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When it comes to access to nature, Sydneysiders are pretty spoiled – with gorgeous gardens punctuating the city and incredible national parks right on our doorstep. But when you want real nature immersion, it’s worth venturing a little further afield and pitching a tent so you can wake up to the sound of the birds. And luckily for us, some of the most magical camping sites in the state are within two hours’ drive from the city. From secluded riverside pitches to cosy cabins and working farm stays, these eight award-winning campsites are all within around three hours of the city, making them perfect for a weekend nature-escape this summer. Recognised in Hipcamp's latest awards, they're some of the best spots in NSW to pitch a tent, light a campfire and switch off for a while.
1. Fern Valley Ranch, Somersby
Award: Best in New South Wales
Drive time from Sydney: Around one hour
Price: From $72 per night
If your idea of a dream weekend away involves waking up to native birdsong and spending your days winding your way through lush bushland, Fern Valley Ranch has your back. Set across a 100-acre working farm, this peaceful property has tent pitches tucked among an orchard and pine-tree paddock, with hot showers and opportunities to help feed the resident animals. There are also bushwalking tracks weaving through ferns and Gymea lilies, plus a viewing spot overlooking a 10-metre waterfall. Just don't be tempted to take a dip, as swimming isn't permitted.
2. The Last Post, Central Colo
Award: Best Hipcamp newcomers
Drive time from Sydney: Around 1.5 hours
Price: From $37 per night
For a proper back-to-basics escape, this 80-acre farm in the Colo Valley is a pretty special find. There are just five generously spaced campsites, each with its own firepit and long-drop toilet, giving you heaps of room to spread out and enjoy the quiet. You might even have a few farm animals grazing nearby. It's worth noting that you'll need to bring your own drinking water and shower setup, but the nearby Colo River makes up for the lack of creature comforts – it’s a magical spot for swimming/ floating/ lazing in the sun.
3. Wombat's Forrest, Brunkerville
Award: Best glamping and cabins in Australia
Drive time from Sydney: Around two hours
Price: From $660 per night for the whole property
Can't decide between a camping weekend and a cosy cabin getaway? Wombat's Forrest lets you have both. This 30-acre forest retreat is available for exclusive group bookings, with two modern cabins, several grassy areas for pitching tents and the option to have bell tents set up before you arrive. There's an outdoor camp kitchen, showers, toilets and communal firepits, while bushwalking tracks follow Brunkerville Creek towards Sugarloaf Conservation Area. This one’s a particularly good option for a group getaway where everyone has slightly different ideas of roughing it.
4. Wombat Hollow, Budgong
Award: Best in NSW and Best tent camping in Australia
Drive time from Sydney: Around 2.5 hours
Price: From $71 per night
The star attraction at this off-grid escape is a kilometre-long stretch of pebbly Budgong Creek, dotted with swimming holes and the occasional platypus sighting. Campsites are spread along the creek banks, each with a picnic table and firepit, and a couple even come with their own wood-fired hot tubs. There's lots to keep you occupied beyond the water, too – including a tennis court, basketball hoop and mountain biking opportunities.
5. Willowbank, Stroud Road
Award: Best in NSW and Best caravan sites in Australia
Drive time from Sydney: Around 2.5 hours
Price: From $46 per night
For a classic country camping experience, Willowbank has a lovely spot along the Karuah River. Spend your days here swimming, paddling a kayak or trying your luck at catching bass in summer, before settling in around your own firepit. It's set on a working beef farm, so expect to share the surrounding paddocks with a few cattle.
6. Eudora Farm, Crookwell
Award: Best glamping and cabins in Australia
Drive time from Sydney: Around three hours
Price: From $37 per night
Animal lovers, this one’s for you. Horses, sheep, geese and chickens call the 250-acre property home, with campsites (and a rustic bush hut) dotted among the trees and beside dams filled with fish and yabbies. There are eight dams across the farm and designated firepits for evening campfires.
7. Watton Airstrip, Bathurst
Award: Best farm stays in Australia
Drive time from Sydney: Around three hours
Price: From $24 per night
With riverside camping, open paddocks and even a rustic cabin to choose from, Watton Airstrip offers a whole heap of ways to enjoy this 265-acre property along the Macquarie River. Spend your days swimming or fishing, keep an eye out for kangaroos and emus, and make the most of optional farm-fresh extras, including homemade bread and eggs. Some of the riverside sites need a 4WD, but there are two easier-access options suitable for 2WD vehicles, with views towards Mount Panorama and Mount Canobolas. Bathurst Observatory is also just a 10-minute drive away.
8. Our Kindred Acres, Bombah Point
Award: Best in NSW and Best caravan sites in Australia
Drive time from Sydney: Around three hours
Price: From $61 per night
Close to the magical waterways of Myall Lakes, Our Kindred Acres is a nature-filled escape with ten acres of cleared camping land surrounded by more than 80 acres of bushland. There are walking and riding tracks winding through the property, but the real highlight is its beautifully equipped communal barn, complete with a camp kitchen, dining area and space to kick back with fellow campers. If you feel like venturing beyond the property/ need to stock up on marshmallows, the shops and restaurants of Bulahdelah are just seven kilometres away.
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