Blog Five Breathtaking Off Road Camping Spots in Northern NSW

To help you plan your next unforgettable getaway, here are five not-to-be-missed camping spots in Northern NSW that you should consider visiting.

With its diverse landscape, encompassing everything from beautiful sandy beaches and awe-inspiring dunes to dense sub-tropical rainforests and rugged mountain ranges, Northern New South Wales is the perfect backdrop for your next off-road adventure. Whether you enjoy the tranquillity and rich cultural history of exploring World Heritage sites, fishing, snorkelling and basking in the sun on secluded beaches, or getting up close to the region’s native wildlife, the many 4WD-friendly tracks make it easy to pack up your off road camper and explore remote locations not accessible to other vehicles and caravans.

Black Rocks Campground, Bundjalung National Park

If a Mibanbah camping holiday has been on your to-do list, consider Black Rocks campground in Bundjalung National Park. Located near Ten Mile Beach and Jerusalem Creek, the sandy tracks to the remote campground can only be traversed by high-clearance 4WD vehicles. The amenities are limited here but if you’re in a JAWA offroad camper kitted out with an ensuite and kitchen facilities, that’s no big deal!

Jerusalem Creek features a pontoon where canoes and kayaks can be launched. Visitors can take in the area’s rich biodiversity as they gently row the tree-lined length of the Jerusalem Creek paddle route. Ten Mile Beach is perfect for fishing and has an abundance of black rocks kids will love to explore. The beach is unpatrolled so always use caution when swimming.

Campground Amenities

• non-flush toilets
• picnic tables
• fire rings (BYO wood)
• Dump-Ezy for caravans

Permits, Bookings and Other Things To Note

• Sites are unpowered and there are no BBQ or shower facilities.
• Gathering firewood is not permitted. Please BYO.
• There is no drinking water available in this area of the National Park so bring enough for the entirety of your stay.
• Driving on the beach is no longer permitted due to severe erosion.
• Pets are prohibited.
• Bookings can be made through the NSW National Parks website.

Woody Head Campground, Iluka

An Iluka camping trip would not be complete without a stay at Woody Head Campground, located within the UNESCO-listed Gondwana Rainforests. Families love this campground as it’s just a short walk from the beach. Explore shallow reefs and wander through ancient rainforests.

Iluka Beach is a beautiful spot for 4WD but you’ll need a permit. Enter from the car park north of the breakwall and drive all the way to Iluka Bluff. There you’ll find a picnic area with a whale-watching platform that offers stunning 360-degree views.

Campground Amenities

• hot showers
• flushable toilets
• BBQ facilities
• picnic tables
• drinking water
• café/kiosk
• Dump-Ezy for chemical toilet waste

Permits, Bookings and Other Things To Note

• Permits are required for fishing and beach 4WD.
• Sites are unpowered and the use of generators is not permitted.
• Collecting firewood in the park is prohibited but can be bought at the campground kiosk.
• No pets allowed.
• Campsite bookings can be made here.

Rummery Park Campground, Whian Whian State Conservation Area

This small campground provides a relaxing base from which to explore the Whian Whian State Conservation Area. Highlights include the Boggy Creek walk through blackbutt forest and taking a dip in one of many pools along the creek. Don’t miss the stunning views at Minyon Falls lookout situated in Nightcap National Park.

Plan your stay at Rummery Park in spring to experience native species like bottlebrush, wattle, and tea tree in bloom. The limited amenities can be a dealbreaker for some, but if you’re in a fully kitted-out JAWA camper, you’re travelling with everything you need!

Campground Amenities

• non-flush toilets
• each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring
• free gas BBQ facilities
• shared fire pits (BYO wood)

Permits, Bookings and Other Things To Note

• Sites are not powered.
• Generators may only be used for charging batteries.
• Check availability and book here.

Cutter’s Camp Campground, Mebbin National Park

Cutter’s Camp is ideal for Murwillumbah camping enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in nature. The peaceful subtropical rainforest setting is located near Wollumbin (Mount Warning) and has cultural significance to the Bunjalung People.

September is typically the driest month of the year in this area and is a great time to visit to enjoy bushwalking and wildlife spotting. Byrrill Creek is a popular place to cool off if you choose to visit during the hotter summer months. During wet weather (February is the wettest month), the campsite can only be accessed by 4WD.

Campground Amenities

• composting toilets
• picnic areas
• free gas BBQ facilities
• wood BBQ (BYO wood)
• water is available but must be treated/boiled

Permits, Bookings and Other Things To Note

• Fires are only permitted in wood BBQs and fire rings where provided.
• Gathering wood in the park is not permitted, so BYO.
• Campers are strongly encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially during the fire season.
• Generators, pets, and smoking are prohibited in Mebbin National Park.
• Check availability and make a booking here.

Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park, Byron Bay

This bushland camping spot is located just 5km south of the vibrant centre of Byron Bay. The gorgeous beachfront holiday park is perfect for off-road travellers who want to open the door of their camper to spectacular coastal views. Enjoy private beach access and bushland walks, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphin and turtle sightings.

4WD enthusiasts can head to nearby Seven Mile Beach in Lennox Head to experience beach driving. Just be sure to purchase a permit at the automated kiosk or via the EasyPark app first.

Park Amenities

• powered sites
• toilets
• showers
• camp kitchen
• free BBQs
• laundry and dryer
• picnic benches
• free Wi-Fi

Permits, Bookings and Other Things To Note

• Pets are not permitted.
• Beach access permits are available here.
• Bookings can be made directly with the holiday park here.

More NSW Off Road Camping Inspiration

Keen to keep the adventure going? Here are some ideas for making the most of van life.

• Top 10 Places To Camp Within Two Hours’ Drive Of Sydney
• The Secret Gems on the Sydney to Brisbane Drive
• 4WD Camping Tracks Near Sydney – Weekend Adventure Awaits!
• Explore The Blue Mountains