The best camping in Maria National Park, NSW

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Discover the natural splendour of Maria National Park.  

The best camping in Maria National Park, NSW

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Pipe Dream Bush Camp - Dog Friendly

1. Pipe Dream Bush Camp - Dog Friendly

96%
(178)
6.1km from Maria National Park · 111 sites · Tents, RVs · Kempsey, NSW
If you want to avoid the crowds our property is only 10 minutes drive to great local surf and fishing beaches at Crescent Head. There is an abundance of bird life, the odd kangaroos and wallabies, and other wildlife. There is a melaleuca forest that children are welcome to play in and build a cubby house, and 2 pretty little dams to catch yabbies, and for dogs to enjoy a swim. The property where camping is provided is approx 20 acres with a limit of 10 groups so you can find your own little piece of paradise. There is plenty of fire wood for you to collect on the property on your way in. Please help yourself to any fallen timber for firewood but please do not cut any standing trees down. When checking out, ensure you properly extinguish fires and return any unused firewood to the bush. Dogs are welcome to be here off leash as long as they are well socialised and reasonably obedient. There is large areas for them to run freely and dams to swim in. It is accessible via a 2WD dirt road, even with a little wet weather. If rainfall is extreme we recommend 4wd's. The property is completely off grid so we have a 'leave it as you found it' approach. This means you will need a camp toilet, and to take all of your rubbish with you. We are a rural property so do not have rubbish collection services. (Fees apply for any left behind rubbish). Happy camping!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$37
 / night
Appydaze Hideaway

2. Appydaze Hideaway

97%
(80)
8.6km from Maria National Park · 15 sites · RVs · Kundabung, NSW
Welcome to Appydaze Hideaway, where our motto is 'Stars, not street lights!’ What we have to offer is simple, and often, simple things are best! Contact 0402264583 or Www.Appydaze Hideaway.com.au Our property is a 120-acre working family property, with 1.2km of river frontage on beautiful Piper's Creek in Kundabung, near Crescent Head. Centrally located between Sydney and Brisbane (Just 2 minutes off the Pacific Hwy), 10 minutes South of Kempsey Service Centre, and 18 minutes North of Port Macquarie Service Centre. The camping area is level and open, with plenty of space for your setup. All campers must be self-contained, with their own toilet, and we kindly ask you to take all waste when you go. Pets are welcome too. We have spent many years building the camp area in order to enable access so that we can share with you, what we are lucky to wake up to each day. This property and our camping offering is a work in progress, any feedback/suggestions (be they positive or negative) we would love to hear from you when you stay with us. Every sunrise and every sunset is different and makes for a new chapter each and every day.
Pets
from 
AU$46
 / night
Heartwood - tranquility

3. Heartwood - tranquility

97%
(89)
8.9km from Maria National Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Kundabung, NSW
Heartwood Farm is a centrally located 120 acres on the Mid-North Coast - about halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, only 1.5 kms off Pacific Highway, 25 mins to Port Macquarie, 15 Mins to Kempsey, 30 minutes to Crescent Head and 45 mins to South West Rocks. We are off grid and live close to nature and enjoy the abundance that provides. We have been building and developing for the last few years. We are still a work in progress. There are three Brumbies that live over the fence and 5 other horses that will no doubt come and say hello. They are all friendly, especially if you have a carrot. There are also a lot of kangaroos and wallabies, some quite friendly as they have been raised by our neighbour who does animal rescue. There are also a lot of different species of birds, including the much-loved Black Cockatoos which are in abundance here. We have also seen turtles, frilled neck lizards, diamond pythons, red belly black snakes (rarely) and goannas.
Pets
from 
AU$31
 / night
Racecourse Camping

4. Racecourse Camping

96%
(440)
12km from Maria National Park · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$22
 / night
Playstation Campsite

