Best campsites and hidden gems in NSW this spring and summer

Best campsites and hidden gems in NSW this spring and summer

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Destination NSW know better than anyone about the best camping spots for the warmer weather that comes with spring and summer. Escape the post-covid winter blues and as the team says "It's the ideal time of year to discover some of NSW’s secret campsites and hidden gems."

Rent a car or pick up a campervan in Sydney, then off you go on a camping adventure!

According to Destination NSW, “NSW is filled with hidden camping gems waiting to be discovered. NSW has amazing coastal and bush camping spots that continue to stay under the radar and would make an ideal weekend away this spring.”

“These hidden camping gems are just that, secret spots that locals across NSW love due to their unique location and easy access to beautiful beaches, stunning national parks and pristine wilderness environments.”

Tourism managers across the state have shared their favourite secret camping spots with Destination NSW for this short-list, however, this does not exhaust the multitude of amazing campsites just waiting to be discovered. Destination NSW encourages everyone to get out and explore NSW’s hidden gems this spring.

Here are some of Destination NSW's best secret camping spots along the coast and inland:

Honeymoon Bay

Honeymoon Bay is an idyllic spot for camping. Photo by Brewbrooks on Flickr

The spectacular and secluded Honeymoon Bay at Point Perpendicular on the northern end of Jervis Bay on the South Coast allows camping on weekends and during school holidays only. Allocated on a first-come, first served basis, this rustic bush campsite is an authentic bush camping experience and just moments to the beaches of the northern part of Jervis Bay.

Mimosa Rocks National Park

The showstopping headland views of Mimosa Park. Photo by VisitNSW

Camp by the beach and amongst Banksia trees at Picnic Point campground in Mimosa Rocks National Park. Find the perfect fishing spot, swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy scenic views of the stunning Sapphire Coastline.

Lakesea Caravan Park 

Lakesea Caravan Park is nestled between Durras Beach and Durras Lake! Photo by VisitNSW

An unknown gem, Lakesea Caravan Park Durras near Bateman's Bay, has grassy shaded sites with BBQ drums and a campground that is kitted out for the more novice camper including a camp kitchen with free gas BBQs, fridge and oven. Just moments to Durras Beach and Lake Durras, enjoy surfing, kayaking, fishing and bushwalking in nearby Murramarang National Park.

Glenworth Valley

Glenworth Valley provides a unique camping experience under the stars. Photo by VisitNSW

While many know the Central Coast’s Glenworth Valley for its horse riding and quad biking, it is its fantastic bush camping sites that will surprise people. Expect pristine, bush style campsites along the river bank with wood-fired BBQs, hot showers and plenty of peace and quiet.

Dunns Swamp

The outstanding beauty at Dunns Swamp. Photo by VisitNSW

Outside of Mudgee in Central NSW is the pristine Dunns Swamp in Wollemi National Park. Set on the banks of the Cudgegong River and nestled amongst stunning sandstone pagoda rock formations, Dunns Swamp is a nature lover's dream with plenty of walking tracks and canoeing and swimming spots.

Mystery Bay Campground

Mystery Bay is a natural camping ground right by the ocean. Photo by VisitNSW

The pet-friendly Mystery Bay Camp Ground, near Tilba on the South Coast, is just moments from the beach, which has off-leash areas. Enjoy this bush camping site and all that Mystery Bay offers - snorkelling in the bay, surfing at 1080 beach, cheese tasting in nearby Tilba and of course the stunning views of Montague Island.

Corynnia Station

Experience the Great Australian Outback at Corynnia Station! Photo by VisitNSW

Camp under the stars and experience a true Australian outback station stay at Corynnia Station near Hay in Outback NSW. Camp under ancient black box tree on the edge of a 1,000-acre dry swamp on this working farm and discover this immense property on nature walks, paddock picnics and farm tours.

Reflections Holiday Park, Corindi Beach

At Corindi Beach Holiday Park you have a stunning surf beach right on your doorstep! Photo by VisitNSW

At the end of the dead-end road, Reflections Holiday Park Corindi Beach, on the NSW North Coast, has just 6 cabins and 64 shady campsites to choose from. Nestled beside the beach, within a bush setting enjoy gentle sea breezes and stunning bush and coastal views. Spend days fishing, snorkelling, surfing, swimming and kayaking in nearby beaches, lakes and rivers.

Dingo Tops, Tapin Tops National Park

Ancient rainforests and eucalyptus forests surround Dingo Tops campground. Photo by VisitNSW

Camp in the middle of the mighty Tapin Tops National Park, in the NSW North Coast, at Dingo Tops and explore the park’s stunning waterfalls and creeks and relics from the area's forestry past. Surrounded by ancient rainforests and eucalypt forest, Dingo Tops is a quiet campground where parma wallabies, red-legged pademelons, greater gliders (at night) and koalas are frequently spotted.

For more ideas on camping in NSW this spring, visitNSW.

Scott Podmore

Scott Podmore

Award-winning writer, editor, photographer, videographer and owner of October Grey Media. Specialising in travel and lifestyle content and a full member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers. Has contributed regular content for the NewsCorp stable of newspapers and magazines, TravelTalk mag, The Departure Lounge and many more publications in Australia and internationally. Follow on Twitter & instragram #scottpodmore

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