National Park

The best camping in Budelah Nature Reserve, NSW

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The best camping in Budelah Nature Reserve, NSW

2. Footprints in Style

97%
(620)
5.9mi from Budelah Nature Reserve · 37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Relax under the big shady fig tree, pitch your tent by the creek and swim in the massive spring-fed lake which covers five acres and never runs dry. This 300-acre bamboo property gives you total tranquillity in nature. There are boats and boards to use, and an island kingdom for kids to play. Kiss and release fishing (Perch) in the awesome lake, which is also great for swimming, and building bamboo rafts. Adventures awaits! Basic, off-grid camp kitchen, big weatherproof wedding venue space to hire, posh dunnies (composting toilets), and a hot water shower shack with a magic view of the lake! There is plenty of shade and we're dog-friendly. Well-behaved dogs are welcome off-lead. Endless space, and plenty of privacy, campers can choose a spot when they get here. A bundle of firewood is provided on arrival, and you're welcome to bring more with you if you need. Price is per person per night, kids under 16 half price. Under 5 stay free so don't include them in booking numbers. Join us for cocktail hour at the brand-new Tiki bar! BYO drinks! We also have a brand-new sauna that campers are welcome to enjoy! All this, close to stunning beaches and cute cafes. Leave only footprints 👣 make awesome memories. NOTE: We currently only advertise availability three months in advance. If you are interested in dates outside this booking window, please still send us an enquiry and we may be able to assist you.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$36
 / night

5. Yagaari Mountainside Sanctuary

100%
(23)
8.4mi from Budelah Nature Reserve · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
*Recently renovated! Hot showers, new composting toilets & shared undercover space at Yagaari - Suitable for private camping, group bookings, workshops and small gatherings* Note: We are a 4WD/AWD property 🛻 Yagaari Mountainside Sanctuary borders the Western side of Yarriabini National Park on the traditional lands of the Ngambaa people. The creeks and dams here are all spring fed and provide a sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife and native bushland, as well as a few beautiful places for a refreshing swim! The property is private and quiet and has stunning sunrise and sunset views as well as multiple camping sites fit for various needs and group sizes. We have recently built a large shared communcal space for campers to enjoy and there are also clean, odourless composting toilets and hot showers available for use on site. There is lots of space to walk and explore with tracks leading up into the heart of the National Park. Nearby are many gorgeous rivers, beaches and other national parks to explore. We are convieniently located only 10 minutes from Macksville for shopping and cafes and only 15 minutes from Scotts Head, a great beach for families and surfers.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night

6. Yarralen Retreat

93%
(465)
9.1mi from Budelah Nature Reserve · 57 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Yarralen is a peaceful 40-acre bush retreat on the Mid-North Coast of NSW, sitting under Mt Yarrahapinni and surrounded by National Parks. We’re halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and close to pristine beaches including Grassy Head, Scotts Head and the Macleay River. Pet fees apply: $10 for campsites, $15 for lodgings (vans and units). We offer a magical bush escape with modern facilities and a range of accommodation: Campgrounds * Eclectic Bush Haven Campground: Family-friendly camping (kids under 12 camp free) with access to the fully equipped camp kitchen, toilets, showers and electricity * Yarralen Retreat Campground: Secluded area for fully self-contained off-road campers. A 4WD is needed for access (IMPORTANT: Campers who book Yarralen Retreat Camp Ground 2 DO NOT have access to the camp kitchen and amenities). Lodging * Butterfly and Blue Van: Our Butterfly and Blue Van are renovated caravans offering cosy, comfortable stays surrounded by nature. * Roos Rest: Cosy fully equipped 2 Bedroom home tucked inside Yarralen Retreat, surrounded by peaceful bushland * Unit 1 and Unit 2: Offer simple, comfortable accomodation surrounded by peaceful bushland. *Eco Bush Cabins: Our Ruby Red, Cream Leo and Blue Ivy Cabins offer cosy, nature filled stays with rustic charm and peaceful surrounds. Entire Property Hire Your Private Bush Retreat: Hire the entire 40-acre Yarralen Retreat for your group and enjoy complete privacy, peaceful bush surrounds, and full access to all cabins, vans, campsites and to all facilities - including the magnesium pool, yoga deck, sauna, camp kitchen and rustic bush bath house - perfect for retreats, gatherings, and special events. Explore eclectic artworks, forest pathways, water lilies and roaming peacocks. Campsites sit on grassed areas surrounded by tall shade trees. Enjoy the Magnesium pool, infra-red sauna, and cosy campfires at night (BYO Firewood). Entry to Eclectic Bush Haven main camping area is via an asphalt driveway suitable for all vehicles. A 4WD is required for Yarralen Retreat Campground 2. Please use tank water sparingly and bring your own drinking water. We look forward to welcoming you!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$31
 / night

