The 5 Best Campsites Near Surf Beaches in NSW (2026 Guide)

For each campsite we've listed the nearby surf spots, what to do when you're out of the water, and a quick amenities comparison. Fees change often, so we've pointed you to the booking pages rather than quote prices that might be out of date.

Bring a car. Plenty of the best breaks near these campsites are only reachable by road, and a few of the campsites themselves are a drive from the nearest beach.

Which NSW campsites are right in front of a surf beach?

Four of our five picks put you on or across the road from the sand: Cave Beach, Depot Beach, Diamond Head and Waves Campground. The fifth, Pelican Caravan Park, sits on the Nambucca River, a short drive from the beach. They run from the south coast up to the mid north coast.

A quick note on gear: spring water temps swing a lot between the south coast and the north coast, so pick your wetty for the coldest water you'll surf. Our rule of thumb is a 3/2mm steamer for 14 to 20°C water, and a 1.5mm top or springsuit once it's above 20°C. Our guide to which wetsuit thickness is best for Australia breaks it down further.

1. Cave Beach, Jervis Bay: is it good for beginners?

Yes. Cave Beach is in Booderee National Park (in the Jervis Bay Territory, on the NSW south coast) and is known for the sea caves at the southern end, which you can explore at low tide. The surf at Cave Beach itself suits beginners.

Campsite: Cave Beach Camping Ground, Booderee National Park.

About: It's a beautiful little campground right in front of the beach. You walk in from the car park (roughly 300m), so you carry everything by hand and need to pack light. There are no hot showers and no power, so it suits experienced campers better.

Cost: You pay a campsite fee plus a park entry fee for Booderee National Park. Both change, so check the official Booderee National Park website before you book.

Surf spots near Cave Beach

• Cave Beach: beginner, best with a NW wind. Right out front.
• Steamers Beach: intermediate, best with a NW wind.
• Culburra Beach: intermediate, best with a W wind.
• Mollymook Beach: beginner, best with a W wind.

For more on this stretch, see our guide to the best surf spots in Jervis Bay.

What can you do near Cave Beach besides surf?

• Botanic Gardens, Booderee National Park: walking trails with native birds and wildlife, a short drive from camp.
• Steamers Beach bush walk: a clearly marked trail from the Steamers Beach car park, 2.3km each way (4.6km return) through eucalypt forest and tea tree, with a steep flight of stairs at the end.
• Cupitt's Winery: a wine tasting overlooking the vineyard and a sit-down lunch. Book well ahead, it fills fast.

2. Depot Beach, Batemans Bay: where can you camp with kangaroos on the sand?

Depot Beach, in Murramarang National Park, is the spot. Kangaroos are known to come down to the shore at dusk, and the south coast marine life is a big part of the appeal.

Campsite: Depot Beach Campground, Murramarang National Park.

About: It sits among native spotted gums right on the beach, and takes tents, swags, camper trailers and caravans. Once you're set up you won't want to leave.

Cost: Unpowered and powered sites are both available, with extra charges for additional guests. Check the NSW National Parks website for current nightly rates.

Surf spots near Depot Beach

• Depot Beach: beginner, best with a SW wind. Right out front.
• Durras Beach: intermediate, best with a NW wind.
• Mills Point: advanced, best with a S to SW wind.
• Bawley Point: intermediate, best with a W to SW wind.

What can you do near Depot Beach besides surf?

• Fishing, Batemans Marine Park: the ocean in front of the campsite is technically part of the park, which protects large stretches of rocky reef full of fish, invertebrates and algae.
• Mogo Zoo: a small, laid-back privately owned zoo with a big primate collection.
• Whale watching, North Head Lookout: an easy 300m track to a great vantage point. Humpbacks pass on their annual migration, and you can spot dolphins any time of year.

3. Diamond Head, Crowdy Bay: what's it like to camp there?

Diamond Head is one of the true gems of the NSW coast, with clear blue water and heaps of wildlife. It's a favourite camping spot for good reason.

Campsite: Diamond Head Campground, Crowdy Bay National Park.

About: The campground is full of native trees and wildlife, and sits right next to Diamond Head beach. Kangaroos and wombats have been known to wander through. There's no drinking water, so bring your own, and there are no powered sites.

Cost: Check the NSW National Parks website for current nightly rates and booking details.

Surf spots near Diamond Head

• Diamond Head: beginner, best with a W to SW wind. Right out front.
• Dunbogan Beach: beginner, best with a W wind.
• Lighthouse Beach: intermediate, best with a NW wind.
• Old Bar: intermediate, best with a W to NW wind.

What can you do near Diamond Head besides surf?

