The best bell tents in Northern Rivers

·

Encompassing the catchments and fertile valleys of the Clarence, Richmond, and Tweed rivers in northeastern NSW, the Northern Rivers region is a subtropical oasis where beaches are backed by rolling farmlands and national parks. It’s warm enough to camp comfortably year-round across the area, though conditions tend to be drier in winter. Regional highlights include surfing—particularly in Byron Bay—hiking in World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, and exploring the region’s small hinterland towns. But there’s plenty more to do, from horse-riding to hot-air ballooning and boutique shopping to river cruising. 

100% (524)

Top-rated campgrounds

Eagle Ridge Bush Retreat

2. Eagle Ridge Bush Retreat

99%
(598)
16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tabulam, NSW
A property with amazing river access a history of great fishing and gold panning. The steep terrain adjacent the river lends itself to some fantastic scenery, the perfect place to unplug and enjoy the peace and quiet. Grab a tube and float down the river rapids, or just relax in camp listening to the sounds of nature. We have an abundance of bird life and wild cattle roaming the property, theres so much to see and enjoy With a small number of sites on the property you're sure to feel like the only ones in the world. Currently access is 4WD recommended due to the steep terrain. Any towing MUST be done with a 4WD. AWD and rear wheel drive vehicles are fine, though good idea to check with us FWD vehicles are NOT permitted. Good ground clearance is required
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$158
 / night
Petaurus Gardens

3. Petaurus Gardens

96%
(36)
11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bungawalbin, NSW
Set Amongst 100 acers of abundant native fauna and flora including riparian rainforest and semi-mesic open grass forest dominated by large Forest Red Gums with a series of freshwater lagoons spread across the property and bordered by the Bungawalbin Creek on the west and private conservation land on the north and east. This property is the essence of tranquil Australian camping, set up from the beginning to be completely off grid this property offers a true escape from a busy life. Listen to native bird calls and enjoy a scenic trek along one of our many walking trails, perfect for birdwatchers or nature enthusiast alike. Our unique location enables us to offer a wide range of eco minded activities from hiking in the nearby Bungawalbin National Park to water activities along the Bungawalbin creek. We are conveniently located only 20 mins from the M1 motorway, with many of the North Coast great attractions only being a short drive from us, including: Evans head 20min. Lismore 30min. Byron bay 40min. Gold Coast 1.5 hr Petaurus Gardens offers a mix of sites, from glamping tents ready to go for a magical stay to unpowered sites for camping or vans or try one of our forest camp sites set by the creek amongst tall Red Gums. PLEASE NOTE ROAD WORKS, DRAINAGE WORKS AND PATH RAISING WORK IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY TO IMPROVE ACCESS, PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY ON ARRIVAL, SOME SITE PARKING MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$97
 / night
Glamping | hot tub + fire pit

4. Glamping | hot tub + fire pit

1 site · Lodging · Wandsworth, NSW
Trade the rush of everyday life for the rhythm of the farm. Set on our beautiful working sheep and cattle property, our bespoke glamping experience offers true serenity and effortless luxury near Dunmore Dam. This is more than a getaway—it’s an invitation to unplug, breathe deeply, and reconnect. Your home for the stay is a spacious five-meter canvas bell tent, thoughtfully designed for comfort and elegance. Step inside to discover a luxurious super king–sized bed dressed with high-quality linens and cozy throws. The interior is curated with warm lighting, thoughtful furnishings, and unique touches that blend bohemian flair with rustic country charm, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep beneath the vast, starlit sky. The crown jewel of your stay is the magnificent wood-fired hot tub. Perched perfectly to overlook the tranquil waters of Dunmore Dam, it offers a unique, restorative escape. Spend your evenings soaking in warm water, listening to the crackle of the fire, and watching the sunset paint the sky in fiery hues—a truly unforgettable moment of peaceful indulgence. Just steps from your tent, you’ll find our purpose-built function centre. This welcoming space includes cooking facilities, bathroom amenities, and indoor and outdoor dining and lounge areas. We are intentionally designed to encourage you to disconnect and fully immerse yourself in the farm environment. The property is completely off-grid, meaning the world’s distractions fade away. You’ll have limited phone reception and absolutely no Wi-Fi. This is your chance to trade screen time for sunset views, alarm clocks for birdsong, and emails for genuine connection. Come for the hot tub, stay for the silence. Experience the simple luxury of true country living.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$363
 / night
BAJIMBA Eco Camping and Farm Stay

