The best camping near Mount Surprise, NSW

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Top-rated campgrounds

Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping

100%
(371)
47km from Mount Surprise · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · Manilla, NSW
A beautiful, off grid, riverside campground with amazing swimming hole on private property. This private campground is located in North West NSW. 50 minutes from Tamworth. Conveniently located 20 minutes outside the pretty town of Manilla and right on the river banks of the Namoi River. Also 20 minutes from beautiful Warrabah National Park. The campground is tucked away in a little valley overlooking an idyllic stretch of windy river with an amazing swimming hole, sandy beach, tranquil rapids and a beautiful, mesmerising, majestic rock. We have four primative campsites suited to all types of large and small, self sufficient campers in RV's, caravans, camp trailers, vans and tents. All sites are unique and positioned to enhance space and privacy as well as proximity and views of the river. They all showcase the varying, natural beauty and characteristics of the landscape. You can also book our amazing, award winning glamping tent. We are not a party campsite. Our little slice of paradise is for peace and relaxation. We also need to respect and encourage the presence and abundance of birds and animals and continue to ensure it is a peaceful and quiet home for them. You can enjoy your music just as long as other campsites and the local wildlife can't hear it. Manilla, only 20 minutes away has two dump points and water refill stations as well as a good number of shops to cater to all your needs during your stay. We are not in a high traffic area so you may get to enjoy having the place all to yourself. Our campsites have good access for all types of camp set ups and are not impacted by flooding. Nor do they become boggy in wet weather due to the high sand content in our soil. You could be sitting on the warm sandy bank overlooking the river and being captivated by the surrounding beauty and the magnificence of the swimming hole. This secret little piece of paradise has been untouched for 40 years and is home to an abundance of birdlife. Birds include the colourful Rainbow bee eaters, Kingfishers, Superb Fairy Wrens, Eastern Yellow Robins, Red Browed Finch and many more. A magical place that will delight your senses and make you feel relaxed and at peace. BYO camp toilet and leave no trace. Fish in the river; cod, cat, golden perch and carp. Well behaved dogs on leash and supervised at all times are welcome. If you would like to enquire about having the place to yourselves send me a message. ACCESS CONDITIONS: To help you decide if your set up is suitable you can google Riverside Escape Camping Manilla and find 2 videos on 23 and 25 May 2022 taken of me driving up and down the track to the campsites in my old Ford Courier that is NOT 4x4. There are lots of other useful videos to get a good sense of our campsite. You will also get a sense of the distance between each site. We recognise the Kamilaroi / Gomeroi people as the traditional custodians of this land.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$20
 / night

Namoi Valley Escape

100%
(15)
54km from Mount Surprise · 1 site · Tent, RV · Manilla, NSW
We are located near Manilla, which lies 45km northwest of Tamworth. You can purchase all you need at the shopping centres there, or in Manilla where you can can pick up groceries and fuel. We are suitable for caravans or motorhomes with self contained toilets and showers as we have no facilities. It is essential that visitors have these facilities. All waste must be removed. There is a waste dump station in Manilla. Our property offers flat access from the road, with plenty of room to manoeuvre. We recommend 4WDs - please message us if you are unsure about your vehicle. You are welcome to stay near the river or in a hidden valley. But again stress the need for self contained removable toilet facilities. Swim in the river and have a camp fire. Walk in the area, see the abundance of birds and wildlife. This is a hilly and mountainous area to explore, you are welcome to go fishing along the river bank, or bring a camera as it is a photographer's delight. Very private camping areas. Enjoy listening to the crackle of the campfire in the evenings. There is access to drinking water, but no amenities so you need to be a self-contained toilet/shower. Well behaved pets welcome.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
AU$31
 / night

The Valley

94%
(55)
58km from Mount Surprise · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Bullawa Creek, NSW
Located 25 minutes from Narrabri CBD on 200 acres at the foothills of Mount Kaputar with 360 degree mountain views, The Valley is your perfect farm camping escape. With the National Park bordering the property where there are several bush walking tracks, lookout points, 4WD tracks, Aboriginal sites, picnic locations, wildlife encounters, bike riding tracks, historical heritage, waterfalls and swimming locations. Pitch your tent or park your RV, there is plenty of room for you with us at the Valley. Nestled in at the very base of the Mount Kaputar National Park, with breath taking 360 degree mountain views. A firepit provided with wood available for purchase.​ You need to be a self-contained camper with your own camping toilet/shower, and drinking water. There is a picnic table for camp meals and access to rubbish facilities. ​Pets welcome, please ensure your pet is restrained if it's likely to chase our livestock. 4WDs are recommended to access our property, and are required in wet conditions.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$25
 / night

Kingfisher's Hut Nature Retreat

100%
(11)
68km from Mount Surprise · 1 site · Lodging · Retreat, NSW
Welcome to our river retreat. Ideal for those seeking privacy, peace and solitude away from the socials and technology. Kingfisher's Hut sits on 80 acres of our 240 acre property, on a high bank overlooking the Macdonald River as it makes it way towards the confluence with the Namoi River. Ideally suited for a couple (children and fur babies also welcome) or small groups, and those who are new to a nature escape holiday. A small solar system provides lighting (but not recharging of devices). Our insulated cabin provides a comfortable double bed (bring your own linen and pillows) and pot belly stove for the colder months. Our bush kitchen provides your basic needs with a BBQ, 12 volt fridge, and fully equipped camp kitchen. Our open fire is set up for cooking or for just sitting, relaxing and staring into the flames. Our bush bathroom provides a toilet and wood fired hot shower. Or you might chose to relax in a hot bath overlooking the river. We welcome nature lovers and offer activities such as bush walking, bird watching, native wildlife, swimming, picnicking, kayaking (double kayak provided), catch and release fishing (seasonal and with current Fishing Licence), and big open night skies for astronomy enthusiasts. We are a small farming enterprise and currently establishing aquaculture (yabby) ponds and can offer an introductory tour to those who are interested. The hut sleeps two but there is plenty of room for those who wish to bring a camper trailer or van or pitch a tent. As a working property, you may need to navigate around the odd cow pat! We do ask that you carefully read our rules (see link) to avoid any conflict with neighbouring properties or our attempts at retaining a relatively undisturbed, healthy river environment and not to impact upon our surrounding community.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$194
 / night

