The best waterfall campgrounds near Kempsey, New South Wales

Waterfall camping near Kempsey packs a punch. You’ll find over 40 spots where you can pitch a tent within earshot of tumbling water—think deep swimming holes, cool rock pools, and green bushland alive with birdsong. Top picks like Jumping Dog (103 reviews), Little Plain Hall Grounds (87 reviews), and Elands TereTulemast EXCLUSIVE SITES (83 reviews) are crowd favourites for their easy access to cascades and swimming. Most sites let you build a campfire, bring your dog, and use on-site toilets. Expect to spend about $30 a night on average, but you’ll spot options as low as $10 if you’re watching your budget. Bring your fishing rod, lace up your boots for a hike, or jump straight into the water—you’re sorted either way.

98% (392)

Top-rated campgrounds

Waterfall camping near Kempsey packs a punch. You’ll find over 40 spots where you can pitch a tent within earshot of tumbling water—think deep swimming holes, cool rock pools, and green bushland alive with birdsong. Top picks like Jumping Dog (103 reviews), Little Plain Hall Grounds (87 reviews), and Elands TereTulemast EXCLUSIVE SITES (83 reviews) are crowd favourites for their easy access to cascades and swimming. Most sites let you build a campfire, bring your dog, and use on-site toilets. Expect to spend about $30 a night on average, but you’ll spot options as low as $10 if you’re watching your budget. Bring your fishing rod, lace up your boots for a hike, or jump straight into the water—you’re sorted either way.

98% (392)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Elands TereTulemast EXCLUSIVE SITES

98%

(143)

79km from Kempsey · 38 sites · Tents, RVs · Elands, NSW

We are based in the mountains North West of Taree in NSW. Some may decide to visit because of the Famous Ellenborough Falls being on our door step. While others are seeking space, nature, a river side camping spot, a mountain bike focused holiday with the fam, or a cheap group stay right on the river. And others just simply LOVE this area and come back each year, and bring their dog! Guudji Yiigu Nyiirunang - Birpi for Welcome Everyone! while ... Teretulemast is an Estonian name, it means WELCOME. THE HISTORY OF OUR PLACE as we know it: The Biripi people were the original and will always be the landowners of this area. They spent their summers on the mountain, while their winters were beside the coast. We are told, this area was once a women's only area, where they would bath and give birth. We respect those past and present who took care of this land and lived amongst it. This is Biripi country. Sometime after this, some people took over the land, and then offered it to others. Then cut trees down to build with, and put cows on it for over 80 years.. then we were offered it! And here we are today.... US: We LOVE hosting people, as we literally LOVE sharing this place with others. It’s part of who we are, but also a huge part of our bigger picture, in getting people re connected with Nature, so much so, that they want to protect it. Plus it’s so damn pretty here, all year around! You Camp/Hipcamp has been a driving force as to why we have had so many guests find us, and ultimately stay with us (along with some help from our insta #teretulemastelands blogs & workaway/helpx). But if you are wondering why people would visit, I'll do my best to summarise: • 400 metre walk from our RIVER flat to the famous Ellenborough Falls (famous for being the longest consistent drop in the southern hemisphere - hows that for on the map?) • All sites have access to the river with a short walk, or a tiny walk. Most are sitting on the famous Ellenborough River. • The Penthouse spot of sites is our River Flat. With it's hot shower, 2 composting toilets (still fully off grid), outdoor bbq/kitchen, gas & combustion stove & bar in shed (with solar lighting & fridge). PLUS A MTB PUMP TRACK! ALL PART of what you get when you book it! • The Ellenborough river is gorgeous & fresh, so paddling, floating, swimming, drinking and generally lounging around in it, is welcomed! And the locals often hang out together at the falls (where there are even deeper water holes) and the local made famous The Rapids (8 min drive away). *we will show you once you get here! bYO drinks and floaties! • ALL sites can accommodate reasonably large groups, SERENITY and RIVER FLAT can cater to around 100 OR more if you wanted them to. 2 composting toilets on these sites. (so toilets will be the main limiting factor for a super large group). • We book out each site ‘exclusively’, so only you, your mates and family will be sleeping next to each other. Which is why we have a min rate, versus a per person rate. And why most sites include from 8 people up to 15 people within their min rate. Pretty awesome deal when you divide by that! • Many sites are 4x4 caravan friendly (need good approach and departure angles), and yes, you don’t need to reverse them in, you drive them through making them easy to stop, enjoy your space and get out again! • Local sites are a plenty, whether that is go for a walk to see the falls, OR it’s a rainy day and you take a 45 min trek deeper into the Gondwana belt, where the big trees live, the turquoise water begins, and the Koalas, and Greater Gliders still live (so long as we can keep those pesky loggers away). • Most of our sites have had their roads upgraded, but some like Between the Trees can be a little more ‘4x4’ only. So always ask us if unsure. • YES we allow you to bring your furry friends! 😊. (aka dog friendly stay) • YES we are perfect for the newbie Mountain Biker or those who like a speedy downhill (blue rated), as we also have a Flow Trail AND a pump track available (great for groms and codjers). NOTE: the pump track is only for those who book the River flat at this stage. Unless you're good at making friends with those staying there, bring a beer maybe.. and you can ask them if you can ride it? • Fire pits on most sites • FARM mornings are FREE – just ask us when you arrive! 😊. (cows, sometimes we are milking, goats, baby animals, chickens, a mini mule (Olaf), pigs & we have 4 can be noisy dogs upon arrival). Love some kids to help or just to pat a baby goat! • Need fire wood, or eggs, we sell so just ask. 😊. • Don’t have camping gear, well lucky you! We hire it already setup, so all you have to do is turn up and move in! Ask us for more information if this interests you. We want everyone to experience nature, and for most sites, you will go to sleep with the noise of the river passing you... most serene way to fall asleep EVA. If you want to know more, go and click on the different sites, and enjoy the many photos! 😊. Looking forward to hearing from you, or check us out on #teretulemastelands Lucas White

