Top spots for family-friendly camping in the Barrington Coast

We know there are lots of people to please on any family holiday. Water activities are a specialty here so beach or river access is almost mandatory.

And whether it's a top quality barbecue set-up for dad, a tennis court and cafe for mum, or a waterpark complete with pool slide for the kids (and dad), these family-friendly campgrounds have excellent facilities to keep everyone happy.

Here's a short list in no particular order of our favourite family-friendly camping options in the Barrington Coast for you to holiday in style.

Reflections Holiday Park Hawks Nest

Quiet, simple and naturally beautiful, a stay at Reflections Holiday Parks Hawks Nest will take you back to the holidays of your childhood, when the days were long and the stresses were few. Nestled between Bennetts Beach and the village of Hawks Nest this caravan park is miles away from the hustle and bustle – the ideal spot for a relaxed and authentic Aussie beach holiday. With larger-than-average flat sites, it’s a breeze to bring in the RV or caravan and campers are well catered for with their range of activities and facilities. Settle in then set about exploring the pristine beauty of the area. Whether it’s watching the dolphins play in the surf, enjoying fish and chips by the river in nearby Tea Gardens, or checking out the surf at Winda Woppa, there are countless holiday memories to be made at Reflections Holiday Parks Hawks Nest.

• Camping type: powered sites only; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside vehicle
• Amenities: barbecue facilities, laundry facilities, showers, toilets, kiosk, camp kitchen
• Dogs are permitted at Hawks Nest Holiday Park on selected sites and cabins during off-peak and shoulder season.

Reflections Holiday Park Jimmys Beach

Whether it’s the crashing of the waves or the salty ocean air, there’s something about waking up in a coastal camping ground that really loosens the shoulders. Camping at Reflections Holiday Parks Jimmys Beach is no exception. Located behind beautiful Jimmys Beach at Hawks Nest, campsites are just a short stroll away. From the beach this is camping at its best: splendid white beaches; calm blue waters complete with leaping dolphins; exceptional natural beauty everywhere you turn. A stay at Reflections Holiday Parks Jimmys Beach is almost guaranteed to lower the blood pressure and raise the happiness levels.

• Camping type: powered and non-powered sites; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside vehicle
• Amenities: barbecue facilities, laundry facilities, showers, toilets, kiosk, camp kitchen
• Dogs are permitted at Jimmys Beach Holiday Park on selected sites and cabins during off-peak and shoulder season.

NRMA Myall Shores

Set on 1.5 km of absolute lakefront in the centre of the Myall Lakes National Park and just a short 20 minute drive from the town of Bulahdelah, NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park is the ideal location for a relaxing getaway or water sports holiday. Whether it’s a grassy camp site or caravan site or a glamping safari tent, you’ll find accommodation to suit the whole family. The national park is on the world-renowned Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance, and you’ll be sharing it with kangaroos, wallabies, possums, koalas, hundreds of bird species and more. When you’re not simply relaxing and taking it all in, enjoy bushwalking, bike riding, swimming, fishing and a number of secluded ocean beaches right at your doorstep.

• Camping type: powered and non-powered sites; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside vehicle
• Amenities: camp kitchen, pool, showers, toilets, barbecue facilities, small kiosk, laundry facilities, jetty access, children's playground
• Dogs are not allowed at this campsite.

Big4 Colonial Holiday Park, Harrington

Big4 Colonial is a classic park located at the entrance to the beautiful seaside village of Harrington. The 4 star camp area has 31 large powered, unpowered and drive through sites serviced with a modern individual ensuite amenities block. Each large site is equipped with a concrete slab, fresh water and grey water disposal. There is plenty of room on each site, whether you need the room for the fishing gear, or want room for the quiet relaxation that privacy brings, you have the space to make the most of your time in Harrington.

• Camping type: powered and non-powered sites; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside vehicle
• Amenities: pool, showers, toilets, camp kitchen, barbecue facilities, games room, laundry facilities
• Dogs are allowed but please call to confirm as this may change at different times of the year.

Reflections Holiday Park Tuncurry

Flat, dog-friendly and with direct access to Nine Mile Beach and the famous Tuncurry Rockpool, Reflections Holiday Parks Tuncurry is an idyllic spot to slow down, chill out and spend time in stunning surrounds. Take the dog for a walk on the beach, enjoy breakfast at the Tuncurry Rockpool Café, followed by a swim in its calm blue waters. Jump on a bike and cross the bridge to Forster, or head out onto Wallis Lake and see what’s biting.

• Camping type: powered sites only; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside vehicle
• Amenities: barbecue facilities, laundry facilities, showers, toilets, kiosk, camp kitchen
• Dogs are permitted at Reflections Tuncurry Beach on selected sites and cabins during off-peak and shoulder season.

Reflections Holiday Park Forster Beach, Forster

Reflections Holiday Parks Forster Beach is within walking distance to everywhere you could possibly need or want to go: Forster Main Beach, Forster shops, Wallis Lake and a lot more. This holiday park provides unmatchable convenience, charm and the perfect environment for creating treasured holiday memories. Whether you’re an avid fisherman wanting to drop a line in Wallis Lake, or are simply looking for a fun beach getaway with the kids, Forster Beach Holiday Park is the ideal spot to take a relaxing break from the everyday.

