The best camping near Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area adventure.

Discover the natural splendour of Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area.

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Community favorites near Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

96%

(346)

Grady's Riverside Retreat

51 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Burrier, NSW

Grady’s Riverside Retreat was first established in 1979. The retreat is located 20 minutes west of Nowra and is set on 17 secluded acres on the banks of the beautiful Shoalhaven River, surrounded by natural bushland, mountains, cliffs and dairy pastures. This makes Grady’s Riverside Retreat an ideal place to bring your friends and family to relax, unwind and enjoy the scenery. Grady’s has over 500 metres of direct access to the Shoalhaven River. The river is deep and also is title which means we have a large variety of fresh and saltwater fish that inhabit these waters. Majority of our well maintained grassy sites are located along the river or have uninterrupted river views. With a boat ramp and beach areas for you to utilise at your leisure. Grady's is a pet friendly Retreat and we also allow campfires. We strongly believe these few extra things are essential to create a true camping experience. The park grounds are well maintained throughout the year. The amenities are fresh and cleaned daily. If you are the adventurous type there are many activities to offer in the vicinity such as canoeing, fishing, swimming, bushwalks, 4WDriving, bike riding, jet skiing, water skiing and much more Come and enjoy our absolute riverfront camping, Secluded camping sites are available on request (subject to availability) We also have powered camp sites and Riverview cabins and cottages available. The picturesque banks of the Shoalhaven River play host to the perfect escape from the burdens of city life. Only 2 hours from Sydney but feels like a world away. Amongst the trees and under the clear blue sky, sit around your campfire and allow yourself the time to reflect, reconnect, and revel in nature's abundance. Activities:- *Fishing/swimming *kids playground *basketball ring and volleyball court *large reserve for ball sports etc *BMX Track - Grady’s has a BMX track on site *Canoeing and Paddle Boards for hire - Grady’s is a great location for the canoeing and paddle boards beginners or enthusiasts. *4WDing and Dirt Bike Riding - Grady’s is in close proximity to many fire trails and 4WD tracks. *Bushwalking and mountain biking - There are many walking tracks in and around the Yalwal region. *Boating - Bring your own boat or jet ski and enjoy the use of our boat ramp and jetty.

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(48)

Secrets of Terara

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Terara, NSW

This enchanting tree-filled, 13-acre property is located in the beautiful South Coast region of NSW, close to the spectacular beaches of Jervis Bay and quaint villages of Berry and Kangaroo Valley. The property is hidden away among the gumtrees and surrounded by dairy country. It is a perfect, peaceful place to base yourself for a weekend or a week exploring the beaches and nature walks in the region, or the rock climbing areas of Nowra. Your accommodation is either a cosy room in our converted barn, where you'll be very comfortable with all you need for a great weekend away, or a spacious camping spot in your own tent or van.

* Before taxes and fees

93%

(82)

Mellows Ridge

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Calderwood, NSW

Nestled right up against the escarpment at an elevation of 450m, this high-end, off-grid 40 acre property effectively offers your own private slice of Macquarie Pass National Park - amazing views, giant cedar trees, fern forests, cascading waterfalls and palms surround. It feels remote but it's only 90 min from Sydney, 30 min to Kiama and just 15 min to the shops. The property also offers the only hiking path up to the top of the escarpment for some truly amazing views. As of September 2024, all the trails on the property have been massively upgraded and are passable with a 2WD car. If you're towing or it's wet we still recommend AWD or 4WD vehicles. We've just (mid December) added a spa half way up the driveway. It can be booked through the extras. We're not particularly price sensitive - until all those rate rises - but we are extremely value sensitive so we set out to make your stay extremely good value for your hard earned money. The land itself does most of the heavy lifting but also personal service and of course there's Lana to fall in love with. Note, Mellows Rd is 2.6km long and rises 400m - in parts the road is a 15 degree grade. It's all paved but narrow so if you are towing a large heavy load, it's going to strain your car.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(397)