2. Eagles Rest

99%

(48)

57km from Kempsey · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Byabarra, NSW

If you value your privacy, then you are at the right place. We have just one exclusive campsite on our 40 acres. You are hidden away and guaranteed privacy from the host accommodations. Private access is by 4WD only. Farm route is accessible by 2WD in dry weather - check with hosts before or on confirmation of booking. Access during unpredictable weather will depend on your vehicle/camper/caravan configuration. Please check with host prior if you are unsure. We are more than willing to make it work for you. On arrival, guests are met by host and directed to the site. Camp site is a secluded, grassy spot beside the creek, among tall gum trees, where you can enjoy peace and serenity. Perfect for families or group of friends. The creek has lovely shallow areas suitable for kids to splash and play in. Occasionally you may see sea eagles soaring overhead, they nest in one of the trees along the creek beside your camp area. Camp area has a composting drop toilet housed in an outback style 'dunny' shed. Fresh rainwater is available. The site has a fire pit and some light fire wood laying around from fallen branches, plus mesh to place over the fire pit if you wish to use the fire for cooking. (There will always be smaller branches and kindling available for fires however, larger and longer burning wood is not guaranteed all season.) Well behaved pets are welcome. You may be visited by some cattle during your stay...they will keep out of your way. There are some large and unique trees to admire and keep your eye out for wildflowers that grow along the creek. There is an active eagle's nest in one of the trees. Guests are welcome to explore down the creek where you'll find some great swimming holes. For a relaxing stroll, guests are welcome to walk the farm fence lines which are regularly maintained with a mower. There are so many beautiful local attractions to visit. Our local village is less than 2kms from the property where you will find Byabarra Cafe for excellent refreshments. Then a gorgeous drive up onto the plateau and you will find Comboyne village with a historic 1905 goal, Larrikins Lockup. And if you are feeling more adventurous, Rawson Falls and Ellenborough Falls make lovely day trips. And Comboyne Rock provides some stunning views. Upon arrival your host will provide you with an information pack on local attractions and general Hip Camp house rules and guidelines for your safety and enjoyment.

