Camping near Nelson Bay
Beautiful beaches, boating, and national park adventures abound in Port Stephens’ largest town.
97% (5432 reviews)
- Nelson Bay
97% (5432 reviews)
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12 top campgrounds near Nelson Bay
99%
(274)
Fame Mountain Camp - pets welcome
7 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Pindimar, NSW
We are a "farm stay" style camp in an actively managed pine forest located in the middle of the north shore of Port Stephens. There is lots of space for campers so you will have privacy whilst you enjoy your camping adventure.Our property is conveniently located just 5 mins off the Pacific Highway but a world away. You'll be 2 mins away from Pindimar Beach and 11 mins from Bennetts beach and Jimmy's beach. Good fishing pretty much everywhere you can wet a line.
We have clean flush toilets and showers facilities.
The campsite has good Mobile Phone Signal.
Free firewood. Each campsite has its own fire pit.
Pets are welcome, but please pick up after them.
We have a gentle and well trained German Shepherd who adores kids but she likes to stay inside the house and doesn't wander around the campsites .
Important Note: PLEASE PUT OUT YOUR CAMPFIRE WHEN YOU LEAVE YOUR CAMPSITE TO AVOID STARTING A BUSH FIRE. NO LOUD MUSIC AFTER 10:00 PM. IF You Have more than 1 camper trailer or caravan or more than 3 vehicles/site please contact host before booking.
Please note this property is a working private pine forest. Therefore, as and when the weather is right we could be, logging the forest, milling the logs, or drying the large dimension traditional timber framing lumber. In the near future we will be running sustainable building classes from the property. i.e. showing people how to economically build their own tiny homes using timber sourced from their own land.
Pets
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Toilets
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Showers
from
AU$70
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(494)
Abstobys Retreat
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Bobs Farm, NSW
A private property with grass campsites by a tidal outlet to Port Stephens harbour.
You can spend your days fishing, kayaking or enjoying Nelson Bay and surrounding areas and beaches which are only 15 minutes away. Guests have the use of a retreat shelter/fire place/BBQ area and wifi.
Campers must try to be self contained bringing their own water, toilet and shower. Sorry, no caravans over 20ft. Suite solo travellers, couples wanting a quiet weekend and LGBT friendly. We do have available tank, rain water for drinking, a toilet and hot shower available for those who cannot be totally self contained. Yes there are mozzies because you are near water, so bring repellent.
Pets are welcome but must stay on a leash throughout your stay.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Please BYO firewood.
Fires are only permitted when there are no fire restrictions and in the designated fire pit and designated fire pit area for your own fire pit.
Children 16 & under stay for free. Please notify host if you are bringing children.
Please be careful and supervise young children near the water.
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from
AU$28
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(4)
Gateway to Port Stephens
8 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Salt Ash, NSW
Our 25 acre property is set on rural farm land adjacent the Worimi Conservation lands at the gateway to beautiful Port Stephens and the Tilligerry Peninsular.
We are located 40 mins from Newcastle ,20 mins from Birubi Beach Anna Bay the northern end of the 32 km long Stockton beach which is well known for its giant sand dunes and great surfing, you can also go for a camel ride while you are there ,it's 30 mins to Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay which has several beautiful beaches and great restaurants.
Next door is Oakvale Wildlife Park and close by is Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters and Go carts Go ,a boat ramp to the Tilligerry river is 2.5 kms away which is a great area to fish and kayak .
Popular bushwalking tracks are also nearby.
Our local shops including a Bp foodworks, bakery, bottle shop, fruit and vege and Take away are a short 2.5 km away.
Also close by is Murrays Brewery and Sunset Vines both with great food , wine , beer and weekend entertainment.
On our property we have tents sites available as well as room for RV's.
A toilet is available and water for onsite usage only and we ask that you conserve water usage as we are on Tank water.
Electricity hook up is available and we also have a power source for you to charge your phones and Laptops if needed.
We supply a fire pit and firewood for your use when there are no fire restrictions in place.
Dogs are welcome and must be kept on leash during your stay as we have horses on our property.
We are in a rural area so there will be mozzies so bring your insect repellant
Pets
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Toilets
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from
AU$55
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(29)
Iggys Haven @ Anna Bay
4 sites · Tents25 acres · Anna Bay, NSW
Beautiful 25 acres with natural wild life, Koalas, Kangaroos, Flying Squirrels, Kookaburras and much more.
Located amongst 27 beaches (Samurai Nudist beach is one of them) around the Port Stephens peninsula with entry point to the largest sand dunes on the Eastern coast of Australia…stretching 41 kilometres.
4WD, camel rides or some great fishing at Birubi Beach NSW.
