Camping in Illawarra

Discover and reserve the best campgrounds, cabins, caravan parks, and more.

95% (2436 reviews)
95% (2436 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Illawarra

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds in Illawarra

96%
(227)

Grady's Riverside Retreat

48 sites · RVs, Tents17 acres · Burrier, NSW
Grady’s Riverside Retreat was first established in 1979. The retreat is located 20 minutes west of Nowra and is set on 17 secluded acres on the banks of the beautiful Shoalhaven River, surrounded by natural bushland, mountains, cliffs and dairy pastures. This makes Grady’s Riverside Retreat an ideal place to bring your friends and family to relax, unwind and enjoy the scenery. Grady’s has over 500 metres of direct access to the Shoalhaven River. The river is deep and also is title which means we have a large variety of fresh and saltwater fish that inhabit these waters. Majority of our well maintained grassy sites are located along the river or have uninterrupted river views. With the added bonus of Jetty, boat ramp and beach areas for you to utilise at your leisure. Grady's is a pet friendly Retreat and we also allow campfires. We strongly believe these few extra things are essential to create a true camping experience. The park grounds are well maintained throughout the year. The amenities are fresh and cleaned daily. If you are the adventurous type there are many activities to offer in the vicinity such as canoeing, fishing, swimming, bushwalks, 4WDriving, bike riding, jet skiing, water skiing and much more Come and enjoy our absolute riverfront camping accommodation. Secluded camping sites are available on request (subject to availability) We also have powered camp sites and Riverview cabins and cottages available. The picturesque banks of the Shoalhaven River play host to the perfect escape from the burdens of city life. Only 2 hours from Sydney but feels like a world away. Amongst the trees and under the clear blue sky, sit around your campfire and allow yourself the time to reflect, reconnect, and revel in nature's abundance. Activities:- *Fishing/swimming *kids playground *basketball ring and volleyball court *large reserve for ball sports etc *BMX Track - Grady’s has a BMX track on site *Canoeing and Paddle Boards for hire - Grady’s is a great location for the canoeing and paddle boards beginners or enthusiasts. *4WDing and Dirt Bike Riding - Grady’s is in close proximity to many fire trails and 4WD tracks. *Bushwalking and mountain biking - There are many walking tracks in and around the Yalwal region. *Boating - Bring your own boat or jet ski and enjoy the use of our boat ramp and jetty.
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from 
AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
85%
(27)

Lillyfield

7 sites · Tents8 acres · Balmoral, NSW
Lillyfield is an 8 acre property located close to Balmoral village. Balmoral village is a small village on the border of the Wollondilly and the Southern Highlands. There is lots to site-see around the area and while you're here why no visit the tourist attractions such as Thirlmere Railway Museum, Thirlmere Lakes National Park, the infamous Picton ghost train tunnels, the majestic Mermaid pools and the Forty Foot Falls. Call into the George IV Pub for a lunch at the historic establishment. We offer camping and a cabin. The campsite offers a quiet, secluded camping space with access to bushland for a lovely bush walk. The property backs onto Crown Land. We welcome only self-contained campers who bring their own camping toilet/shower and drinking water. You must have your own amenities. Light a campfire at your campsite and enjoy the quite bush backdrop. Listen to the wildlife from your camp, make a camp oven roast and chill out with a book. This campsite is 2WD accessible and can accommodate tents. The cabin is fully contained for a very comfortable stay yet still offers you quick access to nature, local bushwalks and lots of wildlife to hear and see. No pets please.
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from 
AU$40
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(326)

