The best camping near Hat Head National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hat Head National Park adventure.

96% (12 reviews)
96% (12 reviews)

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Community favorites near Hat Head National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Hat Head National Park

90%
(42)

Riverside Camping - Long Flat Pub

140 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Long Flat, NSW
Enjoy the seclusion & picturesque location of this idyllic location. The 7 acre camping area has spacious un-powered sites. Pitch your tent, set up your camper trailer or caravan next to the river. Easy accesses for swimming in the river, adjacent to the camping area. Bring your kayak, canoe, lilo, or inflatable boat & enjoy the rapids, or bring your fishing rod! Dogs under supervision are welcome - notification is required when booking, including the breed of dog and conditions, do apply. Long Flat Travellers Rest Hotel is one of Australia's original country pubs and is nestled on the banks of the beautiful Hastings River, is on the Oxley Highway in the picturesque village of Long Flat just 50km from Port Macquarie NSW.
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from 
AU$10
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(444)

Valley View Escape

20 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Buckra Bendinni, NSW
Valley View Escape is a 500 acre working dairy farm located in the beautiful Nambucca Valley just 25 minutes off the highway. There is stunning 360 views of mountain ranges and Lake Lumby from all our sites. We offer powered sites and unpowered sites which are all level grounded with grass and accessible by 2WD. There is non potable water available. Our powered sites are conveniently located close by the amenities with flushing toilet, hot shower and dump point. Each site has a fire pit, or you can use your own as long as it is not directly on the ground. There is also firewood available for purchase which can be done through HipCamp at checkout or cash on arrival We are a pet friendly campsite but we ask you to keep your pets on a leash and always have full control. Enjoy and relax at our communal picnic area with fire pit, shade, picnic table and pontoon on Lake Lumby which is great for kayaking and swimming. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for Discount codes and updates @valleyviewescape ***CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS*** We are currently in the process of creating more powered and unpowered sites that will be open from Friday 20th of December to Sunday the 5th of January. These sites aren't live to be booked yet but please swing us a message if you are interested and want any more information.
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AU$27
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

The Plains Ranch and Farm Stay

12 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Rollands Plains, NSW
Welcome to ‘The Plains’ . The working cattle stud and horse ranch where you can experience the grass roots of cowboy living and country lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for dazzling outdoor adventure or just a fresh place to breathe easy, unwind and relax, the Plains guest ranch has you covered. Bring your van, RV, tent or even just a swag and soak in this magical spot. The Ranch is home to 100 acres of private reserve land, and begins just 35 minutes west of Port Macquarie and only 20 minutes on a sealed road from the pacific highway. This hip camp is the perfect midway stop between Sydney being 4.5 hours and Brisbane, 5.5 hours. Lawson’s Ranch, is a unique slice of heaven amongst the picturesque valley set on the Wilson river boasting open country, rolling hills, grassy meadows and hidden valleys. If serenity is what you’re after this is your zen place. Our ranch is the perfect place to breathe and get back to nature. Come and explore the spectacular beauty of the upper Hastings valley with national parks, 4x4 driving trails, hikes and exploring opportunities. Many of these have been barely by the public and are a sight to be seen. It’s only a short walk to the pop hole which is an iconic swimming hole for the locals or you can sit by a campfire under a Tallowood tree overlooking a lilly filled pond at golden hour. You’ll question if you’ve ever seen a sky this blue and marvel at the incredibly dark night skies with brilliant star shows and Milky Way encores. You’ll be hard-pressed to remember the last time you were somewhere this quiet and peaceful. Guests of every age love to gather around the campfire you’ll love it, too! Whether you're going with your family, friends, solo, work, or on a romantic couples getaway, this hip camp is For those who want to disconnect from everyday routines relax and unwind. Stop putting off your get away and book now. Welcoming short and long stays.
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from 
AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(983)

Bundilla River Camp

15 sites · RVs, Tents260 acres · Ballengarra, NSW
Come camp along the beautiful Wilson River on a working cattle property. Shady, grassy campsites by a flowing river, just 25 minutes drive from Port Macquarie. The camp area includes toilets, a basic camp shed, where campers can make use of the picnic table, stainless steel food preparation bench and camp fire pit. There are only 2 sites available with power which is included in the site price. Check out our discount for single travelers and extras like eggs and firewood. Fresh honey also available sometimes during the year. Toilet block newly built. Early check in and late checkout available on request. Laundry services available on request. If you have 3 or more children please call me for a discount. Also we have a huge discount for single travels. Kids will love the farm tour (4pm to 5pm daily) for the feeding of pigs, chickens, sheep and goats. It's an excellent area for mountain bike riding as well! Kayaks available for free. Don't have a caravan, we have partnered up with Wrighty's Caravan Hire and Repairs. linktr.ee/wrightyscaravans. They offer family caravans delivered, setup ready for you to enjoy. Pets allowed but you must have on lead when walking around the property near cattle. Rules: 1. For the piece and quiet of other campers all check-ins must be before 4.30pm during the colder months. Check ins after 7pm may be turned away in busy times. 2. No Fireworks - this is very unsettling for our livestock 3. 9pm quiet time. 4. No drones in the camping area, for the privacy of other campers 5. Generators are allowed for short period of time but not permitted after 8pm. 6. Dogs on leads when walking around the farm Rick and I thank you for your support in these matters.
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from 
AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(1299)

