Lake Illawarra

Find & reserve the best beach, lake, and river, stream, or creek campsites near Lake Illawarra, New South Wales. Tent, cabin & RV camp on private & State Parks, on local farms, vineyards & nature preserves.

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Jamberoo Mountain Farm Camp

Our property is located in Jamberoo on an elevated working beef cattle farm with unique and beautiful views. We accept bookings with a maximum of 2 nights per stay. Our campsite is best suited to couples or families who would to explore the local area then chill out in the quiet and peaceful surrounds of our place. Take a breathe and enjoy the amazing vista.

The large grassy site has stunning ocean views and is the perfect spot to relax after exploring all the great activities the surrounding area has to offer or play some outdoor sports if you bring a ball. 

We are a working farm and have three farm dogs, horses and cattle on the property along with plenty of wildlife. The camp site is approximately 75 metres frome the house.  It is in view of he house however we do have a busy life,so you won't see us much unless you need something.

We are only a short drive to Kiama and the stunning beaches of the south coast. Kiama has a great market on each month where you can check out the local offerings and enjoy a stroll along the esplanade or check out the famous Kiama blowhole and lighthouse. We are with easy reach of the Budderoo National Park which is full of stunning walks and waterfalls that are always popular.

We are a short drive to the Jamberoo Action Park and Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk which are both great places to visit for kids and families.

Please note our dogs can sometimes bark during the night as they are protecting the house and areas nearby.

You must bring your own portable toilet. You are unable to bring your own dogs.

Our site maximum is 2.  Sites are opened at short notice when weather permits and not in conflict with farm activities. Weather permitting sites are generally available XMAS, NYE and Easter.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Cooking equipment

Otford Park nr Royal National Park

Otford is a historic village in a valley between Sydney and Wollongong, and bounded by the Pacific ocean.       Our private acreage backs onto the southern tip of the Royal National Park, so the outlook from the campsite is all leafy trees.  Walk to lookouts over the ocean, hike down to the beach or a few minutes drive to dog friendly beaches.   Our bathroom and kitchen facilities make it an easy experience for first time campers.  We are well-behaved-dog-friendly BUT you must let us know in advance.

Our access track to the camping sites has been repaired with a deep layer of asphalt but still best suited to 4WD. .   There is also the option of parking roadside, and walking in approx 400m to the sites.  Please message us if unsure about your vehicle.

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ

1. Please let us know if you are bringing a dog/dogs - we have horses, house dogs, chickens and; wildlife plus likely other campers close by, so need to be forewarned. Dogs must be on lead or contained at all times.

2.  If you need to camp out of your 4WD RV (such as a roof top tent), please contact me before booking to ensure those two particular vehicle sites are still available :) and that your vehicle is suitable for our track.  Maximum length is approx 5m.  Please scroll through the photos to see our amenities and camping sites.

3. We limit the number of people staying at any one time, so weekends book up quickly.   That said,  due to Covid and weather,  people often cancel at the last minute too,  so if we are currently booked out, it's always worthile checking again closer to the date for any availability.

We are on acreage (approx 7 acres) in Otford, surrounded by forest, backing onto the very southern end of the Royal National Park Sydney/Wollongong.  Sleep under the stars, and to the hoot of our local owls, and yips of the gorgeous feather-tail gliders.   Lovely, peaceful and private in a bushland backdrop but so close & just a walk to famous sites, beaches, cafes and bushwalking - so the perfect spot to stop, unpack and then go exploring.  

Max of 3 camp sites  booked at a time. Each camp site is within shouting distance of each other, so if looking for absolute privacy, please talk to me first. As bookings come through, I assess the number of people booked for a site, and adjust availability on the others accordingly (such as blocking the rest of the day/s to prevent over-crowding)  We usually only have two unconnected groups/families at a time.

Our site  is the perfect place to camp in comfort and safety, when taking an overnight rest after the long backpacking trek from Bundeena.

We have firewood available for our cosy camp firepits (one firepit available for each site) We buy in reclaimed hardwood to reduce the impact of logging of native forest, but also often have seasoned firewood from our own fallen trees.  $20 for approx 20kg.   Heaps of kindling sticks are around on the forest floor.  Please leave large and rotting logs alone for wildlife.

Water - Connected to Sydney Catchment drinking water, so supply isn't an issue, but we conserve where we can.   

