Take a break and discover the best camping spots within 2 hours of Newcastle with Camplify

Keen to sneak away for the weekend (or longer) and explore the most picturesque beaches, untouched national parks and scenic river systems in the region? We’ve uncovered the top ten places to camp within an easy two-hour drive of Newcastle, so all you need to do is pick up your Camplify RV and hit the road. 

For those wanting the true authentic camping experience but without having to own their own set-up, Camplify is where it’s at. Australia’s largest van sharing platform, Camplify has been helping Aussie’s go on holidays for over 10 years and was founded right here in Newcastle!

Unlike standard campervan hire companies (Hello? Spot the tourist…) Camplify has thousands of unbranded and elevated RVs that can be hired from local owners, who often throw in a bunch of local knowledge and tips for free. 

With options for every type of holiday, it means you can hit the road in your own unique motorhome, enjoy the complete camping experience by choosing a caravan to tow or make things even simpler and have your set-up delivered straight to your camp spot.   

Camplify takes the stress out of camping, making that dash away for some quality chill-out time even easier. The only question now is which camping spot to stay at first? 

1. The Steps, Barrington Campground 

Where: Bindera, a 25-minute drive from Gloucester (2hr, 12mins)

If you’re looking for a campsite that’s enveloped by tranquil bushland on the banks of the pristine Barrington River, then this is the place for you. With all the mod cons at the luxe amenities block including flushing toilets, hot showers and filtered river water for drinking and cooking, you’ll feel miles away from anywhere when you set up your van at the base of the World Heritage Barrington Tops, an easy walk from The Steps rapids.   

Highlights: Be as active or as laid back as you like when you camp at The Steps, Barrington Campground. You’ll be staying riverside, so a cooling swim in the gentle pools of the river are a must, take a canoe or kayak out for an explore or book a river sled and take on the grade 2 rapids for all the thrills and spills. On land, you’ll find The Steps Loop, a 3.5km bike track for all skill levels, plus a Pump Track and The Kids Loop track so everyone can get in on the action.  

2. Reflections Lake Glenbawn 

Where: Lake Glenbawn, a 15-minute drive from Scone, (2hrs, 13mins) 

Picture this. You pull up in your Camplify motorhome onto one of the 300 unallocated, extra-large bush camp sites right on Lake Glenbawn’s eastern foreshore, you unfold your camp chair, crack a coldie and watch the kangaroos hop by. Sounds perfect? Camping at Lake Glenbawn is pretty close! With clean amenities, BBQs, a kiosk plus a tennis court and playground on site, this is bush camping at its best. 

Highlights: Throw a line in the lake and try your luck catching an Australian bass or Murray cod or unwind with a swim in the dam. There are plenty of hiking trails within an easy wander of the caravan park with views over the Hunter River and wildlife aplenty, so make time to explore the area by foot. And if golf’s your thing, try a round at nearby Scone Golf Club or venture into Scone and dine at one of the local hotels or cafes.          

3. White Rock, Chichester State Forest 

Where: Upper Allyn, a 60-minute drive from Dungog (2hr, 4mins)

If you’re keen to avoid the crowds and take your rented Camplify motorhome to a more secluded camping area, try the tranquil White Rock, surrounded by the beauty of the Chichester State Forest on the Allyn River. Just metres from the river and its crystal-clear waters that are perfect for paddling, this State Forest camping spot is free to stay at with basic toilet facilities. A great option for couples or families who don’t mind no-frills camping. Dogs welcome. 

Highlights: You’ll be staying in the heart of the forest at this camp site, so you may prefer to kick back and enjoy a quality does of nature but if you want to get out and explore, visit the popular swimming hole Ladies Well for a dip, enjoy the Allyn River Rainforest Walking Track, a 20minute loop track through majestic trees and huge buttress roots or have a picnic overlooking the rolling farmland hills of Dungog.

4. NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort

Where: Umina Beach, a four-minute drive to the township of Umina (1hr, 33mins)

This place is family holiday heaven and the perfect beginners spot to hire a campervan or caravan through Camplify and give it a holiday test run. Or better yet, have a van delivered to site! There’s powered and ensuite caravan and motorhome sites with all the extras that make this caravan park next level fun. With an adventure playground, resort style swimming pool, jumping pillow and Bear Grylls Survival Academy for the kids, this park is an easy weekend away destination. 

Highlights: You’re staying right on Umina Beach at this park, so if you can pull the kids away from all the entertainment at the camp site, enjoy ocean swims and beach walks across from your set up or venture to a more secluded spot like Lobster Beach, take on a bushwalk at nearby Bouddi National Park or get up close and personal with Australia’s best wildlife at The Reptile Park.

5. Reflections Seal Rocks

Where: Seal Rocks, 39-minute drive from Forster (Ihr, 48mins)

Tucked away between the ocean and the rainforest on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Reflections Seal Rocks campground is about as good as camping gets. An easy drive up the Pacific Highway from Newcastle, pull up stumps at one of the powered sites, just a gentle wander from the shores of Number One Beach. There’s a playground and camp kitchen, and a communal firepit at the guest lounge with some of the best camping views in Australia.

