Beach Camping Near Nelson Bay, New South Wales, AU: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2025

Australia
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New South Wales
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Nelson Bay

95% (1199 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Nelson Bay

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top beach campgrounds near Nelson Bay

99%

(539)

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

93%

(396)

Blueys Beach Farmstayz

16 sites · Tents9 acres · Blueys Beach, NSW

*Please note that this is not a working farm. You can pet and interact with the animals (horses, goats and chickens) through the fence, but no feeding, sheering or other activities available. Thank you for your understanding. Welcome to Blueys Beach Farmstay! MerryLegs's Paddock offers fantastic group bookings, perfect for larger groups. Strawberry's paddock is located towards the rear of the property, offering a comfortable spot for those with kids, with easy access to the amenities. Merrylegs's Paddock is the perfect spot for couples and smaller or larger groups. Merrylegs's is located towards the front of the property, and offers sites for up to 4 guests per site. Enjoy lovely grassed areas with ample shade for your camper-van, roof top tent, free standing tent or swag. We have seven (7) acres of fully fenced grassy paddocks, with mostly shaded open areas. We have a 2 night minimum and a 5 night maximum stay at both listings. We're located very close to Blueys Beach where you can stroll along the shore, go for a swim or help the kids build sandcastles. It’s a flat walk from your campsite, only minutes away along the footpath (approximately 350 metres) to local restaurants, cafes and shops. Those visiting with their furry family member can enjoy the nearest dog friendly beach within council regulated hours just a further 150 down the path. You can enjoy access to flushable toilets x 2 and a singular hot shower and a singular cold shower for those after the beach days, please BYO toiletries. We ask that you place all of your rubbish in the bins provided .. we can take your recyclable cans and bottles for the Earn and Return program. To clarify .. YES we have a garbage bin for general waste only .. no recycling bin. We allow campfires when it is safe. ALL fires must be contained in a fire pit. Absolutely no fires are to be lit on the open grass. WE have fire pits for hire and bagged firewood is available for purchase on site .. all fire pits brought onto the property for use by guests will be subject to the discretion of the property owners. All fires and fire pits must be "OK'd" with the property owners prior to lighting, what we're looking for is clearance from the ground to the base of the fire pit .. the greater distance the better. Fires can only be lit in accordance with NSW Rural Fire Services fire restrictions or total fire bans. We've had multiple patches of our buffalo lawn scorched to beyond charcoal by careless guests .. you must ask the hosts / property owners before lighting any fires .. unnecessary burnt patches of lawn may result in you and your guests leaving!! We ask you to please note: ** UNFORTUNATELY WE DO NOT TAKE ANY CARAVANS .. HYBRID CARAVANS .. MOTOR HOMES .. RV'S .. FIFTH WHEELER's .. BUSES INCLUDING MERCEDES SPRINTERS of any size .. mainly the footprint of these types of vehicles is far too great .. once again we're only a grassy paddock not a caravan park. Standard size camper trailers and camper-vans, roof top tents are all completely fine. If your bus is longer than 4 meters in length, over 2 meters in height and/ or width with a tare weight of 3 tonne or over SORRY BUT IT IS A NO!! If your camper trailer is wider than 2.5 meters or longer than 4.5 metres in length inclusive of the drawbar .. SORRY BUT ITS A NO!! If you have a Jayco of any description .. regardless of length / width OR what the "registration papers say" .. SORRY BUT IT IS STILL A NO!! - If you have solar panels to charge you might have to chase the sun a little, as there are plenty of shaded areas which is perfect come summer. We do not allow the use of "Slackline or Tightropes" strung between our trees, it causes them to be ringbarked after a prolonged use .. meaning they die in the long run .. rope clotheslines and hamocks perfectly ok on the palms, sheoaks and paperbarks!! - Dogs are permitted here however they must be friendly off leash and must NOT chase my pets which include horses, goats , dogs and our pet chooks. Please pick up after your pooch .. as a courtesy to other guests and also to us, it doesn't happen in a caravan park .. please do the right thing here!! PLEASE ADVISE US UPON BOOKING IF YOU ARE BRINGING A PET/PETS!! - There are animals that live here and they occasionally make animal noises. Specifically, we have a pet Rooster called Billy .. he is meticulous at his job of being a rooster and can start very early in the morning 4am We ask you to please be understanding during your visit, that this is Billy's home and we ask you to PLEASE RETHINK YOUR BOOKING if you feel this might impact on your holiday or your guests holiday. On arrival, we ask that you stop at the garages at the front of the house to confirm your check-in and get instructions .. PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE PROPERTY, prior to letting us know you have arrived. NO ARRIVALS AFTER 10PM .. during peak periods it impacts greatly on our other onsite guests, we've had too many complications in the past, appologies it simply it doesn't work. When we have heavy rain, some areas of the property are not car accessible and you may need to walk to some amenities. and keep driving to a minimum. Upon your booking you will receive a couple of private messages from us .. these will be located in your HipCamp Messages on the App or the website they will contain instructions for once you arrive .. PLEASE READ THEM!! If you have not already, please download the "HipCamp" app it makes communication a lot easier. We're happy to help if you need more information .. safe travels always!!

