Summer in the city is pretty hard to beat, but a nature hit now and again is always welcome, and new research shows that a whole heap of Sydneysiders are making a beeline for the bush this Christmas. New data from Hipcamp – the world’s top app for finding and booking independent campsites – shows that nationwide Christmas bookings are up 14 per cent year-on-year, with NSW seeing a solid 10 per cent lift.
RELATED READ: These are the best camping sites near hikes in NSW
On the camping train? You’re not alone. Destination NSW’s 2025 Travel Trends Report found that 77 per cent of travellers now view camping and caravanning as better value than other holiday types, reflecting a nationwide shift toward more affordable, back-to-nature getaways.
According to Hipcamp, pet-friendly sites and those near fishing spots are this season’s hottest filters, while tents and swags remain the top camping setups. To make things easy for last-minute planners, Hipcamp has rounded up six award-winning NSW stays still open for Christmas. Heads up: you’ll want to act fast, and don’t blame us if you’re too late to the game.
Canoelands Orchard Camping, Hawkesbury
Best Farmstay, 2025 Hipcamp Awards
Less than an hour from Sydney, this working orchard is the perfect stay for aspiring hobby farmers. Pick your own fruit, grab a coffee at the farm café, or say hi to the resident alpacas. Nestled among eucalypt forest and rolling hills, it’s a peaceful base for exploring Marramarra National Park and the Canoelands Ridge Trail.
From $44 per night for two people.
Crystal Creek Rainforest Treehouse, Tweed Valley
Best Cabin Rental, 2025 Hipcamp Awards
This hand-built treehouse is hidden in a lush pocket of rainforest near Mount Warning, and it’s the ultimate camping upgrade. Drink your morning coffee on the balcony, hike to Crystal Creek for a picnic among the trees, then cool off in the rainforest pool.
From $51 per night for two people.
The Ranch on Clarence, Clarence Valley
Best Glamping Site, 2025 Hipcamp Awards
This riverside retreat is a haven for horse lovers, with more than 30 free-roaming Andalusian and Warlander horses roaming the 113 acres of riverfront. Join a guided tour, swim bareback with the herd, then toast marshmallows around the campfire under starry skies.
From $117 per night for two people.
Misty Mountain Kunghur, Northern Rivers
Best Tent Campsite, 2025 Hipcamp Awards
Between Nimbin and Murwillumbah, Misty Mountain offers panoramic views, spacious grassy sites, and a sublime sense of seclusion. Families, groups, and pets are welcome, with clean amenities, hot showers, and a cosy café serving coffee and wood-fired pizza.
From $95 per night for a family of four.
Artisans Park, Near Bathurst
Best Glamping Site, 2025 Hipcamp Awards
For the creatively inclined, this mountain-top escape is one-of-a-kind. Stay in a 1949 London bus, WWII army tower, or 1885 trig hut.
From $176 per night for two people.
With so many hidden gems still available, there’s still time to make your Chrissy camping dream a reality. You can check out other options over here.
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