Best Camping Spots Within 5 Hours of Sydney

Camp Like a Pro (Even If You’re More “Glamping” Than Bush Bashing)

Australia is basically the Beyoncé of camping destinations—stunning from all angles, full of surprises, and slightly wild (in a good way). From postcard-perfect beaches to skies that look like a Milky Way screensaver, our great outdoors doesn’t hold back. And the best part? You don’t have to trek across the Outback to experience it. Some of the best campsites are just a short drive (or ferry ride!) from Sydney, making them perfect for families looking to escape the routine and swap Wi-Fi for wildlife (temporarily, at least).

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor warrior or the kind of parent who Googles “how to camp with a coffee machine,” we’ve rounded up some family-friendly campsites that offer the best of both worlds: fresh air and real toilets. Here’s your go-to list for where to pitch a tent (or plug in the van) without completely giving up on comfort.

Bonnie Vale Campground – Royal National Park

Book here  Bonnie Vale Campground 

Level: Easy Access + Family Heaven

Located just south of Sydney in the Royal National Park, Bonnie Vale Campground is the perfect mix of nature and “hey, this still feels manageable with children.” Only an hour’s drive from Sydney Airport (aka within tantrum range), this spot has all the essentials: picnic tables, showers, toilets, fresh drinking water, and even a boat ramp.

But what makes Bonnie Vale shine is its kid-friendliness. Thanks to the Deeban Spit, you get calm, wave-free water on one side for the little splashers and surfable waves nearby for older kids (or brave parents still pretending they can surf). You can swim, kayak, bike, hike, or just sit in a camping chair pretending you’re relaxed while sneakily checking your phone reception.

Just don’t forget the sunscreen. Or the marshmallows. Or the 37 other things you’ll pack “just in case.”

The Basin – Pittwater

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Level: Bit of Effort, Big Reward

Fancy a ferry ride with your tent? The Basin is only accessible by water, meaning your weekend starts with a bit of nautical adventure—which is either charming or chaotic, depending on how many children and bags you’re wrangling. Located across from Palm Beach, this campsite feels remote and refreshing, while still being close enough to escape if the weather turns or your toddler declares a mutiny.

The Basin is known for its relaxed vibe, beach cricket tournaments, and unbeatable boating opportunities. It’s a weekend filled with swims, sandcastle building, and watching wallabies hop around like they own the place. There’s no road noise, no phone scrolling, and no sneaky café runs—but that’s kind of the point.

Not a fan of salt water or sharing your chips with curious cockatoos? Maybe this one’s not for you. But if you’re up for fresh air, ferry rides, and a digital detox with a view—The Basin is a must.

The Basin – Watagans National Park

Level: Wild & Free (and Slightly Muddy)

If you’re craving something more rugged and don’t mind the idea of no power, patchy reception, and getting just a bit grubby—Watagans Basin is calling. Located around two hours from Sydney near the Central Coast, this bushland beauty is a haven for families who like their adventures a little more… adventurous.

Expect designated fire pits, bush toilets, picnic tables, and an incredible sense of being properly out in nature. You’ll need to BYO water and all supplies, but in return, you get access to epic hiking and mountain biking trails, star-filled skies, and the kind of silence that city dwellers dream about.

Bonus points if your kids are into spotting wildlife, building stick forts, or trying to roast marshmallows without setting their stick (or sibling) on fire.

Just make sure you know your limits—this is bush camping, not a backyard sleep out.

Seal Rocks Holiday Park

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Level: Coastal Chill + Creature Comforts

If your ideal camping trip includes ocean views, proper showers, and the smell of someone else’s barbecue wafting through the trees—Seal Rocks Holiday Park is your jam. About four hours from Sydney, it’s far enough to feel like a holiday, but still doable for a long weekend if you’re strategic with nap schedules and snacks.

Seal Rocks offers powered sites, cabins, and even glamping tents for those who love the idea of camping but would rather not pitch anything themselves. The surrounding area is a dream: crystal-clear beaches, gentle waves, dunes to explore, and the nearby Myall Lakes National Park just waiting for a kayak or picnic.

There’s a general store nearby for essentials (or forgotten items—no judgement), and the calm beaches make it ideal for little ones who want to paddle without being knocked over.

Bonus: sunsets here are elite, and you might even spot a whale if the season’s right.

Nelson Bay Caravan Park

Level: Buzzing Beach Town Meets Lazy Holiday

If you’re after maximum convenience with minimum compromise on beauty, Nelson Bay Caravan Park delivers. Sure, it’s popular (translation: there will be other people there), but with good reason—it’s got pristine beaches, dolphin sightings, and enough café options to keep the fussiest eater happy.

Only 2.5–3 hours north of Sydney, Nelson Bay offers that classic Aussie beach holiday energy, where your biggest decisions are beach or pool, café or picnic, and whether the kids need ice cream before or after lunch. The holiday park has powered sites, modern facilities, and plenty of space for scooter races and beach cart dragging.

Take a walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk (pack snacks—it’s steep!), book a dolphin cruise, or simply let the kids run wild while you pretend you’re reading a book. There’s also snorkelling, paddleboarding, and fishing if your crew is up for it.

It’s a great all-rounder that balances adventure and amenities, with something for every age.

Final Tips for Family Camping (AKA Surviving with Style)

• Pack smart, not stressed. Lay it all out the day before, then ruthlessly edit. Do you really need 12 towels? (…maybe.)
• Don’t forget comfort gear. Camping chairs, extra blankets, and a decent esky go a long way.
• Meal plan like a pro. Tacos, toasties, and anything you can skewer on a stick = camping gold.
• Bring entertainment. Colouring books, a deck of cards, and at least one screen-free activity for the “I’m boooored” moment.
• Tag team everything. You cook, they clean (or vice versa). If all else fails, promise hot chips tomorrow.

Camp Your Way (Even If That’s Just a Cabin with a Kettle)

You don’t have to go full Bear Grylls to enjoy the magic of camping. Whether you’re roughing it under canvas, glamping it up in style, or just showing your kids that Wi-Fi can be optional, there’s a camping spot on this list that’ll work for your family.

From ferry-accessible beaches to mountain basecamps and everything in between, the joy of camping is really about the memories. The morning birdsong, the sticky marshmallow fingers, the bedtime stories told under fairy lights. And yes, maybe even the mozzie bites and mystery mud.

So load up the car, pack the snacks, and lean into the chaos—because campfire chaos is the best kind.

Let us know your favourite family-friendly camping spot @Parenthood360 or tag us in your campsite adventures with #CampWithThe360. We might just feature your crew (mud and all) in our next round-up!