The best campgrounds near Sussex Inlet, New South Wales with horseback riding

On the coast, roughly halfway between Canberra and Sydney, Sussex Inlet provides campers with easy access to big urban cities as well as the scenic outdoors. Discover a wealth of accommodations in town, like pet-friendly cabins, holiday parks with powered sites, and rustic campgrounds. Then adventure across the inlet to Booderee National Park for all of nature’s splendours. Or jet over to Jervis Bay National Park to watch whales from the shoreline and scuba dive into the depths of the ocean. Budderoo National Park is another must-see attraction where campers can explore rainforest trails that lead to beautiful waterfalls. Since every season in Sussex Inlet offers something different, campers can take advantage of this area year-round.

93% (785)

Top-rated campgrounds

On the coast, roughly halfway between Canberra and Sydney, Sussex Inlet provides campers with easy access to big urban cities as well as the scenic outdoors. Discover a wealth of accommodations in town, like pet-friendly cabins, holiday parks with powered sites, and rustic campgrounds. Then adventure across the inlet to Booderee National Park for all of nature’s splendours. Or jet over to Jervis Bay National Park to watch whales from the shoreline and scuba dive into the depths of the ocean. Budderoo National Park is another must-see attraction where campers can explore rainforest trails that lead to beautiful waterfalls. Since every season in Sussex Inlet offers something different, campers can take advantage of this area year-round.

93% (785)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Misty Mountain Farm - Farm Stay

95%

(316)

35km from Sussex Inlet · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · Coolangatta, NSW

There are camp sites to suit your group of: 2, 4, 6 or up to 12 people (Book extra if required, your group will be allocated together) - Camp sites 11 -12 are for group bookings - 4-12 guests Misty Mountain Farm is a family run working beef cattle property and horse training facility situated at the base of picturesque Coolangatta Mountain. Camp grounds are well maintained grass paddocks surrounded by beautiful picturesque scenery. * Campfires are permitted when local restrictions are not in place. - Fire pits can be provided. - Firewood must be within the firepit. No long logs hanging outside of fire pit. - Firewood kindling for cooking is supplied. - Firewood for evening fires can be purchased upon arrival - 20kg bag @ $20. LOCAL THINGS TO DO: - Coolangatta Estate Winery cellar door wine tasting and restaurant is next door (First settlement on the south coast) - Local wineries: Mountain Ridge, Two Figs, Silos, Crooked River, Cambewarra. - Bangalay Dining is a multi award winning regional restaurant and recognised gourmet dining destination. Located at Shoalhaven Heads near the surf club. - Heads Hotel (offers courtesy bus from camp ground) - Heads Bowlo (offers courtesy bus from camp ground) - Berry (10 minutes) - Nowra (15 minutes) - Jervis Bay (45 minutes) - Boating and Fishing on Shoalhaven River - 7 mile beach at Shoalhaven Heads is dog friendly north of the surf club - Jamberoo Action Park (40 minutes) Shoalhaven Heads (5 minutes) offers: IGA, Bakery, Chemist, Bottle Shop, Butcher, Pizza Loco, Chinese Restaurant, Heads Hotel, Bowling Club, Dr's surgery's, Vet Clinic, Newsagency, Hair Dresser, Barber, Heads Takeaway, Dog friendly 7 Mile Beach, Shoalhaven River. *NOTE: You must provide your own portaloo and dispose of using a sewerage reticulation system or at a waste or resources management facility. Horse Riding - we are on FB - Misty Mountain Equestrian. - Lessons and Property Trail Rides - * Pricing per person: - $120 guided property ride (1 hour) - $120 individual lesson (1 hour) - $60 led pony rides for kids (30 mins) - Horse agistment: Camp with your horse - $25/night/horse - Lesson on own horse $80/hr - Qualified and accredited EA L1G Coach and Qualified Veterinary Nurse on site

2. Clyde River Camp Grounds

98%

(356)

63km from Sussex Inlet · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Currowan, NSW

