Sometimes, finding the best Central Coast campgrounds doesn’t seem easy. After all, tranquillity feels distant with Sydney, Gosford & Newcastle nearby.
Yet the best Central Coast campgrounds can be found amongst idyllic coastal stretches, tranquil forest clearings and hidden in World Heritage Sites.
Despite having some of Australia’s biggest cities nearby, the Central Coast has dozens of small hidden pockets that let you see the best of the nearby natural scenery.
These great hidden gems showcase the Central Coast’s profile for being an idyllic escape from city life. So just where might you discover the best Central Coast campgrounds?
The best Central Coast campgrounds revealed
Bouddi National Park
Nestled between Brisbane Water & the Tasman Sea, Bouddi National Park stretches across the hinterland south of Gosford. This area hosts both temperate rainforests and stunning beaches. All are less than an hour’s drive from Gosford and even Sydney. So no wonder it is home to some of the best Central Coast campgrounds you can discover.
Little Beach Campground
Little Beach Trail, Bouddi, NSW 2257
Little by name, little by nature. This small inlet provides a small place to spend the night on the waterfront. The campground itself is tucked away in a small cove with an adjoining beach next to it. Access is provided by hiking down the eponymous trailhead. Upon arrival, you will find tent pitches, running water, and a toilet block. With some small rips as well, Little Beach is a great spot for both surfing and enjoying the water. It’s a perfect campsite for the adventurous and outdoor-inclined enthusiasts.
Putty Beach Campground
Putty Beach Road, Killcare Heights NSW 2257
Putty Beach is perhaps the best site for exploring Bouddi National Park. It’s located in the heart of the park and offers everything visitors could want. For bushwalking, it is the starting point of the Bouddi Coastal Walk along the Tasman coast. For families, a golden beach gleams for relaxing fun. Yet, the adventurous can also hit the water for fishing and surfing should they wish. The campsite contains toilet & showering facilities as well as running water. All this makes it a great spot for exploring this slice of Australian coastland.
Tallow Beach Campground
Tallow Beach Trail, Box Head NSW 2257
Tallow Beach Campground rewards the adventurous. Especially as it’s only accessible via a 1.2km hike. But for those looking for a remote getaway, a few campsites are better. What’s better than a serene beach that you can enjoy for yourself? Yet alone enjoying warm ocean water, a clear night sky and the best local neighbours nature can provide. For those wanting serenity, Tallow Beach tickles your fancy. This isolated gem may not have but its stunning setting makes it one of the best Central Coast campgrounds for anyone to enjoy.
Dharug National Park
Inland from the coast, Dharug National Park can be overlooked by many tourists. An amazing point considering it is a World Heritage Site. The area is not just known for stunning forest settings though. It also sits on the remains of the Great North Road. A historic road that became notorious for transporting convicts between Sydney & Newcastle back in colonial times. An area that mixes history with natural splendour.
Mill Creek Campground
174 Mill Creek Road, Gunderman NSW 2775
Mill Creek Campground acts as the anchor point for exploring Dharug National Park. The site itself sits in a shaded clearing with cliffs and forests providing a stunning background. Its central location within the park makes it ideal for exploring all areas including hiking trails, reaching nearby creeks or heading towards the Hawkesbury River. The campsite itself is designed for hosting all types of vehicles including RV’s, motorhomes, tents and trailers. There are also toilets, BBQ facilities and running water to cater for those staying. All this makes it one of the best Central Coast campgrounds to enjoy a weekend away from home.
Ten Mile Hollow
Simpsons Track, Ten Mile Hollow NSW 2250
For those hiking the Great North Road, the multi-day walk can be arduous. It’s why campsites like Ten Mile Hollow provide welcome relief for an overnight stop. Ten Mile Hollow is remote and off the beaten track. But this isolation provides welcome bliss. A chance to enjoy rest overnight without any unwelcome distractions. The site has full cooking facilities and toilets too meaning that refreshing isn’t a daunting task either. It’s a perfect pitstop when hiking along this former convict route.
Munmorah State Conservation Area
Although it’s not a National Park, Munmorah State Conservation Area provides just as many highlights as its bigger cousins might. This area borders Lake Munmorah to the west and Cabbage Tree Harbour to the east. Here, it’s easy to discover gorgeous beaches with great surfing pedigree. In the wintertime, keep an eye out for whales which come close on their trek through the Tasman. Along this small spit, there are some great camping spots too making it possible to enjoy the stunning local highlights.
Frazer Campground
Frazer Beach Road, Frazer Park NSW 2259
Frazer Campground appeals to beach lovers of all kinds. The campground borders Frazer Beach which hits some gnarly surf all year round. For those wanting to find a great rip, it is a perfect secluded spot. However, there’s an adjoining lagoon perfect for families to explore. The warm waters suit kids wanting to paddle with parents overseeing. The small campsite is easy to reach and has cooking facilities as well as toilets and running water. One of the best Central Coast campgrounds for all water lovers to enjoy.
Freemans Campground
Freemans Birdie Link Track, Wybung NSW 2259
There’s always something going on at Freemans Campground. The campsite is surrounded by bushland – perfect for finding curious and interesting natural neighbours. Furthermore, the campground is only a short distance from Birdies Beach. This not only provides great beach access but is a prime whale-watching spot in the winter. When staying at the campground, all pitches are naturally covered by tree cover as is the BBQ area. With pitches for all types of camping vehicles, there’s no reason not to check out this stunning campsite.
Other great Central Coast Campgrounds
Patonga Camping Ground
Bay St, Patonga NSW 2256
Whilst not in any protected areas, Patonga Camping Ground finds itself surrounded by natural beauty. Located on the edge of Patonga Creek, this large campsite is bounded by stunning coastal views and tranquil beaches. The charming village of Patonga is only a short walk too should you want something to eat without having to cook. The campground is designed to host all types of vehicles and has both powered and unpowered berths. There are also amenities such as tennis courts and play equipment making this a great spot for the family. This makes it one of the best Central Coast campgrounds to use all year round.
FAQ
Are all campgrounds free?
No – not all campgrounds are free. The fees for each site will differ depending on where they are located. Some inside national parks will be free whilst others have varying rates. Check with the campsite authority to determine if any fees are required.
Do I need to book?
Booking is highly recommended for a particular site. Many of the best Central Coast campgrounds get busy during peak tourist months so finding a spot may be difficult should you not book. It’s always best to reserve a pitch as soon as possible if you plan on visiting particular areas.
Do all campsites cater for all camping sites?
No – the type of pitches available will vary from site to site. Some remote sites will only be suitable for tents carried on foot. Those suited for trailers, campervans and motorhomes are often close to roads – sealed or unsealed. Check the access type of the site before booking or selecting any campsites.
Conclusion
Discovering the best Central Coast campgrounds isn’t a difficult task. It’s just a matter of finding the right site for you. No matter where they might be, there’s something to cater for all needs. Some sites like Tallow Beach and Ten Mile Hollow are remote grounds designed for hiking rest stops. Meanwhile, others like Mill Creek or Patonga Beach are designed to suit all holidaymakers. However, no matter where you go, the best Central Coast campgrounds always ensure you get the most from your break and enjoy the local highlights.
Before you embark on your perfect camping trip, Dealify Caravan Finance can offer you unbeatable deals, customised to your needs, to discover the best Central Coast campgrounds.
Our award-winning team of caravan finance lending experts are ready to serve you. Call us on 1300 28 57 67 or email approvals@dealify.au today, so you can enjoy the best Central Coast campgrounds today.