Otford Park nr Royal National Park

3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Otford, NSW

Otford is a historic village in a valley between Sydney and Wollongong, and bounded by the Pacific ocean. Our private acreage backs onto the southern tip of the Royal National Park, so the outlook from the campsite is all leafy trees. Walk to lookouts over the ocean, hike down to the beach or a few minutes drive to dog friendly beaches. Our bathroom and kitchen facilities make it an easy experience for first time campers. We are well-behaved-dog-friendly BUT you must let us know in advance. Our access track to the camping sites has been repaired with a deep layer of asphalt but still best suited to 4WD. The majority of standard 2WD cars manage the track fine There is also the option of parking roadside, and walking in approx 300m to the sites. Please message us if unsure about your vehicle. IMPORTANT PLEASE READ 1. Please let us know if you are bringing a dog/dogs - we have horses, house dogs, chickens and; wildlife plus likely other campers close by, so need to be forewarned. Dogs must be on lead or contained at all times. 2. If you need to camp out of your 4WD RV (such as a roof top tent), please contact me before booking to ensure those two particular vehicle sites are still available :) and that your vehicle is suitable for our track. Maximum length is approx 5m. Please scroll through the photos to see our amenities and camping sites. 3. We limit the number of people staying at any one time, so weekends book up quickly. That said, due to Covid and weather, people often cancel at the last minute too, so if we are currently booked out, it's always worthile checking again closer to the date for any availability. We are on acreage (approx 7 acres) in Otford, surrounded by forest, backing onto the very southern end of the Royal National Park Sydney/Wollongong. Sleep under the stars, and to the hoot of our local owls, and yips of the gorgeous feather-tail gliders. Lovely, peaceful and private in a bushland backdrop but so close and just a hike to famous sites, beaches, cafes and bushwalking - so the perfect spot to stop, unpack and then go exploring. Max of 3 camp sites booked at a time. Each camp site is within shouting distance of each other, so if looking for absolute privacy, please talk to me first. As bookings come throu

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(291)

Buxton Getaway

6 sites · RVs, Tents19 acres · Buxton, NSW

Located just one hour from Sydney, our property features 19 acres of pure serenity with two dams and one large enough to kayak on (kayaks supplied). The back of the property is perfect for camping and suitable for a small to medium caravan/camper. The larger dam has a picnic area and kayaks available to paddle on. Adjoining our property is Nattai National Park with a lovely 20 minute walk down to Little River. The Aqua Pool Trail in the National Park is just gorgeous. If you wish to try and catch some yabbies from the dams the only allowable and fun way is by a long stick and sausage. Hooks, fishing lines and traps are not allowed as we have people, dogs and horses swimming in the dams. We welcome self-contained campers who bring their shower/toilet set up. We do have two drop pit toilets available and each campsite has a pit fire provided. We are getting low on firewood so you will need to bring some along with you. There is access to drinking water. Our property is 2WD accessible and can accommodate small caravans and camper trailers. Not far from Buxton is Thirlmere where the Steam Train Museum is and train rides are available on the weekends, a great activity for the kids. Thirlmere Lakes National Park is perfect for a relaxing picnic, walk, birdwatching, and glimpse into locomotive history. Mittagong and Bowral have great wineries with restaurant/bistro. Pets are welcome. There's a range of different bushwalking trails in the region, including Starlights trail, a scenic bushwalk suited to experienced hikers, which forms part the Greater Blue Mountains trail network between Mittagong and Katoomba.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(441)

'Elouera Vale' Farm

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents140 acres · Mittagong, NSW

