Lakeside camping in Central Coast with campfires

Seaside towns and lush national parks make NSW’s Central Coast the perfect getaway.

94% (398 reviews)
94% (398 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Central Coast

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

8 top lakeside campgrounds in Central Coast with campfires

87%
(30)

Kintelliko

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Newcastle, NSW
A beautiful flat grassy bed for your Rv, caravan, campertrailer 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. An environmentally friendly compost toilet (The brush tail possum sometimes decides it’s nice there), a quaint outdoor hot shower made from a huge sculpture, a rustic outdoor kitchen with BBQ and stainless steel benches (it’s out in the open - water from the tap goes into the garden). We try to make our spaces consistently inviting for birds and wildlife as well as humans. Here's a list of nearby things to do! - Redhead Beach (~5 mins) - Lake Macquarie (~5 mins) -Naru lagoon swimming (~15 mins) -Fernleigh track (~5 mins) - Green Point Walking track (~7 mins)
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
AU$60
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(292)

Lakestead Farm

8 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Jilliby, NSW
Peaceful farm setting on a working horse property. Offering limited, laser levelled fully turfed sites, to allow space. The large lake is a feature of the property and abounds with bird life of many species. This campsite suits fully self sufficient campers with own drinking water and toilet/shower amenities. Pets are welcome by arrangement, especially your horses (please contact us to arrange holidaying with your dog or horse before booking). In summer you may see mumma swan and her baby cygnets, as well as lots of ducklings. Drop in your paddle board or kayak for a leisurely paddle. Take a relaxed stroll around the property and depending on the season you might spy a wylie fox or a turtle laying eggs. Deer occasionally visit and echidnas and wombats, although nocturnal animals sometimes are a precious sight. There are platypus in the creek and fish in the lake.k Pre-booked riding lessons available. We have a state forest over the road suited to bush walking or mountain bikes. Ammo the horse who galloped out in the Sydney 2000 Olympics opening ceremony is buried here at Lakestead Farm. We love to speak about our Olympic experience. Please note these campsite are for 2 people with one car only (children welcome to visit with adults). NOTE: There are NO toilet or showers - campers need to BRING their own. We love our pristine environment so no bush poos allowed. We are located minutes from the M1, easy to break your journey, 40 minutes from Wahroonga and Newcastle exit. Just 5 minutes drive to Wyong Centre with shopping centre and good restaurants, and 20 minutes drive to beaches. Off the ground fires are allowed outside bushfire season. Wood to be supplied by campers. Our property is designed to welcome small groups of people who want a quiet getaway. Because we like to keep it more intimate, The property is not designed for large groups of 10 or more wanting a social gathering or party. We are an easy 40 minute drive to the Hunter Valley wineries and concerts in the vines The Lake can be fun to swim or paddle around but all visitors must wear life vests whilst in the water. Locally we have some great festivals to visit the Glenworth Food and Wine festival, Yarramalong valley Spring fair with Scarecrow comp, Wyong Love Lanes festival, Harvest festival, Ratmines Catalina Festival, Brisbane water Oyster Festival to name a few. IMPORTANT PLEASE READ. Camping toilet At Lakestead Farm we pride ourselves on our beautiful environment. We have lots of wildlife around. We are very upset when visitors to the Farm dig holes and poo in them. Leaving toilet paper on top. This is so unfair to us and future campers on our sites. Because this has occurred we will only allow campers with camping toilets. In order for us to accept your request you need to confirm you have a toilet. Don’t say yes if you don’t have one, Checks will be done, if you don’t have a portable toilet you will be asked to leave and your fees won’t be refunded. We are sorry if this offends anyone, we love to share our property but only with people who will love and respect it.
Pets
from 
AU$40
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(3)

Vista 180

3 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Aberglasslyn, NSW
Hi and welcome to Vista 180. Vista 180 is our little property situated on the outskirts of town, with 180-degree rural farmland vistas from East to West, that overlooks the Hunter River nearby. If you're looking for somewhere in a rural setting that has flat to very gently sloping grass paddock areas to set up your tent, camper, caravan or motorhome then this is the place to stay. Our paddock has easy access for vehicles large or small, 2wd or 4wd, with all the conveniences offered in town nearby. Gaze over the farmlands, watch glorious sunrises, sunsets and checkout the stars! Located at Aberglasslyn, being on the outskirts of town without streetlights, it feels like you're miles away whereas we're only just over the hill from a shopping centre with a Chemist, Supermarket, Doctor, Vet and Café. A few minutes gets you into Maitland, 30 minutes to the Hunter Valley Vineyards at Lovedale/Pokolbin, 1hr to Newcastle, Nelson Bay and many of the glorious beaches on the east coast. We are within the catchment area for courtesy buses to the local hotels and bowling club. The vineyard concert (Day On The Green, Red Hot Summer etc) buses pickup from one of these hotels. You can access the Hunter River (approx 200m) for fishing, swimming or explore the river by kayaking the 11km into Maitland or the 21km downstream from Luskintyre. Pickup/delivery could be arranged with notice. Ride a pushbike along the backroads exploring the area, following on the bike paths, Walka Waterworks, historical buildings and points of interest in Maitland. It’s an easy 15 minute walk down the lane or back into the shopping centre. Whilst we welcome your pets, we ask that they are on a leash as there is cattle, sheep, horses, chooks and birdlife around us. Please pickup after them! Your own toilet is a necessity. Campfires (when conditions permit) are to be in the provided firepits. Garbage and Recycle bins are provided. We can provide electricity and water to fill your tanks or hookup at Site 1 only - Refer Extras. We can supply firewood, kayaks and pushbikes - Refer Extras. We love where we live and we hope you enjoy your stay here at Vista 180.
Pets
Trash
from 
AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(259)

