We’ve got some of the best caravan and camping in Port Macquarie and surrounds for you to check out on your next camping adventure.
Greater Port Macquarie and all along the Mid North Coast have some of the best camping and caravanning spots around. Whether you’re looking to free-camp, pitch your tent, park your caravan, or stay in a furnished cabin, there’s so many options to choose from along the coast, or further afield inland.
Types of Camping
The word ‘camping’ conjures up different visions for different people. For some, they screw up their nose instantly at the thought – mosquitoes, no showers, lack of toilet facilities, chilly nights. They likely prefer the term ‘Glamping’ – or maybe it doesn’t even enter their vocabulary at all.
For others, there’s nothing better than the thought of pitching a tent or parking a caravan and relaxing in your fold out chair with a cold drink and the warmth of a rustic camp fire.
Caravan and camping comes in many shapes and forms, and you can choose from a range of comfort levels and types of camping styles and locations:
Free Camping
Free camping or bush camping is about style and price. Also known as ‘freedom camping’, free camping is typically camping at non-established camping sites or unpowered sites without other facilities like toilets or showers.
Many ‘free camping’ spots are just that – free! Or there may be a small fee for using the site, often payable directly to the landowner or site manager. You can free camp in any form you wish – in a tent, campervan, or caravan. You’ll just need to ensure you have the permission of the ‘land holder’ and supply your own power and ‘amenities’ if needed.
Free camping locations may be on private land, or in national parks and reserves. And, although it may be free, you still need to ensure that you’re legally permitted to camp in a chosen location.
If you’re new to camping, free camping may not be the best introduction to camping as many may find it out of their comfort zone. It does however provide that escape and adventure that many may be looking for – away from the crowds – just you, your camping mate and nature.
Established Camping Grounds
You’ll find many camping grounds in State Forests and National Parks. They’re often designated sites and depending on the location, often free. If you’re choosing a campground within a National Park, you’ll be required to pay for the entry fees to the National Park, however the actual campgrounds are free to use. Camp grounds in State Forests however, are often free!
These locations may or may not provide access to power – depending on the remoteness of the location – although they may offer toilet facilities which for many is a welcome convenience.
Caravan Parks and Cabins
Caravan parks or holiday parks as they’re now often called, offer a great all-round camping experience – whether you’re using a tent, campervan, caravan, or prefer the comfort of the four solid walls and roof of a cabin.
These sites will of course come at a cost, however cater for all types of camping and budgets. You’ll be able to access powered sites and toilet/shower amenities as well as access BBQs for casual meals, or use kitchen facilities for more advanced cooking needs. And, these days, many of these caravan and holiday parks have swimming pools and other water activities.
If camping just isn’t your thing, but you’re still happy for that casual getaway, you could opt for a holiday park with cabins – for that added comfort and security.
Best Caravan and Camping Spots in Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast
There are so many top caravan and camping spots in Port Macquarie and the surrounding areas, including many with fabulous outlooks and ocean frontage. Here’s a look at some top Mid North Coast caravan and camping locations, with a big focus on the best camping in the greater Port Macquarie region.
Port Macquarie Breakwall Caravan Park
The NRMA Breakwall Holiday Park in Port Macquarie has prime position where the Hastings River meets the Pacific Ocean at Town Beach. Bounded by the colourfully painted breakwall boulders, the Park offers a broad range of camping and caravanning facilities for those with tents, caravans, or those preferring cabins.
The Holiday Park has shower/toilet amenities, kitchen facilities and a swimming pool and children’s playground – what more could you need? It’s walking distance to pretty much anything and everything in town with easy access to the beach, cafes, and local shops.
Diamond Head Campground, Crowdy Bay National Park
Located between the coastal villages of Dunbogan and Harrington, Diamond Head Campground offers a great camping site with an amenities block, BBQs, showers and toilets. Campers can choose to put up a tent, or camp in their campervan or caravan. It’s right on the beach and also offers access to some picturesque hiking trails offering panoramic ocean views.
Mount Seaview Retreat Campground
For something a little different, away from the coast, you can follow John Oxley’s footsteps and head to Mount Seaview, about 78 kilometres west of Port Macquarie.
The campgrounds at Mount Seaview Retreat are privately owned and offer both powered and unpowered sites along the Hastings River. If camping isn’t your ‘thing’, then there are also bunk-style and self-contained cabins available.
It’s a scenic location with rolling hills and valleys, and handy if you want to explore your surroundings by 4wd. You can also visit several natural sites like Werrikimbe National Park and Ellenborough Falls.
Crescent Head Holiday Park
You’ll find Crescent Head Holiday Park just north of Port Macquarie. It’s another great caravan and camping location on the Mid North Coast, with beachfront access.
Located approximately 50 minutes from Port Macquarie, or just 20 minutes from Kempsey, the Holiday Park is attractive to both locals and out of towners, providing that chance to ‘get away’ and relax by the coast. Again, this holiday park offers several levels of accommodation to cover all tastes – from villas, cabins and bungalows, to caravan, campervan and tent sites.
Point Plomer Campground
Popular with many greater Port Macquarie locals, Point Plomer Campground is an attractive location due to its laid back camping style and beach front campsite. Located at the halfway point between Crescent Head and Port Macquarie, Plomer is accessed from the south by 4wd, or the north via a partially sealed and partially gravel road.
For some, it’s an annual family tradition to go camping at Point Plomer, but you must come prepared, unless you want to be driving back into Crescent Head or Port Macquarie to pick up supplies. It’s a remote location with unpowered sites and no BBQ facilities. You’ll be ‘roughing it’ with no power and access to cold showers and public toilets only – but that’s what’s attractive about the location. You even need to bring in your own water and gas BBQs.
Camping at Bonny Hills
The beachside village of Bonny Hills, situated between Port Macquarie and Laurieton, offers access to two Caravan and Camping options – Big4 Ingenia Holidays and Reflections Holiday Parks Bonny Hills.
Both caravan parks offer camping of all levels including sites for tents, campervans and caravans, glamping and cabins. And, you’re just across the road from the general store and a café at the local surf club.
Caravan, Camping, 4WD, Fish and Boat Show
If you’re looking to find the ideal caravan and camping equipment for your next camping adventure, check out the annual Mid North Coast Caravan, Camping, 4WD, Fish and Boat Show in Wauchope. There’ll be something on offer for all ages and outdoor lifestyle tastes.
Things to see and do in Port Macquarie
Here’s a few things to do in the Port Macquarie area if you’re headed this way for your next caravan and camping trip.