5. Playstation Campsite

97%
(86)
14km from Maria National Park · 6 sites · RVs · Kempsey, NSW
No Tents or sleeping in cars that do not have shower and toilet facility. We are a 4 minute drive from the historical town of Gladstone, which has a bakery, butcher, general store, retail shops, fruit and veg shop, nursery, cafes, restaurants, an op-shop, second hand wares shop, galleries, outdoor swim centre and of course the local pub. Gladstone Markets are on the 3rd Sunday of the month. It's a 20 minute drive to South West Rocks, Hat Head and Crescent Head. Just 45 minutes north of Port Macquarie and 1 hour south of Coffs Harbour. Please arrive before dark, or advise arrival time if not possible . You must be fully self contained, there are no facilities. Please no tents or swags. Enjoy a beautiful campsite near a large dam, watch the ducks, rosellas, cranes, herons and the occasional Jabiru, feed and nest in the trees. A great spot for bird watching. Pick your own spot, maybe near one of the fire braziers, but not directly under the trees if windy. No livestock on property but we have visiting kangaroos, tortoises, green frogs, and eels in the dam if you want to fish for them. Mid Coast Flying operate a private 800 metre airstrip on the property, and Trial Instructional Flights (TIFS) are available, for $150 for 45 minutes. Please speak to Ross when you arrive. You can pick your own site. Unfortunately we may have to close after torrential rain events. We are also pet friendly, however there are no bins, so please pick up after your pets in the camping area. Water is available near the hangar as you drive in.
Pets
from 
AU$43
 / night
Stoney Park care of Dennis Stone

8. Stoney Park care of Dennis Stone

94%
(925)
20km from Maria National Park · 175 sites · Tents, RVs · Telegraph Point, NSW
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Adventure at Stoney Park! Picture this: waking up to a breathtaking sunrise over a pristine lake, with your unpowered campsite perfectly positioned on the waterfront. Stoney Park isn't just a place to stay—it's your base camp for an incredible getaway. Spread across 127 acres of stunning, manicured land, Stoney Park offers the ultimate escape. Set up your tent with spectacular views of the lake or next to the serene lagoons. The park is home to Australia's largest inflatable Aqua Park, a floating playground of epic proportions that promises a day full of splashes, slides, and non-stop fun. Located next to the picturesque Wilson River and just a 15-minute drive from Port Macquarie, this is the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and coastal excitement. Ready to make some unforgettable memories?
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$43
 / night
Windermere Farm

9. Windermere Farm

99%
(358)
21km from Maria National Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Kinchela, NSW
Great location near Hat Head and South West Rocks This lovely 4 acre camping spot is situated at Kinchela on the tidal Kinchela Creek which runs directly into the mighty Macleay river. Please note that in very wet weather , being riverside camping, the sites can be unsuitable for caravans and camper vans . Please enquire by message with us to verify current conditions. We endeavour to accomodate you but cannot predict the weather. Tent sites usually okay at any time . You can fish , kayak, paddle board, bring the tinny or just relax and enjoy the water view and surrounding farmland. A few shade trees and quiet surroundings makes this the perfect spot for your next getaway. Fire baskets available. Conveniently located only a 5 minute drive to Gladstone shops and hotel. There is a tap and hose (town water) on site. NOTE This is not available for vehicle washing, cleaning fish or filling large tanks. No emptying /cleaning of portable toilets please. PLEASE NOTE Campers must be equipped with their own toilet facilities , absolutely no exceptions. People abusing this rule will be asked to leave. We like our riverbank to be pristine and enjoyable for everyone. Thank you. Safe surroundings for solo travellers. We live opposite campground if assistance is required. Enjoyable fishing spot here, however no crab pots thank you. Our lovely waterway is recovering from a major flood. Last Minute Bookings Welcome ONLY subject to availability and not in holiday period. Long weekends and holidays are subject to a minimum booking 3-5 days 😊
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
AU$49
 / night
Ironbark Riverside Retreat