Kitchenette We have a tiny house mobile kitchenette with sink, basic table wear, microwave, kettle, toaster, LÓr Nespresso compatible Pod machine (BYO pods) single hot plates, mini bar fridge ,and; USB ports.   You can also use the facility to recharge your mobile phone and; torches.    We also provide a billy kettle, cast iron fry pan and camp fire hot plate.

You'll also find 6 comfy directors chairs stored within the kitchenette, and a deck of cards, jigsaw puzzles, boardgames etc.  Cricket bat, Bocce ball game, and Finish Kubbs set are stored within the timber box under the gazebo.

"Nature Calls"  We have a new long drop compost toilet - only human waste and; toilet paper please.  A small bin is provided for sanitary products etc. Please leave the bushland surrounds free of solid waste. 

Gazebo

Weatherproof /insect meshed gazebo and outdoor furniture.    Absolutely no fires under the gazebo, otherwise it will melt and catch fire.  

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours between 10pm and 7am

Outdoor and Indoor Showers

Warm water is heated by LPG gas bottles - please help conserve water and gas

QUIET HOURS:

To respect other campers who may be staying,  and our amazing nocturnal wildlife,  our quiet hours are 10pm to 7am, when noise is asked to be kept minimal.  Such an exception would be event times like New Years Eve.   

We have found that camping is a great way to reset your Circadian rhythm - waking and sleeping according to the natural light & darkness , and a drink around a crackling camp fire super relaxing :) 

CONTACT:

If you want me to send you more photographs of the camping sites/facilities , you can look up Otford Park or OtfordParkCamping on Facebook and contact me through there (can't send photos etc via HipCamp messages yet)

WHAT TO EXPECT:

 We have horses, poultry, dogs and abundant wildlife so visiting pets must be either caged or leashed at all times.  We have two waterproof dog beds available - just need to bring their blanket etc for softness

As its a sanctuary for wildlife - absolutely No Hunting is permitted.   Wildlife can be loud at times - morning and night, from the wild deer that wander through, to domestic roosters that like to visit.  Its a bit 'farm country and wild bushland' tucked between Sydney and Wollongong

Caravans/large motorhomes cannot access the rear of our property, due the narrowness of the track, but no problem for the many 4wd style camper vehicles.

Necessities/consumables

We have a supply of toilet paper, hand wash, hand sanitiser, insect repellent , fire lighters, mossie coils, matches, dish soap, paper towels and spray disinfectant.    Its an honour system for use just while you're here, so please don't take them home with you.  If you need to buy toilet paper for your next journey, just ask me.

WHAT'S NEARBY:

- easy walk to Otford railway station

- easy walk to our free local tennis court just down the road

-road walk up to Bald Hill lookout (famous for its hang-gliding and view of the Seacliff Bridge) or hike  up the fire trail and around the Stony Batter headland

- walk to Otford Lookout and the start of the many trails through the Royal National Park or the hike down (about 20 to 30min) to Bulgo beach to swim, fish or snorkel.  Be sure to take water and wear comfy shoes

- quick walk to the hidden entrance of  the historic abandoned Otford railway tunnel entrance -its also an interesting and fun way to walk to Stanwell Park beach!

Otherwise its just few minutes drive to Stanwell Park beach and Coalcliff Beach   - all clean and beautiful

or go further north to the many stunning beaches of the Royal National Park such as Garie, Burning Palms, Wattamolla

- Darkes Forest - for trail horse riding,   and the Glenbernie Orchard,  for fresh apple and stone fruit produce and apple picking tours

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Off Leash Beaches

- If you have a dog , it will probably love the northern end of Stanwell Park beach its been designated an off-leash area, north of the creek. - park your carpark of Park Parade.    

Sharkey's Beach, Coledale.  A dedicated off-leash beach for dogs and surfers alike, all year round. Approx 10 min drive south.

* * * * * * * * * *

Others Sights & Activities 

- Four km to Symbio Wildlike Park - a lovely day out to see both exotic animals such as cheetahs or more local cuddly koalas and opportunities to hand feed kangaroos and wallabies.  A water theme park will keep the kiddies entertained and cool too

- On the way to Symbio is the beautiful Kelly's Falls - part of the Garrawarra State Conservation area & historic Princess Marina Cliff Walk.  

- Seacliff Bridge - Not to be missed and part of the Grand Pacific Drive along the South East Coast,  Seacliff Bridge is now an iconic Australian landmark.  It beautifully hugs the huge sandstone cliffs around the ocean, and is popular to tourist and film makers alike.

