Who wouldn’t want to sleep under starry skies and wake up to beautiful birdsong? From coastal campsites to riverfront locations and holiday parks, there’s plenty of free and low-cost camping options in the Shoalhaven.
In peak periods like spring, summer and school holidays, you’ll need to plan well in advance! Our popular south coast camp spots book out fast. Our environment is a precious resource. It is important to only camp in designated areas to avoid damage to delicate areas and heavy fines. If you can, plan an adventure with a guide or spend a few nights in a luxury glamping experience.
Camp by the River, then Day Trip to the Beach
Wake to the tranquil sounds of river life. The Shoalhaven River and Kangaroo Rivers offer so much variety, with more options at the southern end of the Shoalhaven on the Clyde River too. Coolendel has beautiful grassy grounds and stunning Shoalhaven River frontage. Grady’s Riverside Retreat also offers a great pet friendly option or stay at North Nowra Riverfront Caravan Park. In Kangaroo Valley, Holiday Haven have a park just a stones through from Kangaroo River or try Glenmack Park just a little down the road.
Be a conscious traveller
Our advice to campers is to plan and book your stay well ahead, so you’re not camping where you are not allowed. Slow down on the roads and be respectful of our communities, our environment and its animals. Remember, party like your grandmother’s next door! Summer time is fun time but please obey the fire restrictions when you camp. Call our Visitor Information Service to speak with a local who has the expert knowledge to guide you. They can also advise you if you get caught out and need an emergency overnight stay at one of the Shoalhaven’s rest areas.
Camping by the Beach
We’ve got dozens of well-priced holiday parks along our 120-kilometre coastline, from Shoalhaven Heads to North Durras. While this is a more expensive option, it won’t break the bank and you get beachfront access and fabulous facilities. Explore camping sites, caravan sites, cabins and safari tents. Our beach carparks are quaint and it’s part of our charm, but they’re not official places for overnight stays. So even if you’re tempted, please don’t park on our beaches, and that means no fires too.
Camping in National Parks
Our National Parks offer the perfect free and low-cost camping options. Bookings are required for all National Park campgrounds and cabins, even the free areas. Before your visit, check the webpage for your chosen area or call NPWS on 1300 072 757. You can also check the alerts page for closures of nearby walks and picnic areas. The iconic Pretty Beach and Depot Beach in Murramarang National Park are stunning options. Many of our National Park camp grounds book out months in advance and may require a ballot draw to get a spot so not a last minute option. Check out the booking details for popular areas like Booderee National Park and Honeymoon Bay to help you plan well ahead.
Showground Stopovers
Van lifers and caravanners can stopover at any one of three showgrounds in the Shoalhaven. Berry Showground is one of the best. It is close to Berry’s beautiful Queen Street and train station. It is only a short drive to the beaches at Shoalhaven Heads too. Nowra Showground has easy access to Ben’s Walk and the forests that surround the Shoalhaven River. Nowra Showground is for caravans, campers and motor homes only. Milton Showground Camping Area is a short walk to the delights of Milton, plus it is close to the beaches and townships of Ulladulla and Mollymook. It has easy access to The Heritage Bakery for a delicious breakfast or lunch. Call the Shoalhaven Visitors Centre for information during business hours on (02) 4421 0778. Bookings can only be made online.
Remote Camping Spots
Escaping into a remote area is a great way to unwind, but it’s crucial to plan. Although we have many State Forests, Yadboro is the only one set up for camping. It is closed at times, so check with Forests Corporation NSW before you leave on your trip. Nestled by the Clyde River, Yadboro Flat is a popular dog-friendly camp, so get in early to secure a spot. If you want remote, then Long Gully in Budawang National Park is open to online bookings. Blue Gum Flat Campground in Morton National Park is another option close by. Long Gully is the place for experienced trekkers with The Castle and Byangee Wall walking tracks starting from the campground. Blue Gum Flat is a good spot for fishing and mountain biking. Online bookings are necessary. Hot tip: we recommend a 4WD/AWD for these!