Property is located off grid, but also 2 min from Anna Bay Tavern, 3 min drive to the nearest rock pools and some fine surf.
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from
AU$90
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(207)
The Riverside Farm Escape Minimbah
26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents103 acres · Forster, NSW
The Riverside Farm Escape is a family owned cattle farm situated on the Wang Wauk River in Minimbah on the Mid North Coast of NSW.
Our property has very well maintained, grassy camping ground, RV stop and modern 2 bedroom vanhome/cabin that overlooks the picturesque Wang Wauk River that feeds the magnificent Wallis Lakes.
The Riverside property is 103 acres of rich farmland and has over 500 meters of river frontage, ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing, with water access to Forster / Tuncurry.
The property also boasts a beautiful dam, full of flowering lillies, great for the kids to kayak and swim in. We have lots of natural bush and wildlife including wallabies, kangaroos, lizards and native birds.
Camp grounds are accessible via 2wd/4wd (Non-powered and powered sites)
Family friendly
Pets welcome (on leash)
Fire Pits provided for all sites
Firewood available for purchase from host
Local Attractions:
NABIAC VILLAGE (7MINS AWAY) - Supermarket, cafes, chemist, Hotel/pub, Post office, Dump point, potable water, Artisan Farmer - paddock to plate.
Tuncurry/Forster (25 MINS AWAY) - Beaches, restaurants, entertainment, shopping
Barrington Tops (25 Mins)
Blueys Beach (50 mins)
Port Macquarie (60mins)
Pets
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from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(103)
Sugar Creek Dream. Rainforest Oasis
8 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Bungwahl, NSW
This property is situated between Smiths Lake and the rainforests of Wallingat National Park. A 15 min drive to the beautiful Seal Rocks, Submarine Beach and Treachery Beach, 12 minutes drive to Blueys Beach, Boomerang, Elizabeth and Shelley Beaches, a 25 min drive to Foster town and also 20 min drive, further up Sugar Creek Rd. to the Whoota Whoota lookout which is located in Wallingat National Park.
It is a 25 acre property that is home to an abundance diversity of flora and fauna. It's a beautiful spot for birdwatching (or listening), relaxing under the trees with a picnic, chilling in a hammock or going for a day trip to some of the beauty of the surrounding region.
Some perks of the place include:
Our brand new camp kitchen equiped with many conveniences of home. Large barbeque kitchen, fridge, showers.
Sites with firepits.
Dried, hardwood for sale at $10 per crate. The first one is complimentary!
Dog friendly.
Space, privacy, tranquility.
****
Whether you are active or not there is so much here for you. Yes you can surf, hike, horse ride, fish, bike ride. Within 15 mins drive you have the ocean side of Seal Rocks, the Lakesides of Myall Lakes National Park, the forests of Wallingat National Park and so many more incredible places.
You can venture out into the madness (particularly around holiday time) but then you can return to the magic and tranquility of your campsite.
If you'd like a place where you can chill out, relax, rejuvenate your body mind or spirit, this is the place.
You'll awake to the sound of our resident Kookaburras and sleep to the chorus of frogs.
A friend once described it as a hundred shades of green. I adore this space and have been blessed with its surrounds and abundance for 20 years. My dream has always been to share it with others, hence the name. It is a sanctuary where humans can connect with nature.
Pets
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from
AU$65
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(350)
Mt Nellinda Campsite
30 sites · RVs, Tents47 acres · Cooranbong, NSW
The property rests on the shoulder on Mt Nellinda on nineteen hectares of land, there are two large Greenhouses where we grow potted flowers and some veggies, also several large dams which are used for irrigation and act as a Sanctury for our geese, best of all are the views. The perfect spot for relaxing next to a fire and listening to the Frogs and nightlife and waking to the sounds of kookaburras and bird life, Lots of Rock Wallabies in the evenings and early mornings.
Dog friendly, no leads required, portable toilets in the multiple Camp site 1 and an older style toilet in the camping area 2, fresh water available only next to the portable toilets camping area 1. also included is a camp kitchen with fridge, kettle microwave etc for your convenience. Check with host regarding campfires.
Group bookings accepted with prior notice to save camping areas.
Range of six camping areas.
Strictly one vehicle per campsite. Friends can stay together.
CAMP 1 allows up to 14 or more campsites to include caravans, motor homes, large or small. tents etc. with flat and slightly flat areas and close to the roadway dead end street.
CAMP 2 allows up to eight or more smaller caravans tents rooftops etc also with some flatter areas.
CAMP 3 is a private in the bush area and will cater for five or so rooftops tents, difficult for caravans or large vehicles.
CAMP 4 smaller possibly two tents or rooftops secluded in the bush.
CAMP 5 similar to camp 3 in the bush and completely private great for a get together with friends.
