Camping in Central Coast – Top Picks

Central Coast is an excellent choice if you fancy some adventure and camping. This region is a true paradise for nature lovers, with stunning coastlines, pristine beaches, and serene national parks. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a beginner, you’ll find a place that suits your preferences and budget. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the top 10 best camping spots in Central Coast(in no particular order).

At a Glance:

• Bouddi National Park
• Glenworth Valley
• Remote Camping on Twin Beaches Campground
• Harug National Park
• Toowoon Bay Holiday Park
• The Entrance Holiday Park
• Munmorah State Conservation Area
• Patonga Camping Ground
• NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort
• Norah Head Holiday Park

1. Bouddi National Park

Located only 90 minutes fromSydney, Bouddi National Park offers a spectacular coastline, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. The park has several camping areas, including Putty Beach and Little Beach campgrounds. Both sites offer grassy and shaded areas for tents, as well as firepits, picnic tables, and toilets. Putty Beach is ideal for families and groups, while Little Beach is more secluded and recommended for couples and solo travellers. You can spend your days hiking, swimming, fishing, and exploring the nearby beaches and villages.

Highlights:
Little Beach Grounds:– Toilets, picnic tables, barbecues, unpowered, beach access
Putty Beach Campground – Toilets, showers, picnic tables, barbecue, drinking water, unpowered, beach access.
Tallow Beach Campground – Toilets, unpowered, beach access.

2. Glenworth Valley

If you’re looking for a more adventurous camping experience, consider Glenworth Valley, a 3,000-acre wilderness with rivers, valleys, and forests. You can choose from various camping options, such as tent sites, luxury tents, teepees, and cabins. The facilities include hot showers, toilets, BBQ areas, and a kiosk with snacks and drinks. Glenworth Valley is famous for horse riding, kayaking, abseiling, and other outdoor activities. You can also relax by the campfire and stargaze at night.

Highlights: unpowered, bedding, café, toilets, showers, barbecue, fires allowed

3. Remote Camping on Twin Beaches Campground

Not for the faint hearted :). Twin beaches campground is in the Marramarra National Park. This hidden gem can only be accessed by boat, offering an authentic bush camping experience. Pitch your tent by the river and drop an anchor to spend your days fishing, swimming, paddling or boating on the calm waterways. Take a short trip to the historic Bar Island, where you can explore old church ruins and a cemetery filled with headstones of European settlers.

For the adventurous, take your boat upstream on Marramarra Creek to reach the Marramarra Creek campground which is the starting point for the Marramarra Ridge to Smugglers Ridge walking track. This track takes you across beautiful sandstone ridgetops down to the creek, where you can reward yourself with a refreshing swim. While at Twin Beaches campground, don’t forget to pack your binoculars to enjoy the abundant birdwatching opportunities.

Highlights: Non flush toilets and barbecue facilities. Note, water is NOT available at this campground.

4. Harug National park

The national park is situated adjacent to both the Hawkesbury River and Mangrove Mountain area of the Central Coast. The park boasts the Old Great North Road, which is a World Heritage site that was constructed by convicts during the early 19th century and can be explored through a heritage walk. Additionally, the park is home to an abundance of birdlife, such as the gang-gang cockatoo and satin bowerbird, as well as several possums and sugar gliders. The breathtaking Hawkesbury River, along with its striking sandstone cliffs, borders the southern edge of the park. Two almost free campsites, namely Mill Creek Campground and Ten Mile Hollow Campground, offer the opportunity to sleep under the stars and enjoy the park’s beauty.

Toowoon Bay Holiday Park: You don’t have to worry about your kids getting bored in this place. It’s an ideal spot for families with young kids as there are jumping pillows, playgrounds, and a games room available. Toowoon Bay’s beach and calm waters make it ideal for swimming, fishing, and surfing.

Highlights : beach access, powered, unpowered, pet-friendly sites,toilets, showers, camp kitchen

6.The Entrance Holiday Park

For a classic seaside camping experience, The Entrance Holiday Park is an excellent choice. Located in the heart of The Entrance, this park offers easy access to the ocean, the lake, and the town’s amenities. You can choose from powered and unpowered sites, cabins, and villas. The park has a swimming pool, a playground, a BBQ area, and a camp kitchen. You can also hire bikes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards and explore the surroundings. The Entrance is known for its lively atmosphere, events, and attractions, such as pelican feeding and markets.

7. Munmorah State Conservation Area

Munmorah State Conservation Area is a hidden gem that will delight campers who seek tranquillity and nature. Located on the northern end of Central Coast, this park features rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, and beautiful bushland. You can camp at Freemans or Frazer camping areas, both of which offer basic facilities, such as toilets and picnic tables. Frazer is more remote and suitable for small groups or couples, while Freemans is more popular and fits larger groups and families. You can spend your days hiking, surfing, fishing, or lounging on the beach.

8. Patonga Camping Ground

Patonga camping ground is situated in the picturesque coastal town of Patonga. It has unpowered sites, which offer you a great camping experience. You can relax on the beach, swim or walk along the scenic coast. You can also take a ferry ride to Palm Beach or Ettalong Beach.

Highlight : powered, unpowered, showers, toilets, barbecues, laundry, boat ramp, fires allowed between April and August only

9.NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort

The NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort in Umaina Beach is now offering glamping options on top of their already impressive amenities. Guests can choose between a raised safari tent that can accommodate up to four people with a queen bed and bunk bed, or an ultra-modern “glamtainer” which is essentially a tiny home with a queen bed, double bed, kitchenette, and bathroom.

Highlights: beach access, powered, unpowered, toilets, showers, camp kitchen, barbecues, laundry

10.Norah Head Holiday Park

Norah Head Holiday Park is another excellent option for families and beach lovers. Located near Norah Head, this park offers direct access to the ocean and panoramic views of the coastline. You can choose from powered and unpowered sites, cabins, and villas, and enjoy the park’s facilities, such as a swimming pool, a playground, a camp kitchen, and a BBQ area. The area is also famous for its lighthouse, rock pools, and fishing spots.

Whether you’re a local from Sydney or someone who is keen on experiencing nature, there is no denying that Central Coast is an excellent destination to explore the outdoors. There are so many camping spots to choose from, and it can be hard to decide which one to go for. From the ocean side to the hinterland areas, the Central Coast has everything you need for a fulfilling camping experience. So go ahead, pack your camping gear, and create an adventure of a lifetime.