5. BAJIMBA Eco Camping and Farm Stay

100%
(46)
2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sandy Flat, NSW
Bajimba Eco Camp is part of our stunning family property nestled in the surrounds of Mt Bajimba in the Northern Tablelands of NSW, 40 minutes south east of Tenterfield. Historically known as a resting point for bullock teams hauling timber from the surrounding forests on their way to a saw mill in the lower valley, Bajimba is now home to Merv & Carey. We are just over 1080 metres above sea level, with 57 acres of eucalypt & grass tree forests, grass pastures, and a small (but mighty) organic farm. Accommodation options include "West View “situated at our highest elevation with incredible views from the deck, and "Bullock Camp" which can accommodate tents, caravans or motor homes. When making travel arrangements, note we are in NSW and therefore are 1 hour ahead of QLD during day light savings months. It is encouraged if possible that guests arrive before 6pm to ensure a smooth and stress free check in to camp. Being able to experience the sunset is all a part of your Bajimba stay! Amenities for both sites include an ablution block with hot shower and composting toilet, with steam sauna and wood-fired hot tub available by appointment. Please call at time of booking if hot tub and sauna facilities are required (especially for same-days bookings). Wood fired hot tubs require four hours to heat appropriately. Also note that all toiletries are provided to ensure that our critical farm ecosystem is maintained. When staying at “West View”, we supply Tea, Coffee, Muesli, Full Cream Milk, fresh Eggs from our Hens, Salt & Pepper, Olive Oil, Cast Iron cook ware and a portable sink for cleaning Utensils etc. Also supplied are Plates, Knives & Forks etc. Portable Gas Cooker also supplied if not using the Fire Pit. First Aid kit. Bajimba backs on to Washpool National Park, providing thousands of acres for 4wd exploring, with fishing, hunting, hiking, bird watching only a stones throw away.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$158
 / night
Lanikai Camping Ground

6. Lanikai Camping Ground

100%
(13)
22 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · NSW
Lanikai Camping Ground, which is situated on 500 acres of dedicated wildlife refuge in Tabulam, NSW. Lanikai Camping offers a rare camping experience for those wanting to escape urban life to relax, rewind and recharge! The campsite is a gateway to numerous walking tracks that meander through the surrounding landscape. These trails range from gentle walks suitable for families to more challenging hikes that ascend the hills, offering rewarding vistas of the sprawling countryside. Each track is a journey through diverse habitats, from dense woodlands to open meadows, ensuring a new experience with every expedition. For those who prefer to relax and soak in the surroundings, our campsite offers ample space to unwind. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee as the first light of dawn illuminates the hills, or gaze at the starlit sky on clear nights with a cold drink, free from the glare of city lights.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$144
 / night

Encompassing the catchments and fertile valleys of the Clarence, Richmond, and Tweed rivers in northeastern NSW, the Northern Rivers region is a subtropical oasis where beaches are backed by rolling farmlands and national parks. It’s warm enough to camp comfortably year-round across the area, though conditions tend to be drier in winter. Regional highlights include surfing—particularly in Byron Bay—hiking in World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, and exploring the region’s small hinterland towns. But there’s plenty more to do, from horse-riding to hot-air ballooning and boutique shopping to river cruising. 