CAMP 6 is the very top of the mountain with a long wide strip of cleared area with bush on both sides and a window at the end to the valley below, very private, must be fully contained and would suit most vehicles, may lose traction if pulling a heavy caravan or trailer.
Pets
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from
AU$32
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(39)
One Mile Paradise
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · One Mile, NSW
Our property is located at One Mile Beach in Port Stephens, we are on 1 acre of land and are only offering 1 site so you will have plenty of privacy. Our property is child friendly with access to our large cubby house and trampoline available. We have two friendly, placid dogs on the property and we welcome other friendly pets to the property. We are close to plenty of wonderful attractions, activities including, Quad Biking, Koala Sanctuary, Camel Rides, Sting Ray Centre and 4WD on Birubi Beach (permit required). We are a 10 minute drive from Tomaree National Park which has plenty of beautiful walks including the summit of Mt Tomaree walk. One Mile Beach is a stunning beach which is perfect for families and surfing enthusiasts. It is bordered by a large park with BBQ and playground facilities. You can also access Bennett's Head lookout from here and enjoy the stunning views.. The area is surrounded by plenty of stunning beaches which offer amazing swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Port Stephens has a number of great cafes and restaurants you can enjoy. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Pets
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from
AU$60
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(219)
Bucketts Way Camp n Stay
20 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Twelve Mile Creek, NSW
Being only 2 hours from Sydney and 470 metres off the Pacific Highway, north of Newcastle, Port Stephens, we are set on 25 acres, with large sites, most drive through (dry weather only) for your convenience.
We have hot showers ($1 for 3min hot water), fresh water, amenities and a very large Camp Kitchen. Wonderful amenities facility for campers to enjoy, with access to drinking water, toilets, (wet area) showers. The camp kitchen is a very comfortable space to prepare and eat meals under cover, and there is access to a kettle, toaster and microwave as well as a cooktop. Campers have reception to 4G.
We have installed a turning lane entrance with boom gate security.
When you arrive and set up, you will be able to ramble around our property and enjoy the ambience of the beautiful tree studded campground. Sit back in the afternoon and enjoy nature at its best and then a beautiful warm campfire, perfect!!
Whether you're camping in a tent or vehicle, there's plenty of space to set up. The campsite is grassy and level, and 2WD accessible. We offer water hookup for caravans fill then disconnect $2, and there is a dump point for your camping toilet. Generators are permitted from 8am till 5pm (extreme heat on the day consideration).
Pets welcome.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(76)
Dungog Horseshoe Camp
4 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Fosterton, NSW
We are located in the Dungog Shire, in the Hunter Region of NSW. This area is renowned for its forests, mountains and picturesque river villages.
Horseshoe camp is a perfect location for couples or families to get away for a short or extended stay. The Barrington Tops National Park, State Forests, Chichester Dam, river systems as well as the historic and scenic character of the area provide for a stunning experience. There's plenty of sightseeing and exploring awaiting visitors to this area.
The seclusion and privacy of Horseshoe camp allows for total relaxation in a beautiful rural setting providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of work and city life.
We are a quiet camp and cater for like minded guests who enjoy nature and their own space.
Horseshoe was originally a small dairy farm with a history going back to the 1800's.
The land comprises fertile river flats surrounded by the Williams River.
The higher land comprises mainly forested areas with some sites offering good views over the countryside.
There are several campsites to choose from including some
situated on the banks of the Williams River. Your choice and subject to weather conditions.
Allowing only three sites to be occupied ensures privacy for our guests,
Horseshoe camp is only 10 minutes drive, (7km) from Dungog township.
Please note, our river sites may not always be available-subject to flooding or boggy access track.
Pets
Toilets
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from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
72%
(29)
The Heart of Port Stephens
6 sites · Tents88 acres · Bobs Farm, NSW
"Our campsite in located in Bobs Farm -Port Stephens is a beautiful coastal town in New South Wales, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to surf, fish, swim, or just relax on the beach, Port Stephens has something for everyone. Don't miss out on visiting One Mile Beach, Tomaree Head, or the Stockton Sand Dunes during your stay. And if you're interested in marine life, be sure to check out Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters and the Port Stephens Shell Museum. Book your stay now and start exploring this amazing destination!"
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(34)
The Branch River Retreat
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents108 acres · The Branch, NSW
Our property is a private farm and we ask you contact us first to ensure we can provide the facilities suitable for you. The farm has limited facilities, but is the perfect setting for birdwatchers and native animal lovers. A rare offering is the diversity as estuary dolphins gently make their way past the riverside sites at least once a day. The Branch River Retreat offers 110 acres with a diversity of sites beside a wide river, a fish-filled dam and other scattered paddock sites among trees and dams. This will suit off-road independent caravaners and tent dwellers. The river is lined with mangroves and branches off the Karuah River and into the Port Stephens system.
