- Manly
96% (1481 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Manly
Star Hosts in Manly
Under $50
12 top forest caravan sites near Manly
95%
(610)
NSW Ski Gardens
6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Wisemans Ferry, NSW
NSW Ski Gardens is situated on the banks of the Hawkesbury River at Wisemans Ferry.
Every October - April is our peak time and its busy! Please be aware there is river noise during our busy times on weekends so may not suit those looking for tranquillity on weekends. During the week it's fine but weekends are busy and a bit noisy.
We are 1.2 km from the township along the River Road. There are powered and unpowered sites for caravans and campers set in a rustic location.
Amenities include hot showers, laundry, on-site kiosk and boat ramp (fee applicable).
BBQ and covered picnic area.
Dogs are welcome on leash.
Firewood is available for purchase on-site.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$26
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(144)
Canoelands Valley Camping
4 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Canoelands, NSW
Canoelands Valley Camping is an easy-to-access camping area with magnificent views through the National Park Valley. With only two allocated camping/van zones enjoy the privacy and access to walk around the 40 acres.
Located 1.15 hrs from Sydney CBD this is an ideal place for a quick weekend getaway for keen hikers, mountain bikers and nature enthusiasts.
Surrounded by the Marramarra National Park you have a short drive to access the Canoelands Ridge Trail (17kms), Duckponds Ridge Trail, Marrarra Ridge to Smugglers Point Ridge Trail.
We are a short drive to dine at Wiseman Ferry, and only 11 minutes from the local Woolworths. Or enjoy a beautiful walk at Fagan Park in Galston.
Your camping/van area is supplied with red/yellow bins, and camping toilet is provided. Dogs allowed but please let me know first. They will need to be unleash all the time and well behaved. Please pick up after them and also they must be vaccinated.
A campfire during permitted times is allowed but only in the fire pits. There is loads of dried kindling and small logs around the property otherwise please bring your own. All Sites have fire pits.
Beautiful spot to relax, with loads of wildlife and bird watching.
Please use bins supplied and leave no trace.
* There are 4 allocated camp sites. Two are easy(2WD & Vans/trailers) access and have the direct view through the valley. Two require high wheel clearance vehicles (just small hill to drive up with some rocks), these are more private sites(cannot see the other campers) still with lovely views. Please mention what car you have when booking.
**Now offering access on weekdays but ONLY Site 1 & 2 (weekend access to Sites 1-4)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$39
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 69 times
"40 Acres"
62 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Palm Grove, NSW
Hi Hipcampers! Please read to the end, including property rules, before booking. Thank you :)
If you need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of civilisation this is the place for you! Our little valley is located 90 minutes from either Sydney or Newcastle, but feels a million miles away. We are nestled in the middle of lush rainforest, at the meeting of two ever flowing creeks. The Great North Walk is literally on our doorstep, and a lovely 2.5 hour walk loops around the property through the surrounding National Park. We have 2 paddocks available for campers to enjoy, as well as our "TajMaPoo" comprised of 5 compost toilets and 5 showers (4 hot, 1 cold). We also have a large rustic shelter with lounges which acts as a wonderful communal gathering space. We absolutely love sharing this piece of paradise with any nature lovers who are respectful and kind to this pristine environment we are lucky to call home.
* It does not matter which paddock you book ('main' or 'quiet'), price is the same and we are happy for you to camp in whichever one you prefer when you get here.
By booking you agree to adhere to the following rules:
- PEACE & QUIET: Please absolutely no loud parties, no amplified music past 9pm, and no excessive drinking. The atmosphere we like to cultivate here is one of quiet enjoyment of nature and community :)
- LEAVE NO TRACE: anything you bring in you must bring out. This includes all rubbish, which must be taken home or to a public bin, but NEVER placed in any of our neighbours bins along the road.
- DRIVE SLOW on the road in and out of the property, taking extra caution around horses and any pedestrians or cyclists during the day, and wildlife at night.
