The best campgrounds near Maclean, New South Wales with climbing

Maclean delivers for climbers who want to pitch a tent and get moving early. You’ll find over a dozen campsites where cliffs and boulders are part of the landscape, with prices starting at $25 a night. Top picks like Waterfalls & More (108 reviews), The Ranch on Clarence (52 reviews), and The Good Life Camping (24 reviews) get regular shout-outs for their rugged access and starry nights. Campfires are allowed at many spots, and you can bring your dog. Most sites offer basic toilets and plenty of wildlife-watching or hiking once you’re off the wall. If you want no-fuss camping and crags within reach, Maclean’s got you covered.

99% (222)

Top-rated campgrounds

Maclean delivers for climbers who want to pitch a tent and get moving early. You’ll find over a dozen campsites where cliffs and boulders are part of the landscape, with prices starting at $25 a night. Top picks like Waterfalls & More (108 reviews), The Ranch on Clarence (52 reviews), and The Good Life Camping (24 reviews) get regular shout-outs for their rugged access and starry nights. Campfires are allowed at many spots, and you can bring your dog. Most sites offer basic toilets and plenty of wildlife-watching or hiking once you’re off the wall. If you want no-fuss camping and crags within reach, Maclean’s got you covered.

99% (222)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Ranch on Clarence

97%

(94)

75km from Maclean · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Louisa Creek, NSW

The Ranch on Clarence River: Horse Lovers Camp & Riverside Escape Experience the tranquility of our 113-acre property with 1.3 km of stunning Clarence River frontage, home to over 30 majestic Andalusian, Warlander, and other horse breeds roaming freely. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, The Ranch on Clarence offers the perfect getaway. At The Ranch on Clarence, we’ve designed our campsites to feel truly exclusive, with each spot carefully situated to provide privacy and a sense of seclusion. Set up your self-contained tent or off-road caravan over looking the Clarence River and enjoy breathtaking views, from soaring cliffs to sandy beaches. Explore walking and mountain biking trails, spot platypus in the river, or unwind by peaceful rapids and swimming pools. For horse lovers, we offer personalized riding and equine experiences. Join a 1- or 2-hour River Ride, and if conditions are right, swim bareback with the horses in the river. For a unique thrill, hop aboard the Troopy Horse Safari and move with the herd as they gallop through the landscape. Beyond horses, there’s plenty to enjoy: swim, kayak, or fish in the refreshing waters, explore scenic trails on foot or bike, and relax by the campfire while stargazing under clear skies. Key Features: Exclusive, private campsites with 1.3 km of riverfront for off-road caravans and self-contained tents. Multi-day treks, River Rides, and the Troopy Horse Safari. Kayaking, fishing, swimming, and mountain biking. A flush toilet is available near the Homestead. Pets are welcome, however those inclined to chase livestock must be leashed or contained. Our property is accessible by 2WD and 4WD, with suitable sites for all vehicle types. Message us for advice on the best spots for your setup. If a soak under the stars calls to you, check out Swan Lake and book your fire bath experience. The Ranch on Clarence is the sister business of The Ranch Byron Bay, where unforgettable equine adventures continue. Ready to reconnect with nature and horses? Message us to plan your visit!

2. Waterfalls & More

94%

(223)

68km from Maclean · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Sherwood, NSW

HIDING IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE! Pure. Unadulterated. WILD. 104 very private acres, securely sandwiched between a National Park Nature Reserve and State Forest. On a dead end road. No agriculture or farms upstream, only one other like-minded property owner. Secluded, but hiding smack bang in the middle of everywhere! From vertiginous sandstone cliffs on which epipetrics cling tight, right through to palm-filled rainforests, and with two quite different creek systems (including a monster waterfall), you'll be spoiled for things to do and places to explore - without even leaving the property! HISTORY This land is Gumbaynggirr land. Please be particularly mindful of our First Nation's long presence on this land. In the 1800's, white men came seeking Red Cedar, closely followed by settlers having a go at dairying; though logging has remained this area's mainstay. This special property, despite last being selectively logged about 50 years ago, hosts many huge old-growth trees remaining steadfast for your discovery and wonder. And many more are continuing to grow out too. About 35 years ago about nine of this property's eastern-most 104 acres became part of a far larger nashi pear orchard which filled much of the flats of this top end of the valley that you see today. Ultimately they failed to set good commercial fruit, and the rootstocks took over. You can see remnant rows of these trees just south of the property, from along the road. (Beware though - they have spikes that could puncture Caterpillar tracks!) MORE RECENTLY extensive lantana control efforts have been undertaken as we now move into revegetating with native species and implementing a permaculture plan. Today the property is registered with Land For Wildlife and hosts a very wide mix of native vegetation communities. ACTIVITIES Bird watch. Climb. Abseil. Photograph wildflowers. Paint. Swim. In the next valley there's even gold to be found. Explore trails by mountain bike. Whale watch. Surf. Learn SCUBA. Go beach-combing. Catch a mudcrab. Go whitewater river rafting. Ask your host about where to find all the local waterfalls, the best walking, how to find gold, the gnarliest off-road tracks, Anything is possible here in this magnificent part of the world, except perhaps snow and ice.

