Riverside Camping in NSW – The Ultimate Guide

Why river camping in NSW is a must-do

Picture this. The gentle sound of a river trickling amongst untouched Aussie bush. A roaring fire ready to roast a marshmallow (or ten!) and warm the toes of campers as the sun goes down. A perfectly simple set up of snuggly sleeping bags, a camp cooktop and a dining table under the stars serving as a home away from home amongst the tranquil wildness. This is riverside camping in NSW – offering everything from serene fishing spots to adventure-packed locations.

River camping NSW means a holiday packed with scenic views, water activities that the whole family will enjoy and the peace of leaving the everyday stresses behind to be surrounded by nature. Our handy guide has everything you need to know about the best river camping spots in NSW, all the activities you can do while you’re in the great outdoors and tips and tricks for making the most of your NSW river camping experience.

Best river camping in NSW – top spots to pitch your tent

Whether you’re a seasoned camper who loves the tranquillity of remote bush camping or if you’re newer to the camping game and looking for a powered site with amenities, there’s nothing like a trip to country NSW to discover some of the best river camping destinations around. We’ve tried and tested the most scenic and sought-after spots to set up camp in NSW, so all you need to do is rally the troops and pack the gear—and don’t forget that spirit of adventure!

Brunswick River camping

Experience life’s simple pleasures with Brunswick River as the centrepiece for all the fishing, boating, paddling and swimming you can handle. The north bank of Brunswick River hosts a protected rainforest, and the southern bank is where you’ll find the harbour and small marina for fishing boats. There are plenty of things to do in the small township of Brunswick Heads, but we have a feeling it’s the crystal-clear waters of the river that’s the main drawcard and you can explore it all on the Brunswick River Walk. Meander along the riverbank or pull up stumps with a rod in hand somewhere along the way, as you try your luck for bream, whiting and flathead.

Stay at Reflections Brunswick Heads which occupies absolute riverside waterfront just a stone’s throw from the beach, or camp at Reflections Massy Greene, with powered and non-powered sites on the banks of the sparkling Brunswick River and all the amenities you need – this is riverside camping at its best.

Tumut River camping

When it comes to river side camping in the Snowy Mountains, a trip to Tumut River is a must. With the stunning mountain backdrop and within easy reach of summer bushwalks and winter skiing, Tumut River is well-known for being one of the best spots for fisher people to throw a line in – there’s brown and rainbow trout aplenty. Kayakers will love to explore this prime riverside camping destination in NSW and spot some of the roaming wildlife in their natural habitat.

If you’re keen to be as close to all the river action as possible, Reflections Tumut River has ample pristine river frontage with 25 campsites fronting the river itself, making relaxation with water views easy.

Ferry Reserve camping

A trip to Ferry Reserve means days filled with easy living. Fancy a paddle on the calm, clear waters of the Brunswick River? Just carry your kayak or paddleboard from your campsite for an easy launch. There are plenty of places to fish along Brunswick River with bream, tailor and mulloway on the menu. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, Ferry Reserve camping means you can easily throw on a snorkel and wander down to the water’s edge to explore what’s below the surface of Brunswick River.

Book a picturesque site at Reflections Ferry Reserve nestled on the Brunswick River, just minutes from Byron Bay, for scenic waterfront camping with all the modern amenities.

Grabine Lakeside camping

It’s time to exhale and let nature be your remedy as you set up camp at this riverside-meets-lakeside gem of a holiday spot on the shores of Wyangala Dam. Swimming, fishing, boating, bush hikes for days—it’s all here waiting for you and the family to give it a go. Surrounded by rolling hills and that wide open sky that country NSW is famous for, Grabine Lakeside camping offers a genuine bush camping experience with 183 spacious grass and dirt unpowered, off-grid campsites right by the water.It’s like getting back to basics in the great outdoors! If you love to be waterside but enjoy a few of life’s basic amenities to keep things comfy, there are exclusive powered sites right on the water’s edge with uninterrupted views of stunning Lake Wyangala and all the tranquillity to match.

Lock in time in nature with a stay at Reflections Grabine Lakeside and you’ll be rewarded with plenty of outdoor adventure, brushes with wildlife and moments of magic in one of NSW’s best river camping spots.

Lake Keepit camping

There’s just something about camping on the water’s edge that turns a run-of-the-mill outdoor adventure into the stuff that holiday memories are made of. Lake Keepit camping is just that – a serene waterside retreat with spacious campsites boasting breathtaking lake and river views. You’ll be close to all the standard water activities like water-skiing, kayaking, fishing and boating but the camping at Lake Keepit turns it up a notch thanks to some of the best stargazing around that’s only possible in the untouched outdoors of country NSW.

You’re never far from the water here, with the options of powered sites under the trees or true-blue unpowered Aussie bush camping on the western side of the lake. Book a laid-back getaway with endless options for fun and adventure at Reflections Lake Keepit.

Burrinjuck Waters camping

The mighty Murrumbidgee River is the star of this next top river side camping spot in NSW, with top-tier fishing, sailing and boating all waiting to be enjoyed. This river is iconic and it’s easy to see why – it’s one of the longest in Australia and a key river of the southern Murray Darling Basin, so a camp trip to Burrinjuck Waters is like a deep dive into NSW’s most stunning natural settings. With the perfect blend of outdoorsy adventure and bottomless relaxation, you can choose from powered and non-powered campsites, both with access to central amenities and within easy reach of the stunning Lake Burringjuck, a reservoir sanctuary on the Murrumdibgee River.

Grab a bunch of mates, the family or both and book in for some quality river-side camping fun at Reflections Lake Burrinjuck. We promise you’ll be back to this NSW riverside gem time and time again.

Riverside camping NSW: What to expect & must-do activities

Camping is camping, right? Well, not if you throw a river in the mix! River camping in NSW is that special type of holiday that you’ll fondly look back on thanks to its tranquil setting, direct water access and the abundant mix of wildlife and nature that’s right at your fingertips. Some visitors can’t wait to unpack the camp chair, then simply sit back and let the relaxation set in. Others prefer to get out amongst the great outdoors and let the adventure of staying by a river take over.

The fishing is always spot on when you camp riverside, so pack the rod and tackle and cast a line to try your luck catching native fish species. A swim in the calm river pools is a favourite amongst visitors young and old or stay above the water and explore the winding river paths and secluded spots by kayak or canoe.

On land, the natural settings of river camping provide endless options for hiking and exploring the scenic trails nearby. Be sure to pack the camera to capture the abundance of wildlife like native birds, kangaroos and platypuses that share their stunning natural environment with us.

Pack these NSW river camping essentials and prepare for an awesome trip

A NSW river side camp trip is a good idea at any time of the year. For swimming and boating, visit during the summer months and for a peaceful, waterside experience where bushwalks and roaring fires rule the day, come when the weather cools down. Now for the packing list—you’ll need all the usual camping suspects including a waterproof tent and gear, cooking essentials to whip up some tasty campfire meals like these ones, and don’t forget the bug spray and sunscreen!

For the adventurous ones, throw in a kayak or inflatable raft and the fishing equipment is a must. River side camping NSW is one of those epic holidays you’ll remember forever, but river currents can be unpredictable so be sure to check water conditions before swimming or kayaking.