Fern Gully

13 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Mandalong, NSW
Check in: MUST BE BEFORE 6PM. YOU MUST ARRIVE ON SITE BEFORE 6PM. No check in available after sunset. Text us at least 2 hours before if you are going to be late. (During the months of Oct to Mar, check in is before 7pm.) Please make your booking prior to 1pm for same day arrival. The property is 40 acres of beautiful bushland, backing on to the Olney State Forest. Camp on a grassy site overlooking the dam or nestled in amongst the trees. Pets allowed. Keep your dog on leash at your campsite and under supervision at all times. Clean up after your dog. Fire pits provided on each campsite. Do not dismantle fire pits. Campsites have no toilet or shower facilities, and no electrical connection. Please bring your own water. Dry organic firewood for sale $20 for 30kgs on request. Fresh free-range eggs for sale when available. Please respect our home and property and leave the campsite in the good condition you found it. The property is just 7kms from the M1 motorway (take the Morisset exit off the M1) and Morisset just 10kms away with shops and fuel. There is plenty to do in the Morisset area including visiting the pretty Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans National Park or kayaking around beautiful Lake Macquarie, Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake. There are some great areas for hiking, bike riding, bird watching and more. Set on the western foreshore of Lake Macquarie, which has the bush in its backyard. Find a patch of shade for a picnic in Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area where you can spot kangaroos and other wildlife. The saltwater lake is a haven for sea turtles and dolphins and you might see sea eagles and kookaburras, too. Fern Gully is just 1.5 hours drive from Sydney! We look forward to meeting you.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
AU$45
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
87%
(42)

Gondwana Retreat

5 sites · Tents4 acres · Green Point, NSW
My name is Jason and I am responsible for caring and creating this space.Gondwana Retreat is sacred land. It is sacred to the original people as two rivers meet here which was auspicious, and sacred to me and all that visit. The Aboriginal people used to live and commune here. And now it seems a place where people like to be, and Rest and Rejuvenation - even healing happens here.Since moving here myself in 2014 it has been a place of transformation and change. The land itself was abandoned with rubbish and weeds everywhere when I arrived and with a bit of hard work, some patience and care it has become a place of beauty. It has been returned to much more of its natural and native state. This process of positive change has created a healing in the environment and for myself, and visitors express this magic in the air.Nowadays we are offering meditation, yoga, and therapeutic types of practices in the main home that the land and campsite is a part of. Campers are welcome to join and this really makes staying here an opportunity for exploring these practices if you choose.Be good to share the land and we welcome all to Gondwana retreat!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Trash
from 
AU$49.50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

Available this weekend

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping in Central Coast with campfires guide

Overview

Stretching north of Sydney toward Newcastle, the Central Coast of New South Wales is a favourite, and easily accessible, getaway for both Sydneysiders and visitors from farther afield. Ideal for outdoor adventures for all kinds of travellers, from surfers to equestrians, the region is home to national parks, untouched bushland, beaches, bays, pristine lakes, and charming towns. The area is especially rewarding for campers, who can take their pick from beachside RV parks to forest camps—from basic campsites to sprawling holiday parks.

Where to go

Patonga

Quiet Patonga sits on the edge of the secluded Brisk Bay about an hour and a half north of Sydney by road. You can set up camp around Brisk Bay and Brisbane Water National Park, where surrounding campgrounds offer powered and unpowered sites with access to electric BBQs, showers, and laundry facilities. Camp here to be perfectly positioned for beginning the 3-kilometre Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track, which takes you through the national park and ends on a beach.

Bouddi

Wake up to the sounds of waves and wildlife in Bouddi National Park by staying at Tallow Beach, Putty Beach, or Little Beach campgrounds. Putty Beach has showers, smaller Little Beach has sheltered barbecues, and the remote, hike-in Tallow Beach is fairly basic, with just toilets. Each is just steps from the shoreline and well placed for swimming, surfing, fishing, and embarking on the park’s walking tracks, including the 8-kilometre Bouddi Coastal Walk, which runs through bush and along dramatic cliffs. Look out for migrating whales between May and November.

Gosford

The coastal town of Terrigal is known for its long stretch of white-sand beach—a major draw for surfers and fishers—while the neighbouring town of Avoca Beach is a favourite of families and the gateway to the surfing beaches of Macmasters and Copacabana. To the west, Ettalong Beach, Woy Woy, and Gosford are on the calmer waters of the barrier estuary of Brisbane Water. After enjoying all the coast has to offer, head inland for unspoilt bush camping spots.

Wyong

To the north, you’ll find more beaches and watersports at The Entrance, perhaps best-known for the spectacle of its daily pelican feeding. Minutes from The Entrance, a handful of holiday parks offer powered camping sites, wifi, and cabins. Head an hour northwest into the hinterland to Olney State Forest for its walking trails through lush native forest: Casuarina, Pines, Olney, and Turpertine sites all offer sheltered camping areas with access to barbecues, picnic areas, and toilets.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, caravan parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.