The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

14 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · The Hatch, NSW
Welcome to Port Macquarie's 'The Hatch Farm'; a pet friendly, interactive animal and fishing farm stay! A 150-acre working farm with a stunning outlook over the saltwater Maria River (with a rustic boat ramp and waterway running into the Hastings River). Located on the Mid North Coast NSW, 4kms off the Pacific Highway, and a quick 13/15-minute drive to the holiday township of Port Macquarie. Port Macquarie is known for its beautiful beaches, coastal scenery and walks, koala hospital, and local strawberry and tomato picking. Bernard and Susan are custodians of the farm, primarily using the land for poultry (egg), pig, and goat farming. They are transitioning to an off-grid and eco-friendly lifestyle for their retirement. The Hatch Farm is home to many animals, most of whom are rescues - including border collies, cavalier king charles spaniels, chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep, goats, miniature horses, cows, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. There is plenty to do and see around the farm from complete relaxation, interacting with the friendly animals (there is usually a variety of babies to cuddle!), to casting a line or launching your boat from the rustic boat ramp. Please note that all animal interactions are self-led (including our animal nursery), and children must be supervised by their parents/carers. During NSW School Holidays, host led animal interactions will be available at designated times. Friendly pets welcome. For bookings call or text Susan 0418 842055
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from 
AU$50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(92)

Missabotti Wia Ora

1 site · RV, Tent105 acres · Macksville, NSW
My property consists of 100 acres with two rivers joining in the property with at least 1 km of river frontage. We are located in the foothills of the Nambucca valley. Pristine beaches are 20 minutes away, mountains and four-wheel drive tracks are a quick 20 minutes the other way. From here it's 15 minutes to Bellingen, 25 minutes to the famous Pub With No Beer and 5 minutes to the historic "verandah posts" town of Bowraville. Here you will find beautiful bird watching, animals and wildlife. Park your car or set up your caravan next to the river where you will wake up to amazing views. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the riverbank, breathe in the fresh clean air, try a spot of fishing or sit back and enjoy some bird watching. Warm your feet by the campfire in the evenings. ​We're located 20 minutes from Nambucca Heads as well as Scotts Heads beaches, and 30 minutes from Taylors Arm. A quick trip up into the foothills will take you to some great 4WD and mountain biking tracks, or you can explore the region and visit the historical Pub With No Beer. You need to be a self-contained camper with your own camping toilet/shower. There is access to drinking water, a picnic table and rubbish facilities. We recommend 4WDs to access the campsite and the river but 2WDs are ok. Your pet is welcome to camp with you.
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AU$22.50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(187)

Levenvale Farm in Bellingen

9 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Valery, NSW
We are farmers, living the dream on 500 acres in beautiful Bellingen. Our farm is called Levenvale Farm. You will feel a million miles away, yet we are only 7mins into the town of Bellingen. We run an organic cattle property and have found a few spots around our farm to share with campers and glampers. Our campsites are "Beyond the Bridge" and "Old Flat Camp". Both are on cattle paddocks and have private access to Hydes Creek. Hydes Creek is a murky sandy base creek. There's lots of logs so its not recommend to jump in, but it's beautiful to cool off in the creek on a hot day. Both campsites have access to our compost toilet, and open air outdoor camping shower (gas hot water). If you prefer a bit more comfort or don't have your own camping gear, you can escape the hustle and enjoy being perched up on one of the highest points on the farm (with incredible views), in our Farm Huts. Both the Hut and the Tent are furnished with beds and linen but have no power. Both share access to a Drop Loo and a compost toilet, with gas hot water shower (in our very rustic Horse Float ensuite). At all our sites, we welcome you to have a small fire, and cook up a BBQ. Our Farm Shop is open 24/7 to self serve and grab some organic beef sausages or steaks. Reach out if you want us to have them defrosted for your arrival. All of our listings offer spectacular sunrises, sunsets over the mountains and wanderings through lush rainforest. Experience all the adventures of Levenvale Farm and reconnect with nature.
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AU$40
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(420)

Racecourse Camping

24 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Crescent Head, NSW
Secluded Racecourse Beach is a short drive south of Crescent Head on the mid-north coast of NSW. We have a beautiful 11 acres of coastal land where you can hear the waves as you sleep with the pristine Racecourse Beach only a 5 to 10 minute walk away. We are not directly on the beach and do not have beach access. Racecourse Beach is a great spot for surfing, fishing and swimming. All you need to do is find one of our intimate sites for you to pitch a tent or pull up with the camper van. THERE ARE NO AMENITIES SO YOU MUST BE FULLY SELF CONTAINED AND LEAVE NO TRACE. Fires are allowed, but must be contained in an off ground fire pit brought by camper. Firewood is available to purchase from the service station in Crescent Head and you are also welcome to gather wood from the property.
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from 
AU$18
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(334)

