Places to Stay in NSW Off the Beaten Track: A Camper's Guide

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Whether you are dreaming of navigating the picturesque coastline, through the dense bushlands, or the rolling hills of NSW, a campervan hire is your ticket to exploring off the beaten track. But where exactly are the hidden and secret camping spots in NSW (so you can get off the beaten track and stay there)? Great question. We would love to tell you. 

Whether you're a solo adventurer seeking solitude, a couple looking for a romantic escape, or a family eager to explore the great outdoors, a NSW road trip in a campervan offers a unique, immersive experience that is hard to beat. So, with that in mind, let's dive into the world of campervan travel in NSW, highlighting where to stay in NSW as well as our top tips for making your NSW road trip an adventure.

Oysters Family at the beach Salad

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What’s New South Wales known for?

Beyond the picture-perfect Sydney skyline, New South Wales is booming with diversity. From the soft swaying eucalyptus forests of the Blue Mountains to the crystal-clear waters of Byron Bay, NSW's real charm for campervan travellers lies in its hidden gems. These secluded spots and secret camping spots in NSW are where the real adventure begins. 

Imagine parking your campervan beside a hidden beach, accessible only to those who know the way, or finding yourself in a remote bushland campground under a blanket of stars. NSW is a destination that invites travellers to live and breathe the Australian outdoors.  

 

Why is New South Wales great for camping?

Camping in New South Wales is like a bag of jelly beans – plenty of different flavours for all tastes. Harmonising the rugged Outback with the serene coastline and the dense rainforest with the tranquil riversides – camping in New South Wales is as varied as it comes. 

In short, if you are debating between waking up to the sound of waves gently crashing on the shore and the sight of kangaroos grazing in the distance as the sun rises– with a NSW road trip in a campervan, you don’t have to choose. There's no need to tether yourself to a single location or stick to a rigid travel itinerary. Today, you could be surfing the waves just steps away from a secluded Byron Bay caravan park, and tomorrow, you could wake up to the misty mountains of the Snowy River region. 

The state's well-maintained roads and plentiful facilities make campervan travel not just a freeing choice but the best way to experience all that NSW has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a family looking for an unforgettable Australia road trip adventure, the campgrounds and caravan parks of NSW are your gateway to exploring the great outdoors. If you are looking for more inspiration for your NSW road trip, check out our top NSW blogs: 

 

The top 6 most unique places to camp in New South Wales

Setting off on a road trip across New South Wales in a campervan hire opens up a world of unique camping experiences. From the hidden water holes of Towarri National Park to the ancient landscapes of Mungo National Park, NSW is a camper's paradise, offering plenty of sites to pitch your mobile home off the beaten track. 

READ MORE: For those looking to expand their camping options even further, the thl Roadtrip App is an indispensable resource, providing a wealth of information on campgrounds in NSW.  

Image: Destination NSW

 

1. Washpool Campground, Towarri National Park

Nestled within the serene Towarri National Park, Washpool Campground offers an authentic bush camping experience. With amenities such as picnic tables, barbecue facilities, and toilets, it strikes the perfect balance between rustic and comfort.

Best of all, just 500m away lies Washpools waterhole, a natural oasis perfect for a refreshing dip. The campground also serves as an ideal base for exploring the park, with nearby hiking trails leading you through the breathtaking scenery. In the winter months, campfires add to the ambience, providing warmth and a classic camping experience. As night falls, the park comes alive with native wildlife, offering glimpses of powerful owls, possums, and wombats in their natural habitat.

Getting there: From Sydney, the journey to Washpool Campground in your campervan is a scenic three-hour drive, taking you along the coast and through the heart of NSW's countryside.  

 

2. Main Campground, Mungo National Park

The Main Campground in Mungo National Park is a gateway to exploring this historical NSW national park. Equipped with basic facilities, including an amenities block, barbecues, and picnic tables, it ensures a comfortable stay amidst the rugged beauty of Mungo. 

A short drive from this remote campground in NSW, the Mungo Visitor Centre offers hot showers and flush toilets, adding a touch of convenience to your campervan camping experience. The campground's spacious sites are perfect for campervans and provide easy access to the park. Here, you can immerse yourself in Aboriginal history with a Discovery Tour, wander the Grasslands Nature Trail, or witness the breathtaking hues of Mungo Lookout at sunset. The nearby Walls of China viewing platform is also a must-visit, offering panoramic views that showcase this ancient place in all its glory.

Getting there: The drive from Sydney to Main Campground is an adventure in itself, with over 11 hours of driving through the diverse landscapes of NSW. Ample parking is provided within the national park, with dedicated spaces for campervans, ensuring your home-on-wheels is securely situated as you explore the wonders of Mungo National Park.

