Where to go Camping In and Around Sydney For Families

Family-friendly camping near Sydney is one of the best ways to reconnect, unwind, and make lasting memories together. Whether you’re planning a school holiday escape or a spontaneous weekend away, there’s something special about sleeping under the stars, toasting marshmallows by the fire, and waking up to the sounds of nature. The kids will love running free, exploring trails, and making new campsite friends, while parents get a much-needed digital detox and a chance to slow down.

The good news? You don’t have to travel far for that perfect family camping experience. Within two hours of the Sydney CBD, you’ll find an incredible range of campgrounds—from coastal hideaways and national park escapes to peaceful riverside retreats and holiday parks packed with kid-friendly facilities. Many offer powered sites, cabins, playgrounds, and even swimming pools, so you can mix comfort with adventure.

So grab the tent (or campervan), pack your marshmallows, and get ready for an unforgettable getaway. Here’s our guide to the best family camping spots near Sydney, where fun, fresh air, and freedom await just a short drive from home.

The Best Camping Spots in Sydney For Families

1. NRMA Parks and Resorts

At ellaslist, we can't get enough of NRMA Parks and Resorts, having stayed at many over the years. They are always great fun for adults and kids.

One of the closest parks for family camping in Sydney is NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort in Umina on the Central Coast. This super family-friendly spot is kitted out with jumping pillows, playgrounds, swimming parks with waterslides, go-karts, cafes and more. 

Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park on Narrabeen Beach is full of fun activities, including a kids' club, go-karts, a kids’ water park and a games room. 

Check out our list of the best caravan parks in NSW for more parks like these!

Why We Love NRMA Parks and Resorts

Whether you like to plan ahead or prefer a spontaneous road trip, NRMA Parks and Resorts offer an easy, affordable escape in idyllic natural surroundings. They have a host of accommodation styles on offer, from traditional camping to cabins and safari tents, plus loads of fun features.

There are plenty of things to keep the kids occupied, and enough mod-cons to ensure parents can relax. With plenty of open space, they are also great for group getaways. 

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Where to go Beach Camping in NSW

2. Bouddi National Park

You cannot go past Bouddi National Park if you’re looking for the perfect beach camping spot.

With three intimate camping spots to choose from, including Little Beach, Putty Beach, and Tallow Beach, it's an idyllic location on the Central Coast.

With plenty of sites and facilities, the region is also famed for its bushwalks, surfing, swimming and fishing.

Why We Love Camping at Bouddi National Park

Bouddi National Park is camping by the beach! Does it get any better than that? It’s perfect if you’re a camping family that wants an authentic experience and are brave enough to survive with just the basics, where it's just you and the great outdoors. Bliss!

Location: Maitland Bay Track, Bouddi

3. Cockatoo Island

Family camping in Sydney doesn't get more adventurous than at Cockatoo Island!

Cockatoo Island is a really special place to visit with loads of facilities, from glamping to a more basic camping package. An overnight stay here is an amazing experience for the whole family and prices start at only $45 a night during the week.

Cockatoo Island offers your family a glimpse of Sydney as they've never seen it before. You can escape the city with a 15-minute ferry ride to this fascinating island with extraordinary views, interesting views and great facilities. Camping at Cockatoo Island is a fantastic way to spend the day with plenty of historic buildings to explore, boats to watch, and family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. In the summer months (from October), there is even the fabulous Island Bar, where mum and dad can enjoy a cheeky cocktail at the end of a long day of exploring.

Why We Love Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island is perfect for family camping as it's close to Sydney, easy to get to, and well-equipped - ideal if you want to get out of your comfort zone but still be close to some urban comforts like toilets and hot showers. The views across Sydney Harbour are incredible!

Location: Sydney Harbour

4. Lane Cove National Park

This precious gem is set in fabulous bushland in the middle of Sydney and it's a place that all families should experience!

