Best Camping Spots In Ballina and the Northern Rivers
We highlight some of the best camping spots in Ballina and the Northern Rivers to help you plan your next getaway.
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Ballina is in the heart of the Northern Rivers and enables central access to so many great, local destinations. Whether it’s a beachside or riverside campsite you’re after, farm or fun-filled resort-style caravan park, National Parks with bushwalking or waterfalls, we have selected here some of the best camping spots in Ballina and the Northern Rivers. Read on and think about what best suits you and your family.
Flat Rock Tent Park, Ballina
Location: 38 Flat Rock Rd, East Ballina NSW 2478 [directions]
Price: from $38 per night (unpowered site, 2 people, off-peak)
Accessibility: easy vehicle access, caravans must be pop-top
Amenities:
- clean toilets / hot showers
- modern, undercover camp kitchen
- gas & wood barbecues
- kiosk
- fire pits for hire or BYO (firewood for sale)
A truly hidden gem of a campsite, Council operated on Crown land right on the beach but only a 5 minute drive to town, this is a very relaxed campground in an ideal location. This could make it one of the best camping spots for your next trip. There are walking tracks direct to the beach where kids can play, parents can relax, or take advantage of some of the best fishing and surfing spots in the Northern Rivers. A cycling track from here leads to Ballina and the Richmond River in one direction and to Lennox Head in the other. It is set right among a nature reserve where you will see and hear abundant wildlife including wallabies. Just don’t leave any food or rubbish bags out unattended – the birdlife are well adapted to raiding for leftovers! For campers looking for a natural bush setting close to the beach but with the convenience of a large town close by, this is a spot well worth considering.
Evans Head Holiday Park
Location: Park St, Evans Head NSW 2473 [directions]
Price: powered sites from $42 per night
Accessibility: easy 2wd vehicle access, all flat, mostly paved
Amenities:
- powered and unpowered sites
- camp kitchen & barbeque
- ensuite sites available
Evans Head Holiday Park is the premiere camping spot in Evans Head, sprawling along the banks of the Evans River close to town and within walking distance to lifesaver patrolled local beaches. The park is part of the Reflections Holiday Parks group who operates parks on NSW Crown land sustainably and for the community. It has an abundance of accommodation types so if you are holidaying with friends, there is something for everyone. This makes it a perfect family location as it is usually packed full of families with children so it is easy for them to make new friends.
While in Evans Head, plan a trip to the local airport to check out the air museum – it is well worth the modest entry fee. The traditional lolly shop in town is always a favourite outing with children young and old. Meanwhile, make the most of the river which is great for swimming and fishing. Fishing charter boats also set out from the Evans River. There really is so much on offer.
North Star Holiday Resort, Hastings Point
Location: 1 Tweed Coast Rd Hastings Point NSW 2489 [directions]
Price: powered sites from $47 per night
Accessibility: easy 2wd vehicle access, all flat & paved
Amenities:
- Ensuite powered sites available
- Amazing water park
- Licenced cafe
- Games room, movies & more kids’ activities
- Marine discovery centre
- Retreat / day-spa
North Star is not your typical camping experience – it is so much more. This is a place to treat yourself to some amazing experiences and relax while the children are 100% entertained. There is so much to do here and the facilities are amazing. Make sure to book well ahead as it is a very popular park, for good reason.
Hastings Point is in the far North of the Northern Rivers region, only about a 20 minute drive from the Qld/NSW border. Local beaches and rivers as well as hinterland national parks are only a stone’s throw away. This could make it one of the best camping spots for your next trip.
Glenreagh Recreation Ground
Location: 14 Bridge St Glenreagh, NSW, Australia 2450 [directions]
Price: from $10 per night (unpowered) and $20 per night (powered)
Accessibility: easy 2wd vehicle access, all flat, unsealed
Amenities:
- Roomy sites
- Power and water available (ask)
- Basic shower / toilets
- Country feel
- Close to local country bakery & general store
The Glenreagh Recreation Ground is also the town showgrounds. It is a very quiet setting adjacent to a disused railway line and station. Close to town, this is a great, affordable spot to stay either overnight on your way through, or for a few days to slow down and unwind. Being set in a small town, it is one of the best camping spots around to enjoy the bush setting and some peace and quiet. Nearby nature reserves, bushwalks, only a 30 min drive to beaches, this is also a good place to base yourself to explore the region at an affordable price. Being the town showgrounds as well, check availability first but you could also time your visit to coincide with one of the many events based here.
Mann River Caravan Park, Jackadgery
Location: 4467 Gwydir Hwy, Jackadgery NSW 2460 [directions]
Price: from $25 (unpowered) and $30 (powered) per night
Accessibility: easy 2wd vehicle access
Amenities:
- Camp kitchen
- Ice cream shop, licenced bottleshop
- Clean, modern amenities block
- Tennis court & play-gym
- Canoe hire and services
By the banks of the mighty Mann River just 45 km from Grafton, and 115 km from Glenn Innes on the Gwydir Highway, this is a great spot to enjoy the river and surrounding area. Whether you’re into canoeing, fishing or just exploring National Parks, this is a great spot to set out from. If you’re into river adventure, this could be one of the best camping spots for your next trip.
Ready to plan your next camping trip?
Ballina and the Northern Rivers is a fabulous destination for locals and residents of other areas. We have some of the best camping spots in NSW and there really is something for everyone. Having the convenience of a caravan to stay in means you can really enjoy many of the great spots on offer. Get planning and if you want any advice, don’t hesitate to contact us.
To explore any of these locations or more in a convenient, family-sized caravan, whether you want to tow it yourself or have us deliver and set it up for you, check out all we have available for hire.