The best camping near Booti Booti National Park

On a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and Wallis Lake, just south of Forster, Booti Booti National Park is a destination for nature lovers. The park is bounded by two headlands: Charlotte Head in the south and Cape Hawke in the north. In the southern section, a seven-kilometre loop leads up steep steps from Elizabeth Beach and along the cliff-tops down to Seven Mile Beach, before returning via an easy trail beside the lake. At the northern end, climb the eight-meter-high tower at Cape Hawke Lookout for spectacular views—on a clear day you can see as far as Barrington Tops, more than 100 kilometres inland. 

• The Ruins Campground has 98 campsites offering everything you might need, including picnic tables, barbecues, hot showers, and drinking water.

1. All camping in NSW national parks requires a booking, which can be made either online or by phone. The only time you may not score the campground you want is if you visit during peak season, which includes NSW school holidays, long weekends, and throughout December and January. 
2. For a peak season visit, make your booking as early as possible for the chance of securing a spot. Some campers book up to a year in advance for school holidays and public holidays.

Temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C in summer and 5°C to 20°C in winter. You’ll find fewer crowds in winter.

• Park entry fees apply for each vehicle per day, and are not included in camping fees.

• Parking is available at The Ruins Campground, Elizabeth Beach, and Sunset picnic area.
• About 15 minutes’ drive away from the park on The Lakes Way, Stockland Forster has two supermarkets and department stores including Kmart, Target Country, and Best & Less.
• Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted.
• Fire bans are common during summer and dry periods, so be sure to check local recommendations before lighting a campfire.

• An excellent surfing beach with stunning sights for beachgoers, Blueys Beach's coastline stretches for 900 metres between Blueys Head and Boomerang Point.
• The best surfing beach in the Pacific Palms precinct, Boomerang Beach's unique shape, and rock formations give consistent and powerful waves.
• A lakeside getaway in the Barrington Coast region, Smiths Lake is a great alternative to the often bustling, nearby beaches.
• The best all-around beach for those camping near Port Stephens, One Mile Beach is patrolled during the holidays and has a consistent swell perfect for those looking to get out and surf.