Originally a historical farming property, Premium Dried Firewood for sale $15 per load, Approx 10 logs for a night Please note no timber sales over Christmas break. Clyde River Camp Grounds is council approved and offer the ultimate for caravans and camping on manicured pastures directly on the Clyde River. We also offer Powered Caravan and RV sites, unpowered in Off peak times (May - August) For powered sites please book through: Clyde River Caravan and RV Resort. Please note campsites are non powered It is a 10 min drive from Nelligen town centre and a 20 min drive from Batemans Bay. If you need supplies you can also travel by boat into Batemans Bay and tie up to many of its wharfs for that different experience. The camping area is surrounded by walking tracks and over the Christmas period the renowned Clyde Berry Farm is open where you can pick your own fresh berries or relax on the grounds for a ice-cream. You will find Shallow Crossing is also just a 10 min drive up the River Road for an exhilarating swim in fresh mountain water. The traditional water side camp kitchen offers a BBQ and table to eat. Has power and lighting, fresh drinking water, toilet, hot and cold shower and plenty of cover. With a fire pit just outside for toasting of marshmallows this makes for the best camping spot in the region. Please be mindful this is a camping and caravaning experience, there is for your convenience a flushing toilet (bring own toilet paper). This site has its own concrete boat ramp making a heaven for all fisho's and skiers. The ramp is totally safe to launch any watercraft. With water onsite you can even flush motors at the end of the day. The property has Telstra coverage for added security.

3. The Hobby Sheep Farm

99%

(210)

72km from Sussex Inlet · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Windellama, NSW

EV Charging station available Type 2 plug (costs applicable). Come and pitch your tent or caravan in our hobby sheep farm. Plenty to do from fishing, bush walking or simply relaxing in and around the garden. There is access to drinking water and a toilet (no shower). I can offer friendly advice for activities around the area, or you're welcome to go out exploring yourself. The Shoalhaven River is a short 25 minute drive from the property, 25 minutes to Goulburn CBD for all your supply needs, and Canberra is 1 hour away. Enjoy the evenings warming your toes around the campfire as you gaze at the night sky. The area is peppered with many other quaint villages. Excellent overnight stop from the coast and the wine country. Please note that firewood is not available and there are no fires permitted October till April. Pets welcome.

4. Big Island Bend on the Clyde River

94%

(116)

72km from Sussex Inlet · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Batemans Bay, NSW

Big Island Bend offers 40 acres of pristine bushland on the Western bank of the Clyde River just North of Big Island in the middle of the Batemans Bay Marine Park. The north-facing campsite is in a beautiful location with access to riverfront beaches, water sports, fishing, mountain bike trails and hiking. Note - bookings are by arrangement only. BEFORE YOU BOOK - PLEASE MAKE SURE THIS PROPERTY IS RIGHT FOR YOU 1. CAPACITY - We are able to host only a single campsite comprising a single tent or caravan for no more than two nights duration only. This will ensure compliance with NSW State Govt regulations that are policed heavily by Eurobodalla Shire Council. Please do not plan to erect a second tent – this may result in a fine that we will pass on to you. We apologise if this prohibits your larger family and small group from enjoying our property. 2. SITE AMENITIES - The camp is best suited to adventurous campers with swags, tents, rooftops, light camping trailers and small popup caravans. There is a flushing toilet, a hot shower, running (dam) water, and firepits but no electricity or refrigeration. We have fire pits available for guests use, please ensure there are no restrictions in place before lighting a campfire in the designated firepit. Firewood is available at additional cost. 3. ROAD ACCESS - The last couple of km of dirt track are undulating and dusty, but perfectly fine for all vehicles in dry conditions. Access and exit will become challenging for larger motorhomes and caravans, heavy camping trailers and 2WD vehicles (especially front-wheel-drive), after periods of heavy or prolonged rain. We will refund your booking fee if you choose to cancel, or we close the property, due to the weather (it will need to be bad for us to close the property, so you won’t want to be there anyway). Please message us in advance for advice if you are concerned about the weather or vehicle access. 4. PETS - Well behaved pets are welcome but must be controlled and cleaned up after.

5. Smiths Camp Site

65%

(10)

59km from Sussex Inlet · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Kiama, NSW

Smiths Camp is a 2 acre block of land in the heart of Kiama on the South Coast on New South Wales. Just 1 hour from Sydney, 3 hours from Canberra. You'll be able to set up camp just 500m away from the main town, beaches and the famous Kiama Blow Hole. If you are after a quick stop in the middle of town and experience Kiama‘s farm land, this is the place to stay. Please take your rubbish with you as we don’t have council pick up. Please note checkin is at 2pm and check out is at 11am.

