Discover the best forest campgrounds near Boat Harbour, New South Wales

Australia
—
New South Wales
—
Boat Harbour

97% (4150 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Boat Harbour

Under $50

12 top forest campgrounds near Boat Harbour

99%

(281)

The Riverside Farm Escape Minimbah

28 sites · RVs, Tents103 acres · Minimbah, NSW

The Riverside Farm Escape is a family owned cattle farm situated on the Wang Wauk River in Minimbah on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Our property has very well maintained, grassy camping ground and RV stop that overlooks the picturesque Wang Wauk River that feeds the magnificent Wallis Lakes. The Riverside property is 103 acres of rich farmland and has over 500 meters of river frontage, ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing, with water access to Forster / Tuncurry. The property also boasts a beautiful dam, full of flowering lillies, great for the kids to kayak and swim in. We have lots of natural bush and wildlife including wallabies, kangaroos, lizards and native birds. Camp grounds are accessible via 2wd/4wd (Non-powered and powered sites) Family friendly Pets welcome (on leash) Fire Pits provided for all sites Firewood available for purchase from host Local Attractions: NABIAC VILLAGE (7MINS AWAY) - Supermarket, cafes, chemist, Hotel/pub, Post office, Dump point, potable water, Artisan Farmer - paddock to plate. Tuncurry/Forster (25 MINS AWAY) - Beaches, restaurants, entertainment, shopping Barrington Tops (25 Mins) Blueys Beach (50 mins) Port Macquarie (60mins)

* Before taxes and fees

96%

(1135)

Bunyip's Camp

18 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Martinsville, NSW

At the foot of the Watagan mountains, close to the Watagan 4WD tracks, picnic areas, and bike tracks. Also close to Lake Macquarie where you will find fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing etc. About a 20 - 40 min drive to beautiful beaches. Ideal for those wanting to be surrounded by birds, nature and a couple of friendly doggos. Also great for people wanting to try out their new camper, van or tent for the 1st time as we are an easy 1 hour drive north of Sydney on the M1 and close enough to shops for those forgotten items. Also we have unfenced dams, if you are camping with young children please consider carefully and let me know before booking. We have very basic bathroom facilities of 1 flushing toilet in the shed and an outdoor warm shower.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(338)

Fame Mountain Camp - pets welcome

7 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Pindimar, NSW

We are a "farm stay" style camp in an actively managed pine forest located in the middle of the north shore of Port Stephens. There is lots of space for campers so you will have privacy whilst you enjoy your camping adventure.Our property is conveniently located just 5 mins off the Pacific Highway but a world away. You'll be 2 mins away from Pindimar Beach and 11 mins from Bennetts beach and Jimmy's beach. Good fishing pretty much everywhere you can wet a line. We have clean flush toilets and showers facilities. The campsite has good Mobile Phone Signal. Free firewood. Each campsite has its own fire pit. Pets are welcome, but please pick up after them. If your dog is on the government list of restricted breeds or on the dangerous dog list please leave at home We have a gentle and well trained German Shepherd who adores kids but she likes to stay inside the house and doesn't wander around the campsites . Important Note: PLEASE PUT OUT YOUR CAMPFIRE WHEN YOU LEAVE YOUR CAMPSITE TO AVOID STARTING A BUSH FIRE. NO LOUD MUSIC AFTER 10:00 PM. PLEASE NOTE: 1) We have a maximum of 2 camper trailers or caravans or motorhomes or any combination thereof per site. No limit on number of tents. 2) IF You Have more than 3 vehicles/site please contact host before booking. 3) Depending on the weather on the day, we may have to limit the number of vehicles that can be parked adjacent to your campsite. Please note this property is a working private pine forest. Therefore, as and when the weather is right we could be, logging the forest, milling the logs, or drying the large dimension traditional timber framing lumber. In the near future we will be running sustainable building classes from the property. i.e. showing people how to economically build their own tiny homes using timber sourced from their own land.

