Dreaming of rolling out of the swag and dipping into the fresh water of one of our beautiful rivers? These are our top picks for riverside camping.

1. Myall River Camp, Hawks Nest

This is a serene, sustainable riverside bush retreat at Hawks Nest alongside the Myall River. It's a place to connect with nature, unwind and explore.

Perfectly located, Myall River Camp is just a stone's throw to white sandy beaches and Myall Lakes National Park where you can enjoy 4WDing, sandboarding, surfing, kayaking and bushwalking.

Campsites:
Choose a scenic riverfront or spacious bushland site in our off-grid campground.
Glamping tents
: Indulge in our glamourous spin on camping, where nature and comfort meet. These are stylish safari-style tents with all the conveniences you crave.
Tiny houses
: Swap your canvas-covered dreams for these supremely comfortable tiny eco homes on wheels. Holiday sustainably in style.

  • Bookings essential.
  • Camping type: Only non-powered sites; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside my vehicle; glamping tents; tiny houses.
  • Amenities: Drinking water, boat ramp, toilets; showers (in glamping tents & tiny houses).
  • Dogs are not allowed at this campsite.
Riverfront sites at Myall River Camp, Hawks Nest.
Riverfront sites at Myall River Camp, Hawks Nest.

2. The Steps Barrington Campground, Bindera

Camping like it used to be... The Steps Barrington is a boutique campground with a limit on campers so there's plenty of space. On the river you'll find stretches of slow moving water that make perfect swimming holes for family fun; try paddling the rapids in a kayak, canoe or surf mat.

Mountain bike riders can enjoy the trails of the cross-country onsite mountain bike parkor step up the big challenges offered by the brand new Barrington Bike Park. The surrounding mountain ranges offer many different walks, hikes or mountain bike adventures depending on your age and skill level. Or you can just sit back and listen to the sounds of the Barrington River cascading its way over the famous Steps Rapids while you watch the wallabies graze. It's a little piece of camping paradise at Gloucester, in the scenic foothills of the world heritage Barrington Tops.

  • Bookings essential
  • Camping type: Only non-powered sites; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside my vehicle
  • Amenities: hot showers, flushing toilets, drinking water, shelter huts for hire, onsite mountain bike park
  • Dogs are not allowed at this campsite.
The Steps Barrington at Bindera near Gloucester.
The Steps Barrington at Bindera near Gloucester.

3. Big4 River Myall Holiday Resort, Bulahdelah

The first of its kind, River Myall Holiday Resort is a sanctuary for families who want a real outdoor escape in a beautiful, natural environment with the convenience of the little luxuries that make everyone’s stay enjoyable. Offering a range of options from spacious camp sites to modern family cabins, there's room for every kind of exploring family. On an expansive 20 hectares, our holiday resort will offer endless riverfront experiences on the Myall River at Bulahdelah. Relax under clear skies spending days on the water with stolen moments of peace... this true sense of escape is at the heart of Big4 River Myall Holiday Resort.

  • Bookings essential
  • Camping type: all powered sites; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside vehicle, cabins
  • Amenities: activity room, barbecue facilities, boat ramp, bouncing pillow and playground, camp kitchen, laundry facilities, pool
  • Dogs are allowed at this campsite.
Big4 River Myall at Bulahdelah.
Big4 River Myall at Bulahdelah.

4. Discovery Parks Wallamba River, Forster

Families return year after year to the magnificent river and facilities of Discovery Parks Forster. A hidden treasure of the region, the park is on the tranquil shores of the Wallamba River. Relax and recharge or jump straight into an extraordinary selection of water activities – the choice is yours. The river offers fishing, kayaking and water skiing by day, and amazing sunsets by night. Four-legged friends are also warmly welcomed to the park with a number of dog-friendly facilities and activities to enjoy.

  • Bookings essential
  • Camping type: all powered sites; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside vehicle
  • Amenities: activity room, barbecue facilities, boat ramp, bouncing pillow and playground, camp kitchen, laundry facilities, pool
  • Dogs are allowed at this campsite.
Discovery Parks Forster on the Wallamba River.
Discovery Parks Forster on the Wallamba River.

5. NPWS Gloucester River Campground, Gloucester Tops

This is a picturesque riverside camping and picnic area on the eastern edge of Barrington Tops operated by NSW National Parks & Wildlife. With caravan parking and ramped facility access, Gloucester River campground and picnic area is a great spot for families and groups of all ages who love wide open, natural spaces. Pick your spot beside the flowing river and set up your campsite among the trees. With shady spots and spacious grassy areas, there’s plenty of room for the kids to run around while you relax. Spend a couple of peaceful days swimming in the river and exploring the nearby walking tracks.

  • Bookings essential
  • Camping type: only non-powered sites; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside my vehicle
  • Amenities: picnic tables, barbecue facilities, toilets
  • Dogs are not allowed at this campsite.

If you're heading to Barrington Tops the best approach is via Gloucester on the eastern side, stop for fuel, provisions, a coffee or a meal on your way through.

Gloucester River Campground
NPWS Gloucester River Campground (image by Pippa Ireland @adventuresof89pip)

6. Camp Cobark

Located 40 km west of Gloucester at Cobark, this nature lover's haven offers camping with rustic style amenities. Camp Cobark offers you a peaceful, stress free environment to do things you have never done before. Enjoy a swim in the pristine Cobark River, you can camp in one of five riverside campgrounds along the river or sleep under the stars in a swag. The world heritage parklands of Barrington Tops are close by and make the perfect day trip for your camping holiday.

  • Bookings essential.
  • Camping type: Only non-powered sites; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside my vehicle.
  • Amenities: showers, toilets, camp kitchen
  • Dogs are not allowed at this campsite.
Camp Cobark (image by @travellingourbigbackyard)
Camp Cobark (image by @travellingourbigbackyard)

7. Cundle Flat Farm, Cundle Flat

Cundle Flat Farm offers riverside camping by the Manning River in a secluded and picturesque location in the upper Manning Valley.

Pitch your tent, set up your camper trailer or caravan next to the river, or on the adjacent upper river flat, where 3 large shelters overlook the river and surrounds.

Open long weekends and school holidays, bookings required at all times.

  • Great for families to enjoy a weekend getaway or school holidays.
  • Spacious unpowered sites - each with a fireplace.
  • Hot showers and flushing toilets.
  • Dogs welcome (conditions apply).
Cundle Flat Farm river and horses

8. Knorrit Flat Riverside Retreat, Caffreys Flat

This 16 hectare campground sits peacefullyset on the banks of the Nowendoc River in the upper Manning Valley, a short drive from Wingham.

Surrounded by picturesque countryside with a 400m river frontage, you'll find relaxation, peace and quiet, freedom and space.

The river is ideal for swimming, tubing, canoeing and fishing. Kick back and relax or choose to explore the many attractions in the beautiful Manning Valley.

Featuring:

  • Dog friendly
  • Extra large grassy sites
  • Immaculately maintained grounds
  • Hot showers and flushing toilets
  • Beautiful shade trees
  • Fire pits on each site
  • Barbecue plates available on request (security deposit applies)
Nowendoc River at Knorrit Flat Riverside Retreat.
Nowendoc River at Knorrit Flat Riverside Retreat.

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