Bai-Yai River Eco-Camp & Artist Retreat

100%
(37)
69km from Mount Surprise · 4 sites · Lodging · Retreat, NSW
Bai-Yai is a 480 acre partly Conservation Covenanted property, 70 minutes south-west of Armidale & 70 minutes north-west of Tamworth. On the tablelands 700 metres above sea level, next door to Warrabah National Park. Our northern boundary is the Macdonald river, just before it drops westward through the gorges & changes its name to the Namoi.We're for the nature-lover who enjoys peace & quiet away from crowds, who values birdsong above the hum of cars & generators! Our facilities are simple but comfortable, all off-grid. There's a covered platform kitchen area overlooking some of the great river swimming spots for campers to enjoy, a pit toilet, simple shower, & fresh drinking water supplied daily. The owners house is out of sight but within coo-ee if needed.The river & general wildness of terrain make Bai-Yai camping not really suitable for young children who requite 24/7 supervision for their safety.CRITICAL: Please ensure your personal profile is completed including a photo before submitting a booking request.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night

Merridale

91%
(22)
72km from Mount Surprise · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Bakers Creek, NSW
Our beautiful property is located near Inverell, featuring 1,850 acres of gently sloping farmland edged by mountains with beautiful eucalyptus bush. There is a big dam and yabbies in the creek. We have a range of fruit trees which you are welcome to help yourself to fruit when in season. Farm Rules - clean up after yourself - The hut and the yard up on the hill are out of bound. - Fishing is welcome however we run a catch and release. - Shut the gates when passing through. - Dogs are welcome but must be under control/on lead as we do run cattle on the property. - No hunting. - Fires are welcome but must be contained and kept under control. Activity's - Being a kayak or something to float around on. - Bring your metal detectors - Horses are welcome with the addition cost. Enjoy scenic horse rides around the valley. - Fishing (catch and release) - Yabbies (welcome to eat what you catch). - Panning in the creek for gems. - hike Sites - we run a undesignated system meaning you can set up and camp anywhere you would like however some ideas below. Anywhere around the dam You have an option to camp at the shed where there is a generator for power (lighting) and toilet amenities. This area is generally flat and can accommodate any type of camping vehicle. There is a shed to provide shelter for your food prep etc. There is a sink under the awning but you will need to carry water in a container to wash dishes. Outside there is wood-burning BBQ the camping paddock is fully fenced in . For 4WD enthusiasts, there are good camping spots at the top of the mountain ridge however need to be self contained eg toilet. You will need to bring your own fresh drinking water supply and unleaded fuel to run the water pump and generator. We have secure cattle yards as a holding space if holidaying with your horses (please see Extras for horse facility fees). Enjoy scenic horse rides around the valley and relax in front of the campfire by night. Dogs on leashes are welcome. There is no phone reception on site There is a pub in Bundarra where meals hospitality and spending time with the locals and a corner store 25km away at Bundarra, and all shops and amenities are available 75km at Inverell.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$49
 / night

Sheffield B&B Farm stay Tamworth

99%
(71)
77km from Mount Surprise · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · Kingswood, NSW
Located in a quiet rural setting upon 30 acres, overlooking the city of Tamworth, just a quick 10 minute drive from the CBD. As I wake in the morning you will find yourself surrounded by horses, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and you welcome to feed the ponies a carrot or two. We cater for all your accommodations and camping needs with grasses powered camp sites for hooking up your caravans & horse floats or we provide self contained units and B&B style accommodation. Offering toilets, showers and drinking water. Accomodation options include powered and unpowered sites - suitable for set-ups from tents to big rig RVs. Located close to amenities and a campfire. Sheffield runs a unique hands on farm experience join us to come feed and communicate with the friendly horses, pigs, goats, chooks, Guinea fowl and cats . Enjoy walking through our beautiful gardens and have a picnic. Follow Debbie around and learn why the guniea fowl are in the trees or how the horses sleep while standing up? Collect the chook eggs and feed the pigs, horses and goats.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$49
 / night

The best camping near Mount Surprise, NSW guide

Overview

About

Nestled in the heart of the New England Tablelands, Mount Surprise is a small town with a big heart. With its rolling hills, lush green pastures and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, it's easy to see why this charming town has become a popular destination for visitors. From its quaint cafes and pubs to its historic buildings and churches, Mount Surprise offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled holiday, this picturesque town is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for anyone camping nearby.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Mount Surprise is during the dry season, from April to September, when the weather is mild and the skies are clear. Avoid the wet season, from October to March, as heavy rains can limit access and activities.

Know before you go

  • Check weather conditions and park alerts before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Wear sturdy footwear and carry plenty of water to stay hydrated amid the rugged terrain.
  • Be mindful of local wildlife and maintain a safe distance at all times.
  • Respect the natural environment by adhering to the 'leave no trace' principles.
  • Access to certain areas may be restricted due to conservation efforts or seasonal closures.

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