6. Edendale Farm- 4mins from beach

97%

(35)

44km from Sussex Inlet · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · Termeil, NSW

40 acres of lush farmland 4 mins from bawley point beaches. Keep driving up the old highway to access Shallow Crossing and Pigeon House Mountain. Bring your horse if you’d like to explore the state forests on horseback. Miniature cows, horses, peacocks and Guinea fowl will visit you. You need to be self contained, with your own toilet/shower facilities but there is access to water (for dishes etc) Toilets are in the works but not yet available. Will update upon completion. PLEASE RESPECT THE TWO CARS PER SITE RULE. FIXING WEAR AND TEAR ON THE ROAD IS COSTLY.

7. Lyrebirds Nest

98%

(79)

63km from Sussex Inlet · 2 sites · Lodging · Penrose, 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.

8. Garden Space - Bundanoon

100%

(3)

63km from Sussex Inlet · 1 site · RV · Bundanoon, NSW

We are a family of 4 with 2 school aged boys. We have travelled extensively around Australia and are familiar with the caravanning lifestyle. Pitch your self contained camper or caravan in our secluded garden in Bundanoon. We are only 0.5 acre but there is plenty of space for kids and well behaved dogs. Depending on the size of your set up and rainfall you will either be on grass at the back of our garden with moderate privacy or at the front of the house on gravel - not as much privacy. We have a fire pit, (firewood available) and the garden is child and dog friendly. We hand feed the wild king parrots and our resident blue tongue lizard, named Bluey! Hook up to water and power and you can manually empty cassettes. Wifi is available but can be unreliable. Bundanoon village is only 1.4kms away. The pub is even closer! Moreton National park is only 2.5kms away and we are familiar with the walks there. We will mostly be around if you need us and are more than happy to recommend places to visit and eat. I can also offer wholesome home cooked meals or meal hampers - please message me ahead of time to enquire / arrange. Bundanoon has a small IGA, several restaurants (including a decent Thai and Italian), pharmacy, post office, newsagent, multiple cafes and various shops.

Camper favorites near Sussex Inlet

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Big Island Bend on the Clyde River

94%

(116)

72km from Sussex Inlet · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Batemans Bay, NSW

Big Island Bend offers 40 acres of pristine bushland on the Western bank of the Clyde River just North of Big Island in the middle of the Batemans Bay Marine Park. The north-facing campsite is in a beautiful location with access to riverfront beaches, water sports, fishing, mountain bike trails and hiking. Note - bookings are by arrangement only. BEFORE YOU BOOK - PLEASE MAKE SURE THIS PROPERTY IS RIGHT FOR YOU 1. CAPACITY - We are able to host only a single campsite comprising a single tent or caravan for no more than two nights duration only. This will ensure compliance with NSW State Govt regulations that are policed heavily by Eurobodalla Shire Council. Please do not plan to erect a second tent – this may result in a fine that we will pass on to you. We apologise if this prohibits your larger family and small group from enjoying our property. 2. SITE AMENITIES - The camp is best suited to adventurous campers with swags, tents, rooftops, light camping trailers and small popup caravans. There is a flushing toilet, a hot shower, running (dam) water, and firepits but no electricity or refrigeration. We have fire pits available for guests use, please ensure there are no restrictions in place before lighting a campfire in the designated firepit. Firewood is available at additional cost. 3. ROAD ACCESS - The last couple of km of dirt track are undulating and dusty, but perfectly fine for all vehicles in dry conditions. Access and exit will become challenging for larger motorhomes and caravans, heavy camping trailers and 2WD vehicles (especially front-wheel-drive), after periods of heavy or prolonged rain. We will refund your booking fee if you choose to cancel, or we close the property, due to the weather (it will need to be bad for us to close the property, so you won’t want to be there anyway). Please message us in advance for advice if you are concerned about the weather or vehicle access. 4. PETS - Well behaved pets are welcome but must be controlled and cleaned up after.

Smiths Camp Site

65%

(10)

59km from Sussex Inlet · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Kiama, NSW

Smiths Camp is a 2 acre block of land in the heart of Kiama on the South Coast on New South Wales. Just 1 hour from Sydney, 3 hours from Canberra. You'll be able to set up camp just 500m away from the main town, beaches and the famous Kiama Blow Hole. If you are after a quick stop in the middle of town and experience Kiama‘s farm land, this is the place to stay. Please take your rubbish with you as we don’t have council pick up. Please note checkin is at 2pm and check out is at 11am.

