7 Best Kangaroo Valley Camping Sites

Here is the ultimate guide to eight great places to camp set in natural bushland in NSW’s Kangaroo Valley including Bendeela Kangaroo Valley campground.

Kangaroo Valley camping is all about enjoying the great Australian outdoors. It’s about travelling for the luxury of being close to Mother Nature. Whether you’re roughing it or treading lightly on the earth with a stay at an unpowered site, here are some of the best places to camp in Kangaroo Valley that range from secluded spots in the middle of the wilderness to others amid major attractions and landmarks.

1. Bendeela Recreation Area

This you-beaut Kangaroo Valley camping spot has somewhat of a cult following. Set on a crook of the Kangaroo River, it’s popular with everyone from fishos to families who enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming and canoeing. The Bendeela Recreation Area is also home to a large population of bare-nosed wombats, which are often spotted in the nearby bushland. Bendeela Kangaroo Valley is also a top spot for stargazing. It’s not free camping, but it is affordable camping.

Best for: Hardcore campers who don’t mind a rustic campsite.
Address: Bendeela Road, Kangaroo Valley

2. Lake Yarrunga campgrounds

Intrepid campers will love the thrill of arriving at this remote Kangaroo River campsite via canoe or kayak through towering sandstone cliffs and dense forest. To reach Lake Yarrunga campgrounds you must set off from the Tallowa Dam to the Kangaroo River stretch of Lake Yarrunga.

the Lake Yarrunga campgrounds in Kangaroo Valley — Lake Yarrunga campgrounds is completely noise-free and secluded. (Image: Audrey Kutzner)

You will need to bring your own drinking water, cooking water, fuel stove, ice, toilet paper, food and torch, insect repellent and sunscreen to the remote campsite. Start cultivating those dreadlocks now so you look the part. It’s free camping, but with a small booking fee.

the Lake Yarrunga Kangaroo River campsite — Go off-grid camping next to Lake Yarrunga. (Image: Audrey Kutzner)

Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts who like to camp and kayak.
Address: 1301 Nowra Rd, Fitzroy Falls.

3. Acacia Flat

You will find Acacia Flat camping ground deep in the midst of Morton National Park. Check the National Parks website to make sure the park is open as it’s sometimes closed due to inclement weather or fire danger. There is no vehicle access to Acacia Flat: it’s one of the nine campgrounds dotted around the Kangaroo River section of Tallowa Dam. The Lake Yurrunga campground is about 23 kilometres from Kangaroo Valley and you can only reach the campsite via canoe or kayak. Do your best Bear Grylls and revel in the remoteness.

Best for: Families who want to get off the grid and totally unwind.
Address: Morton National Park.

4. Carrington Falls campground

Take the time to appreciate your surrounds on your hiking and camping adventure at Carrington Falls campground . This rugged place, where the trees soar skyward, offers fairytale surrounds for forest bathing.

hikers traversing the foggy forest in Carrington Falls campground — Traverse the foggy path within the Carrington Falls campground. (Image: Destination NSW)

Find your happy place somewhere between adventure and wellbeing after completing the challenge of hiking to Missingham or Warris Chair lookouts Spring is the best season to sleep under canvas here as it’s when you’ll find pops of yellow and red native flowers sewn into the carpet of green that blankets the forest floor under the bloodwoods.

the Carrington Falls in Kangaroo Valley — Carrington Falls is perched on a plateau above the rainforest. (Image: Kramer Photography)

Best for: Campers who appreciate access to picnic tables and toilets. BYO guitar.
Address: Budderoo National Park

5. Young McDonald’s Farm

Young Macdonald’s Farm has been a dairy-based farm for decades. But the next-gen of Macdonalds have carved a new path for themselves in regenerative agriculture and are inviting happy campers to see what makes their 40-hectare property so special. Living off the land is the real luxury at Young Macdonald’s Farm, just 20 minutes away from Kangaroo Valley in the Shoalhaven region. It’s here that sixth-generation farmer, Young Mac, is working to regenerate the land after years of harsh droughts and flood. The property registered on Hipcamp is at the base of Brown Mountain, on Wodi Wodi Land, and has secluded spaces for camping with spectacular mountain views.

a young boy feeding farm animals at Young McDonald’s Farm — Kids can feed farm animals up close.

Best for: Families to share the simple joy of feeding the farm animals.
Address: 121 Flannery Lane, Tapitallee.

6. Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley

Holiday parks and caravan parks are hugely popular around Australia with families for good reason. Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley is aimed at campers who like their creature comforts. Sure you can fish. But you can also forage at the local supermarket during your stay at this popular holiday park.

the cabin exterior at Kangaroo Valley Holiday Haven — Kangaroo Valley Holiday Haven is the perfect escape for a cosy camping trip.

One of the best ways to beat the #cossylivs crisis is to look at ways to live well for less. This holiday park in the Kangaroo Valley is made for creating more wallet-friendly happy memories from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. Bring on the simple pleasures of kayaking up the river, barbecues and bushwalks. It’s one of the best places to stay in Kangaroo Valley.

an old couple by the river at Kangaroo Valley Holiday Haven — With its proximity to the river, you can go on bushwalks or hop on a kayak.

Best for: A game of family charades around the fire pit.
Address: 5 Moss Vale Rd, Kangaroo Valley

7. Glenmack

Don’t want to rough it? We hear you. This great family getaway is just a short walk from the village of Kangaroo Valley where you can stock up on everything from fresh bread to sunscreen. There are villas and cabins, powered sites for caravans and powered and unpowered spots for camping.

kids jumping into the swimming pool at Glenmack Park, Kangaroo Valley — Spend a memorable family getaway at Glenmack Park.

One of the most reasons Glenmack is considered one of best places to stay in Kangaroo Valley for families is that the property has friendly animals, such as ponies and alpacas, to pet. There are also canoes if you’d like to paddle up the picturesque Kangaroo River and restaurants and cafes nearby if you’ve had enough of baked beans. Check out Kangaroo Valley’s calendar of events so you can time your visit accordingly.

guests feeding farm animals at Glenmack Park — Get a chance to feed farm animals on-site.

Best for: Those who want the convenience of being just a short walk from the village.
Address: 215 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley

Not sure what to do in the area? Follow our guide on the best things to do in Kangaroo Valley.

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

7 of the best campgrounds in and around Kangaroo Valley