The best camping near Watsons Creek National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Watsons Creek National Park adventure.

Discover the natural splendour of Watsons Creek National Park.  

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Community favorites near Watsons Creek National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Watsons Creek National Park

96%
(507)

Hillside Farmstay

99 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Nemingha, NSW
A 200 acre horse breeding property on the outskirts of Tamworth. 6 minutes to the Country Music Capital CBD. Lots of shady trees to camp or park your van/RV. Hills that you can see forever from the top of.... Some outdoor seating. There's two flush toilets, two hot showers. Dogs are welcome but must be strictly on a lead at all times. There is a dog run available if you want to leave your dog and go to town or the Country Music Festival. Generally most people stay and camp near the horse barn. Indoor shower and toilet available and there is a outdoor hot shower and a sink and a tub to rub a dub dub. Laundry is available. Ask for the key ($5) The outdoor shower is private but has no roof so you can shower under the stars. Picnic table provided and a fire pit to barbecue in winter (fire bans in summer) Transported horses are also welcome...yards available. Price is per person. Children under 12 are free.
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AU$12
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(322)

Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping

27 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Manilla, NSW
A beautiful, off grid, riverside campground with amazing swimming hole on private property. This private campground is located in North West NSW. 50 minutes from Tamworth. Conveniently located 20 minutes outside the pretty town of Manilla and right on the river banks of the Namoi River. Also 20 minutes from beautiful Warrabah National Park. The campground is tucked away in a little valley overlooking an idyllic stretch of windy river with an amazing swimming hole, sandy beach, tranquil rapids and a beautiful, mesmerising, majestic rock. We have four primative campsites suited to all types of large and small, self sufficient campers in RV's, caravans, camp trailers, vans and tents. All sites are unique and positioned to enhance space and privacy as well as proximity and views of the river. They all showcase the varying, natural beauty and characteristics of the landscape. You can also book our amazing, award winning glamping tent. We are not a party campsite. Our little slice of paradise is for peace and relaxation. We also need to respect and encourage the presence and abundance of birds and animals and continue to ensure it is a peaceful and quiet home for them. You can enjoy your music just as long as other campsites and the local wildlife can't hear it. Manilla, only 20 minutes away has two dump points and water refill stations as well as a good number of shops to cater to all your needs during your stay. We are not in a high traffic area so you may get to enjoy having the place all to yourself. Our campsites have good access for all types of camp set ups and are not impacted by flooding. Nor do they become boggy in wet weather due to the high sand content in our soil. You could be sitting on the warm sandy bank overlooking the river and being captivated by the surrounding beauty and the magnificence of the swimming hole. This secret little piece of paradise has been untouched for 40 years and is home to an abundance of birdlife. Birds include the colourful Rainbow bee eaters, Kingfishers, Superb Fairy Wrens, Eastern Yellow Robins, Red Browed Finch and many more. A magical place that will delight your senses and make you feel relaxed and at peace. BYO camp toilet and leave no trace. Fish in the river; cod, cat, golden perch and carp. Well behaved dogs on leash and supervised at all times are welcome. If you would like to enquire about having the place to yourselves send me a message. ACCESS CONDITIONS: To help you decide if your set up is suitable you can google Riverside Escape Camping Manilla and find 2 videos on 23 and 25 May 2022 taken of me driving up and down the track to the campsites in my old Ford Courier that is NOT 4x4. There are lots of other useful videos to get a good sense of our campsite. You will also get a sense of the distance between each site. We recognise the Kamilaroi / Gomeroi people as the traditional custodians of this land.
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AU$16
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(14)