 

3. Dangars Gorge Campground, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Dangars Gorge Campground offers a unique bush camping experience, positioned within the breathtaking Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, a World Heritage-listed site renowned for its dramatic waterfalls and rugged beauty. This campground in NSW is a perfect base for those wondering where to stay in NSW to explore the waterfalls of NSW. Providing facilities such as barbecue areas and toilets, it's the perfect secret camping spot in NSW for a night under the stars. The proximity to one of NSW's most stunning waterfalls means you can enjoy spectacular views, especially after heavy rain when the falls create mesmerising rainbows. For the adventurous, the McDirtys walking track and other trails offer ample opportunities for daily adventures. 

Getting there: From Sydney, take the Pacific Highway (M1) six hours north to access this remote campsite in NSW.

 

4. Honeymoon Bay, Jervis Bay

Nestled in the pristine Jervis Bay area, Honeymoon Bay is a secluded campsite in NSW offering a serene getaway with basic facilities, appealing to those who prefer a more rustic camping experience (be sure to BYO toilet paper here, folks.) This site is an adventurer's dream, located just a stone's throw from the quaint village of Currarong and the iconic Point Perpendicular Lighthouse, which boasts stunning coastal views. The bay is an ideal launchpad for exploring the scenic trails and coastal paths that wind through the area, offering an immersive coastal experience. Honeymoon Bay’s idyllic setting makes it a perfect spot for those on an Australia road trip seeking a tranquil retreat amidst NSW’s coastline. 

Getting there: The journey from Sydney to Honeymoon Bay is a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive down the South Coast via the Princes Highway (A1), turning off towards Currarong and following signs to the bay, offering a picturesque route that showcases the coast’s scenic beauty.  

Image: Destination NSW

 

5. Diamond Head Campground, Crowdy Bay National Park

Diamond Head Campground is a jewel in the Crowdy Bay National Park, offering beachside camping with a comprehensive set of facilities, including an amenities block, picnic tables, barbecue facilities, a car park, showers, and toilets. This popular campground in NSW caters to various camping styles, from motorhomes and caravans to campervans, camper trailers, and tents, so be sure to book your site early!

The area is renowned for its breathtaking ocean views and the iconic Split Rock. Adventure seekers can enjoy several hiking tracks, such as the 4.8km Diamond Head loop walk, which offers panoramic views of the coast, mountains, and forest. The campground's proximity to the beach, complete with gas barbecues, picnic shelters, and outdoor showers, enhances the camping experience, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Getting there: Travelling from Sydney to Diamond Head Campground in your campervan involves a scenic four-hour drive along the Pacific Highway (A1), offering glimpses of NSW's stunning coastal scenery along the way.  

 

6. Killalea Campground, Killalea Regional Park

Set within the lush confines of Killalea Regional Park, Killalea Campground offers campers a unique blend of subtropical rainforest and coastal heath. This beautiful campground in NSW is equipped with an amenities block, picnic tables, barbecue facilities, a car park, drinking water, showers, toilets, and electric power. Its location makes it perfect for water sports, with easy access to popular surf spots like “The Farm” swimming spot and Mystics Beach. 

The nearby Minnamurra River adds to the experience, with plenty of activities from fishing to swimming. For those looking to explore the area further, the Minnamurra Falls walk and Griffiths walking track offer stunning scenic views and the opportunity to encounter local wildlife, including rare birds and bats. The cooler months even offer the chance to spot migrating whales, adding a special highlight to any NSW road trip experience.

Getting there: The drive from Sydney to Killalea Campground unveils the beauty of the NSW coast. Taking you an hour and a half south of Sydney, this NSW road trip winds through the vibrant towns of Shellharbour and Kiama before reaching the regional park.  

 

Ready for your next adventure?

Exploring New South Wales in a campervan opens up a world of unique camping experiences, from the rugged beauty of Dangars Gorge to the serene shores of Honeymoon Bay. Each campground in NSW offers its own set of adventures, amenities, and natural wonders, ensuring that every stop on your NSW road trip is memorable. Whether you're looking to surf the waves at Killalea Beach, hike the trails of Diamond Head, or simply relax under the stars at Washpool, NSW has something for every type of adventurer.

Ready to start planning your NSW road trip to explore the best secret camping spots in NSW? Book your Britz motorhome online today and pick it up from any Britz branch to set off on an unforgettable road trip across New South Wales. With the freedom of a campervan, you can immerse yourself in Australia's natural beauty. So, pack your bags, plan your route, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in NSW.