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(121)

Sugar Creek Dream. Rainforest Oasis

8 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Bungwahl, NSW

This property is situated between Smiths Lake and the rainforests of Wallingat National Park. A 15 min drive to the beautiful Seal Rocks, Submarine Beach and Treachery Beach, 12 minutes drive to Blueys Beach, Boomerang, Elizabeth and Shelley Beaches, a 25 min drive to Foster town and also 20 min drive, further up Sugar Creek Rd. to the Whoota Whoota lookout which is located in Wallingat National Park. It is a 25 acre property that is home to an abundance diversity of flora and fauna. It's a beautiful spot for birdwatching (or listening), relaxing under the trees with a picnic, chilling in a hammock or going for a day trip to some of the beauty of the surrounding region. Some perks of the place include: Our brand new camp kitchen equiped with many conveniences of home. Large barbeque kitchen, fridge, showers. Sites with firepits. Dried, hardwood for sale at $10 per crate. The first one is complimentary! Dog friendly. Space, privacy, tranquility. **** Whether you are active or not there is so much here for you. Yes you can surf, hike, horse ride, fish, bike ride. Within 15 mins drive you have the ocean side of Seal Rocks, the Lakesides of Myall Lakes National Park, the forests of Wallingat National Park and so many more incredible places. You can venture out into the madness (particularly around holiday time) but then you can return to the magic and tranquility of your campsite. If you'd like a place where you can chill out, relax, rejuvenate your body mind or spirit, this is the place. You'll awake to the sound of our resident Kookaburras and sleep to the chorus of frogs. A friend once described it as a hundred shades of green. I adore this space and have been blessed with its surrounds and abundance for 20 years. My dream has always been to share it with others, hence the name. It is a sanctuary where humans can connect with nature.

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(394)

Mt Nellinda Campsite

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents47 acres · Cooranbong, NSW

The property rests on the shoulder on Mt Nellinda on nineteen hectares of land, there are two large Greenhouses where we grow potted flowers and some veggies, also several large dams which are used for irrigation and act as a Sanctury for our geese, best of all are the views. The perfect spot for relaxing next to a fire and listening to the Frogs and nightlife and waking to the sounds of kookaburras and bird life, Lots of Rock Wallabies in the evenings and early mornings. Dog friendly, no leads required, portable toilets in the multiple Camp site 1 and an older style toilet in the camping area 2, fresh water available only next to the portable toilets camping area 1. also included is a camp kitchen with fridge, kettle microwave etc for your convenience. Check with host regarding campfires. Group bookings accepted with prior notice to save camping areas. Range of six camping areas. CAMP 1 allows up to 14 or more campsites to include caravans, motor homes, large or small. tents etc. with flat and slightly flat areas and close to the roadway dead end street. CAMP 2 allows up to eight or more smaller caravans tents rooftops etc also with some flatter areas. CAMP 3 is a private in the bush area and will cater for five or so rooftops tents, difficult for caravans or large vehicles. CAMP 4 smaller possibly two tents or rooftops secluded in the bush. CAMP 5 similar to camp 3 in the bush and completely private great for a get together with friends. CAMP 6 is the very top of the mountain with a long wide strip of cleared area with bush on both sides and a window at the end to the valley below, very private, must be fully contained and would suit most vehicles, may lose traction if pulling a heavy caravan or trailer.

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(458)

La Cascina

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Floraville, NSW

*****No toilet or shower available at this listing. You must bring your own. PLEASE BE AWARE ENTRY TO THE PROPERTY IS STEEP. Entry is not ideal for large caravans or campervans. ***** We do not allow fires at the campsite between the 1st of October and the 1st of March. We apologise for any inconvenience to this rule. La Cascina is a small property on a hill surrounded by trees and bushland. There are two main camping areas which would suite tent and small to medium van/car camping. There is access to neighbouring bushland with nice short walks available in the area. Only 20 minutes by car to Newcastle CBD, 10 minutes by car to Redhead Beach and 5 minutes by car to Lake Macquarie. La Cascina is a great spot to stop overnight on a road trip or to get away for the weekend to relax. We have no toilets so please bring your own. The access to the property is a steep sealed driveway. Site 1 is an open site with plenty of shade. The area is flat. More suited to larger camping setups. This site is less private. There is vision of the neighbouring property and an overflow campsite 50 meters away. Site 2 is a more uneven surface area which is better for smaller vans and tents. Redhead Beach is the closest dog beach 10 minutes by car. Croudace Bay is a dog park on the lake which is 5 minutes by car. This is a family owned acreage that brings the best parts of environmental living with the benefits of being close to the coast and a city. A very long time ago it was the site of a quarry. The nature has returned and we are left with a beautiful forested acreage.

