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Kempsey Showground

The best camping near Kempsey Showground, NSW

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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Nky

2 days ago

2 nights at Yarralen Retreat

This is a beautiful retreat 😍 ✨️ the spaces, the stillness. Sauna, pool and Magnesium bath... there is a community kitchen which has everything needed. I stayed in a cabin/cottage which was comfortable and clean. Julie is a great host and I will definitely be coming back!

Damir

6 days ago

Tent

1 night at Eden Brae Farm

Great camping spot with plenty of space, privacy and a running creek. Scott was nice and friendly and showed us to our site. It is a cattle property so be prepared to have some cow sh*t around and friendly cattle.

Nick

1 week ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Yarralen Retreat

Thanks Julie, highly recommended. Will be back....

Picked the spot at the end of the property next to this shed.

Naomi

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Jerseyville Peninsula

Great place to camp—so close to South West Rocks, yet with plenty of space to spread out. Beautiful, friendly dogs and excellent communication from the hosts. Just a lovely place to stop and stay a while.

Karen

1 week ago

5 m Class B

2 nights at Yarralen Retreat

We had such a peaceful, relaxing stay. There were only 1-2 other campers so we had the place to ourselves essentially . . Sharing with Wallabies and resident birdlife. The facilities are thorough and very comfortable. Clean, with hot water. The camp kitchen is well stocked. Julie is generous with sharing her space, private features, garden etc, and the Billabong is beautiful. We could’ve stayed there forever!

Amy

1 week ago

10 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Jerseyville Peninsula

Thanks for having us. We really enjoyed the peace of your place.

2 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Footprints in Style

Lovely farm, couldn’t make the most of the area due to the rain but I’m excited to make this a regular stay on our annual trip from QLD to Tassie. Might even stay on the way back up in the new year! I need to try the sauna ASAP

lisa

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Yarralen Retreat

Beautiful location, hosts were wonderful. We enjoyed the peaceful environment and the clean, comfortable and well maintained facilities. Doesn’t disappoint 😊

Xiaojing

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Harvest House

Lovely and peaceful site at a convenient location for road trip.

Kate

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at The Old Butter Factory

Tracy and Carl were awesome, so welcoming and the spot was beautiful. Definitely will be back

Amalia

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Yarralen Retreat

Julie's retreat was breathtaking and I was in awe for my whole stay. I've recommended the retreat to every person I know!!

Debbie

2 weeks ago

6 m travel trailer

With pets

5 nights at Macleay Home Camp

We loved being beside the river. It was private and relaxing. Caught a flathead and bream. Our dogs made friends with their collie pup. Just a bit windy on some days but that happens. Thank you for sharing your property.

Helen

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Yarralen Retreat

I had. Wonderful stay in the Yarellan retreat. It was so relaxing and beautiful and Julie and cliff are the perfect hosts. Hoping to come back soon!

Dannielle

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Old Butter Factory

Tracy place is stunning very relaxing and peaceful so much room and a great place to switch off and relax bonus there is toilets. And she was very accommodating so thank you

Katharina

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Macleay Home Camp

We absolutely loved our stay. We’d come back in a heartbeat whenever we’re on our way up to QLD — we can’t recommend it enough!and our puppy loved it too…

Leah

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Pipe Dream Bush Camp - Dog Friendly

We loved tent camping here. The directions were clear and the location is so close to crescent head. Dogs and toddler had so much fun running around. Beautiful skies at night time. Will definitely recommend to friends and family and be back.

jacki

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks

Our stay was very nice, super clean facilities great for families.

Jackie

November 2025

6 m travel trailer

5 nights at Macleay Home Camp

We loved our caravan holiday at Michaels property by the river, we stayed in bay 3 by the big tree which gave us great shade to sit and fish by the river all day, we caught jewfish, bream, flathead, a few rays, great to be able to swim to cool off, very relaxing campsite, easy to access through the property, close to SWR township

Carolina

November 2025

5 m Class B

3 nights at Yarralen Retreat

Wonderful and magical spot, very peaceful, lovely facilities, art in every detail. Thank you for such a wonderful place.

Anthony

November 2025

4 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Racecourse Camping

We had a great weekend at Racecourse camp , very quiet , Mosquitoes were a bit of a problem, but we were prepared with coils, the honey eater birds were very beautiful Would recommend this camp site for the campers that are self sufficient,no power , water or toilets Lots of flat level areas easy access ans plenty of shade

Top-rated campgrounds near Kempsey Showground

Pipe Dream Bush Camp - Dog Friendly

96%

(178)

8.9km from Kempsey Showground · 111 sites · Tents, RVs

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!