- TOILET ETIQUETTE: please treat the toilets/showers with care and respect. If you make a mess clean it up, and leave the space ready for the next person to relax and enjoy their poo with a view :)
- DOGS: All dogs must be friendly (to people/strangers, children and other dogs). Dogs must remain in owners eye-sight and under their control at all times. All poos in open grassy areas must be picked up. And super important - please ensure all dogs are treated for ticks, as they can be lethal for our beloved canines.
- FIRES: only in above ground receptacles that do not affect the grass. There are two communal fire circles already set up in the main paddock, which you are welcome to use. Please do not leave any metal or rubbish in communal fires. BYO firewood.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$34
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(361)
Otford Park nr Royal National Park
3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Otford, NSW
NOTE: We're going to be offline for several weeks and closed. We're still taking bookings heading into the Christmas period and beyond, but please understand if I'm a little slow at responding to messages - may take 24-48 hours to reply
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
* * * * * * * * * *
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$60
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(118)
Camping @ Emerald Park Equine
35 sites · RVs, Tents112 acres · Mandalong, NSW
Located at Mandalong, a small rural community near the town of Morisset and west of Lake Macquarie, New South Wales.
The established green 112 acre equine property has the Watagan Mountains as the backdrop. We are approximately 5 minutes off the M1 Motorway and 1 hour drive north of Sydney.
For those wanting to explore further, we are 40 minutes out from the Hunter Valley and a nice drive to stunning local beaches, cafes and restaurants.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$20
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(250)
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
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$45
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(121)
Dharawal Camp
1 site · RV, Tent25 acres · Wedderburn, NSW
Dharawal Camp offers all the benefits of glamping. Enjoy a peaceful night's rest in your tent/vehicle, then hop out of bed and enjoy the peaceful surrounds of the cabin with access to a kitchen area supplying fresh rainwater. With the secluded bush surroundings and the quiet, it's hard to believe you're only an hour away from Sydney.
You might even see a Koala
There is strictly no accomodation in the Cabin.
The camp features a camping toilet and bathing facilities, a kitchen washing area, a recreation space and dining table when the weather is bad. All you need to do is roll out your swag.
Campers are encouraged to take their rubbish with them.
There is access to power for campervans/caravans.
Warm your toes at the outdoor fireplace whilst you chat with friends. (Please bring own firewood).
You will be a 10 minute drive from the beautiful Dharawal National Park which has wonderful swimming holes and bush walks.
The site is 15 minutes drive from Campbelltown, which offers all amenities of a large metropolitan city.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$95
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(11)
Hollwood.
5 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Mandalong, NSW
- Flat grassed areas
- Bush camping via 4wd access
- Fresh water dam for swimming and
fishing 🎣
- Bush walking
- Plenty of wildlife to look at
- Located at the base of the Watagan mountains
- 10minutes to Lake Macquarie
- 5minutes to town
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(11)
Halifax Hill
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · St Albans, NSW
A small secluded paddock nestled at the foot of the hill on a bush block about 3km from the historic village of St Albans, the property provides an easily accessible bush escape from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, and a great camp from which to explore the local area.
Enjoy the local swimming hole, nearby bushwalks, explore the historic convict trail and more
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
AU$17
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(15)
Mystical Mountain
2 sites · RVs, Tents53 acres · Mangrove Mountain, NSW
Mystical Mountain is located on a 53 acre working farm.
Backing onto McPhersons forest, our campsites are ideally located within a short treck or bike ride into the forest.
The forest has a beautiful creek and waterfall, perfect for a day trip.
The property is conveniently located 1 hour from Sydney and just a 2 minute drive to groceries, food and a pharmacy and 7 minutes from the pub and a doctor.
A 30 minutes form town and close to attractions such as Glenworth Valley and Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary. Also Markets every 2nd and 4th Weekend.
The site currently does not have toilets or electrical facilities, but something we are working on. So please bring your own toilet and take with you.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(140)
Mountain Lagoon Camping & Glamping
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Mountain Lagoon, NSW
Located at Bilpin, this beautiful campsite is nestled at the foot of the majestic Blue Mountains and backs onto Wollemi National Park. This magical 16 acres is abundant with wildlife and where you camp is the mouth to the beginning of some great hiking tracks in the National Park!
