Camping in Sydney & Surrounds

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Camping in Sydney with the family creates a perfect opportunity to bond and make lifelong memories, plus, it's a lot cheaper than booking a resort!

There’s something magical about spending a night under the stars, huddling around a campfire, spending time in nature, and soaking up all those good vibes. It also doesn't hurt to leave all your devices at home to relish a few days of technology-free fun. 

Start your next camping in Sydney adventure off on the right foot by booking in at one of our favourite campgrounds just a few hours or less from the CBD - happy camping!

Where to go Camping in Sydney & Surrounds

1. Cockatoo Island

Camping in Sydney
Sydney's Cockatoo Island is a beautiful destination for a family-friendly camping experience! 


We love how special Cockatoo Island is with all of its camping facilities, from the glamping (a luxury camping experience) to the more basic camping packages, this little gem is a great choice for families with limited camping experience, plus, it's pretty close to Sydney.

Cockatoo Island offers a glimpse of Sydney as you’ve never seen it before. You can escape the city with a 15-minute ferry ride to this fascinating island with extraordinary views, interesting history, and great facilities.

Camping in Sydney at Cockatoo Island is a fantastic way to spend the day, with plenty of old buildings to explore, boats to watch, and family-friendly activities to entertain the whole family. And 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.

Camping packages start from $50 per night.

Location: Cockatoo Island Campground, Woolwich

RELATED:
The Best Caravan Parks in NSW

2. Lane Cove National Park

Lane Cove National Park
Camping at Lane Cove National Park.


This precious gem offers fabulous bushland in the middle of Sydney that families should experience at least once in their lives.

Lane Cove National Park is a great spot for camping in Sydney as it has plenty of amenities for both amateur and professional family campers. You can choose from a BYO campsite at the caravan park, self-contained cabins, or glamp it up in a gorgeous glamping 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 there are loads of BBQ facilities, picnic tables, and even an outdoor pool!

Camping packages start from $39.

Location: Max Allen Rd, Lindfield

3. Roar & Snore at Taronga Zoo

Camping in Sydney
The incredible views on offer when camping at Taronga Zoo.

 

If your requirements for camping in Sydney include comfortable accommodations, incredible views, family-friendly activities, and close-up animal encounters, then look no further than Taronga Zoo.

Roar & Snore at Taronga Zoo offers families an exclusive night safari in the middle of one of Sydney's most famous zoos. Get cosy in your safari tent and listen to the sounds of the animal nearby as you drift off to sleep - talk about a true wildlife experience!

Take in the spectacular sight of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the evening as you enjoy canapés and beverages (a variety of beers, wines, soft drinks, juices, tea and coffee) upon arrival to the harbour-side campsite. You can also choose to go on an exclusive Taronga night safari led by passionate keepers and guides, with the chance to see some of Taronga's favourite animals.

Camping packages start from $455.

Location: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman

4. NRMA Lakeside Holiday Park

Camping in Sydney
NRMA Lakeside Holiday Park


If you need to be close to the water when camping in Sydney, NRMA Lakeside Holiday Park is just a stone's throw away from the gorgeous waters of Narrabeen Lagoon and Narrabeen Beach.

Bordered by Narrabeen Lakes and the patrolled Narrabeen Beach, NRMA Lakeside Holiday Park is the ideal getaway for outdoorsy families. Your camping options include unpowered campsites, powered sites, basic cabins, and luxury cabins. Park highlights include a kids' water playground, a private beach, barbecues, go-kart hire, group accommodations and more.

Along with an awesome location right on the water, there is plenty to see and do right at your doorstep. From cafe hopping to bike riding, hiking, water sports and more, NRMA Lakeside Holiday Park ticks so many family holiday boxes!

Camping packages start from $44. 

Location: 38 Lake Park Rd, North Narrabeen

5. Bouddi National Park

Camping in Sydney
An aerial view of Tallow Beach Campground in Bouddi National Park.


Another excellent option for camping close to Sydney for beach lovers, Bouddi National Park is a treasure trove of outdoor adventures and camping opportunities.

You cannot go past Bouddi National Park if you’re looking for the perfect beach campsite for the family. With three intimate beach campsites to choose from at Little Beach, Putty Beach and Tallow Beach, you'll be within easy reach of the picture-perfect waves of Pentaloon Bay, nearby Macmasters Beach, plus the famous Bouddi Coastal Walk to stretch your walking skills on.

There are limited spots available at the three campgrounds, so it's best to book well in advance. Basic facilities are included, such as barbecues, showers, toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables. All sites are unpowered sites.

Camping packages start from $35.

Location: Bouddi National Park, Central Coast

6. Royal National Park

Camping in Sydney
Bonnie Vale Campground


The Royal National Park is a beautiful natural wonderland with a hugely diverse range of camping in Sydney opportunities – from the dramatic cliffs to a tranquil rainforest riverside.

Established in 1879, the Royal National Park is the world’s second-oldest national park and features unique heritage attractions alongside fascinating plants, birds and animals. A handful of campsites in the Royal National Park offer basic camping facilities and tent sites. Our top picks include North Era Campground, Bonnie Vale Campground, and Uloola Falls.

It’s a perfect nature spot for bushwalking, cycling and surfing activities. Plus, our all-time favourite, Audley Boatshed is nearby for more fun activities.

Camping packages start from $35. 

Location: Royal National Park, Sydney

7. Glenworth Valley

Camping in Sydney
Camp under the stars at Glenworth Valley.


Glenworth Valley is a spectacular 3000-acre wilderness property within a beautiful natural setting. Their camping accommodations range from a 200-acre riverfront BYO camping ground to hiring one of their permanently erected tents, tipis or lotus bell tents - cool!

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.

Camping packages start from $30.

Location: 69 Cooks Rd, Glenworth Valley 

8. Del Rio Riverside Resort

Camping in Sydney
The kids will have a ball at the Del Rio splash park!


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. And the best part? There's a super-cool splash park for the kids, a BMX track, a putt-putt golf course and plenty more.

Camping packages start from $48.

Location: 3004 River Road, Wisemans Ferry

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

9. The Basin

Camping in Sydney
A nature-filled getaway is on offer at The Basin beach campsite.

 

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.

Camping packages start from $35.

Location: Ku-ring-Gai Chase National Park

10. Calmsley Hill City Farm

Best Family Camping Spots Around Sydney
An ellaslist favourite, Calmsley Hill City Farm is great for camping! 


If your little city slickers love camping, animals, and petting zoos and you are looking for a way to combine all three for a magical camping in Sydney experience, then a weekend at Calmsley Hill City Farm is an absolute must.

Located in Abbotsbury, 40 minutes out of Sydney, the famous city farm is a place where the whole family can get up close to a range of native and farmyard animals – you can do everything from milk a cow to feed a kangaroo! There is even sheep shearing, tractor rides and a stock whip show to keep you and the littlies entertained.

The farm offers unique and really low-cost overnight camping farmstay options for the family, which include barbecue dinner and breakfast where the kids get to collect their own chook eggs!

Camping packages start from $105 per adult or $330 per family. *PLEASE NOTE: Calmsley Hill City Farm is currently not taking camping bookings.*

Location: 31 Darling St Abbotsbury

Want More Camping?

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