- Cafes - yum!   Walk to the Otford Pantry on the corner of Domville Rd and Lady Wakehurst Drive, open weekends for great coffee and pastries, overlooking the ocean.  Then many other cafes in nearby Stanwell Park and Helensburgh

- We are situated in a valley, with the Illawarra train line about 500m to 1km away,  so occasionally you might here a coal train passing,  or more interesting on many weekends the historic Cockatoo Run steam train comes through around 10am and on its return approx 6pm.  If children are at the station waiting to see it,  the drivers usually oblige with a friendly toot of the steam horn.

- Horse Riding - Book ahead for trail rides at either the local Otford Farm in Lloyd Place,  or can drive to Darkes Forest Riding Ranch

- Wodi Wodi track at Stanwell Tops - if you're fit and love a challenging hike, the Wodi Wodi track can take you from the Hanging swamp around and down to Coalcliff.  Water, comfortable shoes and insect repellent (for the odd leach) etc is essential, but the spectacular views at the top and destination make it worth it 

FOOD and PROVISIONS

Helensburgh shopping centre is just 4km drive away.   But if you're hiking on foot from the Royal National Park and would like basic provisions such as milk and bread available on your arrival, please let us know in advance, and we'll do our best to have them here.  We have a generator run mini-fridge in the kitchenette to keep such items cold, if needed.

TINY HOUSE

If you'd like to sleep in a bit of luxury, check out our new tiny house listing here

SYDNEY, WOLLONGONG &; BEYOND

Otford is 9km by car to Waterfall, Sutherland Shire,  43 km to George St, Sydney CBD,  25km to Wollongong CBD.    44km to Bondi Beach,  and 53km to Kiama.  All can be accessed by train too.  So the perfect area to set up base camp, whilst exploring greater Sydney, as well as the many beautiful spots within walking distance.

HIP CAMP REVIEWS 

When reading and leaving reviews , please have a heart towards your camp hosts.  The way the rating % works, it takes about 111 positive reviews out 112 reviews, to over-ride that 1 negative.  So for the average Hipcamp, it takes a looong time, to get back to 99 or 100% positive feedback.   If you have an issue onsite, please raise it immediately.  I know the majority of hosts will try and rectify it for you.

The driveaway to enter the property is very steep and not suitable for some vehicles. Contact the host for more info before arriving

Trash

Big Bell Farm

At Big Bell Farm, we understand that you want a holiday where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the views. Nestled in amongst farmland and national parks, Big Bell Farm can deliver. We are a family and pet friendly farm stay, offering camping and cabin accommodation.There’s plenty of activities for the kids, with bikes available, pool access, and many farm animals to play with (including miniature goats!). You can walk your dog along the creek, or discover breathtaking views on one of the many surrounding walking tracks.As the day comes to an end, you may find yourself enjoying a family barbeque dinner, all surrounding a beautiful campfire, while taking in the stars above in the night sky.At Big Bell Farm, we pride ourselves on being a carbon-neutral place. We consume as little energy as possible, and offset any remaining carbon emissions by planting more trees around the farm. Accessibility is no issue for us, as we also provide wheelchair access with some of our cabins.The property is located just 5 minutes from the town of Kangaroo Valley. Two hours’ drive from Sydney or Canberra. If food is your thing, take a chef led class, enjoy the freshest of local produce . In the village, fill up on lovingly made yummies at one of the many cafes. Explore pioneer history at the museum or browse the shops for treats or gifts.

Young Macdonald’s Farm

Young Macdonald’s Farm is 100 acres in the Shoalhaven region on the NSW South Coast. It’s a family farm that was historically dairy-based but is moving to regenerative agriculture. 

Your hosts are Mac and his parents, Gina and Shawn. The property is at the base of Brown’s Mountain, 15 mins from Nowra and the Shoalhaven River, 30 mins from beaches, 15 mins from Berry, and 20 mins from Kangaroo Valley. 

It boasts private and secluded spaces for camping, two creeks, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. 

We want to share the farm experience and encourage you to be a part of our adventure as we begin this new chapter of a six-generation family farm on traditional Wodi Wodi land.

camp facilities - bbq, fire pit, toilet, table and chairs

Bendameer

Bendameer is a 100 acre hobby farm running beef cows on the South Coast.

The farm is located just 15min drive to pristine beaches or 10min drive to national parks, walking tracks and swimming holes.

We provide Elevated camp sites over looking Lake Illawarra and Warilla Beach or stay on the farm and enjoy bush walking to water fall and swimming holes plus heaps of other attractions close by.

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