Forest camping near Kangaroo Valley
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95% (2100 reviews)
- Kangaroo Valley
95% (2100 reviews)
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12 top forest campgrounds near Kangaroo Valley
98%
(25)
Wombat Hollow
2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · 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, climbing gear, horse riding gear, or tennis racquet, 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 Brush-tailed rock wallaby, Giant burrowing frog, Gang-gang cockatoo, Glossy black-cockatoo, Koala, Little Lorikeet, Platypus and the Yellow-bellied glider.
We only have two campsites at present, so you will be guaranteed peace and privacy. However, due to the demand for that site and that all people who have stayed have loved the experience, I am going to open up a few more sites over the course of 2024. You will always however have lots of space and privacy. 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 and there are some minor causeways making it unsuitable for busses. An ordinary sedan will do for Billabong site 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/
Our neighbor offers horse riding experiences that are absolutely amazing. (pre-book at www.kangaroovalleyhorses.com)
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AU$60
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* Before taxes and fees
100%
(99)
Young Macdonald’s Farm
4 sites · Tents100 acres · Tapitallee, NSW
Young Macdonald’s Farm is 100 acres in the Shoalhaven region on the NSW South Coast. It’s a family farm that was historically dairy-based but is moving to regenerative agriculture.
Your hosts are Mac and his parents, Gina and Shawn. The property is at the base of Brown’s Mountain, 15 mins from Nowra and the Shoalhaven River, 30 mins from beaches, 15 mins from Berry, and 20 mins from Kangaroo Valley.
It boasts private and secluded spaces for camping, two creeks, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
We want to share the farm experience and encourage you to be a part of our adventure as we begin this new chapter of a six-generation family farm on traditional Wodi Wodi land.
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AU$49
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(26)
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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AU$50
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* Before taxes and fees
90%
(51)
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
100%
(311)
Babbling Brook 4WD Camping
14 sites · RVs, Tents800 acres · St. Georges Basin, NSW
Situated on the beautiful Wandandian Creek with 15km creek frontage, 2.5 hours south of Sydney, Babbling Brook offers ten grassed areas with an easy 3km 4WD drive to campsites. 15 mins drive to Huskisson and Sussex Inlet. We do not accommodate large groups as our focus is peace, relaxation and family friendly.
The property is home to an abundance of wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, native birds and reptiles. There are also a lot of wombats so stay on the track and look for burrows.
There are many activities to enjoy including kayaking, fishing, swimming, bush walking, bird watching and 15kms of mountain bike trails.
We are pet friendly, please remember to have your pets protected against ticks.
You will need to be self-contained with own camping toilet, shower and water. Please DO NOT dig toilet hole, even though you leave it covered, it doesn't take long for the foxes to dig it up and leave a real mess!! Campfires permitted in designated areas.
There is mobile reception. No shooting, archery or hunting. No trail bikes. Do not damage trees, there is plenty of firewood on the ground.
Don't forget your mozzie repellent.
Please note we have a moderate cancellation policy thru Hipcamp.
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AU$100
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(2)
Secrets of Terara
3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Terara, NSW
This enchanting tree-filled, 13-acre property is located in the beautiful South Coast region of NSW, close to the spectacular beaches of Jervis Bay and quaint villages of Berry and Kangaroo Valley.
The property is hidden away among the gumtrees and surrounded by dairy country. It is a perfect, peaceful place to base yourself for a weekend or a week exploring the beaches and nature walks in the region, or the rock climbing areas of Nowra.
Your accommodation is a cosy room in our converted barn, where you'll be supremely comfortable with all you need for a great nights sleep.
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AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(159)
Pheasant Ground
2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Robertson, NSW
Situated just off Jamberoo Mountain Road, we are ideally located between Bowral and Kiama.
This campsite is a flat grassy area with rural views to the west and north west. Enjoy the lush green grass under the shade of old gnarly trees. Dogs on leashes are very welcome.
Campers will have access to toilet during their stay, just a short walk from the camping area.
Various birds, wombats and wallabies are common around our farm and we're located very close to Carrington Falls (Budderoo National Park), the Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk
and Barren Grounds Nature Reserve where you can go for a lovely bushwalk or have a swim.
This campsite is best suited to caravans or RVs as we are situated near a
semi-busy tourist road between Robertson and Jamberoo (perfect if you need a safe place to stay on your adventure). Our front paddock has easy access off Gordon’s track.
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AU$75
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(52)
Lyrebirds Nest
2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Bundanoon, NSW
Welcome to Lyrebirds Nest, a quiet bush escape.
Lyrebirds Nest cottage is situated in the bush with forest views from the balcony and rooms. The cottage is setup for glamping with an wood stove, queen bed (BYO linen), sofa, electricity, filtered water (hot and cold), hot indoor shower and composting toilet. A bar fridge and microwave is also provided. The open fire is not to be used.
The surrounding land on the property includes a lake with jetty, sauna, olive grove, orchard and chicken coup.
There are great hikes on the property or you can follow the creek and continue into the State Forest.
There is plenty of wildlife to see, a bird lovers paradise with plenty of Lyrebirds, king parrots, black cockatoos to name a few.
You're welcome to stay in the cottage or camp by the lake.
Located half way between Canberra and Sydney, and 15 minutes walk from Penrose station with easy access to all the Southern Highlands has to offer.
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AU$250
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(350)
'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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AU$65
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 6 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
99%
(55)
Bebrue Mittagong
1 site · Tent8 acres · Bowral Mittagong, NSW
Bebrue was created in 1972 when 8¼ acres of natural bushland on the top of Mount Gibraltar (“The Gib”) at Mittagong was donated to the Girl Guides Association for the establishment of a camping and outdoors facility.Today, the site offers a well-protected camping facility set amongst beautiful, natural surrounds that are ideal for many activities. The adjacent north-east side of Mount Gibraltar offers walking trails to explore.The Mount Gibraltar Forest is significant due to its rarity, being identified as an endangered and threatened ecological community. The unique geology of the area supports a collection of flora that, as an assemblage, does not exist outside of The Gib. One very important resident of The Gib that you may meet is the extremely rare Powerful Owl. Bebrue is one of the largest privately own properties on The Gib and Girl Guides have always worked hard to protect the natural bush at Bebrue. Bebrue has also been recognised by the Mount Gibraltar Landcare and Bushcare Group as being an important local wildlife corridor. It is a member of Land for Wildlife.Bebrue is run by volunteers and all funds generated go back into improving the facility for use by the Girl Guides and wider community.
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AU$60
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(332)
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
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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.
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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.
Pets
Potable water
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from
AU$60
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Forest camping near Kangaroo Valley guide
Nearby attractions
An engineering oddity set in the rolling green hills, west of Nowra, Tallowa Dam is also home to the largest fish lift of its kind in Australia.
Top cities near Kangaroo Valley
Safety at Hipcamp
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.