7 Best Kangaroo Valley Camping Sites

Here is the ultimate guide to eight great places to camp set in natural bushland in NSW’s Kangaroo Valley including Bendeela Kangaroo Valley campground.

Kangaroo Valley camping is all about enjoying the great Australian outdoors. It’s about travelling for the luxury of being close to Mother Nature. Whether you’re roughing it or treading lightly on the earth with a stay at an unpowered site, here are some of the best places to camp in Kangaroo Valley that range from secluded spots in the middle of the wilderness to others amid major attractions and landmarks.

1. Bendeela Recreation Area

This you-beaut Kangaroo Valley camping spot has somewhat of a cult following. Set on a crook of the Kangaroo River, it’s popular with everyone from fishos to families who enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming and canoeing. The Bendeela Recreation Area is also home to a large population of bare-nosed wombats, which are often spotted in the nearby bushland. Bendeela Kangaroo Valley is also a top spot for stargazing. It’s not free camping, but it is affordable camping.

Best for: Hardcore campers who don’t mind a rustic campsite.
Address: Bendeela Road, Kangaroo Valley

2. Lake Yarrunga campgrounds

Intrepid campers will love the thrill of arriving at this remote Kangaroo River campsite via canoe or kayak through towering sandstone cliffs and dense forest. To reach Lake Yarrunga campgrounds you must set off from the Tallowa Dam to the Kangaroo River stretch of Lake Yarrunga.

the Lake Yarrunga campgrounds in Kangaroo Valley

Lake Yarrunga campgrounds is completely noise-free and secluded. (Image: Audrey Kutzner)

You will need to bring your own drinking water, cooking water, fuel stove, ice, toilet paper, food and torch, insect repellent and sunscreen to the remote campsite. Start cultivating those dreadlocks now so you look the part. It’s free camping, but with a small booking fee.

the Lake Yarrunga Kangaroo River campsite

Go off-grid camping next to Lake Yarrunga. (Image: Audrey Kutzner)

Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts who like to camp and kayak.
Address: 1301 Nowra Rd, Fitzroy Falls.

3. Acacia Flat

You will find Acacia Flat camping ground deep in the midst of Morton National Park. Check the National Parks website to make sure the park is open as it’s sometimes closed due to inclement weather or fire danger. There is no vehicle access to Acacia Flat: it’s one of the nine campgrounds dotted around the Kangaroo River section of Tallowa Dam. The Lake Yurrunga campground is about 23 kilometres from Kangaroo Valley and you can only reach the campsite via canoe or kayak. Do your best Bear Grylls and revel in the remoteness.

Best for: Families who want to get off the grid and totally unwind.
Address: Morton National Park.

4. Carrington Falls campground

Take the time to appreciate your surrounds on your hiking and camping adventure at Carrington Falls campground. This rugged place, where the trees soar skyward, offers fairytale surrounds for forest bathing.

hikers traversing the foggy forest in Carrington Falls campground

Traverse the foggy path within the Carrington Falls campground. (Image: Destination NSW)

Find your happy place somewhere between adventure and wellbeing after completing the challenge of hiking to Missingham or Warris Chair lookouts Spring is the best season to sleep under canvas here as it’s when you’ll find pops of yellow and red native flowers sewn into the carpet of green that blankets the forest floor under the bloodwoods.

Carrington Falls is perched on a plateau above the rainforest. (Image: Kramer Photography)

Best for: Campers who appreciate access to picnic tables and toilets. BYO guitar.
Address: Budderoo National Park

5. Young McDonald’s Farm

Young Macdonald’s Farm has been a dairy-based farm for decades. But the next-gen of Macdonalds have carved a new path for themselves in regenerative agriculture and are inviting happy campers to see what makes their 40-hectare property so special. Living off the land is the real luxury at Young Macdonald’s Farm, just 20 minutes away from Kangaroo Valley in the Shoalhaven region. It’s here that sixth-generation farmer, Young Mac, is working to regenerate the land after years of harsh droughts and flood. The property registered on Hipcamp is at the base of Brown Mountain, on Wodi Wodi Land, and has secluded spaces for camping with spectacular mountain views.

a young boy feeding farm animals at Young McDonald’s Farm

Kids can feed farm animals up close.

Best for: Families to share the simple joy of feeding the farm animals.
Address: 121 Flannery Lane, Tapitallee.

6. Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley

Holiday parks and caravan parks are hugely popular around Australia with families for good reason. Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley is aimed at campers who like their creature comforts. Sure you can fish. But you can also forage at the local supermarket during your stay at this popular holiday park.

the cabin exterior at Kangaroo Valley Holiday Haven

Kangaroo Valley Holiday Haven is the perfect escape for a cosy camping trip.

One of the best ways to beat the #cossylivs crisis is to look at ways to live well for less. This holiday park in the Kangaroo Valley is made for creating more wallet-friendly happy memories from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. Bring on the simple pleasures of kayaking up the river, barbecues and bushwalks. It’s one of the best places to stay in Kangaroo Valley.

an old couple by the river at Kangaroo Valley Holiday Haven

With its proximity to the river, you can go on bushwalks or hop on a kayak.

