Find your path in our national parks: your guide to camping and caravanning in the Clarence Valley.
Did you ever go camping as a child? For me, some of my strongest childhood memories are camping and bushwalking with my family. That feeling of rolling out the sleeping bag and the excitement of setting up camp under the stars. Playing spotlight with the torch at night. Finding the perfect stick for marshmallows. It’s a good thing I grew up in the Clarence Valley, where there are so many national parks to create adventures of the best kind.
I’ve since travelled around much of Australia, and still, I think the Clarence Valley has some of the best national park camping spots to offer. There’s just something about the smell of the coastal forests and heathlands mixed with the salty breeze that makes your heart sing. Or you can go west, where the crystal creeks run through beautiful, wild landscapes — it’s refreshing in the way only nature knows how to provide.
The beauty of camping is the utter simplicity of it all. The biggest decision to make is simply what to do with your time (or what to eat for dinner — surely cheese and biscuits count as a main meal). Do you go for a stroll on the beach, enjoy a swim or surf, or explore the rock pools with the kids? Perhaps a morning bushwalk while spotting birds and curious wildlife along the way? And to top it off, there’s nothing better than relaxing in the camp chair under the Milky Way after the kids or grandkids have (hopefully) gone to bed.
Whether it’s for a weekend or a whole week, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to camping and caravanning in the Clarence Valley.
Here are five of the best national park campgrounds to visit:
Illaroo Campground (Yuraygir National Park)
Illaroo campground is a five-minute drive from the small village of Minnie Water. With 72 campsites suitable for tents, caravans and camper trailers, this spacious campground is a beachfront holiday at its best.
It’s a superb spot for beach lovers, with swimming, fishing and snorkelling nearby. There are also easy walks, including the one-hour Angophora Grove walk.
Image Credit: NSW National Parks
Woody Head Campground (Bundjalung National Park)
Just seven minutes from the holiday village of Iluka, Woody Head is one of the most popular campgrounds on the coast. This beachside campground has 94 campsites for tents, camper trailers and caravans.
If you’re into boating or fishing, you’ll love Woody Head, as it has a boat ramp next to the campground. Explore the marine creatures living in the rock platform — a favourite activity for kids. Or spend the day swimming in the water before taking a walk through the World Heritage-listed rainforest of Iluka Nature Reserve.
Image Credit: NSW National Parks
Nymboida River Campground (Nymboida National Park)
For a refreshing change of scenery, head west into the hills and stay at Nymboida River Campground. With 20 campsites suitable for tents or camper trailers, you’ll need a 4WD for this adventure.
This remote campground is about 64km from Grafton and is best for self-sufficient campers. With its rugged beauty on the banks of the pristine Nymboida River, it is a top spot for nature and bird lovers alike. This stretch of river is also suitable for experienced paddlers and forms part of the renowned Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail — the longest mapped whitewater trail in Australia. Â
Red Cliff / Lake Arragan campgrounds (Yuraygir National Park)
Back down on the coast and just a 3km drive from Brooms Head village, Red Cliff and Lake Arragan campgrounds are also great choices. Suitable for tents, camper trailers and caravans, there are more than 90 campsites close to the beach in Yuraygir National Park.
At Lake Arragan, you can make the most of canoeing, swimming, fishing and birdwatching. And just a little further south at Red Cliff, you can take in the impressive views along the coastline in the company of kangaroos and other interesting wildlife.
Image Credit: NSW National Parks
Sandon River Campground (Yuraygir National Park)
If you’re the adventurous type, a trip to Sandon River campground is one for the bucket list. Sitting pretty between the river and the turquoise ocean, this remote campground is a 12.5km drive from Brooms Head village. It has 29 campsites for tents, camper trailers and caravans.
One of the best-hidden secrets on the coast, Sandon River campground is the perfect spot to get away from it all. There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy, such as fishing, boating, swimming, snorkelling and paddle boarding.
Image Credit: NSW National Parks
Before you go …
If you are planning on visiting national parks in the Clarence Valley, please check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife website for information on campground bookings, road access, park closures and safety alerts.
So what are you waiting for?
It’s time to plan your next camping holiday.
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