Forest camping near Shoal Bay
Discover and reserve the best campgrounds, cabins, caravan parks, and more.
97% (4095 reviews)
- Shoal Bay
97% (4095 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Shoal Bay
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top forest campgrounds near Shoal Bay
96%
(1123)
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$18
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(334)
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.
Pets
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Toilets
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from
AU$49
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(276)
The Riverside Farm Escape Minimbah
26 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)
Pets
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Toilets
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from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(119)
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.
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from
AU$65
/ night
* 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.
Pets
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from
AU$32
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(13)
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
Pets
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from
AU$48
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(43)
Willowbank
5 sites · RVs, Tents252 acres · Stroud Road, NSW
"Willowbank" is a stunning 252 acre property located in the picturesque Karuah River valley with 1km of river frontage. The property has been in our family for 4 generations! Being bought by Ian's great grandfather in the 1920's.
We cater for guests that are looking to get back to nature. Enjoy the great outdoors without feeling overcrowded! We want our guests to be happy and have the best experience possible.
Located only 8 minutes drive from the historical town of Stroud which was settled by the AA Company in the 1820's as a food growing area. There are still many beautiful buildings from that period to explore.
A dairy farm for many years, we switched over to beef around 15 years ago. Currently we run around 120 head of Angus and mixed breed cattle.
Within 3 hours drive of Sydney and around an hour from the Barrington National Parks, Newcastle, Maitland, Forster and Nelson Bay, it makes it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway!
We are offering five beautiful partly shaded, camping sites along the pristine Upper Karuah River. With two adjoining sites at The Paperbarks that can be booked seperately or if you would like the whole place to yourselves, book both! If the other sIte is already booked and you would like a little more space we have a few other areas we can show you. Alternatively, there are also two other sites further down the river, these are 4wd accessible only.
We do have an extra campground, Long Flat, suited to 4WD vehicles with caravans This is available subject to weather and farming activities. Please contact us if you are needing room for a larger group.
All sites are site only and no toilet or shower facilities are provided. You will need to bring your own camping toilet or self contained caravan/ camper (which can be emptied at the dump point located in Stroud township 8 minutes drive away).
Access to The Paperbarks sites is provided by the unsealed council road right to the sites. The sites themselves are subject to wet weather so 4wd vehicles are preferred though 2wd vehicles may be parked just off the road if it gets a bit wet. Please note, we do have a house up the hill from these sites. It does face away from the area though. The Rapids and Riverview sites are accessed via a laneway through the property. These sites are for 4WD VEHICLES ONLY with tents or camper trailers.
As sites are located along the riverbank, at times they are subject to flooding. This may mean that camping there may not be suitable at all times and you may need to move to higher ground in this event. The whole property is also cut off from road access during times of flood.
Adjoining Site 1 (The Paperbarks) the larger of the sites is suited to camper trailers, caravans, camper vans or tents. It has some flat areas and also some slightly sloping with river access. Bring your cricket bat and enjoy a game!
Adjoining Site 2 (The Paperbarks) is slightly smaller and is also suited to camper trailers, caravans, camper vans or tents. It also has a flat area with some slight slope and river access. Put up your hammock between the trees and just relax.
Site 3 (The Rapids) and Site 4 (Riverview) are both private, flat sites with 4WD ACCESS ONLY. Bring your tent, swag or camper trailer and enjoy the river rapids.
Site 5 (Long Flat) private large flat site for 4WD vehicles with caravans. Perfect for larger groups.
The river bank is a little steep in places and access is via a track so please be mindful when walking. River shoes are also encouraged as the rocks in the river can be slippery.
Perfect for a relaxing stay in summer with swimming, canoeing or floating on your raft down the river. Bring your fishing gear for some relaxing bass or mullet fishing during the summer months (catch and release is encouraged).
The pristine river is also home to platypus which can be seen early in the morning or late afternoon from the campsites. Please do not try and interact with these beautiful animals, photography is encouraged though!
There are numerous birds, water dragons and wallabies that also inhabit the area around the campsites.
Sit around the camp fire (restrictions permitting) and watch the stars with family and friends. Firepits are provided for use, subject to fire restriction periods. Remember to bring wood with you!
There are opportunities for bush walking, bird watching and mountain bike riding over the back of the property. It is a bit of a hike to get to the access but well worth it with beautiful views from the top of the mountain as well.
Our farm is a working beef cattle property. Please be mindful that cattle and horses have free range of the property, which includes the road, so take care when driving. There will also be at times motorbikes, chainsaws and vehicles operating around the farm as well as on neighbouring properties. We will endeavour to keep the noise away from campers where possible. There will also be the odd cow/horse poo and mooing at night in case anyone has an issue.
Small to medium dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times. This is due to there being working dogs and cattle in the area. Sorry, NO LARGE DOGS allowed due to past issues. Please also be aware that we are in a tick prone area so make sure your pet has adequate tick protection.
We do have mobile phone reception with Telstra and Optus on the property.
Historic Stroud township has a supermarket, butcher, chemist, cafes, a club and pub along with swimming pool, playground and skate park. Dungog is located 25 minutes drive away and also has many historic buildings and cafes etc.
Gloucester is 40 minutes drive and offers similar as well as access to the World renowned wilderness of the Barrington Tops National Park.
We hope to make your stay a pleasurable one with many happy memories made. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
***sorry no parties allowed***
Your hosts, Jo and Ian.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(457)
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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$25
/ night
* 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.
Pets
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from
AU$45
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(254)
Wootton Arabian Stud Farmstay
6 sites · RVs, Tents86 acres · Wootton, NSW
A beautiful 90 acre farm in the hills above The Great Lakes (Myall, Smith , Wallis Lakes), 30 mins from Seal Rocks, just 10km off the M1 about 20 minutes from Bulahdelah. Forster is a 45 min drive. Nabiac 20 minutes.
A historic local Dairy Farm that is very well maintained. The horses live in a natural herd environment and wander around amongst the camping sites on this beautiful clean property surrounded by forest. We set you well apart for privacy. You won't see any other camping sites unless you drive past them.
The property offers magnificent views of rolling green hills and ancient trees and a huge dam for floating around on. No street lights means great stars at night. Sit, relax and enjoy the magnificent views or utilise the surrounding forests, beaches, lakes and winery. You'll be camping with the horses who visit your site. Two Dams were stocked with yabbies and fish. Pet pig "Barney Rubble" and ponies / ducks/ chickens/ talking parrot to entertain little people. Firewood can be supplied at $10 per load. Free for regular campers/repeat visitors.
We limit bookings for your privacy. It's a hilly property so you need adequate power and 4WD for the higher sites but our internal roads are good. Message me if any questions about access, particularly after rain. Dogs are welcome and are fine to be off-lead provided they don't chase horses and are friendly. On lead near the house with the free-ranging fowl. Campers should be fully contained though we do have a Drop-Loo. Bring all, take all, no footprint camping. We have farm eggs and there's usually lemons available and chilli's growing. Local Honey for sale. We look forward to hosting you.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(445)
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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$100
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
87%
(39)
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.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
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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.