1. Kosciuszko National Park – Alpine Camping & Snowy Mountain Views

📍 Location: Snowy Mountains, 2 hours from Canberra
⛺ Best for: Alpine scenery, hiking, and snow camping

Kosciuszko National Park is home to Australia’s highest peak and offers a unique alpine camping experience. Whether you’re hiking in summer or enjoying the snow in winter, this park has something for every adventurer.

Why it’s great:

• Stunning alpine scenery and diverse hiking trails
• Snow camping opportunities in winter
• Plenty of campgrounds with varied facilities

Camping info:

• Thredbo Diggings Campground – Riverside camping with basic facilities.
• Island Bend Campground – More remote, perfect for self-sufficient campers.
• Ngarigo Campground – Great for hiking access to Mount Kosciuszko.

2. Jervis Bay – Beachside Camping & Marine Wildlife

📍 Location: South Coast NSW, 3 hours from Sydney
⛺ Best for: White sandy beaches, swimming, and marine life

Jervis Bay is famous for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, making it a top camping destination. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling, and spotting dolphins.

Why it’s great:

• Crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand beaches
• Excellent snorkelling, swimming, and kayaking
• Great for families and first-time campers

Camping info:

• Green Patch Campground – Popular spot with great facilities.
• Booderee National Park Campgrounds – Several options with stunning scenery.
• Honeymoon Bay Campground – Remote and peaceful.

3. Barrington Tops National Park – Rainforest & Mountain Camping

📍 Location: Hunter Region, 3.5 hours from Sydney
⛺ Best for: Cool-climate rainforest camping and 4WD tracks

Barrington Tops National Park is a World Heritage-listed site with lush rainforests, high-altitude camping, and plenty of adventure. It’s a fantastic getaway for those wanting to explore temperate forests and scenic rivers.

Why it’s great:

• Stunning high-altitude rainforests
• Great for 4WD and off-grid camping
• Plenty of waterfalls and rivers to explore

Camping info:

• Devils Hole Campground – Remote and peaceful, best for self-sufficient campers.
• Gloucester River Campground – Riverside camping with basic facilities.
• Polblue Campground – Higher-altitude site with stunning views.

4. Myall Lakes National Park – Lakeside & Beach Camping

📍 Location: Mid-North Coast, 3 hours from Sydney
⛺ Best for: Kayaking, fishing, and waterside camping

Myall Lakes National Park is a paradise for water lovers,
with calm lakes, sandy beaches, and lush forests. It’s the perfect spot for a
peaceful getaway filled with boating, fishing, and swimming.

Why it’s great:

• Beautiful lakes and coastal landscapes
• Great for kayaking, boating, and fishing
• Plenty of walking trails and wildlife spotting

Camping info:

• Boomeri Campground – Remote and quiet, best for self-sufficient campers.
• Mungo Brush Campground – Popular with families, right by the water.
• Violet Hill Campground – Great for boat access and fishing.

5. Warrumbungle National Park – The Ultimate Stargazing Spot

📍 Location: Central NSW, 6 hours from Sydney
⛺ Best for: Stargazing, hiking, and volcanic landscapes

Warrumbungle National Park is Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, meaning it has some of the clearest night skies for stargazing. The rugged volcanic formations and hiking trails make it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.

Why it’s great:

• Incredible stargazing opportunities
• Unique volcanic landscapes and hiking trails
• Plenty of wildlife, including kangaroos and echidnas

Camping info:

• Camp Blackman – Great facilities and close to walking trails.
• Gunneemooroo Campground – Remote and peaceful, best for off-grid campers.
• Balor Hut Campground – Perfect for hikers exploring the Breadknife trail.

6. Dunns Swamp (Ganguddy) – Hidden Gem in the Wollemi Wilderness

📍 Location: Wollemi National Park, 3.5 hours from Sydney
⛺ Best for: Peaceful kayaking, fishing, and bushwalking

Dunns Swamp, also known as Ganguddy, is a stunning waterway in Wollemi National Park. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a mix of calm waters, sandstone cliffs, and lush bushland.

Why it’s great:

• Ideal for kayaking and canoeing
• Stunning sandstone formations and scenic walking trails
• Great for birdwatching and wildlife spotting

Camping info:

• Dunns Swamp Campground – Basic facilities, peaceful and remote.

Essential Gear for Off-Grid Camping in NSW

• 12V Battery System – Keep your campsite powered.
• Solar Panels – Harness the sun to run your fridge and lights.
• Fridge/Freezer – Keep food and drinks cold on long trips.
• LED Camping Lights – Essential for setting up camp after dark.

Final Thoughts

From alpine adventures to secluded beach retreats and breathtaking mountain escapes, New South Wales offers an incredible range of off-grid camping destinations. Whether you want to hike, fish, kayak, or simply relax in nature, there’s a perfect campsite waiting for you.