'Elouera Vale' Farm

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents140 acres · Mittagong, NSW
Elouera Vale is a working farm located just outside Mittagong NSW. We breed and train camels for sale, especially into the Southern Highlands. Camels are excellent for weed control and co-grazing with cattle. 'Elouera Vale' also breeds Belted Galloway cattle, Dorper and Wiltipol sheep and donkeys. Our property covers over 140 acres, 80 acres cleared and pasture improved and the rest consisting of forest. The Chain O Ponds creek runs through the property and makes for a lovely walk. You will probably get to see kangaroo, wallaby, wombats, echidnas, koalas and lots of bird life. The lush green hills abound with walking and cycling trails. You can head to the spectacular Nattai Gorge via the Box Vale Mine walking track, an easy 4.4km circular walk that follows an old railway line through a tunnel to breath-taking views. Enjoy a picnic in the magnificent Lake Alexandra Reserve or hike up extinct volcanic peak Mount Gibraltar. The closest shops are approximately a 15 minute drive to the Mittagong Town Centre where you will find all the shops, cafes and restaurants for your needs. It is well worth a visit to ‘The Shaggy Cow’ cafe, one of our favourite foodie spots (don’t forget to mention Elouera Vale). While you're here please try the Cool Climate wines. The region’s rich soil and high altitude are ideal for cool-climate wine growing. Visit cellar doors in the hills and valleys around Mittagong, including Centennial Vineyards. Enjoy a pleasant wine tasting experience at Centennial (don’t forget to mention us). The Camel Cottage offers a luxe off-the-grid escape for couples just one hour from Sydney but feels like "miles from anywhere". The Gums Cottage is a fully contained, off-grid modern getaway, surrounded by the magnificent white gum trees that are its namesake. The serene setting and stylish interior of The Gums provides all the essentials for a picturesque and peaceful country escape. The White Gum Forest Retreat offers campsites nestled in a white gum forest, not far from a beautiful trickling creek. There is access to toilets and a small dam near campsites for water supply for showers where required. For a truly memorable experience we recommend hiring our function space, White Gum Forest Functions, which is available for day visitors as well as guests staying overnight in our cabins and campsites. Why not book your next special family group gathering, milestone birthday or wedding here! The function space can cater for up to 50 guests, please contact us with your time and date requirements before booking. Feel spoilt in the midst of beautiful waratahs, grevilleas and ferns, watching camels grazing in the adjacent paddock. It's like being on a safari! There is 5G mobile telephone reception at the farm so you can reconnect with the world if need be. No pets please.
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from 
AU$65
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(1)

Misty Farm

10 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Robertson, NSW
100 acres of farmland and bush walks, old cattle yard, camping area near water. Located 700 meters above sea level on the escarpment, among the clouds. Firewood and wildlife at night including wombats, black cockatoos, owls, and wallabies. Non-powered sites with no toilet facilities. Good access, water available if required, and wood available for the campfire area.
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from 
AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
78%
(40)

Yerrinbool hobby Farm

9 sites · RVs, Tents17 acres · Yerrinbool, NSW
Yerrinbool is 1 hour from Sydney and a great spot to spend a weekend away, 15 mins from Bowral and 10 mins to Mittagong There are animals on the farm including ducks, chickens, goats, sheep and sometimes even baby cows. The property does need a little clean up but the rear of the property is nice and tranquil. We are directly next to the HWY so sometimes there is road noise, but it's a great location for an easy stopover. Easy access for caravans, keeping in mind the weather as like in all areas it becomes soft when wet. Please note, while we do permit more than one car per site booking, we only allow 1 caravan per site. So if you are in a group with more than 1 caravan, you will need to book multiple sites. Any questions, please let us know. We have Fire Pits in key locations around the farm PLEASE DO NOT move them as they signify each spot for camping. They have allocated spots and we do not need them moved. We also have a toilet in a small cabin close to the house for people who are using tents and water if you're required to fill your tanks or rinse off. We have two dams with yabbies you are welcome to collect. If you do collect some please be respectful in the amounts you collect and also throw some raw meat and or frozen veggies like peas and corn into the dam to provide food for the others to grow. Firewood is available to purchase at time of booking - see Extras.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$40
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(323)

