The best camping in Carrai National Park, NSW

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Discover Carrai National Park's rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems.  

The best camping in Carrai National Park, NSW

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. Cracknback Riverside Campground

99%
(278)
18km from Carrai National Park · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
Our working farm is located between Kempsey and Armidale in the beautiful Macleay Valley in the Northern Tablelands of NSW. We offer large, grassy campsites on the beautiful Macleay River and a modern amenities block with hot showers and flushing toilets. Choose your own campsite Additional guests welcome at $25 per head per night. Kids 5 - 15 years $5 per night. Under 5 years free **IMPORTANT INFORMATION** Roadworks will be occurring at Peedee Hill from now until July 2026. This will only affect campers travelling through Kempsey. Peedee Hill is 30 minutes from the campground and just over an hour from Kempsey. The road will be impassable Monday to Friday 9am – 3.30pm, Wednesdays 9am-2pm, Saturdays 8am – 1pm. If you leave Kempsey an hour before the road opens you will be able to drive straight through. Xmas. No roadworks from Sunday 21st December to Sunday 4th January. DO NOT USE GPS once on Kempsey Road! Because the road is closed on Live Traffic, GPS will take you into the back hills. From Kempsey 1.5 hours. Travel through Willawarrin, Bellbrook and continue straight for 32 kms until you see our signs on the left. From Armidale From the corner of Kempsey-Armidale Road and Waterfall Way, Cracknback is app 54km on the right. * Heaps of flat ground for kids to ride bikes * Watch tortoises and fish in the river * Dogs welcome (must be people, dog and cow friendly) * Free kayaks for use * Beautiful mountain ranges and such an open sky you can see the Milky Way! * Flushing toilets, hot showers * Family friendly * Fire pits provided but bring your own wood
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$31
 / night

3. Red Hill Organics Farmstay

100%
(10)
37km from Carrai National Park · 3 sites · Lodging
Red Hill Organics Farmstay is an organic beef cattle property. The property is surrounded by the World Heritage-listed Werrikimbe National Park. It is situated in the mountains between Walcha and Port Macquarie. The property is the ideal place to base yourself to explore incredible walking tracks, mountain bike trails, bird watching, visit the gorges and famous Apsley or Tia Falls or the spectacular descent to Youdales Hut. Campers must be self-sufficient for their stay. The Shearing Shed has been fully renovated and features 2 bedrooms, one with a queen and the second room with 3 single beds. All amenities are available, including linen, towels and a fully equipped kitchen. The shed is comfortable for families with WIFI and satellite TV available. The farm practices holistic management, including cell grazing, Rudolph Steiner principles, and low-stress stock handling. Bill and Louise love showing people around the property and sharing insights into how they manage the land. Birdlife and wildlife are abundant for people to enjoy, or just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet, and spectacular stars at night.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$262
 / night

4. Ellerslie Farm

95%
(19)
40km from Carrai National Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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

7. Vallis Oakes

100%
(73)
50km from Carrai National Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Vallis Oakes, your own slice of paradise nestled on over 300 acres, surrounded by the tranquil Oakes State Forest and the vibrant Gumbaynggirr National Parks. Check out our instagram - @vallis_oakes Swim in the crystal-clear waters and be on the lookout for local wildlife like frogs, turtles, eagles, king parrots, black cockatoos, kingfishers, goannas, and the beautiful Crimson Rosellas. Fireflies have also been spotted! Discover a variety of activities including hiking trails, lookouts, motorbike and 4WD trails. Vallis Oakes is the perfect base for exploring the national parks and then relaxing by the fire under the stars. SELF CONTAINED CAMPERS ONLY To keep our valley pristine, all campers must be fully self-contained. This means having your own toilet, water supply, and taking all waste with you when you leave. This is non-negotiable to maintain the site's natural beauty. PETS are welcome provided they are good with other dogs and livestock. FLOOD WARNING The property is located on river frontage, it may be subject to flooding during heavy rain. Please check with us 3 days before arrival to confirm current conditions. In case of flooding, a full refund will be issued, or an alternate campsite on higher ground may be available. While the photos showcase the stunning blue waters, please note that the water’s appearance may change after heavy rain. You are welcome to enjoy campfires, provided there are no local restrictions. Firewood is available for purchase onsite. Plenty of space is available for caravans, camper trailers, and tents. The sites are 4WD only due to water crossings and challenging road conditions after heavy rain. PRIMITIVE CAMPING We do not have on-site amenities. Please bring all necessary supplies, including a camp toilet. It is essential to maintain the cleanliness of the site, NO DIGGING HOLES and all waste must be removed upon departure. We have a collection point for cans + bottles. Please note that there is no phone reception. If you require internet access, WiFi is available by the main cottage. We look forward to your visit and hope you enjoy everything Vallis Oakes has to offer! If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us. Have a wonderful stay!
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night