Kooinda Farm

10 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Eungai Creek, NSW
Due to the recent Mid North Coast flood event our driveway is 4 wheel drive access only and the Woodland Lakeside site is closed until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience. 100 acre farm of mixed native bush and orchard plantings, with a mixture of secluded camp areas for campers with their own amenities and sites with facilities. The Woodland Lakeside campsite has a single compost toilet, and the Woodland Ridgetop sites share a camp kitchen with compost toilets and hot showers. We have two beautiful dams that are great for kayaking and swimming, and creek frontage where you can fish. Beautiful views of Yarrahapinni Mountain to the east and hills out to the west. There are 40 acres of bushland to go walkabout. Geese and ducks free range the property and feeding time visits can be arranged. We are just 1.5km of single track gravel road to the Pacific Highway with good access for all types of vehicles. There is a choice of private campsites either by the dam or the creek with no other campers in sight! We also have a multi site area at the Woodland Ridgetop with a camp kitchen, compost toilets and showers. This will be available to be booked as a large group area or as 3 individual sites. Later in 2024 we will also have beautiful glamping bell tent sites available. Drinking water (tank water) is available from an outdoor tap at the farmhouse, as long as we have had sufficient rainfall. Please check in advance if you require water. Campers MUST have their own self contained amenities for the Creek Camp, and the 2 Parking Sites, and leave no trace. There is a toilet dump point for chemical toilets in Macksville, 10 mins away. All he sites are dog friendly as long as all dog poo is cleared up. 20 mins to Scotts Head and Grassy Head beaches and Yarrahapinni National Park. State Forest on the doorstep great for mountain bikes, and with motorbike trails heading out to the west. The farm is 5 minutes from the Eungai Buffallo Farm cafe. There is also farm produce available for sale - fresh eggs for breakfast!
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AU$12
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

The best camping near Hat Head National Park guide

Overview

About

On a clear day, it feels like you can see forever from the headland on the Korogoro Walking Track in Hat Head National Park—and if you’re on the trail in the cooler months, you’ve got a great chance of seeing whales as you walk. It’s just one of several great bushwalking tracks in the coastal national park roughly halfway between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour on the Macleay Valley Coast. Perfect for those who love back-to-basics camping holidays, fishing, bushwalking, and splashing in the sea or Korogoro Creek, Hat Head tends to get overlooked by most travellers rushing to get to more fashionable spots to the north—this is a bonus for those who prefer their getaways crowd-free.

Caravan Camping Near Hat Head National Park

Just an hour’s drive north of Port Macquarie or south of Coffs Harbour, Hat Head National Park affords the perfect coastal escape along the Pacific Highway. Whether you’re bushwalking along wild headlands, bird-watching and whale-watching from the shore, or picnicking by the beachside, this is the spot to dodge the crowds. Get up early to watch the sunrise, and you might even get the beach to yourself. Caravanners can head to one of Hat Hin’s two beachside campgrounds, which provide unpowered sites suitable for self-contained motorhomes and camper trailers, with basic facilities such as picnic tables and toilets. Alternatively, check into the holiday park, which offers spacious, powered sites along with access to a dump point, camp kitchen, and kiosk. Or, head further afield to spend the night at a quiet Hipcamp in the hills and explore the national park on a day trip instead.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for families: Hungry Gate Campground has plenty of shade, and kangaroos often graze in the camping area.
  • Best for beach lovers: Smoky Cape Campground, beneath the Smoky Cape Lighthouse, is right beside the beach and popular with fishers.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. All campsites in NSW national parks must be pre-booked online before you arrive.
  2. All national park campgrounds get busy during summer and Easter school holidays, when you’ll need to book well ahead. But go mid-week in February and March, and it’s quite possible you’ll be the only ones there.
  3. Hungry Gate Campground is a 20-minute walk from the beach, so it’s sometimes easier to secure a campsite here than at the beachside Smoky Cape Campground.

When to go

Although it can get rainy, summer offers the best camping weather and is the most popular time to visit. Days might be hottest in January and February, but March and April are best for swimming, when the sea is warmest. Winter time, May to November, is best for seeing whales from the lookouts. 

Know before you go

  • Hat Head National Park is 24 kilometres east of Kempsey, near South West Rocks.
  • Neighbouring Arakoon National Park—at the Smoky Cape end of the park near South West Rocks—is also worth a visit. Highlights include the sandstone Trial Bay Gaol ruins on the headland.
  • You can stock up with basics at the Hat Head General Store, which also stocks beer and wine and does a pretty good hamburger, too.

Nearby attractions

A beautiful partially sheltered beach with an elaborate past, Trial Bay is a great place to spend your day exploring both nature and history.

96%
12 Ratings · 6 reviews
  1. Hat Head National Park