of the birds and wildlife, walk through the gardens and around the dam. At night the fire pit will keep you warm, with a BBQ and outside lights and tables and chairs.

Oakwood - Blue Mountains Views

100%

(7)

74km from Gerringong · 1 site · Tent · Bullio, NSW

You'll be peacefully isolated from the world at this 100 acre property with the most stunning clifftop views across the Nattai National Park to the Blue Mountains and Warragamba dam. Catch magnificent sunsets from our 'sunset rock' and wake to Kangaroos and beautiful bird life as well as the extraordinary call of our resident Lyrebirds. Oakwood is located 25 minutes from Mittagong and Berrima with all that the Southern Highlands has to offer and 30 minutes to the beautiful Wollondilly River at Goodman's Ford. It's on a windy dirt road with very little traffic - a true escape to paradise.

Stories from the community

F

Fiona

2 weeks ago

8 m pop-up camper

2 nights at Wombat Hollow

We loved our weekend at Wombat Hollow. We were spoilt having the whole place to ourselves which was ideal as we were looking for quiet downtime. After checking out the whole place we realised that even if all the other camps were full, each camp is in its own secluded spot with lots of space around it and between camps so other campers would not have been a bother at all and we still would have had acres and acres to ourselves. The whole place is well maintained and signposted. Lots of helpful instructions when booking so we knew exactly what to bring and if our vehicle amd camper would be suitable. Vallance is a superb host. The camp sites are perfectly simple. Great fire pit. Sturdy benches, level ground, shade and gorgeous lanscape and wildlife all around. Stunning night skies.

J

JUSTIN

2 weeks ago

6 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wombat Hollow

Picture perfect camp spot tucked away from all the hustle and bustle. Great body of water to swim in. Good mix of shade and sun in the camp are. Nice touch having a picnic bench and fire area with log seating. Vallance was a very hospitable host. He’s happy to have a chat but also respects your space. Unexpectedly picked up my son and I for a little tractor ride which really made it all worth it to stay on private land. We saw wombats, wallabies and a little platypus in the water. Will return again sometime soon.

S

Sam

2 weeks ago

10 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wombat Hollow

What a terrific camping location at Wombat’s Hollow. We were welcomed by Vallance to his lovely property. We stayed at Dads Camp and had a great private area with the river at our doorstep, wombats (as promised) and loads of bird life and the many sounds of the Aussie bush. This Hipcamp will definitely make the “let’s go back again” list.

This is our largest site - it can easily accommodate double the cars and tents pictured. We're not precious about the ferns - they grow back very quickly. You get at least 400 sqm completely to yourself - no sharing with others.

L

Leonnie

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mellows Ridge

This place is not only amazing but the host is fantastic, a wealth of knowledge, friendly and accommodating and there are so many extras available. This is definitely a place to put on your list of “must visit places” we had a phenomenal time here and plan on going back soon! It was also very dog friendly

S

Simon

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Joadja Gorge Retreat & Camping

Drive in is beautiful through the open paddocks then once in property driving through sets the tone of a quite stay and peaceful, sunset is a smaller private spot loved the table and chairs Leanne has set up to enjoy breaky and dinner especially as it was a bit of stormy weather. The peacocks sound great and loved their calling noises during my stay. The walks on the property are nice simple walks but enjoyable but must do the George walk absolutely stunning. Whilst I am a complete self contained camper the toilet and shower was really nice and great set up

A

Amanda

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wombat Hollow

One of our favorite camp spots to date! Private sites, right in with nature and plenty of wombats on the property. The tub at our site was an added bonus. Val was a super welcoming and generous host. Recommend the eggs from his daughter’s chickens. Would definitely go back

180 degree escarpment views and a lovely place to sit and watch the fire

R

Richard

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Mellows Ridge

Great spot. Ian was super helpful and the spa was a real treat. Accessing our site wasn't super easy in a 2wd!

Very large site for cars, tents people and pets. View out to southern part of the escarpment. Very well protected, shaded and cool.

D

Daniela

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mellows Ridge

Amazing spot ! Ian and wife very friendly and easy going , highly recommended.

M

Miroslaw

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Joadja Gorge Retreat & Camping

Camp site was gorgeous. The only think keep in mind that you on the big rock. So will be hard to safe you tent to the ground. Nice animals on farm, donkey and lama, dogs and chickens. Host is very nice and helpful.

L

Liam

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Joadja Gorge Retreat & Camping

The gorge is incredible! The camp spot Is huge and Leanne has done such an amazing job with the log benches and set up - it’s honestly perfect! The gorge is beyond words. The pictures don’t do it justice. I had planned on proposing but couldn’t have dreamt the gorge lookout would be so perfect over sunset! It’s insane that the lookout is moments away from your camp spot (a short walk). Without a doubt the best $130 I’ve ever spent. Cant wait to come back!

b

brad

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Mellows Ridge

We stayed at Stump No More overnight, very peaceful & the surrounding bush is lovely. Having the little portaloo toilet tent was handy & clean. The only drawback is that it says in description ‘firewood available’ - however the reality is you get your firewood from fallen branches in the bush - resulting in the trees around the site having had bark stripped off, & hack marks on some trees where people have done damage to trees due to needing firewood . Either cut firewood needs to be provided or make it clear that people need to buy firewood on the way in, or that they need to walk into the forest to search for it, as that was misleading. We plan to come back again as it’s so close to home yet you feel like you’re hours away because it’s so quiet & peaceful.

