On (And Off) The Road Top 10 places to camp within two hours’ drive of Sydney

Updated 2024 by the JAWA Sydney team!

For those living in the hustle and bustle of Australia’s largest city, it can be hard to escape the rat race. From scenic National Parks to quiet riverbanks, New South Wales has plenty to offer camping enthusiasts. If you like the laidback coastal lifestyle, surfing, swimming, paddling, bushwalking, catching your dinner on the end of a line, star gazing and the comfort of a camper at the end of a day, you’ll love our top campervan destinations.

1. Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures

Distance from Sydney: approximately 74km

Location: 69 Cooks Rd, Glenworth Valley, NSW

Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures is one of the best destinations near Sydney for campers with young adventurers on board. Nestled on the banks of Popran Creek and waterhole are spacious campgrounds with all the amenities little (and not so little) humans need. This is a go-to destination for parents of kids and teens because you’ll never hear “it’s boring”. Even if they tire of mucking around in the creek and exploring bushland, they’ll find watersports, horse riding, quad biking, laser skirmish, and even axe throwing to keep them entertained.

2. Bielany Campground Colo River

Distance from Sydney: approximately 84km

Location: 213 Upper Colo Road, Wheeny Creek, NSW

Located a world away from city life in a tranquil bush setting on the banks of the pristine Colo River, Bielany offers everything you could need in a campground. Amenities include toilets, hot showers, gas camp kitchen, kids’ playground, hall and big top undercover area. The campground has great river access which is ideal for fishing, canoeing and swimming. Dogs are welcome.

3. Hawkesbury Riverside Gardens

Distance from Sydney: approximately 63km

Location: 505 Pitt Town Bottoms Road, Pitt Town Bottoms, NSW

Hawkesbury Riverside Gardens is nestled in the peaceful hamlet of Pitt Town on the banks of one of Australia’s most beautiful rivers. Facilities include sandy beach access to river, boat ramp, inground pool, BBQ and picnic tables, camp kitchen, volleyball court, laundry facilities, shower and toilets and an in-house ski school.

4. Ingenia Holidays Avina

Distance from Sydney: approximately 53km

Location: 217 Commercial Road, Vineyard, NSW

Ingenia Holidays Avina is proof you don’t need to travel far from the city to enjoy a weekend country escape. Vineyard is the jumping point for exploring Sydney’s neighbouring national parks, the Hawkesbury Valley and Blue Mountains. Ingenia Holidays Avina is a short drive to the Featherdale Wildlife Park and Windsor Heritage Walk. Wine lovers can wine taste their way around the region when they are not enjoying the onsite facilities which include a resort-style swimming pool, BBQ facilities and a kiosk. The park’s ensuite caravan sites feature their own private bathroom facilities for that little extra luxury.

5. Wallacia Caravan Park

Distance from Sydney: approximately 63km

Location: 2 Alwyn Avenue, Wallacia, NSW

Set on the picturesque Nepean River, Wallacia Caravan Park is a small, quaint caravan park featuring wood and gas BBQ facilities with shelter sheds and toilets. It is only a short walk to the nearby shops, Wallacia Hotel and Wallacia Country Club. Pets are at the manager’s discretion.

6. Toowoon Bay Holiday Park

Distance from Sydney: approximately 110km

Location: 1 Koongara Street, Toowoon Bay, NSW

Pet friendly Toowoon Bay Holiday Park is one of the best caravan parks to the north of Sydney. Situated on the beach and close to the calm waters of Little Bay, it is a great choice for a seaside camping escape. Divers can dive the ex-HMAS Adelaide, golfers can play the nearby 18-hole golf course and the kids will love the daily pelican feeding nearby at The Entrance. Other highlights at Toowoon Bay Holiday Park include resort-style pool, amphitheatre, playgrounds, jumping pillow, camp kitchen, free WiFi and dump station.

7. Katoomba Falls Tourist Park

Distance from Sydney: approximately 103km

Location: 101 Cliff Drive, Katoomba, NSW

Katoomba Falls Tourist Park is one of the best caravan parks near Sydney if you want to visit the Blue Mountains. It is conveniently located within walking distance of the Three Sisters, Scenic World and Katoomba Falls. Park facilities include amenities blocks, laundry, BBQ area, camp kitchen, free WiFi, kids’ playground and dump station. Learn more about Blue Mountains bushwalks.

8. Ocean Beach Holiday Resort

Distance from Sydney: approximately 94km

Location: 90 Sydney Avenue, Umina Beach, NSW

Nestled between the bush and the beach, Ocean Beach Holiday Resort is a world away from the rat race despite being only 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney. Features include an adventure playground, year-round kids’ club, heated resort-style pool, on-site café, go-karts, bouncing pillow, games room, tennis court and waterslide.

9. Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park

Distance from Sydney: approximately 105km

Location: 1 John Street, Shellharbour, NSW

Metres from the beach, Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park is the perfect camping spot if you love swimming, fishing or surfing. Visit the heritage-listed Bass Point Reserve, take on the Aboriginal Indigenous Cultural Walk or snorkel at the Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve. Park facilities include BBQ, boat ramp, camp kitchen, WiFi, laundry, playground and pizza oven.

10. Corrimal Beach Tourist Park
Distance from Sydney: approximately 78km

Location: 2 Lake Parade, East Corrimal, NSW

Positioned beachfront and only a 10 minute drive from Wollongong CBD, Corrimal Beach Tourist Park is a coastal camping paradise. Cruise along the scenic Grand Pacific Drive, enjoy whale watching from the Sea Cliff Bridge or picnic at the base of the Wollongong Head Lighthouse. Park features include beach access, sheltered BBQ areas, camp kitchen, playground, laundry, bathroom amenities, bike hire and dump point with wash down.

11. Patonga Camping and Caravan Ground

Distance from Sydney: approximately 100km

Location: Bay Street, Patonga, NSW

Patonga Camping and Caravan Ground offers beachfront access to the tranquil Brisk Bay and provides a wide range of facilities. Take a bushwalk to the scenic Warrah Lookout and grab lunch at the Boathouse Hotel. Highlights include BBQ facilities, tennis courts, ferry service to Palm Beach, boat ramp, bushwalking, laundry, playground and dump point waste station.

Planning a caravan adventure in Sydney? Start exploring with JAWA

Are you planning a camper adventure? Why not start your trip with an award-winning JAWA off road camper, home to the best hybrid caravans and campers in Australia. Contact the team at JAWA Off Road Campers by calling 1300 00 JAWA. You can also check out our range in our showrooms and chat to our JAWA team in person. Check out our local caravans for sale at our Sydney showroom at 41 Argyle Street, South Windsor. Our Queensland headquarters and showroom are located on the Sunshine Coast at 77 Fred Chaplin Circuit, Corbould Park, Caloundra. You can also stop by our Facebook page and share your off-road adventures. Read our JAWA testimonials here and check out our frequently answered questions.