Family-Friendly Camping in NSW National Parks Unplug

Looking for the perfect family camping trip in NSW? With spring and warmer weather around the corner, now is the ideal time to plan a getaway in nature. Camping is one of the best ways for kids to unplug from screens, explore the outdoors, and enjoy quality time together.

NSW is home to more than 350 campgrounds in national parks, ranging from beachside escapes to riverside retreats and bush getaways. Whether you’re after a weekend trip close to Sydney or a longer family holiday, there are plenty of options to suit campers of all ages and experience levels.

North Coast: Beach Camping Paradise

The North Coast of NSW offers some of the best family-friendly beach camping in Australia. Imagine waking up to ocean views and spending the day swimming, paddling or bushwalking.

Top picks for families include:

Illaroo Campground, Yuraygir National Park (near Coffs Harbour): Spacious sites right by the beach, perfect for families who love surf and sand.
Mibanbah – Black Rocks, Bundjalung National Park (near Yamba): A great spot for kayaking along Jerusalem Creek and spotting wildlife.

👉 Tip: Book early during school holidays as these coastal campgrounds are popular with families.

Sydney and Surrounds: Camping Close to Home

You don’t have to travel far from the Eastern Suburbs to enjoy the great outdoors. Just an hour or two from Sydney, you’ll find incredible camping spots that feel a world away.

The Basin, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park: Accessible by ferry or walking track, this campground has everything – calm lagoon waters for swimming, walking trails, picnic spots and plenty of wallabies hopping around.
Tallow Beach, Central Coast: A quieter, beachside option where kids can enjoy the sand while parents relax by the waves.

👉 Tip: The Basin is one of the only campgrounds in Sydney with water access and facilities – perfect for first-time family campers.

South Coast: Pristine Beaches and Rainforests

The South Coast of NSW is ideal for families who want both forest adventures and ocean fun.

Gillards Campground, Mimosa Rocks National Park: Popular with families for its easy access to the beach and shaded camping areas.
Pretty Beach, Murramarang National Park: A favourite for spotting kangaroos on the sand and enjoying coastal bushwalks.

👉 Tip: Bring bikes for the kids – many South Coast campgrounds have safe trails and tracks nearby.

Country NSW: Bush, History and Starry Skies

For families who love history, wildlife and stargazing, the countryside of NSW is full of surprises.

Glendora Campground, Hill End Historic Site (near Bathurst): Explore gold rush history, heritage buildings and bushwalks.
Camp Blackman, Warrumbungle National Park: A top pick for families who love the stars. This is Australia’s first Dark Sky Park – perfect for budding astronomers.

👉 Tip: Pack binoculars and a star map to make stargazing fun and educational for the kids.

Snowy Mountains: Adventure All Year Round

If your family loves outdoor activities, the Snowy Mountains are a playground year-round.

Thredbo Diggings Campground: Camp beside the river, surrounded by snow gums and birdlife.
Geehi Flats Campground: Breathtaking alpine views and space for the kids to explore.

👉 Tip: Even in warmer months, nights can get cold in the Snowies – bring extra warm layers and sleeping bags.

Murray-Riverina: Riverside Escapes

For a more relaxed camping holiday, head to the Murray-Riverina region, where water activities take centre stage.

Edward River Bridge Campground, Murray Valley Regional Park: Perfect for fishing, boating and kayaking.
Quicks Beach Campground, Murray Valley National Park: Sandy riverbanks ideal for swimming and relaxing.

👉 Tip: Life jackets are a must for kids near rivers – safety first when camping by the water.

Outback NSW: Wide-Open Spaces and Wildlife

For a unique family adventure, explore the NSW outback. It’s a chance to show the kids wide-open plains, unique wildlife and incredible sunsets.

Mount Wood, Sturt National Park: Camp near an outback billabong and enjoy 4WD tracks.
Darling River, Kinchega National Park: Perfect for birdwatching, spotting wildflowers, and enjoying campfires under the stars.

👉 Tip: Outback camping can be remote – pack extra water, food and fuel, and check road conditions before travelling.

Essential Camping Tips for Families

Camping with kids is rewarding, but a little planning makes the trip easier. Here are some top family camping tips:

Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for sites with toilets, showers, BBQ facilities and easy access to walking tracks or swimming spots.
Pack a family camping checklist: Include essentials like tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear, torches, insect repellent, sunscreen and first-aid supplies.
Bring entertainment: Card games, books, balls and bikes keep kids busy when not exploring.
Meal prep helps: Pre-cook or pre-chop meals at home to make camp cooking easier.
Stay safe with kids: Set clear campsite boundaries, supervise water play, and teach kids to respect wildlife.
Layer clothing: Weather can change quickly in NSW national parks – pack for both warm days and cool nights.
Book early for holidays: Popular national park campgrounds book out quickly during school breaks and long weekends.

Why Families Love Camping in NSW

Camping is more than just a holiday – it’s a chance to slow down, connect with nature and enjoy family time. From beach camping near Sydney to outback adventures, NSW national parks have something for every family.

So grab your tent, pack the marshmallows, and get ready to make memories under the stars.

More information about camping grounds and national parks