Large protected site on the way to creek and waterfall.

G

Grace

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mellows Ridge

It was honestly the most beautiful place I’ve ever camped but he wasn’t kidding about needing 4x4. Slight road noise but definitely not unbearable and isn’t loud all night like some places. 100% recommend for a rainforest getaway

S

Sally

November 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Joadja Gorge Retreat & Camping

Private and pretty place to camp. Great is have a toilet and shower. The show stopper is the gorge views. Would highly recommend.

N

Nikki

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mellows Ridge

I stayed in the beautiful Bell Tent at Mellows Ridge and absolutely loved it. The setting is incredible, surrounded by tall trees, birdlife, rocky outcrops, and stunning views. It’s so peaceful, with plenty of wildlife around. I even spotted a diamond python and echidnas! The Bell Tent itself was spacious and luxurious, with lights, music, power, and a private toilet - everything you could need. Enjoying delicious wood-fired pizza and wine in the hot tub overlooking the valley was just perfect. My dog had the best time too and even made a new friend, Lana (Ian’s lovely dog), who took us on a tour to the waterfall! Sitting by the campfire listening to the birds was so relaxing. It feels wonderfully secluded yet it’s just a short drive from town. The customer service was exceptional - having a strong coffee delivered at 7am was amazing. I really didn’t have to bring a thing. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for peace, comfort, and a touch of luxury in nature.

K

Kate

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Mellows Ridge

We loved our weekend at Hidden Terrace campsite at Mellows Ridge. Such a lovely place. Even in the rain it was an easy place to camp with a toilet, power and potable water all on the site. The property is beautiful with views and walks easily accessible from the site - though wear good walking/hiking shoes and be prepared for a steep climb. Even the leeches weren’t that bad 😅. The firewood lasted all weekend and the home made bread was delicious on our first night. Thanks Ian, we will definitely be back!

A

Anthony

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Wombat Hollow

We had the most amazing family stay at Billabong Camp Ground (even the teenagers enjoyed it!) From the moment we arrived, Vallance, the owner and resident character had us laughing. He’s an absolute gem: welcoming, obliging, full of stories, and just a good bloke to be around. The property itself is beautiful and incredibly tranquil. We swam in the creek, built a little dam, relaxed by the fire, explored the land, and soaked up the peace and quiet. It’s so secluded we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. The wildlife was a highlight too, loads of birds, lizards, and we’re pretty sure we spotted a platypus! As for the wombats… well, we reckon Vallance just dug a few random holes to convince us they were everywhere (just kidding – we’re sure they’re out there!)???? All up, Billabong Camp Ground is a wonderful spot to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy nature with the sound of running water and a crackling fire in the background. We can’t recommend it enough. We’ll definitely be back!

P

Peter

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mellows Ridge

The cedar loggers site at Mellow Ridge was a very special location for camping, it is secluded but also not too far from the main property so you can walk to the spa and other places on the property like the waterfall and creek. It was a magical experience to be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest and the illuminated tree fern was a nice touch. We had use of the owners special headlamp which is used by ecologists for searching for wildlife and managed to spot a rare Greater Glider in a tree near our campsite! Relaxing in the spa at sunset with amazing views over the rainforest is a must. The owners were very hospitable and gave lots of good tips and interesting information about the area and their project. My only regret is not being able to stay longer, will definitely have to come back and possibly try one of the other campsites as they all seemed to have their own special attributes.

A

Asia

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wombat Hollow

I recently stayed at the Wombat Hollows, Riverbend campsite and it was a great experience! The directions were clear, Vallance was very kind & always ready to help during our stay. The location is beautiful, right on a peaceful river. The campsite is clean and well-spaced, offering plenty of privacy. They are also dog friendly, which is great. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway close to nature, Wombat Hollows is a top choice. Just make sure to bring bug spray and reserve early during peak season!

Laura

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wombat Hollow

What a fantastic stay we had! Vallance was extremely helpful in the lead up to our trip with instructions and upon arrival greeted us with a tractor ride for the kids (adult too 😅)which they loved! The site was large and well kept, the fire tub was divine. There was plenty for the kids to do from bike rides, swims, adventures , the cubby house, swing and the new addition of the sandpit! We wish we had stayed longer, but we will be back!! Thank you again Vallance.

E

Earl

October 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Joadja Gorge Retreat & Camping

We enjoyed our stay at Leanne’s property. We stayed at Sunset which had a lovely view facing west and the camping spot was neat. The camping ground has a slight incline but it can be managed easily. Great campfire pit and a table and 4 chairs provided. Plenty of wood around to make fire. Recommend the walk down near the gorge campsite, the views of the canyon are breathtaking. Leanne was very friendly too!!