10. Ironbark Riverside Retreat

100%
(20)
21km from Maria National Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Telegraph Point, NSW
Ironbark Riverside Retreat is located in the heart of the beautiful Mid North Coast. It is situated on a peaceful 5 acre, river front hobby farm and is ideal for a weekend get away or en route to - any where else in NSW! The camp site is on the river bank furnished with a gazebo and 2 tables, making it a lovely place to set up, cook over a fire, star gaze, swim, canoe or fish. Being only one site at present you can be assured of peace and privacy . Keep warm by the fire at night and enjoy the fresh clean air away from the city life. Firewood can be purchased by the barrowload. Just ask your hosts or purchase with your booking. As we have chickens, ducks, turkeys and horses on the property, we cannot allow guests to bring pets. 15 minutes drive South East will take you to Port Macquarie, local surf beaches, shops, cafes and restaurants. 15 minutes South West will take you to Wauchope with it's quaint shops, sumptuous bakery and the wonderful hinterland. Its just a short walk to Stoney Aqua Park, state forest walks (also great for bike riding), Ricardoes strawberries and tomatoes. Wildnets and skirmish are also nearby for the energetic; Otherwise relax in your deckchair and enjoy the serenity. As we have livestock on the property we cannot allow campers to bring their own animals.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
AU$97
 / night
Bundilla River Camp

13. Bundilla River Camp

99%
(1166)
23km from Maria National Park · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · 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. Check in time is strictly prior to 7pm. 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 (4.45pm to 5.30pm daily) for the feeding of chickens, horse, 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. Note a maximum of 2 dogs per camp site. 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 - Limit of 2 dogs per camp site. Rick and I thank you for your support in these matters.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$31
 / night
Ellerslie Farm

15. Ellerslie Farm

95%
(19)
23km from Maria National Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Kempsey, NSW
Privileged to be on Thunghutti/Dungutti Country, Ellerslie Farm is situated on the Macleay River, 15 minutes from Kempsey, (home of Akubra hats and the Slim Dusty Center) and 35 minutes from the beaches of Crescent Head. An ex-dairy farm, Ellerslie Farm has been in our family for over 150 years and is now run as a beef and crop production. This place is special to us and we want to share it with you. Pass the old cottage and sheds and drive down to the grassy river flats to our camping grounds right on the river. Plenty of casuarina and banksia trees for shade, the flat is long and faces west for the most beautiful sunsets. Watch the abundant bird life, go fishing or canoeing and you might even get a visit from a resident cow or 2. Best of all...just relax. (Not suitable in extreme wet weather as this are of the river floods.)
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$49
 / night
The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

16. The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

98%
(1387)
25km from Maria National Park · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · 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). There is plenty to do and see at this hipcamp which was awarded to be one of the best hipcamps in NSW for 2024, and Australia wide for 2025! 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, local strawberry and tomato picking, and 4WDing at nearby beaches and through Cairncross State Forest. 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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$61
 / night
Homegrown Organics Farm