8. Phoranna Farm

96%
(69)
10mi from Budelah Nature Reserve · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Phoranna Farm is 26 acres of well maintained, semi flat, green land siting at the foot of mount Yarrahappini, with forest trails only seconds away and beautiful mid coast beaches 8min away. We have just one campsite ensuring your complete privacy. There’s a fire pit, clean long drop loo and non potable water. Firewood is available at $20 per load. We welcome caravans, motorhomes, campervans and camper trailers. There is plenty of space at our grassy, level campsite. The beach is a quick 8min drive, the shops and restaurants are also 10 mins away. A short and easy 5 minute detour from the freeway will leave you feeling like you're a million miles away. Well behaved pets are always welcome! This is a peaceful spot, so if you are looking to play loud music/have parties then unfortunately we have to request you book elsewhere. 👨‍🌾👩‍🌾👋
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$73
 / night

9. Travellers Rest

99%
(53)
11mi from Budelah Nature Reserve · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to our home 😊 A peaceful and safe campsite very conveniently located just off the highway, 8 km south of Macksville, Nsw. Sites are spread out over the 2 acre paddock Perfect for a overnight stop or even short stays to spend some time enjoying this beautiful stretch of coastline Various sites suitable for vans, campers, roof tops. There are small flat areas suitable for tents and swags as well. Toilet and shower available for guests Of course please keep in mind during peak times there may be a wait as we just have one bathroom. Thanks for your patience😊. We live here full-time and work from home in our fabrication workshop, so feel welcome to come up and see us if you need anything at all. Any questions before booking please just send a message and we will get back to you asap If you find there's ways we can improve to make your visit more comfortable please feel free to let us know 😊 See you soon!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$22
 / night

12. Ellerslie Farm

95%
(19)
12mi from Budelah Nature Reserve · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Privileged to be on Thunghutti/Dungutti Country, Ellerslie Farm is situated on the Macleay River, 15 minutes from Kempsey, (home of Akubra hats and the Slim Dusty Center) and 35 minutes from the beaches of Crescent Head. An ex-dairy farm, Ellerslie Farm has been in our family for over 150 years and is now run as a beef and crop production. This place is special to us and we want to share it with you. Pass the old cottage and sheds and drive down to the grassy river flats to our camping grounds right on the river. Plenty of casuarina and banksia trees for shade, the flat is long and faces west for the most beautiful sunsets. Watch the abundant bird life, go fishing or canoeing and you might even get a visit from a resident cow or 2. Best of all...just relax. (Not suitable in extreme wet weather as this are of the river floods.)
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$49
 / night

13. Grassyenda

97%
(76)
13mi from Budelah Nature Reserve · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
At Grassyenda, you'll find flat grass camping a stones throw from great beaches, the river, and townships. It's a rural setting that makes a great basecamp from which to explore the abundance of activities available nearby. Macleay River is just a 3 minute drive from camp and Grassy Head Beach is a five minutes, so you are never far from fishing, surfing and swimming! Closer to home, you're also welcome to paddle the kayak in the property's dam. The Yarrabinni National Park is closeby, and a great option for hiking, bushwalking, scenic lookouts, and freshwater creeks. The nearest village, Stuarts Point, is just 3 minutes down the road, with larger towns and shopping 20 to 30 minutes' drive away. The property is just 14km off the M1, with good access and plenty of open space. We limit the number of bookings we take to ensure you can find a private, spacious site to yourselves. Kid friendly.
Pets
Potable water
from 
AU$55
 / night

15. Playstation Campsite

97%
(87)
14mi from Budelah Nature Reserve · 6 sites · RVs
No Tents or sleeping in cars that do not have shower and toilet facility. We are a 4 minute drive from the historical town of Gladstone, which has a bakery, butcher, general store, retail shops, fruit and veg shop, nursery, cafes, restaurants, an op-shop, second hand wares shop, galleries, outdoor swim centre and of course the local pub. Gladstone Markets are on the 3rd Sunday of the month. It's a 20 minute drive to South West Rocks, Hat Head and Crescent Head. Just 45 minutes north of Port Macquarie and 1 hour south of Coffs Harbour. Please arrive before dark, or advise arrival time if not possible . You must be fully self contained, there are no facilities. Please no tents or swags. Enjoy a beautiful campsite near a large dam, watch the ducks, rosellas, cranes, herons and the occasional Jabiru, feed and nest in the trees. A great spot for bird watching. Pick your own spot, maybe near one of the fire braziers, but not directly under the trees if windy. No livestock on property but we have visiting kangaroos, tortoises, green frogs, and eels in the dam if you want to fish for them. Mid Coast Flying operate a private 800 metre airstrip on the property, and Trial Instructional Flights (TIFS) are available, for $150 for 45 minutes. Please speak to Ross when you arrive. You can pick your own site. Unfortunately we may have to close after torrential rain events. We are also pet friendly, however there are no bins, so please pick up after your pets in the camping area. Water is available near the hangar as you drive in.
Pets
from 
AU$43
 / night