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(212)

Mistinthegumtrees BUDGET 2 GLAMPING

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents106 acres · Cooranbong, NSW

Campsites are in our lovely small manicured bush garden setting. It's a level, grass/lawn shaded area. There are 5 x 15 amp powered sites. Suitable for small quiet groups/ families. Not suitable for loud partying. The state forest is a short 10min drive away for bush walking, mountain biking and 4 wheel driving. Beach is 40 min drive away. We are located close to the Central Coast and Newcastle. (In Cooranbong ) Our camp sites have access to three eco toilets and only one shared shower, rubbish facilities and drinking water. (Campfires) we have 5 fire pits on some of our sites , fires are permitted during the winter months. We also have 2 x 4 star cabins which sleep 15 between them, they are listed separately on Hipcamp. However the guests from both the camp sites and the cabins have shared access to the pool and facilities. Which includes a large under cover patio area. FRIENDLY PETS welcome. Small kitchen with microwave dishwasher and cook top and fridge may be used . Please just clean up any mess you make. For the next guest All cleaning products under sink. WE HAVE 2 DOGS that are people friendly., who love to meet new fury friends , they do have the run of our property . As our property has a lot of maintenance lawns /gardens ; we may use mowers blowers etc , we will possibly maintain between 10 am to 2 pm If needed.

* Before taxes and fees

93%

(410)

Cranky Rock Hunter Valley

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Sweetmans Creek, NSW

Set at the base of the mountains on a beautiful valley floor, located in wine country in the lower Hunter Valley, Cranky Rock gets its name from a 25 tonne sandstone rock that graces our home. The 120 acre working beef and horse farm is situated a scenic 2 hour drive North from Sydney or 1 hour East from Newcastle. Whether you chose to stay of one of our campsites or in our pioneer-style cottage, all visitor being awoken to the natural bush sounds of lyre birds and cooling their heels in the crystal creek at the bottom of the property. On your way in or out, be sure to check out the boutique village of Wollombi which is just 10 minutes from Cranky Rock, where you'll enjoy wine tasting, fresh produce and quaint cafes. Other must-see's in the area include the Olney State Forest and the Wattagan National Park.The property is located just off a scenic drive, over a 2wd accessible creek crossing. It is peaceful and secluded. Campers can used shared kitchen and bathroom facilities located at the top of the camp area. Dogs are welcome, but as it's a working farm, we ask the remain on leash at all times.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(520)

Spirit of the Forest

19 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Boolambayte, NSW

Spirit of the Forest is one of the oldest properties in the area. Many years ago it was an old dairy farm, but it has been through many transitions since then.... uniquely situated only a few kms. from the majestic "Grandis" tree it has an abundance of wildlife close by, wallabies come out to feed on the pasture at dusk and dawn, mighty eagles soar overhead and beautiful Arabian horses run free in the paddocks.Trevor and Maya moved here from Berry NSW 17 years ago. Trevor is an internationally acclaimed entertainer and horse whisperer and Maya is an artist, author and lecturer. Both found the property a haven from their busy schedule of performing overseas.A unique 70 acre Arabian horse property, surrounded by Myall Lakes National Park 4 kms from "The Grandis" the tallest tree in NSW and 10 kms from Bulahdelah Town also near to beautiful North Coast beaches. There are many beautiful areas to choose from to camp, as well as a cabin.A portable 240v generator (1) is available for hire $10.00 a day, fuel included, advance booking.

* Before taxes and fees

96%

(14)

Kintelliko

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Newcastle, NSW

A beautiful flat grassy bed for your Rv, caravan or tent awaits you at Kintelliko. Kintelliko means “to laugh” in the local Awabakal language and we hope to share our joy of living on this beautiful acreage nestled into 100 acres of bushland - yet only 5 minutes to the beach, lake and shops. Your fully powered site has everything you could need. A compost toilet (sorry you have to share it with the brush tail possum who’s decided it’s nice there), an amazing outdoor hot shower made from a huge sculpture, an outdoor kitchen with BBQ and stainless steel benches (it’s out in the open). Here's a list of nearby things to do! https://maps.app.goo.gl/dTWofk8ToBP8aD6x9

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(449)