8. Homegrown Organics Farm

98%
(71)
51km from Carrai National Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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

9. Yarrawin Camping

100%
(185)
54km from Carrai National Park · 26 sites · Tents, RVs
Yarrawin is 680 acre cattle farm and hardwood timber plantation in the heart of the Nambucca Valley, offering scenic, secluded, private campsites with their own swimming hole and a river gravel beach on 3km of beautiful double river frontage. Camping options include riverside camps, the Shack and riverside camp and a large secluded valley. Each campsite is separate from the others, giving guests privacy and exclusive use of the swimming hole (except Chinamans Valley) at their site. All riverside sites offer a natural gravel beach entry into the water. There are no amenities here, campers will need to be self contained and leave no trace. Every site has a fire pit which must be used for campfires. If you want to use your own it must be off the ground. Only sand mats or similar, NO TARPS, to be set up on the grassed areas to preserve the grass. Firewood $20/night (CASH ONLY PLEASE). Please let us know in advance if you want firewood. Beautiful drinking rain water is available in a 20lt Jerry can if required on arrival. Bird lovers can enjoy watching the various bird varieties, as well as ducks. Animals include wallabies, goannas, deer and fish as well as cattle and stock horses. Fishing is okay but it is STRICTLY catch and release ONLY. There are many places to go bushwalking, either following the river or heading up the valleys or hiking up the hills through the trees. The property is just 10kms from the convenience of Bowraville, a historic township with a supermarket, folk museum, a war museum, a historic theatre, and other historic buildings. Nambucca Heads and the beautiful surrounding beaches are just 27kms east and Coffs Harbour 80kms away. Please note this is a working farm, so there will be cattle and stock horses on the property that may approach your campsite.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$36
 / night

10. The Harvest House

94%
(235)
55km from Carrai National Park · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
Set on 100 acres, half way between Sydney and Brisbane and just 5 minutes off the Pacific Highway, The Harvest House is an ideal place to stop over to break-up your journey. The property is a mixture of fields and bushland. Old logging tracks cut through the trees are perfect for exploring. There is an abundance of wildlife from kangaroos and wallabies to red and yellow tailed black cockatoos, and even the occasional echidna!There are several camping areas to choose from. We have room for RV's and big camping rigs to pull up too.Well behaved pets are welcome. We are ideally suited to self-contained campers as there are no facilities onsite.The famous Eungai Creek Buffalo farm and cafe is just 5 mins away and beautiful beaches, shops and restaurants are all within a 20 minute drive.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$12
 / night

11. Footprints in Style

97%
(601)
56km from Carrai National Park · 37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Relax under the big shady fig tree, pitch your tent by the creek and swim in the massive spring-fed lake which covers five acres and never runs dry. This 300-acre bamboo property gives you total tranquillity in nature. There are boats and boards to use, and an island kingdom for kids to play. Kiss and release fishing (Perch) in the awesome lake, which is also great for swimming, and building bamboo rafts. Adventures awaits! Basic, off-grid camp kitchen, big weatherproof wedding venue space to hire, posh dunnies (composting toilets), and a hot water shower shack with a magic view of the lake! There is plenty of shade and we're dog-friendly. Well-behaved dogs are welcome off-lead. Endless space, and plenty of privacy, campers can choose a spot when they get here. A bundle of firewood is provided on arrival, and you're welcome to bring more with you if you need. Price is per person per night, kids under 16 half price. Under 5 stay free so don't include them in booking numbers. Join us for cocktail hour at the brand-new Tiki bar! BYO drinks! We also have a brand-new sauna that campers are welcome to enjoy! All this, close to stunning beaches and cute cafes. Leave only footprints 👣 make awesome memories. NOTE: We currently only advertise availability three months in advance. If you are interested in dates outside this booking window, please still send us an enquiry and we may be able to assist you.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$36
 / night

12. Oxley Riverside Campsites

100%
(247)
57km from Carrai National Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to our beautiful property on the Hastings River. Oxley Riverside Campsites is a little piece of paradise located inland and west of Port Macquarie. Our property features undulating hills with lush, green grass, fantastic views and access to a refreshing river to cool off in, on hot summer days. Oxley Riverside Campsites offers four listings for your enjoyment. We have campsites right on the river for kayaking and swimming enthusiasts and for those who choose to relax and just take in the stunning surrounds. We welcome your furry family members as long as they are on leashes. Oxley Riverside Campsites provides large private spaces for each campsite with a communal covered picnic table and barbecue for the use of all campers. Campfires are permitted outside of fire ban season, and there is a dedicated firepit on each site. We look forward to welcoming you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$60
 / night