Highlights: There’s plenty of local waves to chase if surfing is your thing across from your campsite or at nearby Boomerang and Blueys Beach. A visit to Seal Rocks isn’t complete without a walk to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse where you’ll likely spot a dolphin or two or throw the fishing rod in off the rocks or beach and try your luck. If adventure’s calling, take a drive into Forster and experience the Great Lakes Region.

6. Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures 

Where: Glenworth Valley, 15-minute drive from Gosford, (1hr 17mins)

It’s hard to believe that this 200-acre campground is an easy Friday afternoon drive from Newcastle. Set within the natural bushland of Glenworth Valley, with Popran Creek trickling through the middle, hire a campervan or caravan and choose a powered or unpowered site then sit back and feel relaxation set in. You’ll really feel like you’re a million miles from anywhere with open fires allowed at this campground, making toasting marshmallows and stargazing at night easy. 

Highlights: Doubling as an adventure park, this campground offers a range of on-site activities from horse riding to quad biking, kayaking to abseiling, so you can do as little or as much as you like. There’s also a petting zoo where the kids can meet the local miniature goats, Scottish Highland cows and emus, or just grab a book and enjoy the sounds of the bush.  

7. Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach 

Where: One Mile Beach, 9-minute drive to Nelson Bay, (55mins) 

You’ll feel like you’re on holidays in QLD in under an hour from Newcastle at this camping spot, with its beachfront location and access to 1.6kms of coastline just a walk over the dunes away. Well-loved for its safe surf break and relaxing beach-side vibe, there’s caravaning and motorhome sites to suit everyone here, plus all the modern amenities including a games room, tennis court and putt putt golf. Don’t forget to visit resident white cockatoo George! 

Highlights: Take a dip in the swimming pool or unwind in the spa, then let the kids go wild on the jumping pillow. There’s plenty of sand and surf to keep you occupied or walk the One Mile Point headland and take in the coastal views. Visit nearby Nelson Bay for restaurants and cafes or go on a camel ride or sand boarding adventure just down the road at the Worimi sand dunes.    

8. Mungo Brush Campground 

Where: Myall Lakes National Park, a 19-minute drive to Hawks Nest (1hr, 27mins)

This is  a nod to camping in the good old days, where you don’t need much but a patch of grass and some pretty amazing natural surrounds to relax and unwind. Nestled between the river and the beach, the camping sites here are all unpowered but that only adds to the rustic charm. There are toilets and BBQs, but you’ll have to bring your own cooking and drinking water in your Camplify rig – campervans, camp trailers and caravans all welcome and National Park Fees apply.  

Highlights: Exploring the Myall Lakes with a swim, a paddle or a fish is an easy way to while away a day. Or discover the area by foot and enjoy the Mungo Rainforest walk, a 1.5km loop that starts at the campground. Take a short drive to the Hole in the Wall picnic area on the coast, with views to Broughton Island or head into nearby Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens for a coffee or pub lunch. 

9. Fingal Bay Holiday Park

Where: Fingal Bay, a 10-minute drive from Nelson Bay (1hr, 5mins).

When it comes to weekend getaways, it doesn’t get much better than a few nights at Fingal Bay. Surrounded by Tomaree National Park and just across the road from the picturesque patrolled beach, whether your home away from home is a caravan, motorhome or a camper trailer, this campsite has all the facilities of a resort but surrounded by the best nature can serve up so you’ll feel instantly recharged and relaxed. 

Highlights: Swim in the resort-style pool, enjoy the kid’s playground and games room and bring your furry friend if they need a holiday too. Further afield, there’s plenty of stunning beaches including Birubi Beach and One Mile to discover, enjoy the bike and walking track that starts across the road from the caravan park and takes you into Shoal Bay and Mount Tomaree, or take a whale or dolphin cruise from Nelson Bay.

10. Riverwood Downs

Where: Monkerai, NSW, a 40-minute drive to Gloucester (1hr, 43mins).

It doesn’t get much more relaxing than riverside camping and Riverwood Downs is a tried and tested favourite for campers looking for a quick getaway from Newcastle. At the foothills of the Barrington Tops, if you’re new to bush camping this is a great option – hire a van or motorhome through Camplify and set up on a grassy site next to the river. There are all the amenities you’ll need, plus a games room and kiosk too and these camp sites are family and pet-friendly. 

Highlights: Nature is the star of this camping experience. Take a swim at Platypus Point or ride a tube down the gentle rapids. There’s a 5km walking trail on the property that takes walkers to a secluded swimming spot or explore a number of longer walks at Barrington Tops National Park, just a short drive away. During school holidays, there are organised night wildlife safaris to spot bandicoots, kangaroos and owls plus movie nights and bush dances on long weekends. 

Adventure Awaits

Whether you prefer waking up to the sounds of waves lapping at the shore or kookaburras in the gumtrees overhead, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to camping spots near Newcastle. Camplify takes all the guess work out of your camping accommodation, so all you have to do is book your van or RV, pack the esky and enjoy an epic getaway in the great outdoors.  

Do you know an awesome local camp spot worth sharing? Email us!