Elouera Vale is a working farm located just outside Mittagong NSW. We breed and train camels for sale, especially into the Southern Highlands. Camels are excellent for weed control and co-grazing with cattle. 'Elouera Vale' also breeds Belted Galloway cattle, Dorper and Wiltipol sheep and donkeys. Our property covers over 140 acres, 80 acres cleared and pasture improved and the rest consisting of forest. The Chain O Ponds creek runs through the property and makes for a lovely walk. You will probably get to see kangaroo, wallaby, wombats, echidnas, koalas and lots of bird life. The lush green hills abound with walking and cycling trails. You can head to the spectacular Nattai Gorge via the Box Vale Mine walking track, an easy 4.4km circular walk that follows an old railway line through a tunnel to breath-taking views. Enjoy a picnic in the magnificent Lake Alexandra Reserve or hike up extinct volcanic peak Mount Gibraltar. The closest shops are approximately a 15 minute drive to the Mittagong Town Centre where you will find all the shops, cafes and restaurants for your needs. It is well worth a visit to ‘The Shaggy Cow’ cafe, one of our favourite foodie spots (don’t forget to mention Elouera Vale). While you're here please try the Cool Climate wines. The region’s rich soil and high altitude are ideal for cool-climate wine growing. Visit cellar doors in the hills and valleys around Mittagong, including Centennial Vineyards. Enjoy a pleasant wine tasting experience at Centennial (don’t forget to mention us). The Camel Cottage offers a luxe off-the-grid escape for couples just one hour from Sydney but feels like "miles from anywhere". The Gums Cottage is a fully contained, off-grid modern getaway, surrounded by the magnificent white gum trees that are its namesake. The serene setting and stylish interior of The Gums provides all the essentials for a picturesque and peaceful country escape. The White Gum Forest Retreat offers campsites nestled in a white gum forest, not far from a beautiful trickling creek. There is access to toilets and a small dam near campsites for water supply for showers where required. For a truly memorable experience we recommend hiring our function space, White Gum Forest Functions, which is available for day visitors as well as guests staying overnight in our cabins and campsites. Why not book your next special family group gathering, milestone birthday or wedding here! The function space can cater for up to 50 guests, please contact us with your time and date requirements before booking. Feel spoilt in the midst of beautiful waratahs, grevilleas and ferns, watching camels grazing in the adjacent paddock. It's like being on a safari! There is 5G mobile telephone reception at the farm so you can reconnect with the world if need be. No pets please.

* Before taxes and fees

84%

(100)

Falls Forest

17 sites · RVs, Tents400 acres · Falls Creek, NSW

At Falls Forest, you'll find 400 acres of private native forest with an abundance of wildlife, welcoming self-contained campers to immerse themselves in nature. You'll be camped just 15 minutes drive from Huskisson, Hyamms Beach, and St George's Basin - a great location if you want laid-back bush camping, but also crave a restaurant meal and a swim in the beautiful waters of Jervis Bay. It is isolated from the overcrowded tourist parks and offers great secluded camping. At the right time, you will literally not see another human for days if that is your wish! At the current moment, a 4WD is essential to access the property. All campers must be self-contained, with their own camp toilet, and take all waste when they go. So if you are tired of that 6 metre x 6 metre tent site and don't want to hear the guy next door coughing and snoring, or if you just want to only hear the sound of the breeze through the trees, come and stay a few days or a week or longer if you wish. Seclusion this accessible from Sydney is a rare commodity. Pets are welcome, but please keep them under control as we value the wildlife. Sorry, no cats for that particular reason.

* Before taxes and fees

97%

(135)

Sutton Farm Equestrian Centre

8 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Sutton Forest, NSW

Sutton Farm is located in Sutton Forest, nestled in the Southern Highlands, and just an hour and a half from Sydney. Sutton Farm is easily accessible for all guests as we're just five minutes from the Hume Highway. Our historic stable complex featured as a setting in the iconic Australian movie, “Phar Lap”, and includes stables boxes immediately adjacent to our indoor arena. Just minutes from the shopping delights of Bowral and Moss Vale, and an easy drive to other historic Highlands towns like Berrima, Bundanoon and Robertson, a stay at Sutton Farm puts you right in the middle of everything the area has to offer. This is the perfect weekend escape for busy city folk and a magical getaway for families. Our Equestrian Centre boasts state of the art equestrian facilities within a beautiful, historic setting. The lush, undulating green hills are shaded with leafy trees. We love our horses. We host horse lovers events twice a year, and offer boutique training, horse riding lessons, functions and five star events. We welcome all types of camping guests from tents through to campervans and caravans. The camping area is 2WD accessible. You are welcome to choose where you’d like to set up on arrival. PLEASE ARRIVE BEFORE 5PM. A gate code will be given on arrival if you need to exit after 5pm. We have a large open, grassy area close to the amenities or you can tuck your campsite away under the trees. PLEASE TAKE ALL YOUR RUBBISH WITH YOU. We have very comfortable toilet and hot shower facilities, with access to drinking water. For those wanting an indoor stay please check out our Loft above the Stables listing, a wonderful and quirky accommodation option that puts you right near all the horse action. No pets please. Take all your rubbish with you. ARRIVAL BEFORE 5PM We ask while staying with us you do not pat or feed the horses. Please ask one of our staff and they can direct you to something you can pat.