Otford Park nr Royal National Park

3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Otford, NSW
Otford is a historic village in a valley between Sydney and Wollongong, and bounded by the Pacific ocean. Our private acreage backs onto the southern tip of the Royal National Park, so the outlook from the campsite is all leafy trees. Walk to lookouts over the ocean, hike down to the beach or a few minutes drive to dog friendly beaches. Our bathroom and kitchen facilities make it an easy experience for first time campers. We are well-behaved-dog-friendly BUT you must let us know in advance. Our access track to the camping sites has been repaired with a deep layer of asphalt but still best suited to 4WD. . There is also the option of parking roadside, and walking in approx 400m to the sites. Please message us if unsure about your vehicle. IMPORTANT PLEASE READ 1. Please let us know if you are bringing a dog/dogs - we have horses, house dogs, chickens and; wildlife plus likely other campers close by, so need to be forewarned. Dogs must be on lead or contained at all times. 2. If you need to camp out of your 4WD RV (such as a roof top tent), please contact me before booking to ensure those two particular vehicle sites are still available :) and that your vehicle is suitable for our track. Maximum length is approx 5m. Please scroll through the photos to see our amenities and camping sites. 3. We limit the number of people staying at any one time, so weekends book up quickly. That said, due to Covid and weather, people often cancel at the last minute too, so if we are currently booked out, it's always worthile checking again closer to the date for any availability. We are on acreage (approx 7 acres) in Otford, surrounded by forest, backing onto the very southern end of the Royal National Park Sydney/Wollongong. Sleep under the stars, and to the hoot of our local owls, and yips of the gorgeous feather-tail gliders. Lovely, peaceful and private in a bushland backdrop but so close & just a walk to famous sites, beaches, cafes and bushwalking - so the perfect spot to stop, unpack and then go exploring. Max of 3 camp sites booked at a time. Each camp site is within shouting distance of each other, so if looking for absolute privacy, please talk to me first. As bookings come through, I assess the number of people booked for a site, and adjust availability on the others accordingly (such as blocking the rest of the day/s to prevent over-crowding) We usually only have two unconnected groups/families at a time. Our site is the perfect place to camp in comfort and safety, when taking an overnight rest after the long backpacking trek from Bundeena. We have firewood available for our cosy camp firepits (one firepit available for each site) We buy in reclaimed hardwood to reduce the impact of logging of native forest, but also often have seasoned firewood from our own fallen trees. $20 for approx 20kg. Heaps of kindling sticks are around on the forest floor. Please leave large and rotting logs alone for wildlife. Water - Connected to Sydney Catchment drinking water, so supply isn't an issue, but we conserve where we can. Kitchenette We have a tiny house mobile kitchenette with sink, basic table wear, microwave, kettle, toaster, LÓr Nespresso compatible Pod machine (BYO pods) single hot plates, mini bar fridge ,and; USB ports. You can also use the facility to recharge your mobile phone and; torches. We also provide a billy kettle, cast iron fry pan and camp fire hot plate. You'll also find 6 comfy directors chairs stored within the kitchenette, and a deck of cards, jigsaw puzzles, boardgames etc. Cricket bat, Bocce ball game, and Finish Kubbs set are stored within the timber box under the gazebo. "Nature Calls" We have a new long drop compost toilet - only human waste and; toilet paper please. A small bin is provided for sanitary products etc. Please leave the bushland surrounds free of solid waste. Gazebo Weatherproof /insect meshed gazebo and outdoor furniture. Absolutely no fires under the gazebo, otherwise it will melt and catch fire. Quiet Hours Quiet hours between 10pm and 7am Outdoor and Indoor Showers Warm water is heated by LPG gas bottles - please help conserve water and gas QUIET HOURS: To respect other campers who may be staying, and our amazing nocturnal wildlife, our quiet hours are 10pm to 7am, when noise is asked to be kept minimal. Such an exception would be event times like New Years Eve. We have found that camping is a great way to reset your Circadian rhythm - waking and sleeping according to the natural light & darkness , and a drink around a crackling camp fire super relaxing :) CONTACT: If you want me to send you more photographs of the camping sites/facilities , you can look up Otford Park or OtfordParkCamping on Facebook and contact me through there (can't send photos etc via HipCamp messages yet) WHAT TO EXPECT: We have horses, poultry, dogs and abundant wildlife so visiting pets must be either caged or leashed at all times. We have two waterproof dog beds available - just need to bring their blanket etc for softness As its a sanctuary for wildlife - absolutely No Hunting is permitted. Wildlife