New Valley Dreaming

6 sites · RVs, Tents2859 acres · New Valley, NSW
This cattle and sheep property in New Valley, half an hour south of Inverell, is raw and beautiful, with New Valley Creek running through it, swimming holes, and waterfalls. Newly laid trails make exploring the property easy, from valleys to hilltops. If you are looking for a natural wonderland, where you can enjoy Australian bush camping at its absolute best, this is it. The property is so spectacular, that parts of it have even been featured on TV's Farmer Wants a Wife. The terrain is rugged and hilly, but the host has created easy access to several excellent, grassy camping sites some exclusive to one group at a time, others around the large dam but still with plenty of space. They all have good road access for even 2WD, provided they have good clearance. The creek and rocks are stunning and will provide hours of fun. Fishing tours are run on the property at an extra cost, it is strictly catch and release and must discuss it beforehand with the host. We do not permit hunting as we want our guests to have and enjoy the tranquility and space. Please note, that our Farmer Wants a Wife site has a long-drop toilet and designated fire ring, however, our other sites are for completely self-contained campers only. If you are visiting during the shearing season, you are welcome to come and check it out for an insight into farm life! Pet friendly, but only small breeds, and must be kept on a lead at all times. Please discuss bringing your dog with the host before booking. Campfires are ok provided you BYO firepit, and they are kept small and manageable. There is plenty of fallen timber you are welcome to collect for firewood. Strictly no cutting down of trees. No campfires during fire bans, or when conditions are not favourable. Whilst fishing tours are possible on the property, you must discuss your interest with the host prior as there are important rules around this and is , it's strictly catch-and-release only. We do not allow hunting of any description so that our visitors can have a quiet and relaxing stay without interruptions. Just five minutes up the road is Green Valley Fun Park with a huge playground, jumping pillow, animal walkabout, museum and 18 hole mini putt. So plenty to keep kids entertained both on and off the property!
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AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(77)

Blue Hole Riverside R&R

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Castle Doyle, NSW
Blue Hole Riverside R&R (via Castle Doyle Rd) is located 10 minutes out of Armidale and provides sunny, cleared acres to camp by the riverside with peaceful surrounds and total relaxation. Easy access to the river to swim, fish, kayak or canoe. A short two minute drive to the beautiful Blue Hole Picnic Area and Gara Gorge offers swimming, picnic seating, BBQ and bush walking in a scenic bush setting. Armidale is home too many gorges and national parks like no other region. Dangars falls is a stunning waterfall with a picnic area. This rural property suits self sufficient campers only with own drinking water and shower/toilet amenities. All campers must take their rubbish with them leaving no trace - no bins provided. Take your time to relax by a fire and enjoy the serenity! The "Reynella" Hut is now available to stay in. This well appointed, fully renovated hut is a studio with a queen bed, lounge area, tv, kitchen, bathroom/laundry, front deck with a bbq and views to die for!! This provides all the luxuries with a rustic charm embracing a peaceful getaway with a magnificent outlook.
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AU$45
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(36)

Muluerindie

4 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Bendemeer, NSW
Located just outside Bendemeer, our property features 21 peaceful acres with frontage to the beautiful McDonald River and a nice flat shaded area for camping. This is the perfect getaway spot to relax, complete with platypus, wombats and amazing bird life, fishing for trout and yellow belly. Lots of kayaking and swimming in summer, and plenty in winter too if you're brave!). We're around 30 mins from Tamworth where you can find all the supermarkets and supply stores to meet your camping gear needs, and there's lots of great cafes and restaurants too. Power is available if required but not next to the river. Camp next to the river (4WD access only) with your tent or rooftop set up or park uphill overlooking the river with your caravan or motor home, it's only a little further away (100 metres) with power available. Campfires allowed at both locations ( fire season permitting) you will need to bring your own wood. We welcome self-contained campers who bring their own camping toilet/ shower. Rain water is available for campers and caravans as required, and there is access to rubbish facilities. ​Your well behaved pet is welcome to camp with you.
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AU$35
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(6)

Spring cart Farm ( Swamp Oak creek)