Edendale Farm- 4mins from beach

97%

(35)

44km from Sussex Inlet · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · Termeil, NSW

40 acres of lush farmland 4 mins from bawley point beaches. Keep driving up the old highway to access Shallow Crossing and Pigeon House Mountain. Bring your horse if you’d like to explore the state forests on horseback. Miniature cows, horses, peacocks and Guinea fowl will visit you. You need to be self contained, with your own toilet/shower facilities but there is access to water (for dishes etc) Toilets are in the works but not yet available. Will update upon completion. PLEASE RESPECT THE TWO CARS PER SITE RULE. FIXING WEAR AND TEAR ON THE ROAD IS COSTLY.

Lyrebirds Nest

98%

(79)

63km from Sussex Inlet · 2 sites · Lodging · Penrose, 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.

Garden Space - Bundanoon

100%

(3)

63km from Sussex Inlet · 1 site · RV · Bundanoon, NSW

We are a family of 4 with 2 school aged boys. We have travelled extensively around Australia and are familiar with the caravanning lifestyle. Pitch your self contained camper or caravan in our secluded garden in Bundanoon. We are only 0.5 acre but there is plenty of space for kids and well behaved dogs. Depending on the size of your set up and rainfall you will either be on grass at the back of our garden with moderate privacy or at the front of the house on gravel - not as much privacy. We have a fire pit, (firewood available) and the garden is child and dog friendly. We hand feed the wild king parrots and our resident blue tongue lizard, named Bluey! Hook up to water and power and you can manually empty cassettes. Wifi is available but can be unreliable. Bundanoon village is only 1.4kms away. The pub is even closer! Moreton National park is only 2.5kms away and we are familiar with the walks there. We will mostly be around if you need us and are more than happy to recommend places to visit and eat. I can also offer wholesome home cooked meals or meal hampers - please message me ahead of time to enquire / arrange. Bundanoon has a small IGA, several restaurants (including a decent Thai and Italian), pharmacy, post office, newsagent, multiple cafes and various shops.

Stories from the community

C

Chris

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Clyde River Camp Grounds

Our second time there with our group and we love it beautiful place with everything u need. The owners a wonderful which really makes the camp worth the trip. Thanks Ross

P

Peter

2 weeks ago

14 m pop-up camper

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Clyde River Camp Grounds

What an amazing property for campers! Peaceful, well maintained property, with welcomed powered sites by the river with really close access to the river via boat ramp. Ross and Lisa are exceptionally welcoming hosts and ultimately main contributors to the wonderful experience. The only regret we had was our stay of 3 nights was too short! Will definitely be taking the time to get back to Ross and Lisa’s great camping grounds.

S

Steve

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clyde River Camp Grounds

Great spot right on the Clyde! Everything you could want in a riverside campground! Ross and Lisa have set this up well and are fabulous hosts!

F

Fran

3 weeks ago

8 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Hobby Sheep Farm

Ron's hobby sheep farm is quite large, the camping area was nice and flat, well grassed with easy access, and a westward border of pine trees that provided some shelter from strong westerly winds we experienced over our stay. There is 10A power available and even an EV type 2 charger. A single toilet out house is fed from a rainwater tank with a potable water tap off the rainwater tank. A Genorous size fire ring is present for low fire danger periods. There are multiple dams and some goldfish ponds with recycled solar powered water features. Plenty of open paddocks with sheep and access tracks to walk around the property. With a low number of other guests we had an undisturbed quiet relaxing family weekend.

J

Jess

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Clyde River Camp Grounds

Beautiful site! Right on the river and so peaceful. We had some good chats with Ross. Very sad we were only there for a night and will definitely come back for a longer trip. Facilities were great. The road in is a little bumpy but we got in fine with our AWD and trailer. Highly recommend stay here.

G

Gareth

3 weeks ago

5 m car

1 night at Misty Mountain Farm - Farm Stay

Another brilliant night at the best camp spot in Oz! Nothing like waking up surrounded by cows and horses! Magic! Thanks guys ❤️🙏🏼

T

Tarnie

3 weeks ago

Tent

3 nights at Clyde River Camp Grounds

Absolutely love camping at Ross and Lisa’s property, clean tidy really nice grass area, perfect facilities, and perfect if your into your fishing, great boat ramp 100% recommend.

L

Lyn

November 2025

8 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Clyde River Camp Grounds

We loved the powered site right on the clyde river, great for fishing. The property is well cleared and very peaceful. The hosts Ross and Lisa are very friendly.

Levi watching the horses in next paddock

L

Linda

November 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

1 night at Misty Mountain Farm - Farm Stay

Levi my pup and myself enjoyed an overnight stay with lovely views of mountain and vineyard. Plenty of room. Close to pet friendly Shoalhaven beach.