• Diamond Head Loop walk: it starts inside the campground and winds through heath and forests of paperbark and swamp mahogany. Stop at Kylie's lookout to scan for dolphins and look out across Crowdy Bay.
• Big Buzz Fun Park: water slides, a toboggan run, putt putt, outdoor laser tag and trampolines.
• Day spa, Port Macquarie: a facial or massage is a fair reward after a long sesh.

4. Delicate Nobby, Crescent Head: where do you camp near a famous right-hand point?

Waves Campground is just across the road from Delicate Nobby Beach, down the road from Crescent Head, one of Australia's best-known right-hand point breaks. Bring your log and chase one of the longest rides of your life.

Campsite: Waves Campground.

About: It's tucked in among the trees, and it's a full-service campsite with hot showers, laundry and a café. There are yoga classes onsite too, so nobody will blame you for staying put.

Cost: Rates depend on the time of year, with school holidays and long weekends costing more, and powered sites carry an extra charge. Check the campground's own booking page for current prices.

Surf spots near Delicate Nobby

• Delicate Nobby: intermediate, best with a W wind. Right out front.
• Racecourse Point: advanced, best with a W wind.
• Crescent Head, Back Beach: intermediate, best with a W to NW wind.
• Crescent Head, Point: intermediate, best with a W wind.
• Crescent Head, Front Beach: beginner, best with a W to SW wind.

What can you do near Delicate Nobby besides surf?

• Crescent Head Golf Course: six holes along the headland, with a view of surfers taking off from the point.
• Big Hill Rainforest Walking Track: a short 1.4km loop from the picnic area by the beach, around the top of the headland and through lush rainforest. It takes about an hour.
• Day spa, Port Macquarie: a fair drive away, but worth it if you want to treat yourself.

5. Shelly Beach, Nambucca Heads: is it a good spot for a chilled-out surf?

Yes. Nambucca Heads is a sleepy surf town, and Shelly Beach has gentle waves if you're after a more relaxed sesh.

Campsite: Pelican Caravan Park.

About: It's a family-oriented caravan park right on the Nambucca River, with a swimming pool and a full set of amenities. You'll need a car here, because the nearest beach, Shelly Beach, is a short drive away.

Cost: Prices vary by site type (powered, riverside powered, unpowered) and by season, with peak periods like Easter and Christmas costing the most. Check the park's own booking page for current rates.

Surf spots near Nambucca Heads

• "V-Wall": intermediate, best with a W wind.
• Shelly Beach: intermediate, best with a SW wind.
• Main Beach: intermediate, best with a W to SW wind.
• Beilbys Beach: intermediate, best with a W wind.
• South Beach: advanced, best with a W wind.

What can you do near Nambucca Heads besides surf?

• Nambucca Heads RSL Club: a family-friendly bistro overlooking the river and mountain ranges. Get there early, the bistro shuts at 8:30pm.
• V-Wall Outdoor Art Gallery: an outdoor gallery off Bowra Street along Wellington Drive. Visitors are encouraged to paint their own postcard message on the huge boulders.
• Dorrigo National Park: a world heritage listed park along Waterfall Way, where Dangar Falls is the easiest waterfall to get to. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Wonga Walk, Rosewood Creek Track or Blackbutt Track.

Which campsite has the amenities you need?

This summary comes from our own research. Amenities change, so confirm with the campsite or park before you travel.

If you want to find more surf nearer home before you head up the coast, check out the best surf beaches in Sydney.

What should you pack for a surf camping trip?

At Flatrock Surf, we'd start with a wetty matched to the water, a board that fits in the car, and a bucket or tub for rinsing gear. Our guide on what to look for in a wetsuit covers fit and seams, and you can browse men's and women's wetsuits in our range. If you're camping without hot showers (like Cave Beach and Diamond Head), a good steamer and a warm change of clothes matter even more.

Frequently asked questions

Which NSW campsite is best for beginner surfers?

Cave Beach, Depot Beach and Diamond Head all have beginner-friendly waves right out front. Cave Beach has the most basic facilities, so Depot Beach is the easier pick if you want amenities close by.

Do you need a car to camp near surf beaches in NSW?

Yes. Many of the best breaks near these campsites are a drive away, and Pelican Caravan Park is a short drive from Shelly Beach. We recommend bringing a car to all five.

Which campsite has hot showers?

Based on our research, Depot Beach, Waves Campground and Pelican Caravan Park have hot showers. Cave Beach and Diamond Head don't. Check with each campsite before you go.

Is there drinking water at Diamond Head campground?

No. There's no drinking water at the Diamond Head campground, so bring your own. There are also no powered sites.

What wetsuit should you take camping in NSW in spring?

We recommend a 3/2mm steamer for water between 14 and 20°C. If the water is above 20°C, a 1.5mm top or springsuit is enough.

Planning your trip? Grab your gear from our all gear collection and have a great sesh.