The extraordinarily diverse birdlife includes the quintessentially Australian Wedge-tailed eagle and sea eagles, hawks, and Tawny Frogmouths. Be lulled asleep under starry nights and be woken by Magpies and Kookaburras, and be dazzled by the colourful parrots and smaller shyer birds. You may even be visited by curious Kangaroos, Wallabies, or Echidnas. For the lucky few, you may espy a Koala along the foreshore. For this reason, while we accept dogs, they must be on a leash (if not just for their own safety).
The rest of the property enjoys aspects of undulating landscapes with small mountains and valleys. The night sky puts on its own stellar show between setting suns and rising moons.
The boat ramp offers easy access for kayaks and canoes (no motor vessels please). Or just sit on a camper chair and dangle your feet in the water while watching the mud crabs go about their social business.
Riverside sites are not powered and do not have water or sewerage. They are situated within 10m to 25m of each other and if this is too close, we recommend booking two sites. (For this reason we have kept the price lower.) Generally, we prefer campers to be 100% self-contained, with their own toilet. A toilet is however accessible, but some 300m to 400m distance from the dams and rivers. There is cold potable running water here for topping up.
There are sealed roads to the front gate to access the property from north and south.
All-weather gravel road access is available, although paddock sites can only be accessed by vehicle during dry periods. Weather willing, we can provide more secluded sites by some lovely dams.
If touring around the area is your aspiration, the property lies central to Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest, the Great Lakes district, Stroud Valley, Dungog, Gloucester/Barrington Tops, Nelson Bay, and Newcastle. Local groceries can be sourced from Karuah and Stroud.
Activities include:
- Bird/nature watching
- Paddling/canoeing
- Fishing
- Bike riding
(No motor vessels please)
- Surface type: grass or paddock leveled areas and others with slight slopes and accessed with the essential 4WD (of course subject to weather).
- Generally fair to good Mobile phone access.
- It will be necessary to BYO or Preorder firewood for applicable sites out of fire season, (where facilities are provided).
- No electrical connections unless by arrangement (for longer term Hipcampers)
- We treat our own sewerage.
- No generators please.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$50
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Star Hosts in Nelson Bay
Under $50
Camping near Nelson Bay guide
Overview
On the southern shore of Port Stephens, a region known for its pristine beaches less than three hours’ north of Sydney, Nelson Bay makes a great base to explore the area. Encompassing Shoal Bay, Anna Bay, and Soldiers Point, here you can swim in crystal-clear water, go sandboarding down the largest dunes in the southern hemisphere, and go boating to swim with dolphins or try whale watching during winter.
Where to go
Port Stephens Great Lake Marine Park
Stretching from the northern end of Stockton Beach north to Cape Hawke Surf Life Saving Club near Forster, the Port Stephens Great Lake Marine Park boasts many species of dolphin, turtles, and fish. Book a cruise to go swimming with dolphins, or whale-watching during their annual migration from June to October.
Fingal Bay
Hike to the top of Barry Park Lookout to admire the view over Fingal Spit, which connects the mainland to Fingal Island. You can also go boating to the island and embark on a guided nature walk to visit an Aboriginal fish trap lagoon, Point Stephens Lighthouse, and the ruins of the caretaker’s cottage, learning about Fingal Bay's fascinating history.
Stockton Bight Sand Dunes
The largest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere at nearby Anna Bay, the Stockton Beach Sand Dunes stretch for more than 30 km and reach over 30 metres high. The Worimi National Park dunes offer fun opportunities for sandboarding, quad biking, horse riding, and 4WDing. You can also embark on a camel ride or go fishing on Stockton Beach, one of many area beaches.
Broughton Island
Walk among a breeding colony of wedge tailed shearwaters on Broughton Island in Myall Lakes National Park, only accessible by boat. During your day boating, you can also go swimming or snorkelling in secluded coves with a picnic lunch. It's definitely one of the highlights of the Port Stephens region.
When to go
The temperatures in Nelson Bay and Port Stephens are highest on average in January, at around 23°C. July is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging 13°C. The best time to see whales is from June to October, when they pass by on their annual migration, while dolphin swim tours usually run from the beginning of October until the end of April. September is the driest month, while June is the wettest.
Know before you go
- Nelson Bay is about 2.5 hours’ drive north of Sydney in NSW.
- The Woolworths supermarket in Nelson Bay is the best place to stock up on food and supplies.
- Redback Campers at Corlette and BCF Port Stephens at Taylors Beach are good spots for camping and outdoor gear, in addition to Tackle World Port Stephens.
Top cities near Nelson Bay
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.