The best camping near Clyde River National Park

Surrounded on three sides by the snaking Clyde River and its delta, this park is a natural fit for kayakers and beach-goers. While camping options abound in nearby Batemans Bay, just a handful of sites are available inside the park. Serious paddlers can find privacy and a riverside resting place at the Beach Campground, only accessible by boat, while those who prefer to keep their car handy can go for Red Gum Campground, with its serene pads close to the shoreline for an easy day of fishing, swimming, or birdwatching along the river beach and mangrove forests. 

1. Like all campsites in NSW, reservations are required and can be made online.
2. Each of the in-park campgrounds has only four sites, so book early to guarantee a spot. The summer holidays and Easter weekend tend to be the busiest times.

Summer is the perfect time for swimming and boating on the Clyde River and nearby Batemans Bay. March is typically the rainiest month, while spring is ideal for birdwatching and a hike up to Holmes Lookout for sweeping coastal views. Keep an eye out for migrating whales in winter, especially in late June and early July.

• Bring binoculars to catch a glimpse of the many birds who make their home along Clyde River, including honeyeaters, kookaburras, and black cockatoos. 
• Vehicles with 4WD are needed to access Red Gum Campground.
• Portions of the park were damaged by fire in 2019, so mind closure signs and always stay on tracks for your own safety and to help support regrowth efforts. 
• Cell reception may be limited within the park, so plan ahead if you need to communicate. 
• Pack in all the water, food, and fuel you’ll need, as none is available within the park.