1 site · RV, Tent1600 acres · Tamworth, NSW
1600 acre farm approximately 1 hour drive from Tamworth located half way between Limbri and Weabonga. 3 campsites. Swamp Oak creek pergola with toilet. Bottom and top dam campsites with access to toilets showers and fresh water. The Pergola This is our most popular site located 2km from the farm house. Featuring a covered dinning area with magical views looking over Swamp Oak Creek, only a few metres from your kitchen we have our custom made fire pit with a selection of cooking methods for those hearty meals, secluded swimming holes reserved for this site and your own compost toilet. Due to this site being kilometers from anyone it is perfect for the relaxing get away without coming in contact with a sole. NOTE: 4WD DRIVE ACCESS ONLY NO FRESH WATER Top Dam - Site 1 Nestled among the trees on the top side of our 3 acre dam this amazing location has another of our custom fire pits for those nights around the fire and also features various accessories for different cooking styles. Enjoy a swim in the dam or a relaxing afternoon of kayaking then cast in the fishing line and try your skills at reeling in one of our rainbow trout or silver perch, you can even throw out a yabby net to catch a few yabbies. Why not spend an hour or two stolling around the various walks we have on offer, or join us for the afternoon feeding of our petting animals. This site has access to rain water, shower and toilet. NOTE: PRE APPROVAL FOR WATER ACTIVIES MUST BE OBTAINED BEFORE ARRIVAL Bottom Dam - Site 2 This site is located on the lower side of our 3 acre dam this great location has another of our custom fire pits for those nights around the fire and also features the same accessories for different cooking styles. All of the features of site 1 are accessible from this site - swimming, kayaking and fishing. This site is the closest to the toilet and shower. ​ NOTE: PRE APPROVAL FOR WATER ACTIVIES MUST BE OBTAINED BEFORE ARRIVAL. THIS SITE DOES NOT HAVE SHADE SO A GAZEBO IS A MUST HAVE
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(42)

Kentucky Family Campsite

10 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Kentucky South, NSW
The Kentucky Family Campsite is 4 acres of flat countryside for you to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature whilst being only a short drive from the essentials (3km from a general store). A world renowned gin distillery offers tastings (and food on weekends) or 15 mins to the township of Uralla for a great pub meal, supermarket, bakery, butchery or cafes, and we're 40 minutes to the regional centres of Armidale or Tamworth. There are sites under shady trees or in an open field. The camp area has views of fields and a small dam. It is a quiet setting but with conveniences close by. Friendly hosts who are happy to help with whatever is needed or offer guidance on places to visit. You need to be a self-contained camper with your own camping toilet/shower, and drinking water. Whilst amenities are basic the property is being improved all the time so it is more suited to self contained at present.​ The nearby village offers a licensed general store and cafe for supplies and a distillery where you will be amazed by the selection of tastings (both liquor and food). Further up the road Uralla has all the extras you might want, with cafes and hotels, bakery, butcher, IGA supermarket and much more. Picturesque foggy mornings will greet you and stunning sunsets will delight you over a glass of wine or beer at the end of each day, as you listen to the crackling of your campfire. Tents, swags, caravans, motorhomes, camper vans or natural star gazing sleepers sleepers all welcome. This campsite is 2WD accessible. Well behaved pets are welcome.
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from 
AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

The best camping near Watsons Creek National Park guide

Overview

About

Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Watsons Creek National Park, a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Established in 2011, this 335ha park invites you to explore its diverse landscapes, from serene creek beds to rugged bushland. Whether you're keen on birdwatching, seeking scenic walking trails, or simply yearning for a peaceful picnic spot, Watsons Creek offers a multitude of activities to satisfy your wanderlust.

When to go

The best time to visit Watsons Creek National Park is during the milder months of spring and autumn, offering pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities. Summer brings warmth, perfect for early morning or late afternoon explorations, while winter can be crisp, ideal for those who prefer cooler hiking conditions. Always check local alerts for current conditions before planning your trip.

Know before you go

  • Ensure you have the latest information on park conditions by visiting the official website or contacting the Armidale office from 8:30am to 5pm.
  • Stay safe by adhering to all park safety guidelines, including fire bans and wildlife encounters.
  • Accessibility varies across the park, so check ahead if you require specific facilities.
  • Local alerts may affect your visit; stay informed on closures or restrictions.
  • Remember to pack essentials, including water, as amenities may be limited in certain areas of the park.

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