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(3)

Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie

92 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · Mannering Park, NSW

Stay in a picturesque location mere footsteps from lapping water at Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie! Located alongside the largest coastal saltwater lagoon in Australia on the North Coast of New South Wales, you can choose to stay in waterfront villas, holiday cabins or grassy, powered campsites for lakeside holiday bliss. Bring the boat and access the park’s private boat ramps into Lake Macquarie, or visit nearby beaches, walking trails or national parks. If you’d rather stay in, access the park’s amenities and enjoy the jumping cushion, swimming pool and BBQs, or hire a kayak or a stand-up paddle board!

* Before taxes and fees

88%

(41)

SeaForest Sanctuary

21 sites · RVs, Tents65 acres · Charlotte Bay, NSW

NOT SUITABLE FOR VANS OVER 18ft. 65 acres of pristine forest excites the senses with its diversity of environments; meandering creek tributaries, a huge natural billabong, rich array of birdlife & wildlife. The property’s rainforest walk leads you through a subtropical tree forest by the banks of Duck creek, past the 'Dingo' large sculpture then to the ultimate viewing of the gigantic ancient trees that are 300 years old. The property is close to 4 beaches - Blueys, Boomerang, Elizabeth & Cellito/Sandbar ( 3 of those beaches are dog friendly and Sandbar even allows Horse riding as well as 4WD). The property borders the southern boundary of the Wallingat National Park - which offers days and days of adventures and has the best look-out over the whole coastal region called the Whoota Whoota lookout. Wallis Lake is literally across the road from the front gate and can be accessed by boat launch just up the Coomba road or at the Pacific Palms recreational club ( Recky) which is a short 5 minutes down the road. Smiths Lake is only 5 minutes drive away in the other direction and has catamaran and boat hire services close to the Frothy Coffee Cafe, located right on the Smiths Lake waters edge. The new water sport called Fliteboard, also known as e-foiling ( it’s a new technology giving the beginner to advanced rider an experience of surfing without needing to catch a wave - sort of SUP and standing on a large stable board but propelled by a battery operated propeller ) is also located here to try out and have lessons on..The stable board GLIDES above the water on a keel like structure that is motorised by battery and is controlled by a hand held bluetooth device. You literally fly above the serene water silently ! ( exclusive deals given to SeaForest Sanctuary visitors - see extras - loading information shortly ) SeaForest Sanctuary sites are 4WD and AWD due to the tracks- some 2WD as long as they have a high ground clearance & depending if we have dry weather. ( I have a small 2WD SUV and it gets around perfectly in the dry weather but I need the 4WD in the wet ). No amenities so campers need to BYO everything they need and leave no trace. Campers MUST bring their own camping toilet... This property is a wildlife/bush sanctuary and thus everyone is asked to please do their part to keeping it that way. The waterways and forests in this area are mind blowing. If you have the opportunity, hire a boat/ houseboat or kayak etc and explore the Myall, Smiths and Wallis Lakes.. Bushwalking trails are everywhere through the many National Parks that surround us here. The property is Dog friendly and owners must be respectful of others and keep animals quiet and contained at night. Goes without saying - please clean up doggie dung and take with your rubbish. Campfires are permitted in a designated area when restrictions aren't in place, plenty of wood to gather your own. Please be mindful that there could be fire bans on certain days during the summer. Farm manager will keep you informed and if the worst scenario happens being a fire warning of catastrophic conditions, please follow the farm managers instructions to evacuate the premises and enjoy some shopping in Forster or go to the movies for the day until the warning has lifted. Horse agistment available.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(9)

Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach

209 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · One Mile, NSW

While many of our holiday parks offer a beachfront location, Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach takes things up a notch with a 1.6-kilometre stretch of sand, right on your doorstep. Set on the holiday park’s namesake – One Mile Beach – there’s no need to factor in a commute for your morning beach stroll or swim these holidays. If you’re feeling adventurous during your stay, you’re in for a treat with over 26 beaches located in the Port Stephens region including the 32-kilometre Stockton Beach, which is home to the largest sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. It’s these very dunes where you can experience camel rides at sunset or sandboarding down them at high speed. Choose between camping, caravan sites, cabins or villas for your stay at Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach – with direct beach access available from all villas for those who enjoy the idea of waking up to the sound of rolling waves. While you’ve got the best of Port Stephens less than 15 minutes’ drive away, there’s plenty to keep the family entertained within the holiday park grounds such as a games room, jumping cushion, playground and ball court. Given its position along the coastline, seafood lovers will love the local oyster bars and seafood restaurants close by, like restaurant institution Rick Steins at Bannisters.

* Before taxes and fees

97%

(614)

Abstobys Retreat

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Bobs Farm, NSW

I have a small private property with grass campsites by a tidal outlet to Port Stephens harbour. We do not offer secluded camp sites away from other people on large acreage. You can spend your days fishing, kayaking or enjoying Nelson Bay and surrounding areas and beaches which are only 15 minutes away. Guests have the use of a retreat shelter/fire place/BBQ area and wifi. Campers must try to be self contained bringing their own water, toilet and shower. Sorry, no caravans over 20ft. Suite solo travellers, couples wanting a quiet weekend and LGBT friendly. We do have available tank, rain water for drinking, a toilet and hot shower, microwave and free wifi available for those who cannot be totally self contained. Yes there are mozzies because you are near water, so bring repellent. Pets are welcome but must stay on a leash throughout your stay. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Please BYO firewood. Fires are only permitted when there are no fire restrictions and in the designated fire pit and designated fire pit area for your own fire pit. Children 16 & under stay for free. Please notify host if you are bringing children. Please be careful and supervise young children near the water.

* Before taxes and fees

95%

(63)

Iggys Haven @ Anna Bay

16 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Anna Bay, NSW

Beautiful 25 acres with natural wild life, Koalas, Kangaroos, Flying Squirrels, Kookaburras and much more. Located amongst 27 beaches (Samurai Nudist beach is one of them) around the Port Stephens peninsula with entry point to the largest sand dunes on the Eastern coast of Australia…stretching 41 kilometres. 4WD, camel rides or some great fishing at Birubi Beach NSW. Property is located off grid, but also 2 min from Anna Bay Tavern, 3 min drive to the nearest rock pools and some fine surf.

* Before taxes and fees

91%

(16)

Tiona Holiday Park

99 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Tiona, NSW

Stay in sites and cabins nestled between the white sands of Seven Mile Beach, the cabbage tree palm-studded shores of Wallis Lake and the spectacular Booti Booti National Park. Find your space at the pet-friendly Tiona Holiday Park, whether you are camping, caravanning or need a cabin for the night, and only 15 minutes from Forster. All of our sites and cabins are family friendly, pet friendly, and the perfect space from which to relax, explore, connect or play – plus you can have a campfire* (in season)! Lush native rainforest style landscaping allows you to embrace the natural feel of the park, whilst enjoying a stay your style. Beachfront eco style cabins and tents and lakeside spacious camping and caravan sites for adventurers and families.

