The best camping near Narawntapu National Park

Hemmed in between the Sorell and Tamar Rivers and the Bass Strait, the Narawntapu National Park is a wild stretch of windswept beaches, coastal lagoons, and heathlands dotted with islands, sand dunes, and inlets. Whether you’re cooling off with a swim at the long sandy beaches, hiking the epic Coastal Travers trail along the shore, or spotting Forester kangaroos, pademelons, and Tasmanian devils, exploring Narawntapu is all about getting back to nature. Bring your boat, your horse (this is one of few NPs with horse trails), and your caravan or campervan, and enjoy some of Tasmania’s best beachside camping.

• Best for caravans: Springlawn Campground has powered sites suitable for caravans, campervans, and camper trailers, plus a blackwater dump point. 
• Best for equestrian campers: The Horse Yards has unpowered campsites with firepits and horse camping by prior reservation.
• Best for tent campers: Koybaa has tent-only campsites at the southwestern tip of Bakers Beach.

1. The park’s four campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Bookings are only possible for large groups and equestrians. 
2. You can pay for your campsite using the self-registration system at Springlawn Visitor Center.
3. Campsites can book up as fast on summer and holiday weekends, so get there early and head straight to the Visitor Center on arrival to secure your spot.

Summertime brings the crowds to Narawntapu, and the warm sunny months are the best time to hit the beach, especially if you want to swim. For boating, fishing, and wildlife watching, it’s best to come when the water levels are higher, and some of the best bird-watching is in early spring. The national park is open year-round except for Christmas Day, and the campgrounds stay open through winter.

• Narawntapu National Park is set 40 kilometres east of Devonport, about a 35-minute drive away, and 75 kilometres northwest of Launceston, about a 75-minute drive away. There are two park entrances: Springlawn and Greens Beach.
• A Parks Pass is required for all Tasmania national parks, and camping fees also apply. You must inform the park at least four days beforehand if bringing horses to Narawntapu.
• Narawntapu facilities include four campgrounds, restrooms, picnic areas, and the Springlawn Visitor Center, which has a small gift and snack shop, coin-operated showers, and electric barbecues. The closest gas station and grocery store is a 25-minute drive away, so bring everything you need with you. 
• Beaches are not patrolled, so swimming is at your own risk.
• There are accessible restrooms, picnic areas, and campsites at Narawntapu National Park. The Visitor Center is also accessible.