A few kilometres down from Sydney, you’ll come across an unspoiled coastal line with no less than ten marine and national parks – the South Coast of New South Wales. The South Coast serves every taste, whether you’re looking for pristine beaches or bushland, fishing, or just dolphin watching from the shore. There’s an excess of landmarks and natural beauty.
With such an array of activities and places to visit, picking where to stay can be overwhelming. Let’s help you discover some free hidden gems along the South Coast!
- Yerriyong State Forest Bush Camp
- Bodalla Park Forest Rest Area
- Willi Camp
- Water Tank Camp
- Bush Camp Bega Valley
- Cobargo Hotel Motel
- Waldrons Swamp Rest Area
- Little Island Camp Area
- Bendethera Valley Campground
- Camping Cave
- Wombat Flat 4WD
- Sunburnt Beach Campground Tents Only
- Termeil Forest
- Blue Gum Flat Camp Area
- Yadboro Flat
- Bendeela Camping Reserve
- Nungarry Rest Area
Yerriyong State Forest Bush Camp
A medium-sized bush camp, settled in the middle of the Yerriyong State Forest, large enough to fit four vans. There are no facilities, so it’s more suitable for self-contained campers. The clay ground can be slippery when wet so if you don’t own a high clearance vehicle, avoid it during wet season. The camp is well hidden behind the bush, so try to arrive during daylight to locate it more leisurely.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; Caravans.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Generators Allowed; 4WD Tracks.
Time Limit: None.
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Bodalla Park Forest Rest Area
Just off Princes Highway in Bodalla State Forest, you’ll find Bodalla Forest Rest Area. It provides around ten shaded camp spots under the tall gum trees and a great walking trail around Mummaga Lake. There are some well-maintained facilities and even a book exchange spot to kill off some spare time in the evenings. It’s a popular spot, so come early to score a site.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wheelchair Accessible; Drinking Water; Open Fire Pits; Picnic Tables; Walking Tracks; TV Reception; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Willi Camp
A tiny private clearing enough to fit two vehicles right off Kangaroo Hill Link Trail. It’s a bush camp so no amenities on site, but a peaceful atmosphere.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Off-Road Caravans.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: Yes, book online or on 1300 072 757. A $6 booking fee applies.
Other Amenities: Open Fire Pits; 4WD Tracks; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 7 Days.
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Water Tank Camp
An unofficial small campsite in the forest ideal for an overnighter or short stay due to the lack of amenities. Good for escaping the crowded camps and if you’re looking for a tad more privacy. Beware of the possums looking for food at night!
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: 4WD and Walking Tracks; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
Bush Camp Bega Valley
A great secluded spot in the Bega Valley sheltered from the wind, quiet, and able to fit about four vehicles. The road to the camp includes a small creek crossing that is dried out in the summer, but a high clearance 4WD is recommended. There’s lots of wildlife around, perfect for those looking for a remote campground.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Off-Road Caravans.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: 4WD Tracks; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Cobargo Hotel Motel
A fabulous grassy camping area at the back of the hotel with plenty of amenities. It’s settled just a short walk from the main street in Cobargo and local landmarks. The staff is friendly and open to help you with everything you need. You can enjoy a nice meal in the pub on-site or get your laundry done at an affordable price.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and Showers available for $5 per person per night.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Picnic Tables; Dump Spot; WiFi; On-Site Accommodation; Pub; Laundry.
Time Limit: 72 Hours.
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Waldrons Swamp Rest Area
Waldrons Swamp Rest Area has two parking areas – a large one for trucks and a smaller one for vans and cars. It’s a safe and easy overnight stop on Princes Highway on your way to Batemans Bay. There’s lots of green space and a shaded sitting area separated from the parking area with bollards. Light traffic during the night, so it’s not noisy.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Motorbikes.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wheelchair Accessible; Picnic Tables; TV Reception.
Time Limit: None.
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Little Island Camp Area
This campground is located on Little Island in Clyde River and is accessible only by boat or kayak. Camping is allowed only in tents. There are no facilities on the island so bring everything you need. A different kind of overnight stay worth trying!
