Best beachside camping spots in NSW

Q: Is it legal to camp on the beach in NSW?

Yes, it is legal to camp on the beach in NSW if you do so in designated beach camping areas. There are countless free beach camping sites all over NSW where you can legally camp by the beach, including on the North Coast , South Coast , Central Coast , as well as in Sydney and its surrounds.

Highlights

North Coast

Take a road trip along the Legendary Pacific Coast Drive on the North Coast, where you will discover an abundance of beautiful beaches, bays and national parks. You can also enjoy a beachfront escape near cities such as Newcastle, Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour and the charming towns of Ballina and Byron Bay.

Pitch a tent by the beach at Trial Bay Gaol campground in South West Rocks. From here you can experience one of the best cave dives in the world, at Fish Rock Cave, a key site for grey nurse sharks. Discover fascinating colonial heritage when you take a guided tour of the Trial Bay Goal and Smoky Cape Lighthouse.

Scenic view of area and facilities at Trial Bay Gaol campground, Trial Bay

Trial Bay Gaol campground, Trial Bay - Credit: Barbara Webster/DPE

Further south in the tiny fishing village of Iluka, relax at empty beaches and explore World Heritage-listed rainforest while staying at Woody Head campground. Book a cabin, park your caravan or enjoy camping near water. Nearby in Crescent Head, Delicate Campground in Goolawah Regional Park is a fabulous spot for back-to-basics beach camping. Take your pick of things to do: go surfing near Delicate Nobby; go whale watching; go snorkelling; or take the kids beachcombing.

Majestic wilderness, tranquil lakes and stunning beaches await in the Forster and Taree area. Located in Crowdy Bay National Park, Diamond Head campground offers free beach camping with barbecues, picnic shelters and several hiking tracks nearby. In Hawks Nest, experience camping off the mainland at Broughton Island campground, where there’s plenty of opportunity for swimming, fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Aerial view of Myall Lakes National Park overlooking Broughton Island campground, Myall Lakes

Broughton Island campground, Myall Lakes - Credit: John Spencer/DPE

Central Coast

On Sydney’s northern doorstep is the Central Coast, perfect for a short break or weekend escape. Enjoy blissful beachside camping at Freeman’s campground in Wyong, set in the heart of Munmorah State Conservation Area and just a short stroll from picturesque Birdie Beach.

Further south in Gosford, Little Beach campground is perfect for surfers and nature-lovers. Nestled in a pretty cove and enveloped by coastal rainforest, this beach campground offers free gas barbecues and a wealth of secluded swimming and fishing spots nearby. Or for a tranquil and scenic retreat, Putty Beach campground is just steps from the sand and the stunning Bouddi Coastal Walk.

Enjoy the scenic seclusion at Tallow Beach campground, which offers camping near water for just six tents. Rock fishing, swimming, surfing and bushwalking are all within easy reach of this idyllic beach campground.

Little Beach campground, Bouddi National Park - Credit: John Spencer/DPE

South Coast

Beach camping on the South Coast of NSW has a laidback feel. Take the Grand Pacific Drive through Australia’s oldest national park and enjoy beach campsites in the scenic Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven area. The Honeymoon Bay beach campground is an ideal base to explore the fascinating rock pools, crystal clear waters and striking sandstone cliffs in the seaside village of Currarong.

Drive south to Bawley Point and you'll find plenty of free beach camping sites. Depot Beach campground is just a few minutes’ stroll to the beach, where you might catch a glimpse of local dolphins. Located in Murramarang National Park, the Pebbly Beach and Pretty Beach campgrounds offer great surfing, bush walks and close encounters with wallabies and native birdlife.

Kangaroos at Depot Beach Campground, Murramarang National Park

Depot Beach Campground, Murramarang National Park - Credit: John Yurasek

Further south, you’ll find plenty of beachside places to stay. Try Mystery Bay campground in Tilba, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the cliff headlands and easy access to secluded beaches. In Bermagui, fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves at Picnic Point campground, a spectacular beach fishing spot.

Eden, on the far south coast of NSW, is a natural paradise where you can go bushwalking in Beowa National Park and spot migrating humpback whales. The perfect getaway for nature lovers, Saltwater Creek campground offers camping near water where you can interact with bandicoots, wallabies and lyrebirds. While at Bittangabee campground, you can park your trailer or motorhome and head off on the Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape Walking Track , where you’ll encounter curious historic ruins and maybe even spot seals, dolphins or whales.

Aerial view of Bittangabee campground, Beowa National Park, formerly known as Ben Boyd National Park, Edrom

Bittangabee campground, Beowa National Park, formerly known as Ben Boyd National Park, Edrom - Credit: John Spencer/DPE

Sydney & surrounds

Surrounded by nature yet only a short drive from the spectacular sights of the city, free beach camping spots in Sydney are plenty. The Basin campground in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers lovely bush surrounds and water views – just an hour’s drive from popular Sydney attractions the Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo and Bondi Beach.

In Sydney South, Bonnie Vale campground offers camping near water and surrounded by Royal National Park, where you can enjoy fishing, kayaking and a family barbecue. A short drive away, you’ll find free beach camping at North Era campground, a popular overnight stop for hikers tackling one of Sydney’s classic bushwalks, the 26km Bundeena to Otford Coast track.

Further south, enjoy fantastic views of the waves while staying at Coledale Beach campground, situated just 30 minutes’ drive from the vibrant urban centre of Wollongong.

Aerial view of Bonnie Vale Campground, Royal National Park

Bonnie Vale Campground, Royal National Park - Credit: Andrew Elliot/DPIE

FAQs

What beaches can I camp on in NSW?

There are countless spectacular beach camping spots all along the NSW coast. On the North Coast, you can pitch a tent at Trial Bay Gaol campground just metres from Front Beach. Enjoy the ideal spot for surfing, fishing and bushwalking at Tallow Beach campground on the Central Coast. Or head to the South Coast, where the Pebbly Beach and Pretty Beach campgrounds offer stunning ocean views and close encounters with native wildlife.

Is it legal to camp on the beach in NSW?

What beaches can I camp on near Sydney?

Sydney and its surrounds are home to plenty of beach camping grounds. Fifty minutes’ drive north of the city you can picnic, bike ride or swim while staying at The Basin campground in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Forty minutes south of the city, stunning coastal vistas and peaceful bushland meet at Bonnie Vale campground, where you can enjoy fishing, kayaking or hiking through Royal National Park.

Not far south of Sydney, you’ll find free beach camping at North Era campground, which boasts stunning views of Garie Beach and easy access to hiking tracks. Or you can pitch your tent right on the edge of the beach at Coledale Beach campground, where you can swim, surf, fish or just relax to the sound of the waves.