Lane Cove National Park is a great spot as it has plenty of amenities for both amateur and experienced campers. Choose from a BYO campsite or glamp out in a cabin. The kids will enjoy the children’s play equipment, flat grassy areas with easy access to walking tracks and bike tracks all around, plus BBQ facilities and picnic tables. Check out our guide for more of the best things to do in Lane Cove National Park.

Why We Love Lane Cove National Park

Lane Cove National Park is terrific if you’re a beginner camping family looking for a back-to-nature experience. Lane Cove Holiday Park itself is very well-equipped and has a swimming pool, camp kitchen and electric barbecues. The park is only 20 minutes from the city so if it all gets too much, you'll be home in no time!

Location: 2 Max Allen Road, Lindfield 

5. Royal National Park

Established in 1879, the Royal National Park is the world’s second-oldest national park featuring unique heritage attractions, along with fascinating plants, birds and animals.

The park offers a beautiful natural wonderland with a diverse range of camping landscapes, from the dramatic cliffs to a tranquil rainforest riverside. North Era Campground and Uloola Falls Campground are two of our favourites, though they offer a more remote, off-grid experience.

It's a perfect camping spot for bushwalking, fishing, cycling and surfing activities, plus you can check out our all-time favourite Audley Boatshed for school-kid-sized activities. For beach lovers, there are plenty of Royal National Park beaches to add to your itinerary.

Why We Love The Royal National Park

The Royal National Park is a beautiful natural wonderland with plenty of landscapes to choose, from beachside to riverside bushland. It’s a terrific destination for seasoned campers and a great spot for birdwatching and whale watching during migration season.

6. Glenworth Valley

Glenworth Valley is a spectacular 3000-acre wilderness property with a beautiful natural setting for camping. Their camping offerings range from a 200-acre riverfront BYO campground to hiring one of their permanently erected tents, tipis or lotus bell tents.

Located only one hour from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the campsites are scattered along the riverbank in a number of large open fields, are kept in a natural state and are all unpowered. It may not have the offerings of a commercial caravan park, but they do offer hot showers, toilets, wood-fired BBQs and picnic tables.

Why We Love Glenworth Valley

Glenworth Valley is a gorgeous bush destination in a pristine natural environment and is great for seasoned family campers. They also have plenty of organised activities like horse riding and kayaking, which is ideal for school-aged kids.

Location: 69 Cooks Road, Glenworth Valley

7. Del Rio Riverside Resort

Another great spot for camping in Sydney, close to the Central Coast, Del Rio Riverside Resort has one of the coolest splash parks!

Del Rio Riverside Resort is nestled on the banks of Wisemans Ferry, and has loads of accommodation options to suit all needs, including tent sites, powered sites, cabins, and luxury villas. 

Why We Love Del Rio Riverside Resort

Kids will love the water park, swimming pool, putt-putt and BMX track while the adults relax with riverside views and BBQ spots. With its family-friendly accommodation, wide range of activities and just about a 90-minute drive from Sydney, it’s the perfect break from city life

Location: 3004 River Road, Wisemans Ferry

RELATED: For more camping in Sydney, check out these top Hawkesbury River campsites.

8. The Basin

 

If you want to get out of Sydney but not travel too far, a camping trip to The Basin is a great option.

The Basin campground is the only place where you can camp in the historic Ku-ring-Gai Chase National Park. The facilities are basic - there are only tent sites and no caravans allowed - but the location couldn't be more ideal. You'll be surrounded by so much nature and history that you'll feel like you've escaped to another country and another time. 

Overlooking the calm waters of Pittwater, you'll wake up to the sound of lapping waves from the nearby inland lagoon, which will quickly become the kids' favourite spot to spend their time. There are plenty of bushwalking opportunities nearby and don't miss an opportunity to visit the famous Aboriginal art site.

Why We Love The Basin Campground

The Basin Campground offers a classic outdoor weekend choice where wallabies hop between tents and kookaburras deliver morning laughs. Perfect for families wanting a few unplugged nights in nature, yet still close to the city.

Location: Ku-ring-Gai Chase National Park

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