100% (524)

Top-rated campgrounds

Eagle Ridge Bush Retreat

2. Eagle Ridge Bush Retreat

99%
(598)
16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tabulam, NSW
A property with amazing river access a history of great fishing and gold panning. The steep terrain adjacent the river lends itself to some fantastic scenery, the perfect place to unplug and enjoy the peace and quiet. Grab a tube and float down the river rapids, or just relax in camp listening to the sounds of nature. We have an abundance of bird life and wild cattle roaming the property, theres so much to see and enjoy With a small number of sites on the property you're sure to feel like the only ones in the world. Currently access is 4WD recommended due to the steep terrain. Any towing MUST be done with a 4WD. AWD and rear wheel drive vehicles are fine, though good idea to check with us FWD vehicles are NOT permitted. Good ground clearance is required
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$158
 / night
Petaurus Gardens

3. Petaurus Gardens

96%
(36)
11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bungawalbin, NSW
Set Amongst 100 acers of abundant native fauna and flora including riparian rainforest and semi-mesic open grass forest dominated by large Forest Red Gums with a series of freshwater lagoons spread across the property and bordered by the Bungawalbin Creek on the west and private conservation land on the north and east. This property is the essence of tranquil Australian camping, set up from the beginning to be completely off grid this property offers a true escape from a busy life. Listen to native bird calls and enjoy a scenic trek along one of our many walking trails, perfect for birdwatchers or nature enthusiast alike. Our unique location enables us to offer a wide range of eco minded activities from hiking in the nearby Bungawalbin National Park to water activities along the Bungawalbin creek. We are conveniently located only 20 mins from the M1 motorway, with many of the North Coast great attractions only being a short drive from us, including: Evans head 20min. Lismore 30min. Byron bay 40min. Gold Coast 1.5 hr Petaurus Gardens offers a mix of sites, from glamping tents ready to go for a magical stay to unpowered sites for camping or vans or try one of our forest camp sites set by the creek amongst tall Red Gums. PLEASE NOTE ROAD WORKS, DRAINAGE WORKS AND PATH RAISING WORK IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY TO IMPROVE ACCESS, PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY ON ARRIVAL, SOME SITE PARKING MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$97
 / night
Glamping | hot tub + fire pit

4. Glamping | hot tub + fire pit

1 site · Lodging · Wandsworth, NSW
Trade the rush of everyday life for the rhythm of the farm. Set on our beautiful working sheep and cattle property, our bespoke glamping experience offers true serenity and effortless luxury near Dunmore Dam. This is more than a getaway—it’s an invitation to unplug, breathe deeply, and reconnect. Your home for the stay is a spacious five-meter canvas bell tent, thoughtfully designed for comfort and elegance. Step inside to discover a luxurious super king–sized bed dressed with high-quality linens and cozy throws. The interior is curated with warm lighting, thoughtful furnishings, and unique touches that blend bohemian flair with rustic country charm, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep beneath the vast, starlit sky. The crown jewel of your stay is the magnificent wood-fired hot tub. Perched perfectly to overlook the tranquil waters of Dunmore Dam, it offers a unique, restorative escape. Spend your evenings soaking in warm water, listening to the crackle of the fire, and watching the sunset paint the sky in fiery hues—a truly unforgettable moment of peaceful indulgence. Just steps from your tent, you’ll find our purpose-built function centre. This welcoming space includes cooking facilities, bathroom amenities, and indoor and outdoor dining and lounge areas. We are intentionally designed to encourage you to disconnect and fully immerse yourself in the farm environment. The property is completely off-grid, meaning the world’s distractions fade away. You’ll have limited phone reception and absolutely no Wi-Fi. This is your chance to trade screen time for sunset views, alarm clocks for birdsong, and emails for genuine connection. Come for the hot tub, stay for the silence. Experience the simple luxury of true country living.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$363
 / night
BAJIMBA Eco Camping and Farm Stay