can be loud at times - morning and night, from the wild deer that wander through, to domestic roosters that like to visit. Its a bit 'farm country and wild bushland' tucked between Sydney and Wollongong Caravans/large motorhomes cannot access the rear of our property, due the narrowness of the track, but no problem for the many 4wd style camper vehicles. Necessities/consumables We have a supply of toilet paper, hand wash, hand sanitiser, insect repellent , fire lighters, mossie coils, matches, dish soap, paper towels and spray disinfectant. Its an honour system for use just while you're here, so please don't take them home with you. If you need to buy toilet paper for your next journey, just ask me. WHAT'S NEARBY: - easy walk to Otford railway station - easy walk to our free local tennis court just down the road -road walk up to Bald Hill lookout (famous for its hang-gliding and view of the Seacliff Bridge) or hike up the fire trail and around the Stony Batter headland - walk to Otford Lookout and the start of the many trails through the Royal National Park or the hike down (about 20 to 30min) to Bulgo beach to swim, fish or snorkel. Be sure to take water and wear comfy shoes - quick walk to the hidden entrance of the historic abandoned Otford railway tunnel entrance -its also an interesting and fun way to walk to Stanwell Park beach! Otherwise its just few minutes drive to Stanwell Park beach and Coalcliff Beach - all clean and beautiful or go further north to the many stunning beaches of the Royal National Park such as Garie, Burning Palms, Wattamolla - Darkes Forest - for trail horse riding, and the Glenbernie Orchard, for fresh apple and stone fruit produce and apple picking tours * * * * * * * * * * Off Leash Beaches - If you have a dog , it will probably love the northern end of Stanwell Park beach its been designated an off-leash area, north of the creek. - park your carpark of Park Parade. Sharkey's Beach, Coledale. A dedicated off-leash beach for dogs and surfers alike, all year round. Approx 10 min drive south. * * * * * * * * * * Others Sights & Activities - Four km to Symbio Wildlike Park - a lovely day out to see both exotic animals such as cheetahs or more local cuddly koalas and opportunities to hand feed kangaroos and wallabies. A water theme park will keep the kiddies entertained and cool too - On the way to Symbio is the beautiful Kelly's Falls - part of the Garrawarra State Conservation area & historic Princess Marina Cliff Walk. - Seacliff Bridge - Not to be missed and part of the Grand Pacific Drive along the South East Coast, Seacliff Bridge is now an iconic Australian landmark. It beautifully hugs the huge sandstone cliffs around the ocean, and is popular to tourist and film makers alike. - Cafes - yum! Walk to the Otford Pantry on the corner of Domville Rd and Lady Wakehurst Drive, open weekends for great coffee and pastries, overlooking the ocean. Then many other cafes in nearby Stanwell Park and Helensburgh - We are situated in a valley, with the Illawarra train line about 500m to 1km away, so occasionally you might here a coal train passing, or more interesting on many weekends the historic Cockatoo Run steam train comes through around 10am and on its return approx 6pm. If children are at the station waiting to see it, the drivers usually oblige with a friendly toot of the steam horn. - Horse Riding - Book ahead for trail rides at either the local Otford Farm in Lloyd Place, or can drive to Darkes Forest Riding Ranch - Wodi Wodi track at Stanwell Tops - if you're fit and love a challenging hike, the Wodi Wodi track can take you from the Hanging swamp around and down to Coalcliff. Water, comfortable shoes and insect repellent (for the odd leach) etc is essential, but the spectacular views at the top and destination make it worth it FOOD and PROVISIONS Helensburgh shopping centre is just 4km drive away. But if you're hiking on foot from the Royal National Park and would like basic provisions such as milk and bread available on your arrival, please let us know in advance, and we'll do our best to have them here. We have a generator run mini-fridge in the kitchenette to keep such items cold, if needed. TINY HOUSE If you'd like to sleep in a bit of luxury, check out our new tiny house listing here SYDNEY, WOLLONGONG &; BEYOND Otford is 9km by car to Waterfall, Sutherland Shire, 43 km to George St, Sydney CBD, 25km to Wollongong CBD. 44km to Bondi Beach, and 53km to Kiama. All can be accessed by train too. So the perfect area to set up base camp, whilst exploring greater Sydney, as well as the many beautiful spots within walking distance. HIP CAMP REVIEWS When reading and leaving reviews , please have a heart towards your camp hosts. The way the rating % works, it takes about 111 positive reviews out 112 reviews, to over-ride that 1 negative. So for the average Hipcamp, it takes a looong time, to get back to 99 or 100% positive feedback. If you have an issue onsite, please raise it immediately. I know the majority of hosts will try and rectify it for you.
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from 
AU$60
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 3 times

