Top 5 Campsites Close to Sydney

Summer is blowing hot air down our necks already, and if you haven’t already planned your first warm weather, weekend getaway then you’re just not doing it right. As we’re all acutely aware, weekends aren’t long enough, so the last thing you want to do is waste the days away travelling for hours just to reach your destination. With that in mind, here are our top 5 campsites within cooee of Sydney’s CBD.

Image: Sunseeker 2.5m Awning and Base Tent 2500.

Seal Rocks

Seal Rocks and the surrounding coves are filled with options for campers. Our personal favourite is Treachery Campground, a well organised site equipped with the bare necessities in a beautiful setting. The drive in towards Treachery is incredible, so if you can arrive in daylight you should. Located just over 3 hours from the center of Sydney, Seal Rocks is blessed with multiple surfing beaches, fishing spots, hiking trails, offroading opportunities and friendly locals.

You can, and definitely should book in advance - find out more.

Image: Seal Rocks, National Parks and wildlife.

Coledale Beach

Coledale is just an hour from Sydney, nestled in the city’s southern reaches. Coledale Camping Reserve is equipped with showers and BBQ’s, as well as a kitchen with powerpoints. It’s also perched about as close to the beach as a campsite can be, so makes for the perfect beach weekend away with the family or mates.

At coledale, you’ll definitely need to book in advance - find out more .

Image: Coledale Beach, Google Maps Images.

Cox’s River

One of the real gems of the Blue Mountains, Cox’s River is rugged and beautiful. It’s a little less luxe than the aforementioned sites, but what it lacks in amenities it more than makes up for in seclusion and tip top swimming spots. There’s a number of pristine spots along the river that are perfect for a dip on a hot summer’s day, or you can wet a line at one of the many fishing vantage points around the site.

Staying at Cox’s is free, and it’s a first in best dressed operation - find out more.

Image: Bowtells Swing Bridge over Coxs River.

Berowra Creek

About an hour north of the city is Crosslands Reserve Camping Area. It’s a short walk from Berowra Creek and if you’re taking the kids for an adventure weekend away, this is the campsite for you. Strap the bikes to your rig, and prepare for a weekend of adventure on two wheels with the little ones. There’s also plenty of swimming to be had in Berowra Creek, which is handy because there are no showers at the campsite. You’ll feel like you’ve really gone bush as you kick back and watch the sunset through the gums.

You can book an unpowered site in advance at - find out more.

Berowra Creek Image: Berowra Valley, National Parks and Wildlife.

Royal National Park

There is an abundance of camping options in the Royal National Park, which is located roughly an hour south of Sydney, and it really is hard to go wrong. Our pick of the bunch is Bonnie Vale Campground, which is located at the park’s northern end. Bonnie Vale only has unpowered sites, but does offer toilets, hot showers and drinking water. The national park is teeming with wildlife, so you’re bound to see all sorts of Australian fauna. There’s plenty of great hiking, as well as quality fishing down at Jibbon Beach. You can even take the kayaks with you for a paddle in the river, or in the ocean if conditions are calm.

Bookings aren’t necessary at Bonnie Vale - find out more.

Image: Marley Walk in Royal National Park, National Parks and Wildlife.

Sydneysiders really are blessed when it comes to their weekend getaway options. There’s so much beauty within a stone’s throw of the city, so check the forecast, tell the boss you’re knocking off an hour early on Friday, and go get amongst it!

If you’re not from the Sydney area then don’t worry. Rhino-Rack will be creating capital city camping guides in the coming months and if you have any suggestions please comment here.

Useful links: