Best 9 Free Camping Spots Near and Around Coffs Harbour

For the most adventurous explorer, the only way to see everything that Coffs Harbour has to offer is by camping under the moonlit, starry skies and waking up surrounded by lush greenery and a symphony of birdsong.

You might think that such an amazing experience comes at a cost, but with our guide to the best free camping spots near Coffs Harbour, you can enjoy these little luxuries without spending a cent.

Let’s dive straight in and take a look at each of them in more detail.

Free Coffs Harbour Camping Spots

1. Wedding Bell Creek Road Campsite
2. Easter Dorrigo Community Hall
3. Roses Park Rest Area
4. Macksville Lions Park RV Stop
5. Mobong Creek Campground
6. Bom Bom State Forest
7. White Tank Ramornie
8. Cloud Creek Camp Site
9. Lilydale Campground

Wedding Bell Creek Road Campsite

Wedding Bells State Forest, Bucca, NSW

Head a little further North, and you’ll come across Wedding Bell Creek Road Campsite, where you can also spend the night without having to get your wallet out! It’s a little more off-grid than Arrawarra Rest Area, and you will need to be self sufficient to camp here as there are almost no amenities, but if you don’t mind bush camping it’s a great place to camp for free.

You’ll be able to choose from four different campsites here, and there is a central fire pit where you can spend the evening chatting with fellow travellers or relaxing with your family.

This campsite is also dog friendly, and being so close to Wedding Bells MTB Trails, you’ll be able to head out early in the morning to explore the area while knowing your RV is safely parked nearby.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Fire Pit

Eastern Dorrigo Community Hall

Ulong, NSW

Set within the small village of Ulong, Eastern Dorrigo Community Hall offers free camping that is suitable for both campervans and tents. There are some great amenities at this dog friendly campsite too, including BBQ facilities, toilets, showers, and access to a fully working kitchen.

Being so close to town, this campsite is a good place to spend the night if you want to explore the local area on foot. Likewise, it’s close to Cascade National Park, which offers a variety of walking trails to discover. The entire area is surrounded by lush forest as well, so even if you don’t fancy heading out, it’s a wonderful place to kick back and immerse yourself in nature.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Drinking Water
• Toilets
• Showers
• BBQ Area
• Picnic Tables
• Working Kitchen

Roses Park Rest Area

Thora, NSW

Located close to Waterfall Way, Roses Park Rest Area is another dog friendly campsite that is completely free to use, although it does ask for a small nominal donation to help keep it running. The camping area here is very large, and the grassy space makes the perfect spot for either pitching a tent or parking your campervan.

Such a large camping area means that you’ll also have a good choice of where you call home for the day, and whether you want shade or full sunshine, you’ll be able to find your preference.

Facilities here include toilets and showers, and there’s also a store conveniently located right next door that is perfect for grabbing supplies before you head back out on the road. You’re also very close to the small town of Thora, where you’ll find swimming holes to cool off in and kayaking opportunities along the Bellingen River.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• Bins
• BBQ Facilities
• Nearby Convenience Store

Macksville Lions Park RV Stop

Macksville, NSW

Set along the Pacific Highway, Macksville Lions Park RV Stop is a free campground that is easy to find and offers spaces for a campervan to pull up in its overnight parking area. You’ll need luck on your side though, as there are only three parking spaces, and being so conveniently located, it’s a popular spot.

Should you manage to grab a space here, you’ll find yourself parked close to Yarriabini National Park and Scotts Head. So, whether you’re planning on hiking or surfing the following day, you won’t have to travel too far to get where you want to be.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• Children’s Playground

Free Campsites Within 130km of Coffs Harbour

Should you not be able to find a space at any of the above campgrounds, you can still find some excellent free spots slightly further afield. Here are some of the best free campsites within 130km of Coffs Harbour.

