A Guide to Camping in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales

Sleep under the stars at a campsite in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
Sleep under the stars at a campsite in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales | © Mike Greenslade/Australia / Alamy Stock Photo
Cassie Wilkins

Year-round pleasant weather, natural beauty and, of course, the Big Banana Fun Park make camping in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, a delight. Sleeping under the stars, guarded by Australia‘s Southern Cross, is the big draw – but you’ll also find comfy cabins and even a quirky Dutch-themed getaway.

1. Clog Barn Caravan Park

Camping

An antidote to characterless concrete blocks, Clog Barn Caravan Park is the quirkiest campsite in Coffs Harbour. Home to the world’s only clog-shaped pool, a hand-built model Dutch village and working miniature railway, Clog Barn is “a little piece of Holland in the heart of Coffs Harbour.” The park has cabins, campsites and all the usual amenities. There’s also Big Oma’s Coffee House, which features an array of Dutch delicacies and treats.

2. Coffs Harbour Leagues Club

Camping

For a budget, no-frills camping experience close to town, the Coffs Harbour Leagues Club is the place to go. There are eight powered and unpowered sites suitable for RVs, caravans, vans and tents. Comforts come in the form of a toilet, shower and a club serving dinner and drinks after 5pm. Bear in mind there might be light and noise from the sports field until late.

3. Coffs Harbour Camping and 4WD

Camping

In northern NSW’s hinterland, this rural offering has farm animals to feed, a dam for swimming and spacious camping sites with fire pits. There’s also bush camping, but you’ll need to bring a portable toilet. The 93ha (230-acre) site also has direct access to Lower Bucca State Forest, where exploration is best done in a four-wheel drive vehicle. Alternatively, it’s a 30-minute drive to Coffs Harbour and 10 minutes to the beach.

5. Ulong Showground

Camping

Great for those on a budget, Ulong Showground has several unpowered sites along a pretty creek. It’s a 40-minute drive to Coffs Harbour, but it’s peaceful, spacious and the camping fees support the local community. There are also hot showers, toilets and a barbecue. On arrival, head to the Ulong General Store on the main street to grab your key. Here, you’ll also find a popular café to sate your coffee and breakfast needs.

6. Dangar Falls Lodge and Camping

Camping, Lodge, Glamping

An hour west of Coffs Harbour, Dangar Falls Lodge & Camping is a secluded site in the small town of Dorrigo. For many, its main selling point is easy access to the 30m (100ft) waterfall after which the campsite is named. You can also enjoy views over the rural Dorrigo Plateau, and the site provides power, water and showers. If you don’t feel like roughing it, book the site’s namesake lodge, which sleeps 12.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
close-ad
Edit article