3. Homegrown Organics Farm

98%

(71)

28km from Kempsey · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Upper Rollands Plains, NSW

Join us at our Organic Garden. We are a busy organic veggie farm nestled in the Upper Rollands Plains Valley. Surrounded by forest, with large dams (great for swimming), plenty of wildlife and horses in the paddock. We offer paid garden tours and the opportunity to harvest fresh organic veggies for your dinner, or maybe you want to work in the garden with our team for your dinner, learning new skills as you go! Set up in The Grove or amongst The Pecans and enjoy the quiet. Shady pockets and sunny rows, a fireplace with wood and plenty of space! Just a short walk to the toilet and shower and a short drive to our favourite swimming hole in the river which has shallow areas for the kids and a bridge to jump off for the adventurous. Just the break you are needing! Campfires permitted in designated fire places only. Please note, we are an alcohol and drug-free property. Things to do on the farm: *relax around a fire *take a tour in our garden *go for a bush walk on one of our tracks *bring your canoes or kayaks and use them in our dam or the river *go for a swim in our dam - we are happy to share our surfboards & noodles *bring your binoculars and enjoy the birdlife *bring your bikes and ride our bush tracks *4WD up our back hill to the top ridge - rough unkept track Things to do near by: *go for a swim in our near by swimming holes *take a picnic and discover Wilson River Reserve and it's amazing waterfalls *just down the road you will find Chef2Farmer a regenerative farm with pigs, beef & chooks - book a tour *take a 4WD adventure into the surrounding state forest *4WD your way into the Kippara water hole complete with a rope swing and cliffs to jump off *bike ride through the many state forest tracks Attractions in our near by towns of Port Macquarie or Wauchope: *Beautiful beaches *Delicious Blue Cow Gelato *Stoney Aqua Park & Stoney Action Park https://www.stoneypark.com.au/ *Timbertown https://timbertown.com.au/ *Wild Nets https://wildnets.com.au/ *Centre of Gravity https://www.centreofgravity.com.au/ *Wavebowl https://wavebowl.com.au/ *Driving Rang & Mini Golf http://www.portmacquariegolfrange.com.au/ *Hydro Golf https://www.hydrogolf.com.au/ *Mid North Coast Paintball https://midnorthcoastpaintball.com.au *Camel Safaris https://www.portmacquariecamels.com.au/ *Bago Maze & Wine https://www.bago.com.au/ *Whale Watching https://portjet.com.au/whales-and-dolphins.html *Richardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries Pick Your Own https://www.ricardoes.com/ *Billabong Zoo https://www.billabongzoo.com.au/ *Koala Hospital https://koalahospital.org.au/ *The Real Food Market, other markets & events https://www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au/whats-on *Hello Koala Sculpture Trail https://www.hellokoalas.com/ *Surf School https://portmacquariesurfschool.com.au/ *Sea Acres Rainforest Centre https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/sea-acres-national-park *Mountain Bike Trails https://www.trailforks.com/region/port-macquarie-12330/ *Fishing *Surfing

4. Jumping Dog

98%

(128)

60km from Kempsey · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · Spicketts Creek, NSW

Seven acres mixed forest and lawn alongside Spicketts Creek which is excellent for swimming in with a waterfall and a diving board. The birds are amazing here - you'll be woken by kookaburras. Extensive State Forests are adjacent to the property so there are lots of walks. Motorbikes can be stored here although not ridden on the property itself. We offer 12 sites for campers, mainly well grassed with beautiful views and varying degrees of privacy. Toilet and cold shower available. The 400m gravel driveway has speed bumps and is not normally suitable for 2WDs that are towing vehicles or front WD motor homes. Certain sites may also not be suitable for rear wheel 2wd motorhomes. Caravans up to 6m with 4WD cars OK. Camper trailers OK with AWD. Sites will be allocated on arrival depending on weather conditions. All campers have access to the same swimming hole and creek. 3 fresh water supply taps. Long drop "loo with a view" is 140m from the creek. Cold shower at the creek. Up to 2 small and medium dogs up to 20 kg Dogs Ok but Male dogs under 3 yrs old must be desexed and all dogs on leashes within 25 metres of house or as otherwise requested.