3. The Good Life Camping

100%

(37)

73km from Maclean · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Nana Glen, NSW

At The Good Life, we’re big on personal space. Every campsite is large, private and genuinely secluded, giving you the feeling you’re a long way from everyone and everything. Your own patch of paradise. No caravan awnings poking you in the eye, no surprise drop-ins, and no listening to your neighbour’s snoring, generator or life story. Bliss. Forget your phone alarm. Your morning wake-up call is the local kookaburra choir having a proper laugh at life. This is a true back-to-nature escape for anyone needing to pull up a stump, slow right down and properly unplug. If bird watching, stargazing or simply doing sweet nothing is your idea of a good time, you’ll fit right in. Dogs are very welcome. Keep them on a lead while you’re wandering the property, then let them be their goofy, happy selves back at camp. Campfires are practically mandatory. Every site has its own fire pit, and if you burn through your firewood faster than a pollie breaks a promise, we can sort you out with more for a small fee. Now for a quick reality check. We’re not the Hilton. In fact, we don’t provide any amenities at all. No toilets, no showers, no bins. Think of The Good Life as a safe, private slice of bush that feels like the middle of nowhere, because it pretty much is. You’ll need to be fully self-contained and take everything you bring in back out with you. Leave only footprints and good memories. What you do with your time is entirely up to you. Park yourself in a camp chair with a book, wander the farm, or lace up your boots and explore around 70 acres of bush tracks. When night falls, the stars put on a serious show and the silence is so complete you can actually hear yourself think. There’s no phone service and no Wi-Fi. Consider it a feature, not a bug. It’s the perfect excuse to ignore your emails. If you feel like venturing out, the Orara Valley and Coffs Coast offer stunning rainforests, beaches, waterfalls and swimming holes, all within a 30-minute drive.

4. Mystery Bliss

10km from Maclean · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Tyndale, NSW

Offering 40 acres of Melaleuca Forest with two rivers just three minutes drive away. It's peaceful and full of birds singing during the day, with farmlands surrounding it. There are no facilities, so campers need to be fully self-contained and please take all waste with you. It's untouched and natural. You are welcome to find a suitable spot on the block to set up. The property is 20 drive mins to Yamba and 10 minutes drive to the historic Scottish town of McLean, so makes a great basecamp to explore the area. There is a hospital close by, and restaurants five minutes drive away, as well as houseboat hire 10 minutes away. Friendly neighbours.

5. Riverview Lodge Glamping

100%

(1)

39km from Maclean · 1 site · Lodging · Seelands, NSW

Riverview Lodge is situated on 50 acres of a working cattle property. The lodge sits high on the banks of the beautiful Clarence River. There is only one glampsite on the property, with fishing, swimming, and kayaking all within walking distance. Enjoy beautiful river frontage, escarpments, and picnic spaces. Equine Assisted Therapy experiences are available upon request. Rest Point Hotel is less than 20 km from the property, and Grafton City is only a 25 km drive away. The property has formed dirt road access, suitable for vehicles with normal clearance. Off-grid power and a modern, smell-free composting toilet are provided!

Stories from the community

Jessica

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Ranch on Clarence

Shanti was extremely welcoming and kind. Sharing her beautiful property and very well loved and well kept horses with her guests. The camp site was peaceful though a little hard to access the river with little kids.

K

Kate

November 2025

4 m pop-up camper

With pets

1 night at The Good Life Camping

Booked for a overnight stay as we were traveling to Qld. But we absolutely loves the spot. And Dan & ro are so welcoming, friendly & nice to talk to. We don't leave Qld till April 2026 but we can't wait to come back on the way back and stay longer! 🥰

F

Farzin

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Riverview Lodge Glamping

The location, the sites, the hosts and everything screams a unique, intimate and solitude experience you want to enjoy. Clean, great view and private clamping you dont want to miss if you are around as we were for Grafton Jacaranda Festival. Thank you Elizabeth and your stay is now in my favs list.

J

Jacob

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterfalls & More

Loved every bit of this trip. Great property, most amazing waterfall walk . Highly recommend to get away from people and enjoy nature

Natasha

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Waterfalls & More

Absolutely beautiful spot, away from the crowd and the waterfall is such a hidden gem. Rod is a great host

D

Darren

October 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at The Good Life Camping

What a great little spot, we will be back. Cheers

C

Craig

October 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at The Good Life Camping

A beautiful, quiet spot. The details were as advertised on the can. Dan & Ro were very friendly and easy going.