Playstation Campsite

97%

(86)

10km from Kempsey Showground · 6 sites · RVs

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.

Macleay River private Retreat

94%

(24)

12km from Kempsey Showground · 5 sites · RVs

A beautiful little gem on the river bank just on the outskirts of Gladstone. Gladstone has many beautiful little stores and cafes as well as the amazing Heritage Hotel if you would like a pub meal for lunch or dinner. It is only a 20 minute drive to South West Rocks or Hat head and 25mins to Crescent Head. You can sit back on the bank and fish, go for a swim, canoe or enjoy some water skiing and put your boat in the river from the property itself.

Ellerslie Farm

95%

(19)

15km from Kempsey Showground · 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.)

Kingfisher farm

95%

(56)

16km from Kempsey Showground · 9 sites · Tents, RVs

Campsite surrounded by farm land and a throw stone away for the beautiful crystal clear waters of Dungay creek Enjoying swimming, bird watch, say hello to the friendly cows and maybe even spot the platypus. Just 20mins from Kempsey and 40mins to beaches Not suitable to camp during heavy rain periods, as it is subject to flooding Please note that during prolong periods with no rain the creek can dry up and sometimes there can be algae in water but is generally clear

Heartwood - tranquility

97%

(89)

16km from Kempsey Showground · 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.

Appydaze Hideaway

97%

(80)

17km from Kempsey Showground · 12 sites · RVs

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.

Windermere Farm

99%

(359)

17km from Kempsey Showground · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

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(remember you will need to have your own toilet facilities) . 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 pits available at each site with initial load of wood to get you started. 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 😊

Summer Island Farm

98%

(31)

17km from Kempsey Showground · 2 sites · RVs

170 acre working cattle farm with approx 1km Esplanade river frontage along the mighty Macleay. 10 minutes drive to South West Rocks which has some of the best beaches in Australia. Not far to the surfing Mecca of Crescent Head and beaches at Hat Head. Only 6 minutes drive to the villages of Smithtown and Gladstone, renowned for their cafes, galleries and friendly pubs. Activities include, fishing on your doorstep. Up close experiences with farm animals including cattle and chickens. The property has 3 of the oldest and largest Morton Bay Fig trees in this area.

from

AU$72

/ night

Twin Oaks Estate

100%

(10)

18km from Kempsey Showground · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Situated in the heart of the Macleay Valley with river frontage, Twin Oaks is a 40-acre sheep and cattle farm operating on organic farming principles. It is very peaceful as we are positioned a long way from any busy roads etc. The location makes for a great starting point for day trips to endless attractions around the mid-north coast. All sites are private and offer plenty of space for a relaxing, spread-out camp setup. We don't offer facilities at present, so all campers need to be self-contained, with their own camp toilet and all waste must depart with you.

Footprints in Style

97%

(602)

23km from Kempsey Showground · 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.

Racecourse Camping

96%

(440)

23km from Kempsey Showground · 18 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

The best camping near Kempsey Showground, NSW guide

Overview

About

The Kempsey Showground in New South Wales is an idyllic camping destination, perfect for a weekend away or an extended holiday with loved ones. Vast grassy fields, perfectly surrounded by trees and foliage are ideal for pitching a tent or parking up a caravan. With the Macleay River only a few kilometers away, campers can enjoy the beauty of nature, taking part in activities such as fishing and kayaking on the river. Hot days can be spent lounging by the swimming pool and for those nights that call for cooking outdoors, there are plenty of BBQs provided. Strolling through the village, you can immerse yourself in the local ambiance, where friendly locals are ready to share stories and experiences. Whether you prefer relaxation or adventure, Kempsey Showground is the perfect spot to enjoy life and escape from reality.

A beautiful partially sheltered beach with an elaborate past, Trial Bay is a great place to spend your day exploring both nature and history.
Explore Grassy Head for white sand beaches, natural bushland, and a scenic headland
Sandy beaches, rocky coves, and bush-covered headlands await in Arakoon National Park, along with one of NSW’s most fascinating historical sites
Beautiful bush-walking trails in a coastal setting, Hat Head National Park is a hotspot for whale-watching
A small town along the Macleay River, Kempsey is a great pitstop for campers in northern New South Wales.

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