17. Homegrown Organics Farm

98%
(71)
26km from Maria National Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Upper Rollands Plains, NSW
Join us at our Organic Garden. We are a busy organic veggie farm nestled in the Upper Rollands Plains Valley. Surrounded by forest, with large dams (great for swimming), plenty of wildlife and horses in the paddock.  We offer paid garden tours and the opportunity to harvest fresh organic veggies for your dinner, or maybe you want to work in the garden with our team for your dinner, learning new skills as you go! Set up in The Grove or amongst The Pecans and enjoy the quiet. Shady pockets and sunny rows, a fireplace with wood and plenty of space! Just a short walk to the toilet and shower and a short drive to our favourite swimming hole in the river which has shallow areas for the kids and a bridge to jump off for the adventurous. Just the break you are needing! Campfires permitted in designated fire places only. Please note, we are an alcohol and drug-free property. Things to do on the farm: *relax around a fire *take a tour in our garden *go for a bush walk on one of our tracks *bring your canoes or kayaks and use them in our dam or the river *go for a swim in our dam - we are happy to share our surfboards & noodles *bring your binoculars and enjoy the birdlife *bring your bikes and ride our bush tracks *4WD up our back hill to the top ridge - rough unkept track Things to do near by: *go for a swim in our near by swimming holes *take a picnic and discover Wilson River Reserve and it's amazing waterfalls *just down the road you will find Chef2Farmer a regenerative farm with pigs, beef & chooks - book a tour *take a 4WD adventure into the surrounding state forest *4WD your way into the Kippara water hole complete with a rope swing and cliffs to jump off *bike ride through the many state forest tracks Attractions in our near by towns of Port Macquarie or Wauchope: *Beautiful beaches *Delicious Blue Cow Gelato *Stoney Aqua Park & Stoney Action Park https://www.stoneypark.com.au/ *Timbertown https://timbertown.com.au/ *Wild Nets https://wildnets.com.au/ *Centre of Gravity https://www.centreofgravity.com.au/ *Wavebowl https://wavebowl.com.au/ *Driving Rang & Mini Golf http://www.portmacquariegolfrange.com.au/ *Hydro Golf https://www.hydrogolf.com.au/ *Mid North Coast Paintball https://midnorthcoastpaintball.com.au *Camel Safaris https://www.portmacquariecamels.com.au/ *Bago Maze & Wine https://www.bago.com.au/ *Whale Watching https://portjet.com.au/whales-and-dolphins.html *Richardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries Pick Your Own https://www.ricardoes.com/ *Billabong Zoo https://www.billabongzoo.com.au/ *Koala Hospital https://koalahospital.org.au/ *The Real Food Market, other markets & events https://www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au/whats-on *Hello Koala Sculpture Trail https://www.hellokoalas.com/ *Surf School https://portmacquariesurfschool.com.au/ *Sea Acres Rainforest Centre https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/sea-acres-national-park *Mountain Bike Trails https://www.trailforks.com/region/port-macquarie-12330/ *Fishing *Surfing
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$67
 / night
Little Rawdon Island Camp

20. Little Rawdon Island Camp

99%
(153)
28km from Maria National Park · 7 sites · RVs · Rawdon Island, NSW
Our beautiful riverside farm is a 94 acre, private waterfront property. All camps are large waterfront sites and well spaced apart, with firepits and acres of open lawn space for the kids! Vehicle access is easy and no need to un-hitch if you're doing a short stopover. There is excellent fishing, bird-watching and natural ecology. We’re located opposite Rawdon Creek Nature Reserve with pristine waterways to explore. Free use of large 3 man canoe and high tide ramp available for small boats. Plenty of pure fresh rainwater to fill your van. Our pristine campsite location means we cannot provide toilets. WE ONLY ALLOW CARAVANS, MOTORHOMES or CAMPER TRAILERS with a working toilet. Sorry, tent only, or small camper vans not permitted. PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR TYPE OF RV WHEN YOU BOOK !!! Your friendly dog is welcome, please don't bring other dogs! Site 1 has a large undercover camp kitchen with gas BBQ, good drinking water, 12v lighting. The best site to have, when the weather isn't great. Additional small vehicle allowed on some sites, please contact. The last 3 klm of road to the farm is a council maintained gravel road usually in good condition. Dump points are at Wauchope and Port Mac. ** PLEASE ARRIVE BEFORE SUNSET ** so you can find your campsite!
Water Hookup
Pets
from 
AU$43
 / night

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The best camping in Maria National Park, NSW guide

Overview

About

Nestled on the North Coast of NSW, Maria National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With its sprawling 2389ha of pristine landscapes, visitors can immerse themselves in activities ranging from birdwatching and wildlife encounters to cycling and picnicking amid the park's scenic beauty.

When to go

The best time to visit Maria National Park is during the milder seasons of spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Summer can be quite warm, making it less ideal for strenuous activities. Always check for local alerts before planning your visit.

Know before you go

  • Ensure you have a detailed map as the park's basic maps may not suffice for in-depth exploration.
  • Check the NSW National Parks website for current alerts and safety information before your visit.
  • Visitor centre contact hours are from 9am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, for any enquiries.
  • Remember to respect the park's conservation efforts by observing guidelines on biodiversity and heritage.
  • For emergencies within the park, dial 000 for immediate assistance.

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