5. BAJIMBA Eco Camping and Farm Stay

100%
(46)
2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sandy Flat, NSW
Bajimba Eco Camp is part of our stunning family property nestled in the surrounds of Mt Bajimba in the Northern Tablelands of NSW, 40 minutes south east of Tenterfield. Historically known as a resting point for bullock teams hauling timber from the surrounding forests on their way to a saw mill in the lower valley, Bajimba is now home to Merv & Carey. We are just over 1080 metres above sea level, with 57 acres of eucalypt & grass tree forests, grass pastures, and a small (but mighty) organic farm. Accommodation options include "West View “situated at our highest elevation with incredible views from the deck, and "Bullock Camp" which can accommodate tents, caravans or motor homes. When making travel arrangements, note we are in NSW and therefore are 1 hour ahead of QLD during day light savings months. It is encouraged if possible that guests arrive before 6pm to ensure a smooth and stress free check in to camp. Being able to experience the sunset is all a part of your Bajimba stay! Amenities for both sites include an ablution block with hot shower and composting toilet, with steam sauna and wood-fired hot tub available by appointment. Please call at time of booking if hot tub and sauna facilities are required (especially for same-days bookings). Wood fired hot tubs require four hours to heat appropriately. Also note that all toiletries are provided to ensure that our critical farm ecosystem is maintained. When staying at “West View”, we supply Tea, Coffee, Muesli, Full Cream Milk, fresh Eggs from our Hens, Salt & Pepper, Olive Oil, Cast Iron cook ware and a portable sink for cleaning Utensils etc. Also supplied are Plates, Knives & Forks etc. Portable Gas Cooker also supplied if not using the Fire Pit. First Aid kit. Bajimba backs on to Washpool National Park, providing thousands of acres for 4wd exploring, with fishing, hunting, hiking, bird watching only a stones throw away.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$158
 / night
Lanikai Camping Ground

6. Lanikai Camping Ground

100%
(13)
22 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · NSW
Lanikai Camping Ground, which is situated on 500 acres of dedicated wildlife refuge in Tabulam, NSW. Lanikai Camping offers a rare camping experience for those wanting to escape urban life to relax, rewind and recharge! The campsite is a gateway to numerous walking tracks that meander through the surrounding landscape. These trails range from gentle walks suitable for families to more challenging hikes that ascend the hills, offering rewarding vistas of the sprawling countryside. Each track is a journey through diverse habitats, from dense woodlands to open meadows, ensuring a new experience with every expedition. For those who prefer to relax and soak in the surroundings, our campsite offers ample space to unwind. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee as the first light of dawn illuminates the hills, or gaze at the starlit sky on clear nights with a cold drink, free from the glare of city lights.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$144
 / night

Camper favorites in and near Northern Rivers

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best bell tents in Northern Rivers guide

Where to go

The Tweed

Stretching for about 40 kilometres from Tweed Heads in the north down to Wooyung in the south, and west to the Border Ranges, The Tweed is a verdant coastal farming area dotted with seaside and hinterland campsites. Bask on empty beaches, admire the heritage architecture in tiny towns, tour the region’s farm gates, or take a cruise along the scenic Tweed River.

Brunswick Heads

This once-sleepy fishing town has become nearly as popular as its neighbour to the south, Byron Bay, in recent years. Brunswick Heads hugs the idyllic Brunswick River, popular for swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Sheltered by the southern break wall, Torakina Beach is particularly popular among families. Choose between a number of campgrounds and holiday parks by the riverside, many with cabins and sites for caravans and tents.

Byron Bay to Lennox Head

The legendary surf and wellness hub at Australia’s most easterly point is well equipped for campers, with holiday parks within walking distance of the town centre, campgrounds toward Suffolk Park, 10 minutes south of town, and more at Broken Head. Twenty minutes south of Byron Bay, the quieter coastal town of Lennox Head has holiday parks just steps from the beach and the popular Lake Ainsworth recreation area.

Byron Bay Hinterland

The lush hinterland region west of Byron Bay is dotted with historic villages and pockets of lush subtropical rainforest ripe for hiking and waterfall chasing. The main place to camp is the Rummery Park Campground in Nightcap National Park, with easy access to hiking trails and the spectacular Minyon Falls Lookout. Private campgrounds also dot the area between Byron and Mullumbimby, 30 minutes to the northwest.

Yamba and Iluka

Heading south from Lennox Head, you can camp at Ballina and Evans Head, but the most popular camping spot south of Byron is the Yamba region, on the southern fringe of the Northern Rivers. More than a dozen holiday parks sit between the coastal fishing town of Yamba, on the southern bank of the Clarence River, and Woody Head, in Bundjalung National Park to the north. Between the two lies Iluka, which sits on the northern side of the river mouth. Typical of the NSW North Coast, good surf spots can be found here.

Popular Northern Rivers glamping styles