96% (211) • 7 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Illawarra
Mellows Ridge
1. Mellows Ridge
95%
(199)
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$242
/ night
K2 River Island Nature Retreat
2. K2 River Island Nature Retreat
93%
(57)
75 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bullio, NSW
K2 River Island Nature Retreat is nestled in the heart of the stunning Southern Highlands, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel your worries melt away as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of K2 and its surroundings.
This unique farm stay provides a rustic, primitive camping experience where you can reconnect with nature. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you listen to the songs of native birds or relax by the creek, watching the gentle flow of water through the tranquil waterholes. Our grounds are home to an array of wildlife, including turtles, platypus, and more, ensuring a truly memorable and immersive retreat.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
from
AU$120
/ night
96% (211) • 7 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Illawarra
Mellows Ridge
1. Mellows Ridge
95%
(199)
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$242
/ night
K2 River Island Nature Retreat
2. K2 River Island Nature Retreat
93%
(57)
75 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bullio, NSW
K2 River Island Nature Retreat is nestled in the heart of the stunning Southern Highlands, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel your worries melt away as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of K2 and its surroundings.
This unique farm stay provides a rustic, primitive camping experience where you can reconnect with nature. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you listen to the songs of native birds or relax by the creek, watching the gentle flow of water through the tranquil waterholes. Our grounds are home to an array of wildlife, including turtles, platypus, and more, ensuring a truly memorable and immersive retreat.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
from
AU$120
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Z
Zahir
3 weeks ago
1 night at K2 River Island Nature Retreat
It's a beautiful place and worth the drive.
Be sure to pack food that you can cook or put in the fridge or heat.
There's 2 patches of road towards the end that are a bit rough but nothing my tiny MG couldn't handle.
It's a great place. Lots of other things to do as well like pool, billiard, table tennis. Shared bathroom area is very very close and very convenient. Plenty of water.
The help there is a pure gentleman and happy to help off times as well. It was a great trip overall.
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N
Nicholas
December 2025
N
Nikki
November 2025
With pets
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.
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D
Dean
July 2025
2 nights at K2 River Island Nature Retreat
Beautiful little cabin to stay in and an absolutely stunning scenery to look at and explore
See moreY
Yvette
July 2025
1 night at Mellows Ridge
My son and I had a great stay in the Bell Tent. Very easy, lots of good walks for a five year old. Ian was friendly and we loved the pizza and the puppy!
See moreL
Luke
June 2025
1 night at Mellows Ridge
The Bell tent was exactly what we were looking for, a night escape. We had a pizza and some Pinot Gris on the deck before heading back and lighting the fire - will be back!
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Simon
June 2025
Weekend Trip to Mellows Ridge
Ian was extremely nice and hospitable to make it a pleasant experience! With enougb privacy and good ammenities. Worth every penny.
See moreJ
Joseph
April 2025
Weekend Trip to Mellows Ridge
The Bell Tent was amazing! We enjoyed every single minute of it and the hosts were very accommodating and welcoming. The pizza was very delicious and sitting by the firepit drinking our complementary beers kept us warm on a cool night. The Bell Tent was also stacked with a power bank and Apple home pod which kept us entertained. Overall, we would highly recommend!
See moreK
Kobie
April 2025
Weekend Trip to Mellows Ridge
We had the absolute best time!! I went with my partner for a night as a getaway from busy Sydney and this hipcamp exceeded our expectations. Ian is so hospitable, so much so that he even gave us a backpack and a lunchbox to go hiking with. He was constantly going out of his way to ensure we had the best possible experience. We will definitely be back.
See moreA
Anthony
January 2025
1 night at Mellows Ridge
Tranquil private secluded bell tent- Ian is an amazing host- outstanding homemade gourmet pizza! Nothing too much trouble-
Hike up the escarpment well worth the effort
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