Mellows Ridge

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Calderwood, NSW
Nestled right up against the escarpment 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, 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. Access to the loggers camp is currently 4WD.
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AU$65
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(13)

Jervis Bay Escape

33 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Woollamia, NSW
Jervis Bay Escape is a 10-acre hobby farm just 5 minutes from beautiful Jervis Bay and its internationally protected marine park. You can camp close to some of the most attractive beaches in Australia, with the clearest waters and whitest sands in the world. Great fishing and swimming nearby, plus there are several National Parks in the area offering fantastic options for bushwalking and hiking. We offer several sprawling cleared areas, bordered by trees, with good access to the main road into Jervis Bay, ideal for self-contained campers to set up, kick back and relax. We're a place for peaceful travelers looking to unwind. 90 minutes from Wollongong and just under 3 hours from most parts of Sydney.
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from 
AU$45
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(34)

The Wandy Donkey Camp

7 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · NSW
Located 2.5 hrs south of Sydney and 2.5hrs east of Canberra The Wandy Donkey Camp offers 150 acre property for you to rest without the hustle and bustle of the south coast. Created for couples wanting to rough it! Meaning you bring everything yourself. With a natural stream that traverses the property there is much for you to observe and enjoy. Watching the Cows and Sheep graze or admiring the Alpacas long necks. There is also a Donkey Tour you can book into whilst on the farm. You will be able to sit with nature by the little stream watching for the wombats, kangaroos and lizards as they do their thing. Only 20 minute drive to nearest beaches, you can enjoy some great cafes and restaurants around the local Shoalhaven area. Head west up the mountain to beautiful Jerrawangla lookout and Tianjara Falls. Located in the heart of the Shoalhaven, The Wandy Donkey Camp is central to all your experiences. Kate your host, has a wealth of local knowledge that will get you started on your South Coast adventure. This is a, you bring, you take, experience leaving no physical trace behind. But leaving with a great story to share with your loved ones. You want to book in for a relaxing massage or an adventurous farm tour Kate will hook you up. All you have to do is ask.
Campfires
from 
AU$50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
92%
(39)

Tomerong Forest

15 sites · RVs, Tents600 acres · Falls Creek, NSW
At Tomerong Forest, you'll find 600 acres of private native forest with an abundance of wildlife, welcoming self-contained campers to immerse themselves in nature. You'll be camped just 15 minutes drive from Huskisson, Hyamms Beach, and St George's Basin - a great location if you want laid-back bush camping, but also crave a restaurant meal and a swim in the beautiful waters of Jervis Bay. It is isolated from the overcrowded tourist parks and offers great secluded camping. At the right time, you will literally not see another human for days if that is your wish! At the current moment, a 4WD is essential to access the property. All campers must be self-contained, with their own camp toilet, and take all waste when they go. So if you are tired of that 6 metre x 6 metre tent site and don't want to hear the guy next door coughing and snoring, or if you just want to only hear the sound of the breeze through the trees, come and stay a few days or a week or longer if you wish. Seclusion this accessible from Sydney is a rare commodity. Pets are welcome, but please keep them under control as we value the wildlife. Sorry, no cats for that particular reason.
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AU$35
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(72)

Majestic Stays

8 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Woollamia, NSW
We specialise in camping and camper/caravanning getaways for couples. Welcome to the couples' getaway! Enjoy the Majestic campsite - pitch your tent, sleep in your 4WD rooftop tent or in your swag. There's plenty of space and shade. You'll be surrounded by quiet bush scenery There is access to water. You will need to be self-contained with own camping toilet/shower. Campfires permitted - please speak to me first about fire location. We also offer spaces for RVs. Bring your recreational vehicle, whether it's a campervan or a caravan, and park on our property for a quiet and relaxing holiday. We are located just 5 minutes from the village of Huskisson where you can enjoy cafes, shopping and beautiful beaches. Head further east for a drive out to Jervis Bay and its world renowned whitest sand, Booderee National Park for a bushwalk or book a charter boat out or dolphin and whale watching.
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AU$95
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(192)

Buxton Getaway

3 sites · RVs, Tents19 acres · Buxton, NSW
Located just one hour from Sydney, our property features 19 acres of pure serenity with two dams and one large enough to kayak on (kayaks supplied). The back of the property is perfect for camping and suitable for a small to medium caravan/camper. The larger dam has a picnic area and kayaks available to paddle on. Adjoining our property is Nattai National Park with a lovely 20 minute walk down to Little River. The Aqua Pool Trail in the National Park is just gorgeous. If you wish to try and catch some yabbies from the dams the only allowable and fun way is by a long stick and sausage. Hooks, fishing lines and traps are not allowed as we have people, dogs and horses swimming in the dams. We welcome self-contained campers who bring their shower/toilet set up. We do have two drop pit toilets available and each campsite has a pit fire provided. We are getting low on firewood so you will need to bring some along with you. There is access to drinking water. Our property is 2WD accessible and can accommodate small caravans and camper trailers. Not far from Buxton is Thirlmere where the Steam Train Museum is and train rides are available on the weekends, a great activity for the kids. Thirlmere Lakes National Park is perfect for a relaxing picnic, walk, birdwatching, and glimpse into locomotive history. Mittagong and Bowral have great wineries with restaurant/bistro. Pets are welcome. There's a range of different bushwalking trails in the region, including Starlights trail, a scenic bushwalk suited to experienced hikers, which forms part the Greater Blue Mountains trail network between Mittagong and Katoomba.
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from 
AU$45
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

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