5. Little Plain Hall Grounds

97%

(201)

78km from Kempsey · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Elands, NSW

Little Plain Hall grounds - a small rural hall and grounds celebrating their 100th year in 2023 and adjacent to the Ellenborough River with a number of bush campsites available. (If you are after more than a nice piece of grass and a flushing toilet then this property maybe isn't for you!) All sites are reached via dirt tracks that can be rough and slippery. Sites 1 and 2 are adjacent to each other behind the hall and closest to the toilet and the most accessible-more suited to caravans and those without 4 wheel drives. Sites 3, 4 and 5 are adjacent to each other on the banks of the river. Site 6 is separate from the others on the bank of Little Plain Creek but furthest from the toilet. PLEASE NOTE: Access to the river at sites 3, 4 and 5 - the banks are steep and though we have a narrow track down it is slippery. There is access to the river at other spots on the property. This open grassed area of 6 acres is 5 kms further on from the Ellenborough Falls turnoff. (We are not near Ellenborough village but in Elands- this is a somewhat common error when people look us up.) We are a community-run non-profit facility available to campers. All funds raised are used to improve the grounds and hall. Directions to find us: From the Pacific Highway either from Port Macquarie or Taree: Following the Brown tourist signs to Ellenborough Falls turn off/ continue straight ahead on Glenwarrin Road (don't turn into the falls). You will cross over 2 bridges. After the second bridge we are the next property on the right. Larger rigs are not advised. because of the winding dirt roads to get to our village. One toilet available and limited tank water - please BYO water and be water wise with the tank water at the hall. Well behaved pets are welcome. Hall available for hire - please send an enquiry. Instagram page #little_plain_hall_camping. Feel free to add your photos through tagging us.

Stories from the community

L

Lee

3 weeks ago

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Little Plain Hall Grounds

Directions were easy to follow. Kate came to greet us and made us feel very welcome. . The flushing toilet is a bonus. Lovely spot to enjoy the sounds and sights of nature

E

Emma

October 2025

7 m pop-up camper

2 nights at Little Plain Hall Grounds

What a wonderful part of Australia. Large camp sites close to the river and falls. Thanks for having us!

Our adopted bull calves like to 'hang out' with our guests

John

October 2025

6 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Elands TereTulemast EXCLUSIVE SITES

Its a beautiful shady spot on top of a hill, great for tents and hanging out. just a short walk down to the river. Lucas the host is easy going and friendly. he even embraced the heavy rain to point us in the right direction.

C

Chelle

October 2025

5 m car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Little Plain Hall Grounds

Kate was lovely! The campsite is really beautiful. Super shady and a great spot by the river. The toilets are clean and have who gives a crap toilet paper. Community is really friendly - highly recommend the markets! Had a great stay. The waterfall is stunning 🥰

F

Felicity

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Little Plain Hall Grounds

Really great spot, very private and peaceful. Was great to find an affordable spot with a toilet and picnic tables. The grounds were well maintained and I’ll definitely be returning

George

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Elands TereTulemast EXCLUSIVE SITES

Wonderful quiet site with great views. The toilet and showers are about a 3 minute walk so not to far.

Heath

October 2025

6 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Elands TereTulemast EXCLUSIVE SITES

This was the perfect place to spent a long weekend celebrating my 40th birthday. We camped on the Riverflat area, which was a large, beautiful site, big enough to host a large group and easy access to the river for a cool swim. Kids and adults loved it and the location made for an awesome weekend of celebration. The hosts were amazing and very welcoming. They were able to meet all requests made with no hassle. I'd highly recommend. We will be back.