Best for: A game of family charades around the fire pit.
Address: 5 Moss Vale Rd, Kangaroo Valley

7. Glenmack

Don’t want to rough it? We hear you. This great family getaway is just a short walk from the village of Kangaroo Valley where you can stock up on everything from fresh bread to sunscreen. There are villas and cabins, powered sites for caravans and powered and unpowered spots for camping.

kids jumping into the swimming pool at Glenmack Park, Kangaroo Valley

Spend a memorable family getaway at Glenmack Park.

One of the most reasons Glenmack is considered one of best places to stay in Kangaroo Valley for families is that the property has friendly animals, such as ponies and alpacas, to pet. There are also canoes if you’d like to paddle up the picturesque Kangaroo River and restaurants and cafes nearby if you’ve had enough of baked beans. Check out Kangaroo Valley’s calendar of events so you can time your visit accordingly.

guests feeding farm animals at Glenmack Park

Get a chance to feed farm animals on-site.

Best for: Those who want the convenience of being just a short walk from the village.
Address: 215 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley

Not sure what to do in the area? Follow our guide on the best things to do in Kangaroo Valley.

Explore our selection of Airbnb Kangaroo Valley stays. From hideaways in the bush to holiday rentals in a cottage, here are the ultimate Kangaroo Valley Airbnbs.

The best-rated Kangaroo Valley Airbnbs check all the right boxes when it comes to an escape to the country. Whether you’re after an all-out luxury farmhouse on a sprawling estate, a riverside bolthole that’s ideal for families, or a hidden, eco-friendly cabin tailor-made for two, these 14 Kangaroo Valley Airbnbs deliver. And they are in addition to the many boutique hotels and luxury lodges the region has to offer.

1. The Lair

‘Welcome to my Lair’ is usually something a Bond villain might say. But this immaculately styled three-bedder makes us think the main protagonist is more of a host with the most like TV cook Maggie Beer. Less gold teeth, more edible bling. The Lair has wow factor. The luxurious A-frame is one of the best Airbnbs in Kangaroo Valley: blending seamlessly into the landscape and featuring floor-to-ceiling glass that optimises the sunlight and offers panoramic views over the bushland and beyond. Expect a Scandi-chic meets industrial aesthetic at The Lair, which has polished concrete floors, birch ply walls, a freestanding cast-iron fireplace and an open-plan lounge. Beyond the stunning interior, it’s the uninterrupted 180-degree views down into the valley below that really make this Airbnb sing.

The Lair features a minimalist, Scandi-chic aesthetic. (Image: Airbnb)

2. Azaltie

Fans of the tiny home concept will find the beautiful Kangaroo Valley Airbnb Azaltie to be so much more than just a place to rest your head. There is no wi-fi, so it really is just the place for a digital detox. Forget Twitter. Instead of starting your day with social media, why not open the door and turn up the volume on the birdsong ricocheting all around? Guests at Azaltie can visit the property’s sheep and chooks, or go on a ramble around the 4.45-hectare estate to look for kangaroos, wombats, echidnas and goannas. This small but perfectly formed eco-friendly cabin features a mezzanine with a queen-sized bed, a sofa bed in the living room, plus a kitchenette, hot showers and a waterless compost toilet.

The Gumnut is another Tiny Away home in the Kangaroo Valley built for immersive luxury.

This petite, eco-friendly cabin is perfect for a digital detox.

3. The Laurels

It seems only right that we’re to rest on our laurels at The Laurels. The Laurels was built in 1919 and features four guest bedrooms – all with en suites – as well as a cosy wood fire, mahogany furniture, spacious verandas and an established garden. It screams ‘country chic’ with an abundance of windows for taking in the mossy-green surrounds and a deck that delivers verdant views. There are nooks for reading books and a sitting room for indulging in your morning coffee ritual. Indulge in your treechange fantasies with a stroll around the established garden, which has both a vegetable patch and a chicken coop. A traditional breakfast is served each morning in the communal dining room. The Laurels is just a 15-minute drive from Cambewarra Lookout Café, one of the best places to eat in Kangaroo Valley.

Relax in the freestanding bath after a day of exploring. (Image: Airbnb)

4. Carrialoo @ Terrewah Farm

Mt Carrialoo sits within the Morton National Park which is blanketed in bushland. Carrialoo is a nod to the mountain of the same name in Kangaroo Valley which is bracketed by the Southern Highlands escarpment and Cambewarra range. There is no such thing as an average view from any of the rooms in this stunning farm stay, which is a lesson in good design. While foodies will enjoy the many on-farm experiences here, there are also trail walks that crisscross around Terrewah Farm. Take over Carrialoo as if it were your own by curling up in the comfortable living and dining space around a crackling log fire. Carrialoo can accommodate five guests.

