The best waterside camping in Hawkesbury River

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Looping around Sydney, the Hawkesbury River winds its way from the Blue Mountains in the west to the estuaries of Broken Bay along the Pacific Coast. Set sail along the river on a boat cruise, ride the historic cable ferry at Wisemans Ferry, or stop at colonial towns such as Pitt Reach, Ebenezer, and Windsor. National parks flank the riverbanks, affording campers plenty of choices, and the region’s mild temperatures mean that outdoor activities are enjoyable year-round. Cruise around coastal estuaries, hike through rainforest gorges, discover glow-worm caves, or enjoy wine tasting at a Hawkesbury Valley winery.

96% (9.2K) 17 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Hawkesbury River

BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park

1. BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park

88%
(13)
Sydney, NSW · 335 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
At Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, we offer more than just a place to stay – we offer the ultimate blend of coastal escape and urban lifestyle. Nestled between the calm waters of Narrabeen Lake and the surf of North Narrabeen Beach, our park is the perfect blend of nature, relaxation and convenience. Unbeatable location between lake and surf. Just 45 minutes from Sydney CBD. Wide range of accommodation, from unpowered sites to villas. Family-friendly amenities including playground, splash park and BBQ areas. Ideal for couples, families, groups and solo travellers. Easy access to public transport, shops and restaurants.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$59
 / night
Farm Stay on Beautiful Lake Mac

2. Farm Stay on Beautiful Lake Mac

100%
(5)
Eraring, NSW · 1 site · Tent, RV
Come and enjoy a little piece of our paradise, put your feet up by beautiful Lake Macquarie. Our property is located on direct lake front reserve, with a safe sandy bay to explore with the kids and is the perfect spot to relax and unwind with family or friends. Extensive lake front and bush land to explore also in immediate surrounds. Activities on offer: Swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, boating, bike riding, bush walking, feeding animals, picnic by the lake, sunrise to sunset lake walks, big swing, plenty of mown grassy areas to throw a frisbee. Farm animals to feed and seasonal lambs to enjoy. No Pets sorry! Fire Pit available to relax around in the evening. Boat Ramp at Dora Creek 8 mins away. Adult and child kayak including life jackets are available for your use. Or bring your own toys. Please arrive with vehicle water tanks full of water. Fresh water can be accessed from side of house but it is 50m from best camping spot. Please drive slowly on our lawn to designated camping area. Quite time from 9:00pm to respect our neighbours. Suitable for tent, caravan and camper vans with own amenities ONLY. Own toilet must be brought. Closest dumping point is in Morisset 10 mins away. No refunds for checking out early.
Campfires
Water hookup
Potable water
from 
AU$85
 / night

Looping around Sydney, the Hawkesbury River winds its way from the Blue Mountains in the west to the estuaries of Broken Bay along the Pacific Coast. Set sail along the river on a boat cruise, ride the historic cable ferry at Wisemans Ferry, or stop at colonial towns such as Pitt Reach, Ebenezer, and Windsor. National parks flank the riverbanks, affording campers plenty of choices, and the region’s mild temperatures mean that outdoor activities are enjoyable year-round. Cruise around coastal estuaries, hike through rainforest gorges, discover glow-worm caves, or enjoy wine tasting at a Hawkesbury Valley winery.

96% (9.2K) 17 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Hawkesbury River

BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park

1. BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park

88%
(13)
Sydney, NSW · 335 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
At Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, we offer more than just a place to stay – we offer the ultimate blend of coastal escape and urban lifestyle. Nestled between the calm waters of Narrabeen Lake and the surf of North Narrabeen Beach, our park is the perfect blend of nature, relaxation and convenience. Unbeatable location between lake and surf. Just 45 minutes from Sydney CBD. Wide range of accommodation, from unpowered sites to villas. Family-friendly amenities including playground, splash park and BBQ areas. Ideal for couples, families, groups and solo travellers. Easy access to public transport, shops and restaurants.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$59
 / night
Farm Stay on Beautiful Lake Mac

2. Farm Stay on Beautiful Lake Mac

100%
(5)
Eraring, NSW · 1 site · Tent, RV
Come and enjoy a little piece of our paradise, put your feet up by beautiful Lake Macquarie. Our property is located on direct lake front reserve, with a safe sandy bay to explore with the kids and is the perfect spot to relax and unwind with family or friends. Extensive lake front and bush land to explore also in immediate surrounds. Activities on offer: Swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, boating, bike riding, bush walking, feeding animals, picnic by the lake, sunrise to sunset lake walks, big swing, plenty of mown grassy areas to throw a frisbee. Farm animals to feed and seasonal lambs to enjoy. No Pets sorry! Fire Pit available to relax around in the evening. Boat Ramp at Dora Creek 8 mins away. Adult and child kayak including life jackets are available for your use. Or bring your own toys. Please arrive with vehicle water tanks full of water. Fresh water can be accessed from side of house but it is 50m from best camping spot. Please drive slowly on our lawn to designated camping area. Quite time from 9:00pm to respect our neighbours. Suitable for tent, caravan and camper vans with own amenities ONLY. Own toilet must be brought. Closest dumping point is in Morisset 10 mins away. No refunds for checking out early.
Campfires
Water hookup
Potable water
from 
AU$85
 / night

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

The best waterside camping in Hawkesbury River guide

Where to go

Hawkesbury

North of Sydney, Wisemans Ferry sits at the meeting point of the Hawkesbury and Macdonald rivers. Hiking, mountain biking, and canoeing are the main activities on offer in the neighbouring Dharug National Park, and to the north, Yengo National Park has thrilling 4WD tracks and remote bush campgrounds. Wisemans Ferry is also the starting point of the Old Great North Road, an important site in Australia’s convict history. 

Broken Bay

The Hawkesbury River meets the ocean at Broken Bay, flanked by two coastal national parks. Cruise the waterways, fish along the coast, or trek between Aboriginal heritage sites in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. On the north shore, Brisbane Waters National Park bursts with colour during spring wildflower season—explore by bike, kayak, or boat, then camp at Pindar Cave. 

The rainforest-clad peaks of the Blue Mountains rise on the horizon along the western section of the Hawkesbury River. Head into the Blue Mountains National Park to hike and mountain bike through the rainforest, ride the Scenic Railway to the Three Sisters lookout, and discover gorges, waterfalls, and natural swimming holes. Camping comes with views, too—pitch your tent by the creek or in tranquil forest valleys.

Australia’s largest city might not seem like an obvious choice for camping, but there are lots of ways to get outdoors in and around the Sydney. Swim and surf along the North Shore, cruise around Sydney Harbour, or even attempt a daring Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.