L

Lachlan

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Elands TereTulemast EXCLUSIVE SITES

Great spot for groups! Heaps of open space for your crew right near the river to cool off. We had our dog with us and he loved it too. Very quiet, secluded, private, not crowded at all, exactly what we look for in hip camps. Great sunset views from up at the loo. Lucas organised some firewood for us which is super convenient to have it waiting for us. Will definitely be back!

Nearby (5 min drive) swimming spot at the river.

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Leah

October 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Homegrown Organics Farm

We absolutely loved our time at the farm... The limited number of sites is perfect so you can spread out. The dogs loved. 🐾 Des, Rod and Wendy truly make the experience it was so lovely talking to them and finding out all about the history of the property. The nearby swimming spots are pristine and great for a cool down. The amenities were clean and well maintained. We highly recommend the farm. Ps. If you can get your hands on some of Des's organic beetroot hummus made on site it is to die for. ❤️

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Nick

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Little Plain Hall Grounds

Beautiful spot by the river!! The whole campground is lovely luscious grass. We loved playing with the rope swing and rock slide at rapids Rd (5 mins by car) Having a flushing toilet on site was a big plus

M

Meredith

October 2025

4 m travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Eagles Rest

What a beautiful spot. Tucked away on Michaelas family property this was the perfect getaway for our group of friends. Spacious, equipped with the drop toilet, fresh shower and lovely creek. Just for us and close enough to shops and bago winery for a day trip. Michaela made the whole process easy. Would highly recommend!

A

Amanda

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Homegrown Organics Farm

Absolutely beautiful location and hosts! Amenities were clean (only a short walk to the campsite), firewood was provided and everyone was so lovely! The hosts were very generous with their time- they invited us to see and learn about the garden and were always open for a chat. Wendy was gorgeous and Rod too. They let us know the local swimming spots and trail walks so there was plenty to do and see. The resident dog was sweet and our dogs had a great time socialising off the lead. We’ll be back for sure!! Thank you for sharing your pocket of paradise 🤍

M

Morgan-Lee

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Eagles Rest

Eagles nest was amazing!! The seclusion, the peace, the privacy, the creek, the hosts! Every single bit of our stay was amazing!! I don’t want to tell everyone how good it was I want to keep it a secret!!

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Ben

September 2025

3 m pop-up camper

1 night at Elands TereTulemast EXCLUSIVE SITES

We had a wonderful time. The view from the camp-spot was fantastic. Couldn’t recommend highly enough.

R

Rachel

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Elands TereTulemast EXCLUSIVE SITES

We absolutely loved our time at Elands Teretulemast! They were so helpful, assisting in taking gear up to the site between the trees, and helping us out with communication when we didn’t have reception to get in touch with our group. So friendly, accomodating and a beautiful property. We will definitely be back! Thank you.

B

Brayden

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Eagles Rest

Camping was great as it was just us and it was very private with a nice creek right next to the campsite

C

Cassandra

August 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Little Plain Hall Grounds

It was a quiet road and tranquil space There was a toilet of needing it

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Lerong

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Little Plain Hall Grounds

We had a great experience here. Camp number 3 was very private with bushes covering 3 sides.

S

Sophie

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Eagles Rest

Eagles rest is such a beautiful spot, whether you are getting away for a night or several, you will feel like you are miles away and can totally switch off. It was the perfect weekend away for our family, which included little ones, our dog and the grandparents! Michaela is a wonderful host, and we enjoyed our fresh farm eggs!! It is a beautiful spot amongst the trees and super private, being the only campers there you can spread out and enjoy! Great size communal fire pit and well maintained toilet, and a great little outdoor freestanding shower by the creek! Thanks to Michaela’s dad who helped us out of a tight spot when leaving the property!!