There are a few great campsites to choose from- one at the top of the property (good for families/large groups up to approx 20) with good flat ground and surrounded by a lush forest. It's close to the road so it is easy access in and out, another two at the back with water views and one in the forest (If you have 4wd and portable loo we can give you an exclusive spot in the bottom of the golden gorge).
Enjoy the sounds of the bubbling stream and see the sunset at the waterhole. Sit back and relax around the campfire whilst toasting a marshmallow or some damper.
This campsite offers a unique heptagonal toilet (no shower yet but its on the way). Please ensure you're fully self sufficient with all other supplies (including water).
From here you can explore the amazing Blue Mountain views, marvel at a magical glow worm dell, check out the 2 apple cider breweries and taste some of the region's delicious produce.
Colo River is 30 mins away, a clear waterhole is 10 min drive ( 4wd only- hosts can transport if available), the mouth of a hiking trail to the National Park is on the property, the main township of Bilpin is close by with the baker, fruit and vege picking, Mountain Bells Cafe (host recommendation), apple pies galore and the restaurant , the markets are on Saturday morning 10-12 noon at the local hall and there is a free meditation group 9am Sunday at the monastery.
With so much to do you will need more than one night or plan a return visit to the amazing Mountain Lagoon Hideaway at Bilpin!
We can also offer massage and reiki treatments on site as a 'nature immersion' experience or if you prefer it can be in the privacy of a massage
studio (10 mins away), guided nature and wildlife walks/sunset walks or longer hikes, professional ecology tours, fire twirling lessons or performance and African drumming lessons, games for the kids, local produce hampers, eggs and BBQS (with notice and if hosts are available). Please discuss with your hosts for further details and availability :)
PLEASE ensure you read rules and safety as well as directions, because GPS will take you to the wrong property.
The land is a nature retreat and developing animal rescue sanctuary so we love to share the space with respectful nature loving people :) Our motto is leave no trace.
We look forward to welcoming you to our unique and magical slice of paradise!
🪵 IMPORTANT : Only use rock circles for fire. Fire must be put out if you 1) Leave the site each day 2) Each night before bed and 3) When you leave completely. IF THIS IS NOT DONE AND THE FIRE BRIGADE IS CALLED 'YOU ARE' RESPONSIBLE FOR THE 10K PLUS FINE. Neighbours have and will call the fire brigade if they see smoke. This is a strict policy due to being in a National Park and to protect the precious nature and wildlife. Two buckets of water are supplied for this purpose. Sticks in the buckets for animals to safely exit if they fall in. Whats App us with plenty of notice if you need more water. If it is hot weather or windy there may be a TOTAL FIRE ban. We will keep you posted and please be proactive and check online.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$56
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(42)
The Freedom Farm River Paradise
3 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Lower Mangrove, NSW
The Freedom Farm has been in our family for nearly 50 years and we know it has a much longer history as a place of gathering, healing, learning and celebration. The spirits are strong here. We have been working the last few years on Rewilding the land and it is the healthiest it has been in my lifetime. Encompassing salt marsh, casuarina forests, open grassland and gumtree groves there is an incredible diversity of species to be found on this relatively small property. Bordered by Mangrove Creek it is protected on all sides by sandstone mountains yet remains sunny and open. A lush and powerful place.
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$80
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Available this weekend
Dog-friendly getaways
Forest caravan camping near Manly guide
Overview
Looking to camp in a caravan amid the forest near Manly, New South Wales? Hipcamp has over 2500 options that match your preferences. With top campsites like Fern Valley Ranch (401 reviews), Megalong Valley Farm (435 reviews), and Rivers Run Colo River (389 reviews), you'll be sure to find a great spot. Average prices per night for these campsites is $40, with options as low as $5. Popular amenities include potable water, pets, and toilets, while popular activities are off-roading (OHV), hiking, and wildlife watching. Happy camping!
Safety at Hipcamp
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.