5 Best Camping Spots in Sydney (2026)

Crosslands Reserve is a council-run bushland reserve near Hornsby Heights, set in Berowra Valley National Park and used for camping, picnics and outdoor relaxation. It's the top-rated spot on this page, and reviewers describe it as a quieter alternative to Sydney's busier camping areas even over long weekends, with barbecue facilities and small cottages on offer alongside tent sites. The setting is genuinely scenic, with shaded areas and plenty of space to spread out.

The Basin sits inside Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park on the water, reached by a roughly 20-minute ferry from Palm Beach rather than by road. It's run by NSW National Parks with flat grassy areas for tents right by the shore, and reviewers report real toilets and coin-operated hot showers alongside fishing access and frequent wildlife sightings, including wallabies. The ferry trip itself is part of the draw for many campers.

Patonga Camping Ground occupies a tranquil bay-side setting about 25km south of Gosford, with grassed sites, tennis courts and a boat ramp on the water. Reviewers highlight the scenic location and the Boat House Cafe within walking distance, along with nearby bushwalking through Brisbane Water National Park. It's a spot that pairs a relaxed camping setting with easy access to food and light walking trails.

Cockatoo Island Waterfront Campground puts you in a pre-set tent right on Sydney Harbour, a short ferry ride from the city, with harbour views most other camping spots on this page can't match. The island's history as a former shipyard adds a distinctive backdrop, and reviewers consistently praise the setting even when the weather turns. Onsite security is mentioned as a reassuring touch for overnight stays.

Camp Cove Beach is a sheltered cove at Watsons Bay known for calm, swimmable water and a small kiosk, and it shares its name with camping history in the area even though it now functions as a day-visit spot rather than an overnight site. Reviewers describe it as a peaceful alternative to Sydney's more crowded beaches, reached by a scenic walk with skyline views back toward the city. It's the kind of spot worth knowing for a picnic or swim before or after a camping trip elsewhere.