13. Valley View Escape

99%
(546)
57km from Carrai National Park · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
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. 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 @valleyviewescape_stay ***CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS*** Extra powered and unpowered sites will be open from 19th of December 2025 to 31st of January 2026 on our River Flats. Ready to be booked now
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$37
 / night

17. Yagaari Mountainside Sanctuary

100%
(19)
58km from Carrai National Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
*Recently renovated! Hot showers, new composting toilets & shared undercover space at Yagaari - Suitable for private camping, group bookings, workshops and small gatherings* Yagaari Mountainside Sanctuary borders the Western side of Yarriabini National Park on the traditional lands of the Ngambaa people. The creeks and dams here are all spring fed and provide a sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife and native bushland, as well as a few beautiful places for a refreshing swim! The property is private and quiet and has stunning sunrise and sunset views as well as multiple camping sites fit for various needs and group sizes. We have recently built a large shared communcal space for campers to enjoy and there are also clean, odourless composting toilets and hot showers available for use on site. There is lots of space to walk and explore with tracks leading up into the heart of the National Park. Nearby are many gorgeous rivers, beaches and other national parks to explore. We are convieniently located only 10 minutes from Macksville for shopping and cafes and only 15 minutes from Scotts Head, a great beach for families and surfers.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night

18. Blue Hole Riverside R&R

100%
(112)
60km from Carrai National Park · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Blue Hole Riverside Camp (via Castle Doyle Rd) is located 10 minutes out of Armidale and provides sunny, cleared acres to camp by the riverside with peaceful surrounds and total relaxation. Easy access to the river to swim, fish, kayak or canoe. A short two minute drive (approx 3kms) to the beautiful Blue Hole Picnic Area and Gara Gorge offers swimming, picnic seating, BBQ and bush walking in a scenic bush setting with clean toilets. Armidale is home to many gorges and national parks like no other region. Dangars falls is a stunning waterfall with a picnic area. This rural property suits self sufficient campers only with own drinking water and shower/toilet amenities. All campers must take their rubbish with them leaving no trace - no bins provided. Please note that wifi is limited in this camping area by the river. You will find certain spots around the area that will work more efficiently. We do not offer wifi. Take your time to relax by a fire and enjoy the serenity! Check out our instagram page "Blue Hole Riverside Hipcamp" for more photos of our campground! The "Reynella" Hut is now available to stay in. This well appointed, fully renovated hut is a studio with a queen bed, lounge area, tv, kitchen, bathroom/laundry, front deck with a bbq and views to die for!! This provides all the luxuries with a rustic charm embracing a peaceful getaway with a magnificent outlook.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$55
 / night

19. Travellers Rest

100%
(12)
61km from Carrai National Park · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to our home A peaceful and safe campsite conveniently located just off the highway, 8 km south of Macksville, Nsw. Perfect for a overnight stop or even short stays to spend some time enjoying this beautiful stretch of coastline Sites are marked with drums and are suitable for vans, campers, roof tops. There are small flats areas suitable for tents and swags as well. Full bathroom available for guests Pool located at house is available for use. Fire pits are available in cooler months. Enjoy a private location that gives travellers the place to rest and take in the amazing sunsets to the West and the views of Yarriabini National Park to the East. We live here full-time and work from home in our fabrication workshop, so feel welcome to come up and see us if you need anything at all. We look forward to meeting you and we are welcome to feedback as this is our first year If you find there's ways we can improve to make your visit more comfortable please feel free to let us know 😊
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$19
 / night

20. Heartwood - tranquility

97%
(89)
61km from Carrai National Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
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

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The best camping in Carrai National Park, NSW guide

Overview

About

Carrai National Park offers a tapestry of dense forests and cascading waterfalls, inviting adventurers to explore its untamed wilderness. Traverse the network of hiking trails, spot native wildlife in their natural habitat, and immerse yourself in the serenity of this secluded haven. While the park's rugged terrain challenges even seasoned explorers, the rewards of such an adventure are unparalleled.

When to go

The best time to visit Carrai National Park is during the cooler months, from April to September, when the weather is mild and conducive to outdoor activities. The wet season, from December to March, can be challenging with heavy rainfall and potential park closures, so it's advisable to check local alerts before planning your trip.

Know before you go

  • Check the latest park alerts for safety information and potential closures before your visit.
  • Ensure you have a detailed map as the park's rugged terrain can be challenging to navigate.
  • Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for bushwalking and exploring the natural landscapes.
  • Be mindful of the park's wildlife; observe from a distance and do not feed the animals.
  • Remember to carry sufficient water and supplies, as facilities are limited within the park.

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