Rest your way to bliss this summer 2021 at these camping spots across New South Wales!

Nothing beats huddling up under the stars, swept away from all your troubles. With a brewing campfire, a few bevvies, good vibes and good people, encapsulated in the most sensational camping spot. It’s what we all need after this chaotic 20 months!

Now, it’s finally time to get you out of your discomfort zone and into mindful relaxation. From secret campsites to the best river and bush camping locations in NSW; we’ve sourced the best camping spots in New South Wales of 2021, all featuring a stunning surrounding landscape and some with unique activities — like kayaking and cave-trekking.

Pack your tents, fill up your water bottles, and let us get you camping.

From flashlights to portable showers, camping chairs, pop-up tents and camping beds; if your camping gear needs some updating, Catch.com.au has everything you need for your next trip.

Mystery Bay Camping Area
Image via Destination NSW

Mystery Bay Camping Area

Mystery Bay is a four-hour drive south of Sydney, boasting a large camping area that overlooks the ocean. The drive itself is part of the fun, as you course down the Princes Highway. The camping spot is well-maintained and very off-grid, featuring cold showers, water taps, and pit toilets. Camp within native bushland of mainly spotted gums, with acacias and banksias closer to the spectacular cliff headlands and small beaches. This place is far from a mystery, though, with plenty of good reviews on Google!

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Frazer Beach Camping Area
Photographed by Chris Andrews Fern Bay. Image via Shutterstock

Frazer Beach Camping Area

When you need a summer holiday, the Frazer Beach Camping Area is the quintessential place. Sitting mere metres from the beach, and in it’s own little secluded corner, you’ll think it’s your own personal beach for the weekend. And not just for swimming, but even snorkelling, fishing, or even hiking. Also, unlike some of the other camping spots, you can get mobile reception here, near the amenities block. Speaking of amenities, you get cold showers, barbecue facilities and toilets, but it is recommended to bring your own drinking water. Still, it’s one of the best camping spots in New South Wales!

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Wombeyan Caves Campground
Photographed by Ian Crocker. Image via Shutterstock

Wombeyan Caves Campground

Out of all the locations on this list, Wombeyan Caves would have to be the most convenient but also one of the most charming secret campsites. From hot showers to flush toilets and even electricity, it’s true wilderness camping without being off-grid. Oh! And we forgot to mention that there is an entire cave system nearby that is worth exploring, as well as various walking tracks. As well as the previously mentioned amenities, there’s also barbecues (electric or firepit rings), drinking water taps, a public phone, and a kiosk. But, we recommend buying groceries on your drive in.

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Honeymoon Bay
Photographed by Jordan Robins. Image via Destination NSW

Honeymoon Bay

This camping spot is highly sought after, so much so that they have a ballot system during the summer holidays for bookings. And it’s no wonder why! The water is blue, the trees are luscious and green, and the wildlife is teeming. Outside summer holidays, camping at Honeymoon Bay is on a first-in, first served basis — so you better be quick! Including the quaint little bay itself, the area boasts a range of walking tracks, as well as the nearby Bindijine Beach. You will only find portable toilets here, with no running water or electricity.

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The Basin Campground
Image via Destination NSW

The Basin Campground

Nestled within the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, on the edge of Pittwater Bay, is the Basin Campground. One of the best bush meets river camping spots in NSW; here you can kayak over lightly rippling water, hike along the coastline under the simmering summer sun, and cook up a barbecue feast. You’ll also be treated to comforting amenities, from flushable toilets to hot showers, and even tap water that is drinkable. There are two ways to get here: you can drive around, which means a good two-kilometre hike to the campground, or catch a ferry from Palm Beach Wharf.

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Dunphys Campground
Image via Destination NSW

Dunphys Campground

Sometimes you just want to get away from it all, and for that we recommend Dunphys Campground. It’s 10 kilometres southwest of Katoomba, overlooking the bushlands of Blue Mountains National Park. This secret camping spot is every nature-lovers dream, showcasing plenty of hiking tracks, including the 132-kilometre Katoomba to Mittagong trail for the dedicated hiker. Perfect for those looking for bush camping locations in NSW, there are barbecue facilities, toilets, picnic tables and fire rings, as well as plenty of casual wildlife ready to be captured on camera.

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Thredbo Diggings Campground
Image via Destination NSW

Thredbo Diggings Campground

The Snowy Mountains are revered for their icy white slopes in winter, but did you know it’s a natural paradise every other season? And with plenty of room to explore! The best spot to set up camp is at the Thredbo Diggings Campground, just south of Perisher Valley. The quaint campground sits alongside Thredbo River, where you can attempt to hook some rainbow trout or dip in to cool off. But the best part is having the snow-capped Mount Kosciuszko hovering in the background. Also, bring your own drinking water!

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Newnes Campground
Photographed by Ian Crocker. Image via Shutterstock

Newnes Campground

Newnes Campground, alongside the Wolgan River, offers more than just an outdoors escape. As well as the sandstone cliffs that hug half the camping spot, the surrounding area is teeming with history, and you can capture most of it on the Industrial Ruins Walk. There’s also a cool glow worm tunnel a short drive away, as well as the nearby Wolgan River which you can paddle or raft on. There are barbecue facilities and toilets, but you will need to bring your own drinking water and firewood.

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Misty Mountain Camping Area
Image via Destination NSW

Misty Mountain Camping Area

The Misty Mountain Camping Area is literally named as you can see the mist roll in almost every morning. It is just outside the town of Kunghur, an hour’s drive from Byron Bay, sharing a beautiful rural view of tree-laden hills and open valleys. The host of the campground offers a few cool activities during your stay, including horseback riding, paddling or swimming in the nearby Misty Dam, off-roading on an ATV, biking, fishing, hiking, and even bird watching. It’s a truly tranquil place to pitch a tent.

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Woody Head Campground
Photographed by Michael Hahn. Image via Shutterstock

Woody Head Campground

Welcome to the perfect summer escape, situated on the beautiful north coast, smack-bang between Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour. Thanks to the surrounding stunning beaches making it one of the best campsites in New South Wales, the area is also ripe with plenty of bushwalks, including possibilities of adorable wildlife encounters. For a truly outdoors experience, consider hiring a canoe or kayak in Yamba to take on the tranquil Esk River. The camping spot itself has all the amenities you need, except for cooking equipment. Book in quick, this place is popular!

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Please note: most of these camping spots require bookings, and some may have restrictions on what you can do. Be sure to do your research before you go!

Needing a touch of luxury? Here are Australia’s 10 Best Luxurious Glamping Campsites. Before you head out to your newfound favourite camping spot, make sure you have these 10 Must-Have Travel Items Packed for Your Road Trip.

We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.

Feature image: Camping underneath the stars in Kosciuszko National Park. Image via Destination NSW.