A

Alisha

October 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Good Life Camping

Wow! We were welcomed by the super friendly doggies, which our doggies were so happy to hang out with at the house before we headed off to the campsite. It wasn’t a busy weekend, albeit being the long weekend, so we were told we had a choice of where we wanted to go. There were more options than on the website. We chose the huge flat open space nestled among the eucalypts. It was pretty magical having the space to ourselves, with shade in the morning and in the arvo. We walked up the hill each morning with the dogs and discovered an awesome State Forest walk and pools to swim with the dogs, not too far away - ‘upper Nana creek falls’. Ate too many choc bananas from the local corner store and bought some local honey just round the corner. It’s a simple setup - self sufficient camping and fend for yourself toilet.

L

Lana

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Waterfalls & More

My partner and I had a lovely stay at the Topshed site. The site was well maintained, the fire pit was large enough to have a decent size fire, and the toilet was a lovely surprise - a private toilet tent with a clean and tidy compost toilet with everything you may need. The highlight for us was absolutely the waterfall on the property, Rod provides an easy to follow map guiding you to the stunning waterfall just 25-30min walk/trek from camp where you can swim and enjoy the serenity. Rod himself was very friendly, stopping by camp to say introduce himself and his pup Reddy without interrupting the peace and quiet, we found him to be a lovely chat and it was clear that he loves having people come and enjoy the property. With the perfect mix of bush and access to the beach 20min drive away this was our ideal stay. Would recommend!

Lenka

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Waterfalls & More

Camping at Rod's place was amazing. Waratah camp side was perfect. Plenty of space to relax, have a campfire and read a book. And what a magical swim at the waterfalls. If you relax and stop for a lunch at the viewing natural platform, you can spot wildlife while enjoying the views of the waterfalls. Rod was great. Knowing the local land, he was able to recommend lovely hikes and definitely saved me many extra km as Google map would take me for a ride to nowhere. If you love hiking, swimming in natural waterfalls and relaxing place to enjoy your time around campfire Rod's place is the right place to go.

K

Kate

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterfalls & More

We had an amazing time staying on Rod’s property. We loved being away free from phone reception and surrounded by nature. The waterfall was a clear highlight as was the rapids at the creek nearby camp. My nervous dog enjoyed her wild escape and it was so fun to see her enjoy herself in the bush being a dog. We will definitely be back!

K

Kaz

October 2025

6 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Waterfalls & More

Rod is a pleasant host & supplied easy to follow directions to his property, my girlfriend & I had the most amazing time exploring the beautiful waterfall & lovely surrounds, Rod happily supplied extra firewood when needed for a fair amount of cash and the fire pit was a great size, nice & big! It was a very memorable experience all round,. Thank you for allowing us to explore your very special land Rod, we will return! :)

H

Harry

September 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to The Ranch on Clarence

Beautiful area! Very friendly dogs and also had an amazing sunset.

Alana

September 2025

2 nights at The Ranch on Clarence

Shanti’s property is on a beautiful stretch of the wide and deep Clarence river. We swam in the river (which is clean and moves) and loved the outdoor baths at Swan Lake campsite, but staying anywhere on this expansive property would be delightful. The Troopie tour to round up the horses was fun and a great way to see more of the land. Shanti loves her land, livestock and dogs and this imbued the welcome in a positive way. It’s the perfect place to chill or be more active.

K

KAREN

September 2025

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to The Good Life Camping

Perfect place for a peaceful, private and relaxing break. We chose the waterlily pond site which was lovely to wake up to. Ro & Dan are great hosts and provided us with firewood and fresh eggs and lots of info on the area, including future upgrade plans for the property. We would definitely stay here again.

S

SARAH

August 2025

Tent

1 night at The Good Life Camping

We had a lovely stay at the campsite, and it was truly an enjoyable experience. The location was perfect, surrounded by beautiful scenery and fresh air. It was a bit tricky to get into campsite as you have to go through the mud and water but it was exciting experience for us, thanks to Dan for guiding us all the way. Very cool man, and hospitable. Overall, it was a memorable getaway. Highly recommended.

j

juliana

August 2025

Tent

1 night at The Good Life Camping

Dan & Ro were so friendly and kind, made us feel so safe staying on their property! We had a lovely time, campsite was very private and relaxing, we even went on an accidental fourby when trying to find the lookout 😅. Thank you guys!

C

Christine

July 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at The Good Life Camping

Thanks Dan & Ro, wonderful hosts. I was able to truly sit back & unwind. Thank you, Chris

K

Kate

July 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

2 nights at The Good Life Camping

I didnt end up staying at the original camp site, as the weather was bad and my 2wd wouldn't have made it. Dan and Ro gave me an alternative dry camp spot in their top paddock which I really appreciated. Will be back for when the weather is better!

L

Laz

June 2025

10 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Waterfalls & More

Rod was very helpful with what ever we needed and explained his map with detail easy to understand And as for the place WOW we had to pinch ourselves to know it was real the waterfall was on only a 20 minute walk if that deadset was epic didn’t look real it was beautiful Will definitely be back to relax and enjoy the peaceful grounding effect rods property had for us