• Camping type: powered sites only; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside vehicle
• Amenities: barbecue facilities, laundry facilities, showers, toilets, kiosk, camp kitchen
• Dogs are not permitted at Reflections Forster Beach

NRMA Forster Tuncurry Holiday Park, Tuncurry

NRMA Forster Tuncurry Holiday Park is a holiday oasis, set amidst great facilities in a stunning lakefront location at Tuncurry. They have everything for a great family holiday including two heated pools and waterpark, jumping pillow, camp kitchen, boat ramp, onsite cafe and shop.

• Camping type: All sites are powered; tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside vehicle
• Amenities: showers, toilets, heated pools and waterpark, jumping pillow, camp kitchen, boat ramp, onsite cafe and shop
• Dogs are allowed but please call to confirm as this may change at different times of the year.

Big4 River Myall, Bulahdelah

Offering a range of spacious camp sites, there will be room for every kind of exploring family at Barrington Coast's newest holiday park at Bulahdelah. The first of its kind, Big4 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 modern luxuries that make everyone’s stay enjoyable. On an expansive 50 acres, the site offers endless riverfront experiences on the Myall River. Relax under clear skies, days on the water, stolen moments of peace and a true sense of escape is at the heart of Big4 River Myall Holiday Resort. It’s also a short drive to Myall Lakes National Park and the pristine beaches of Seal Rocks.

• Camping type: Powered sites only. Tent, Camper trailer, Caravan, Camping beside vehicle
• Amenities: Camp kitchen, games room, pool with slide, jumping pillow, tennis court, dog washing station, showers, toilets
• Dogs are allowed but please call to confirm as this may change at different times of the year.

Big4 Happy Hallidays, Hallidays Point

Big4 Happy Hallidays is the ultimate family holiday destination, just two minutes from award-winning Black Head Beach. It’s also renowned for its iconic red mini-train rides that runs daily during school holidays.

• Camping type: all powered; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside vehicle
• Amenities: resort-style pool, jumping pillow, playground, indoor play centre, tennis court, TV room, mini golf, pedal karts for hire, showers, toilets, camp kitchen, barbecue facilities, games room, laundry facilities
• Dogs are allowed but please call to confirm as this may change at different times of the year.

The Steps Barrington Campground

This is camping like it used to be. At the most beautiful rapids on the Barrington River, The Steps Barrington is the perfect place to get your kids off their devices and back into nature. On the river you'll find stretches of slow moving water that make perfect swimming holes for family fun or try paddling the rapids in a kayak, canoe or hire a river sled. On land take to the trails of our purpose-built cross country mountain bike park, there are trails suitable for all rider levels or a family riding challenge. Our large grassy campzones are suitable for small groups and you’ll love our ‘luxe’ amenities block with hot showers and flushing toilets. There are several large bonfire pits plus two permanent shelters that can be hired.

• Camping type: non-powered sites only; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside vehicle
• Amenities: Hot water showers, toilets, fixed-roof shelters for hire
• Dogs are not allowed at this campsite.

Lakeside Forster Holiday Park, Forster

Centrally located by Wallis Lake at Forster, The park is set on 5 hectares with established gardens, offering the largest caravan and camping sites in the region and wide lake frontage. Enjoy the easy waterfront access with activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and crabbing. We have a small boat ramp for launching tinnies at the park, or the larger boat ramp is just two minutes up the road. Take a dip in the heated resort- style pool, complete with kiddies splash area, explore the playground or shoot some hoops on the basketball court.

• Camping type: powered and non-powered sites; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside vehicle
• Amenities: resort-style pool, playground, TV room, pedal karts for hire, showers, toilets, camp kitchen, barbecue facilities, games room, laundry facilities
• Dogs are allowed but please call to confirm as this may change at different times of the year.

Tiona Holiday Park

Beautifully located at Tiona, between Wallis Lake and the Pacific Ocean. Find your space at the pet-friendly Tiona Holiday Park, whether you are camping, caravanning or need a cabin for the night, and only 15 minutes from Forster. All of our sites and cabins are family friendly, pet friendly, and the perfect space from which to relax, explore, connect or play. Families are the heart of our community, and the lakeside provides a space where connection with children, parents and grandparents on holidays is encouraged, where the facilities are designed to encourage intergenerational interaction – a space where kids can be kids and the parents can have a holiday too.

• Camping type: powered and unpowered sites; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside vehicle
• Amenities: resort-style pool, showers, toilets, camp kitchen, barbecue facilities, games room, laundry facilities
• Dogs are allowed.

Reflections Holiday Park Seal Rocks

Make a date with nature at Reflections Holiday Parks Seal Rocks, a pristine pocket of paradise nestled between flourishing green forest and the aptly-named Number One Beach. Take it easy and let the chilled vibes of this isolated and authentic village relax your mind and feed your soul.

A 45-minute drive from Forster, Seal Rocks Holiday Park is a friendly and tranquil sanctuary on the Barrington Coast of NSW; an ideal spot to reconnect with your family and friends and create memories that’ll last a lifetime.

• Camping type: powered sites only; Tent, camper trailer, caravan, camping beside vehicle
• Amenities: playground, barbecue facilities, laundry facilities, showers, toilets, kiosk, camp kitchen
• Dogs are not permitted at Reflection Holiday Park Seal Rocks