* Before taxes and fees

85%

(36)

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)

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(4)

Ingenia Holidays Middle Rock

123 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · One Mile, NSW

It’s not just real estate agents who talk about location, location, location – those booking beach holidays speak the same language. For a park with a prime position, check into Ingenia Holidays Middle Rock. You’ll find it an 11-minute drive to the Port Stephens town center, and only a hop, skip and a jump to the main attractions of Port Stephens including the Tomaree Summit Walk, Nelson Bay Marina, Stockton Sand Dune and Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary right next door. To check in, choose between cabins, caravan sites, or campgrounds and prepare to settle into a Port Stephens state of mind. Being a coastal location everything about this park is set up for you to rest and relax – whether its lounging around the resort style pools, enjoying a casual BBQ in the recently refurbished camp kitchen or letting the kids loose on the jumping pillow. With a fully licensed café and bar on site you can skip self-catering altogether if you’re inclined or explore the many restaurants and cafes in Port Stephens within walking distance of the park.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(5)

Gumnuts Campsite

6 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Seal Rocks, NSW

A peaceful stay amongst the gum trees in the relaxing countryside of Bungwahl. Enjoy the convenience of camping just a few minutes from the beautiful Myall Lake and local store, and 10 minutes to the stunning beaches and lighthouse at Seal Rocks. Also just 15 minutes to Pacific Palms beaches and 30 minutes to Forster. The camping sites offer plenty of space to comfortably spread out, they're level, lots of space for turning/maneuvering and the grass is kept low. An easy, enjoyable camping area for self-contained campers. You will need to supply your own camp toilet, power, and water. There is a local farm fresh self-serve shop just next door, 150m away, selling cheese, milk, and meats. Stay at Gumnuts Campsites and rest, restore, and rejuvenate.

from

AU$48

/ night

* Before taxes and fees

JRG Edgewater

1 site · RV, Tent69 acres · Carrington, NSW

Escape to the serene countryside at JRG Edgewater, located at 206 Church Street, Carrington NSW 2324 where tranquility meets adventure. Surrounded by lush farmland and directly across from the picturesque Port Stephens River, this campsite offers the perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor fun. Wake up to the gentle sounds of cattle and goats grazing nearby and spend your days exploring the natural beauty of Carrington. Whether you’re seeking peace or adventure, JRG Edgewater has something for everyone. Features include: • A working local farm with grazing cattle and goats adding to the rural charm. • Stunning water views of Port Stephens River, just steps away. • Excellent fishing opportunities for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. • Access to water sports activities, including kayaking and paddleboarding. • A nearby boat ramp, making it easy to launch and explore the river by boat. • Unmatched tranquility for relaxation and breathtaking star-gazing at night. Whether you’re angling for a catch, enjoying water sports, or simply soaking in the peaceful ambiance, JRG Edgewater is your perfect countryside escape. Reconnect with nature, enjoy riverside adventures, and let the charm of Carrington refresh your spirit. Book your stay today at JRG Edgewater—where the countryside meets the water’s edge!

from

AU$95

/ night

* Before taxes and fees

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping near Nelson Bay guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in Australia! We offer over 160 options for beach camping near Nelson Bay, New South Wales. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoors, we've got you covered with a variety of campsites to choose from. Looking for recommendations? Check out our top-rated campsites: Spirit of the Forest (326 reviews), Abstobys Retreat (242 reviews), and Blueys Beach Farmstay (156 reviews). With prices starting as low as $10 per night and an average price of $35 per night, you'll find options to fit any budget. Enjoy popular amenities such as pet-friendly accommodations, campfires, and rubbish disposal. Plus, indulge in exciting activities like horseback riding, surfing, and paddling. Start planning your beach camping adventure today!