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: Kayaking; Boat.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: Yes, book online or on 1300 072 757. A $6 booking fee applies.
Other Amenities: Swimming; Fishing; Boat Ramp Nearby; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 7 Days.
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Bendethera Valley Campground
A large camp along the bank of Deua River and close to Deua National Park. The road leading to the campground includes a river crossing, so 4WD is a must. Once you’ve reached the camp, you’ll find a vast choice of sites. There are several walking tracks you can take from here, like the Sugarloaf and Dampier Mountain.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 4WD Only.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: Yes, book online or on 1300 072 757. A $6 booking fee applies.
Other Amenities: Picnic Tables; BBQs; Swimming; 4WD and Walking Tracks; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 7 Days.
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Camping Cave
Morton National Park offers you the unique experience of camp in a cave! The cave is part of the Budawangs Wilderness Area, so there’s a limited number of tents allowed at a time. You have to park your vehicle, pack your necessities and hike the Scenic Rim Walking Track to the cave. You get to experience a fantastic sunrise in the morning.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: Walk-In.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: Yes, book online or on 1300 072 757. A $6 booking fee applies.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking Water; Walking Tracks; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 7 Days.
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Wombat Flat 4WD
If you’re willing to get an adrenaline rush and go off-grid, hit the Wombat Flat camp that includes creek crossing. It’s a nice secluded spot reserved only for the bravest campers. Fantastic nature all-around and tranquility.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD Only.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: None.
Time Limit: None.
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Sunburnt Beach Campground Tents Only
Sunburnt Beach is an excellent campground with a capacity of ten generously sized sites. It’s located on an almost private beach and offers a fantastic ocean view. Only camping in tents is allowed; you can’t park your vehicle inside the camping zone. It’s very popular on the weekends, and due to the limited spots, it fills up fast.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 4WD; Walk-In.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: Yes, book online or on 1300 072 757. A $6 booking fee applies.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking Water; Open Fire Pits; Swimming; Fishing; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 7 Days.
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Termeil Forest
One of the few dog-friendly free camps around right off Lemon Tree Creek Road. It’s not a leveled site, so it’s not recommended for larger vehicles. There are no facilities on-site; you have to be self-sufficient. It’s quiet and easy to reach, making it perfect for an overnight stay.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Open Fire Pits; 4WD Tracks; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Blue Gum Flat Camp Area
A decent campground close to a nice swimming area (with a rope swing!) on Clyde River. The road leading to the camp is manageable in 2WD when dry. There’s space for about four vehicles on the camp’s dirt side, picturesque nature around, and not many campers.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: Yes, book online or on 1300 072 757. A $6 booking fee applies.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking Water; Open Fire Pits; 4WD and Walking Tracks; Swimming.
Time Limit: 7 Days.
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Yadboro Flat
One of the most popular weekend camping spots in the Yadboro area resides just a short walk from Clyde River. Charming, peaceful, and quiet, with crystal clear water for swimming. It’s a large ground with basic amenities and breathtaking views.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Open Fire Pits; 4WD Tracks; Swimming; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Bendeela Camping Reserve
Bendeela is a popular campground primarily because of its location – merely 150km from Sydney. It’s situated on the Kangaroo River, with excellent amenities, providing a unique relaxing ambiance. The site is enormous, with an additional part opening up on busy weekends and holidays. Great base for hitting the Fitzroy Falls or chilling among the kangaroos and wombats.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: Yes, book online or on 1300 072 757. A $6 booking fee applies.
Other Amenities: Wheelchair Accessible; Drinking Water; Dump Spot; Fishing; Swimming; Walking Tracks; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 7 Days.
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Nungarry Rest Area
The Nungarry Rest Area is South Bound only, spacious, clean, with all the basic amenities and a green area. It’s one of the two free stops in the Kiama area, ideal for an overnight break on your way to Shoalhaven. It’s right off Princes Highway, so there’s a little road noise.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wheelchair Accessible; Drinking Water; Picnic Tables; TV Reception.
Time Limit: 24 Hours.
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