Platypus Pools

5 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Monkerai, NSW

Premium and exclusive natural camping at its best. Our farm is located on the beautiful Karuah River in the picturesque Monkerai valley. The river is a fresh mountain river running from the foothills of Barrington Tops. We only offer 5 sites which are all well spaced out across our 300 acre property giving you absolute privacy and a sense of serenity. We were very pleased to have been recognised by Hipcamp as being one of the top 20 Hipcamp locations in NSW for 2022. Most of the year the river is lovely and clear and ideal for swimming canoeing floating on airbeds fishing photography or just enjoying. There is also some really nice bike riding and walking opportunities around the valley although you will be on gravel roads and we are only 25 min drive from the popular Dungog mountain bike park. You are likely to see a variety of birdlife other wildlife including black and white cockatoos ducks some lizards, occasionally wallabies, echidnas and if you are lucky a Platypus or two. We are fortunate to see platypus in the river frequently which is a sign of just how pristine the water running down from the mountains really is. You will have your campsite completely to yourself with no other camper near you . Privacy, tranquillity, relaxation and just enjoying nature is waiting for you. Be sure to bring your telescope as you’ll be amazed at the stargazing at night with no light pollution. With some Winter rains the river is running beautifully and is great for a swim, fish or canoe. Swimming, canoeing and running the rapids on surf mats is always popular at our property and as long as the river is it normal levels and a lot of fun. However, we always highly recommend people wear some form of footwear in the river such as rafting sandals or old joggers or similar as the rocks are very hard on your feet and there’s a particular nasty little fish called a “Bullrout” that whilst rare can infect a nasty sting if you tread on one. No need to be overly concerned but be mindful. Our property is ideal for self-contained vans, camper trailers, medium motor homes, tents or swags, it’s up to you. There are no toilets so only suitable if you have your own toilet facilities and take away all waste when you leave. All toilet waste, leaving our property is very important and an absolutely essential requirement for all visitors. Gloucester Dungog and historic Stroud village are nearby as well as Barrington Tops World Heritage wilderness area and national park. This is an operating farm and therefore farming activities such as cattle droving, fencing, grass cutting or hay making may occasionally be occurring somewhere near your site but we would always let you know. We are sure you will enjoy our farm far more than a crowded traditional caravan park or campground. All campers need to be able to manage and remove their own toilet waste from our property without exception. We do have some limited bags of firewood for sale at $20 a bag. These are heavy bags of very dry local Hardwood. You can also collect firewood along the river banks yourself or bring your own firewood for a campfire (subject to any fire restrictions) if that is easier and more convenient for you. When you make a reservation at the property we will always endeavour to put you in your preferred location as best we can. However if we are impacted by adverse weather or need to run cattle on certain parts of the farm then we may need to make a change to the actual site you are in and trust you understand. We look forward to you visiting our farm.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(193)

Mandalong Manor

10 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · NSW

Mandalong Manor is set in a small valley partly cleared with lots of trees , creek and dam , peaceful setting , wildlife , wallabies , kangaroos , kookaburras cockatoos , occasional koala and wombat , goanna , deer can also be seen . There are a few nice spots for camping . The property is just near Jimbo’s Industrial Art Emporium . You may notice a collection of interesting vehicles , machinery and building materials on your way to the gate . Please come in the main gate and contact me when you arrive , I will meet you there . The camp sites are on the other side of the paddock .

* Before taxes and fees

Forest camping near Boat Harbour guide

Overview

Rocky headlands and sandy shores hem in the tiny port of Boat Harbour on the south coast of the Port Stephens peninsula. Hike along the seashore to spot humpback whales along the rocks, head down to the beach to swim and sunbathe, or enjoy fishing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. Two national parks lie on either side of the village—zip along the beaches of Worimi Regional Park in a 4WD or discover the bushwalking trails and surf beaches of Tomaree National Park. Camp at One Mile Beach just north of Boat Harbour, or choose from holiday parks around the peninsula.

Where to go

Great Lakes

North of Boat Harbour, the Myall, Smiths, and Wallis Lakes make up the Great Lakes region, surrounded by golden beaches and lush rainforest. Camp at coastal towns such as Forster, Bulahdelah, and Pacific Palms; cruise around the Myall Lakes National Park in a houseboat or kayak; or hike through the rainforest in the Booti Booti National Park.

Central Coast

To the south, the Central Coast of NSW runs from Newcastle all the way to Sydney. Wildlife watching opportunities abound—spot migrating whales from Shelly Beach or pelicans around the lakes and lagoons of The Entrance. On route to Sydney, the beaches and waterways of the Brisbane Water National Park and Bouddi National Park are ideal for camping, cruising, and bird-watching.

Greater Blue Mountains

Inland from Boat Harbour, the Yengo and Wollemi National Parks are part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are popular ways to explore, or you can venture off-road in a 4WD. Camping here is all about getting back to nature, with backcountry campsites reachable only on foot or by 4WD.

When to go

NSW’s balmy summers (December through February) are the most popular time for swimming and water sports along the coast of Boat Harbour. Temperatures are mild year-round and rarely drop below 10°C, even on winter evenings, so it’s possible to camp at any time. Visit between May and August to spot humpback whales on their annual migration.

Know before you go

Buses run to Boat Harbour from Newcastle, but to explore the coast and national parks, you’ll need your own vehicle.

There are no shops in Boat Harbour—the closest supermarket is in Salamander Bay, a 10-minute drive away.
Fire bans are common in New South Wales during summer and dry periods, so check local recommendations before lighting your campfire.
A permit is required to camp within NSW’s national parks, and campsites must be booked in advance.