* Before taxes and fees

96%

(27)

Coolendel Camp

407 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents130 acres · Buangla, NSW

Coolendel Camp is a beautiful nature reserve located on the Shoalhaven River three hours south of Sydney. The 2.5 kms of stunning riverfront attracts an extraordinary abundance of Australian wildlife. The comforts of modern facilities, the convenience of the Coolendel Store and the help of our friendly Coolendel crew, provide Coolendel’s visitors with a truly unique ‘back to nature’ camping and glamping experience.

* Before taxes and fees

Booked 4 times

Acre Hill by the Weir

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Moss Vale, NSW

This property is uniquely tucked away minutes from Bowral cafes and restaurants and in a secluded spot by Cecil Hoskins Reserve. We have some friendly horses by the dam to greet you, and let you while away your time under the willow trees or else take a walk on the adjacent bong bong track. A kids bike track is nearby with toilet facilities.

* Before taxes and fees

97%

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Silky Oaks Flower Farm

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Oakdale, NSW

Silky Oaks is one of Australia’s largest private collections of Native Australian plants. Set on 30 acres; there is 3 lakes, manicured gardens, a cut-flower plantation, rainforest, and orchard to wander. Our Glamping Van's are Set direct on lakefront and our BYO camp spots are in the flower plantation. Oakdale is a lovely rural area; you will pass cow paddocks, mountains and beautiful country vistas on your drive to the property. The area is a mix of houses, hobby farmers, homes on acreage, equestrian centres, produce growers and National Park. There is a glorious look-out in the National Park overlooking the Warragamba dam. Some days it is swept with clouds; enveloping you into the majestic heavens. It’s an easy ten min drive away. There is local towns 15mins drive for eating out and getting coffee.

* Before taxes and fees

95%

(205)

Pheasant Ground

2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Robertson, NSW

Situated just off Jamberoo Mountain Road, we are ideally located between Bowral and Kiama. This campsite is a flat grassy area with rural views to the west and north west. Enjoy the lush green grass under the shade of old gnarly trees. Dogs on leashes are very welcome. Campers will have access to toilet during their stay, just a short walk from the camping area. Various birds, wombats and wallabies are common around our farm and we're located very close to Carrington Falls (Budderoo National Park), the Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk and Barren Grounds Nature Reserve where you can go for a lovely bushwalk or have a swim. This campsite is best suited to caravans or RVs as we are situated near a semi-busy tourist road between Robertson and Jamberoo (perfect if you need a safe place to stay on your adventure). Our front paddock has easy access off Gordon’s track.

* Before taxes and fees

The best camping near Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure through the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, where the thrill of exploration awaits. Traverse lush rainforests, hike along scenic trails offering panoramic views, and immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity that defines this stunning landscape. Whether you're a birdwatcher, a hiker, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, the Illawarra Escarpment offers a diverse range of activities to satisfy your wanderlust.

When to go

The best time to visit the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area is during the milder months of spring and autumn, offering comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. Summer brings warmer weather, ideal for early morning or late afternoon explorations, while winter can be crisp, perfect for invigorating hikes. Avoid periods of heavy rainfall to ensure the best experience on the park's trails.

Know before you go

Check the local alerts for any closures or safety information before planning your visit.
Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for hiking along the escarpment's trails.
Be mindful of the park's biodiversity; take care not to disturb the wildlife.
Remember to carry sufficient water and snacks, as there are limited facilities available.
For any inquiries, contact the Glen Innes office from 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

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New South Wales
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Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

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The best camping near Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

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Top-rated campgrounds near Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

Grady's Riverside Retreat

Secrets of Terara

Mellows Ridge

Otford Park nr Royal National Park

Buxton Getaway

'Elouera Vale' Farm

Falls Forest

Sutton Farm Equestrian Centre

Coolendel Camp

Acre Hill by the Weir

Silky Oaks Flower Farm

Pheasant Ground

The best camping near Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area guide

Overview

About

When to go

Know before you go

Top state conservation areas near Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

Top parks near Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

Top points of interest near Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

Top cities near Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

Best camping near me

Safety at Hipcamp

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