18. Windermere Farm

99%
(359)
15mi from Budelah Nature Reserve · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Great location near Hat Head and South West Rocks This lovely 4 acre camping spot is situated at Kinchela on the tidal Kinchela Creek which runs directly into the mighty Macleay river. Please note that in very wet weather , being riverside camping, the sites can be unsuitable for caravans and camper vans . Please enquire by message with us to verify current conditions. We endeavour to accomodate you but cannot predict the weather. Tent sites usually okay at any time(remember you will need to have your own toilet facilities) . You can fish , kayak, paddle board, bring the tinny or just relax and enjoy the water view and surrounding farmland. A few shade trees and quiet surroundings makes this the perfect spot for your next getaway. Fire pits available at each site with initial load of wood to get you started. Conveniently located only a 5 minute drive to Gladstone shops and hotel. There is a tap and hose (town water) on site. NOTE This is not available for vehicle washing, cleaning fish or filling large tanks. No emptying /cleaning of portable toilets please. PLEASE NOTE Campers must be equipped with their own toilet facilities , absolutely no exceptions. People abusing this rule will be asked to leave. We like our riverbank to be pristine and enjoyable for everyone. Thank you. Safe surroundings for solo travellers. We live opposite campground if assistance is required. Enjoyable fishing spot here, however no crab pots thank you. Our lovely waterway is recovering from a major flood. Last Minute Bookings Welcome ONLY subject to availability and not in holiday period. Long weekends and holidays are subject to a minimum booking 3-5 days 😊
Pets
Potable water
from 
AU$49
 / night

19. Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks

100%
(19)
15mi from Budelah Nature Reserve · 157 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The South West Rocks coastline might be a mecca for surfers but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the costal life on the New South Wales Mid-North Coast. Nestled on the banks of Back Creek, a scenic tidal waterway, Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks is the perfect basecamp for both water sports lovers and anglers, with the Macleay River Boat Ramp just two kilometers from the holiday park grounds. Enjoy a sleep-under-the-stars experience and pitch the tent or put down the trailer legs in one of the 150 caravan and camping powered and unpowered sites, which include waterfront and ensuite sites. If you prefer the creature comforts of home, you can choose a cabin or villa – from a studio cabin to a three-bedroom deluxe villa. For water-based activities during your stay, book a surfing lesson, hire a stand-up paddle board, don a snorkel mask or book a fishing charter from the reception of Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks. Active holiday makers will want to pack walking shoes to explore the nearby walking trails of Hat Head National Park, navigating through Little Bay, Smoky Cape and Captain Cook’s Lookout. Learn about the local region with a tour of Trial Bay Goal or stroll the local town center, which is only a short one kilometer walk from the holiday park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$49
 / night

20. Macleay Home Camp

99%
(392)
15mi from Budelah Nature Reserve · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
We are located right on the edge of the Macleay river with lots of space for you to camp near the river front, or in the paddock amongst the green flat grass. Use the camp as a base and head out for a kayak, on the stand up paddle board or simply throw a line in for a spot of fishing. Crabbing is permitted in this area.You need to be fully self-contained with own camping toilet/shower. Relax around the campfire and help the kids toast marshmallows.The beach is within driving distance, it's 5 minutes to townDrinking water is available. Dogs on leashes welcome.Please note that each booking includes 1 drivable + 1 towable vehicle. If your group has more than 1 drivable vehicle, please book a second site. This helps us minimise the impact on our land; we thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$44
 / night

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The best camping in Budelah Nature Reserve, NSW guide

Overview

About

Hidden along the borders of Queensland in New England, Budelah Nature Reserve tempts intrepid hikers with its untamed landscapes and wildlife. Venture out along unmarked trails, hike through Coolibah-black box woodlands, or enjoy bird-watching along the creeks. The only way to explore the reserve is on foot, and bush-walkers have the chance to spot rare swamp wallabies, red and eastern grey kangaroos, barking owls, and glossy black cockatoos. Camping isn’t permitted in the reserve, but campers will find options in Mungindi.

When to go

The weather can be extreme in the Budelah Nature Reserve, so plan your visit accordingly. Summer (December through January) sees daily temperatures over 30°C (86°F), and the dry heat can make hiking a challenge—plan an early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Winter is milder, with daytime temperatures hovering around 20°C (68°F), but floods are common and may limit access to the reserve.

Know before you go

  • Budelah Nature Reserve is located 40 kilometres northeast of Mungindi, in northern NSW, along the Queensland border. It’s about a 30-minute drive from town, and there are no public transport options.
  • Access to the reserve is limited to hikers, and it’s recommended to contact the park ranger prior to your visit.
  • There are no facilities at the reserve, so bring all your hiking gear, food, and water with you. 
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