L

Laura

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clyde River Camp Grounds

My friends and I (and our two dogs) had the best weekend camping at Clyde River at Ross and Lisa's property. The camping sites are very well kept, the areas nice and tidy, the space between campers is great too. Sites are flat so easy and suitable for setting up swags and tents. The toilet and shower facilities are very well clean and everything was provided. The location is perfect, we were able to get the boats in and out easily with the boat ramp on site. Highly recommend and we cant wait to come back!

P

Peta

November 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Clyde River Camp Grounds

Loved this beautiful spot right on the river. Will definitely be back.

K

Kevin

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Clyde River Camp Grounds

The camp site was spacious, well grassed and very quiet Ross & Lisa were great hosts. Hope to return soon.

s

sarah

November 2025

5 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Clyde River Camp Grounds

Loved the water front spot, owners were lovely. Definitely would go again.

M

Mark

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Clyde River Camp Grounds

Excellent flat green pitches for tents. Lots of space for the pup to stretch his legs. Firewood available and delivered to your pitch by Ross for $15 - so no need to bring it. Very quiet. Would stop again and for longer.

paul and marcia

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clyde River Camp Grounds

Really nice property, great place to camp . Definitely recommend

A

Apoorva

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clyde River Camp Grounds

Our camping trip was absolutely amazing! The location was peaceful, scenic, and perfect for a relaxing getaway. The campsite was clean, well-maintained, and had everything we needed — from spacious pitches to convenient facilities. We enjoyed every moment — sitting around the campfire, exploring the trails, and stargazing at night.

J

Jairo

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clyde River Camp Grounds

Exceptional Host: Ross is fantastic! and went out of his way to make me feel welcome, even delivering firewood. · Perfect for Families: The huge, well-kept grassy area is a dream for kids to run and play safely. · Spacious & Private: The sites are well-spaced, so you have plenty of privacy and peace. No noisy, crowded caravan park feel here.

R

Robert

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Clyde River Camp Grounds

Great host and georgous spot. Quiet campsite located on the river. Nice drive into town.

B

Brandon

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Clyde River Camp Grounds

Ross and Lisa have such a beautiful spot they share with everyone. Ross was really accommodating on our first camping trip with our dogs and made us feel welcome and at ease with it all. The facilities and location are great! Will be back.

L

Lyn

November 2025

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Clyde River Camp Grounds

Beautiful riverside camping area, powered sites for Rv and caravans . Property is well maintained and the hosts Ross and Lisa were very friendly and helpful

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Sussex Inlet with horseback riding guide

Where to go

Booderee National Park

Situated on Aboriginal land, Booderee National Park sits directly across the inlet. Hike to a beach-side campground that offers access to fresh water, toilets, and cold showers. Or get cosy in the caravan and enjoy a drive-in pitch with nearby hot showers and sheltered BBQ areas. After a good night’s rest, visit Cape St. George Lighthouse and wander along the numerous sandy beaches. With several activities to choose from, campers have their pick when it comes to whale watching, surfing, fishing, scuba diving, or snorkelling.

Jervis Bay National Park

Just under an hour from Sussex Inlet, Jervis Bay National Park offers world-class whale watching and sumptuous white-sand beaches. While there’s no camping inside the park, there is a variety of accommodations in the nearby village of Huskisson, from cabin rentals to holiday parks for tents and caravans. After setting up, check out Bull Hole Lookout, paddle Coonemia Creek, or saunter down the Hyams Beach Trail or Hare Point walking track.

Budderoo National Park

Head roughly two hours north to Budderoo National Park and get settled into a campground equipped with basic amenities like toilets and picnic tables, as well as easy access to Kangaroo River. Adventure over to Nellies Glen Picnic Area or conquer the Minnamurra Falls walk and Carrington Falls walking track—all of which reward hikers with outstanding waterfalls at the end of the journey. For more stunning views, head to Jamberoo Lookout—and don’t forget the camera!

When to go

The balmy summers of Sussex Inlet are perfect for visits to the beachy paradise of Jervis Bay National Park or aquatic adventures at Booderee National Park. As temperatures start to drop when autumn and winter roll around, wildlife watching opportunities quickly rise. Whales migrate just off the coast from May to November while rare birds head home for mating season in Budderoo National Park. The spring season brings gifts, too—swathes of colourful wildflowers come to life throughout the park’s grassy areas, making picture-perfect backgrounds and stunning hiking scenery.