Mobong Creek Campground

Wild Cattle Creek State Forest, NSW

This is one of the most beautiful free camping sites you can ever wish to stay in, with waterfalls and a swimming hole situated directly within the grounds. There is ample space here to park a campervan or pitch a tent, and dogs are welcome to spend the night and enjoy the area with you, too.

Mobong Creek Campground is located within Wild Cattle Creek State Forest, so not only does it provide a beautiful space to spend the night, but you’ll be surrounded by nature and walking trails to discover while you’re here. It is worth noting, however, that there are no drinking water hookups or facilities here, so you’ll need to have a good supply of your own.

There’s also a designated walking track that takes you straight to the best views of the waterfall and swimming hole, and should you be feeling brave enough, you’ll be at a safe enough height to jump in and cool down!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Fire Pits
• Drop Toilet
• Picnic Tables

Bom Bom State Forest

Grafton, NSW

Around an hour’s drive from Coffs Harbour, you’ll find Bom Bom State Forest, which offers free camping for both tents and campervans. There are plenty of allocated spaces here too, so it’s a good place to head to if you’re concerned about limited availability elsewhere.

One thing that you’ll need to keep in mind when camping here, however, is that there are no amenities aside from fire pits situated throughout the grounds. So, while it’s ideal for self sufficient campers, it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for a shower or a toilet block.

Should you feel that Bom Bom State Forest is suitable for you to camp in, you’ll find 4WD tracks, walking trails, and mountain biking trails to explore. This is also a great place for bird watching or spotting native animal species, as well as star gazing once the sun has gone down.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Fire Pits

White Tank Ramornie

Ramornie National Park, NSW

The first thing you need to know about this free campsite is that, as White Tank Ramornie is one of New South Wales’ official government rest areas, you’re legally allowed to camp here for 24 hours. So, while there are no signs here that encourage camping, you are still free to do so.

The grounds here are ideal for solo travellers or couples looking for a quiet, remote space to spend the night. This is because the grounds are quite small compared to other campsites and there are very few amenities, so you’ll need to be self sufficient. It is dog friendly though, so you’re welcome to pull up with your pooch and spend the night under the stars.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Non Drinking Water
• Fire Pits

Cloud Creek Camp Site

Nymboi-Binderay National Park, NSW

An ideal place to stay if you’re headed toward Nymboi-Binderay National Park, Cloud Creek Camp Site offers an off-grid experience for the self sufficient camper. It also makes a great place if you’re looking for a quick rest as you head along the road, and the river that runs behind the camping area offers a place for fishing or simply to dip your feet in and cool off.

It is worth noting that the entire site is unpowered, and there aren’t any basic facilities to take advantage of. However, if you’re looking to get back to nature and enjoy some peace and quiet, it’s an excellent place to rest for the night without spending any money.

Lilydale Campground

Lilydale, NSW

Located next to the Lilydale Bridge, Lilydale Campground offers free spaces for tents and campervans with no designated sites, which means you have total freedom over where you’d like to pull up for the night.

Pets are allowed at Lilydale, and with the surrounding nature and wide open spaces, both you and your furry friend will be able to enjoy walking and exploring nature. You can also swim and fish in the river, and when you’re ready to wind down for the evening, hunker down by a roaring fire pit.

This free campsite also has excellent phone reception, and while you’re likely wanting to break away from technology and get back to nature, this is useful for planning the next leg of your journey or checking in with friends and family should you feel the need.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Fire Pits
• Swimming
• Fishing

As you head out on your road trip through Coffs Harbour, we highly recommend checking out as many of these free camping sites as possible. Not only does each have its own unique beauty, but they all offer you the opportunity to camp in a variety of ways, from all of the amenities you could ask for to the total off-grid experience.

Free camping is also a great way to see everything that New South Wales has to offer without having to spend a fortune in the process. So, when you’re ready to head out on the road, pop along to your nearest Travellers Autobarn and talk to our friendly staff about the best campervan for your needs. Don’t forget to check out our latest deals & specials on campervan hire in Sydney.