Enjoy the Kangaroo Valley views from the kitchen and dining area. (Image: Airbnb)

5. The Stables @ Kookaburra House

The bushland around The Stables is teeming with birdlife, a fact that is celebrated at Kookaburra House. This beautiful barn-style cottage is just one kilometre from the golf club, where playing a cheeky 18 holes is one of the best things to do in Kangaroo Valley. The accommodation will suit couples, groups of friends or a family as it features two bedrooms, one that can be divided into two singles; the other with a king bed. The barn-style cottage with the soaring beamed ceilings also has a large open fireplace, outdoor fire pit and expansive deck. And the views from the well-appointed country kitchen = make doing the dishes a pleasure rather than a chore. Tallowa Dam is just a short drive away.

Modern design meets barn style in this (Image: Airbnb)

6. The Rectory Park Cottage

Expect to find Goldilocks tiptoeing around the forest at this storybook cottage which is festooned with fairy lights and surrounded by a magical grove of enchanting trees. Look no further if you’re looking to impress your new squeeze with a booking at The Rectory Park Cottage, which must surely be one of the most romantic Airbnbs in Kangaroo Valley. Hunker down here in this French provincial-style cottage which has a dinky kitchen, bath, shower, gas heater and pretty planted garden. There’s also a king-sized bed draped in luxurious linen that calls for a slow languorous start to the day. Fire up the barbecue and eat outside on balmy evenings. And take the complimentary bicycles for a spin.

This sweet cottage is one of the most romantic Airbnbs in Kangaroo Valley.(Image: Airbnb)

7. The Tailor’s Cottage

When it comes to dreamy Kangaroo Valley Airbnbs, The Tailor’s Cottage has the market sewn up. The modern design and thoughtful touches help guests feel right at home in the space where a heightened level of comfort is achieved through materials, colour and texture. The light-drenched one-bedroom Airbnb in the Kangaroo Valley promises privacy despite being just a short walk to the best cafes and restaurants in the Kangaroo Valley. Dedicate your day to reading a good book on the back deck. Head down to the river for a kayak adventure or a cooling dip. Trample along trails through the misty woods. Or simply potter about in the garden planted with lavender. Consider this a slow stay with style.

Enjoy your morning coffee in this beautiful country-style space. (Image: Airbnb)

8. Quaint and Rustic in the Village

This Kangaroo Valley Airbnb says what it does on the tin. Couples booking the Quaint and Rustic One-Bedroom Cottage, therefore, know what to expect. The cottage is fully self-contained and in the perfect position for accessing all that the village of Kangaroo Valley has to offer. Walk down the pretty cobbled path and down the road for a pint at The Friendly Inn, a perk that is popular for guests who don’t want to venture too far. The accommodation is also perfect for guests attending a wedding in Kangaroo Valley as it’s only suitable for a one- or two-night stay. Expect a palette of off-whites and dusky pinks offset with moody lighting and the authentic charm of wooden floors.

Getty cosy in the evenings in this luxurious king-sized bed. (Image: Airbnb)

9. The Captain’s Cabin

Keen cyclists visiting Kangaroo Valley will appreciate being 50m from the bike path at The Captain’s Cabin. We salute the captain for fitting out the hideaway with natural linens and providing a safe oasis for a wide range of activities. Music enthusiasts will appreciate being able to play DJ with access to a collection of vinyl and an old-school record player. The quirky cabin has been refurbished using recycled wood and other materials added piece by piece. Therein lies the charm of the purpose-built cabin, which also features a coffee machine and open-air bath. The Captain’s Cabin is one of the most conveniently located Airbnbs in Kangaroo Valley.

The outdoor bath is perfect for relaxation. (Image: Airbnb)

10. Jumulu Lodge

The interplay of light, textures and subtle colours resonates with guests seeking out an architecturally designed Airbnb in the Kangaroo Valley. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom oasis sits in the middle of an open field fringed by forest with views of Mt Scanzi and the surrounding escarpment. Expect a great deal of attention to detail here, where the amenity extends to everything from a BBQ to a pool and outdoor firepit. It’s fitting that Jumulu has been designed to emulate a five-star African lodge as the property is a magnet for Australian wildlife. Wilbur, Warwick and Walter are the resident wombats and there are kangaroos, wallabies and native ducks, too. A stay here will suit savvy travellers who appreciate the flexibility of the indoor-outdoor living areas.

The modern build features a sleek pool and sun loungers.(Image: Airbnb)

11. Willow at Barranca

Travelling en masse, but seeking something a little luxurious? Willow at Barranca might just fit the bill. There’s plenty of attention to detail at this four-bedroom, two-bathroom villa, with vegan and cruelty-free toiletries from Australian brand Leif, a Nespresso coffee machine, kitchen provisions (think bread, eggs, milk and more), an indoor fireplace, an outdoor fire pit, an outdoor shower, and even an on-site caretaker on-hand should you need anything during your stay.

But arguably, the piece de resistance here is the setting. The living/dining area and two of the bedrooms face what could be described as a watercolour painting of towering sandstone escarpments, framed by lush greenery. Willow at Barranca is in fact set on a whopping 1,000 acres, with access to bushwalking trails right on your doorstep; and just a 15-minute walk from the villa will land you at a creek, where you can wallow in the natural rock pools. Or pootle along to the estate stockyards in the morning, where you can feed the resident buffalos, donkeys, cows, pigs and horses.

Marvel at views of towering sandstone escarpments, framed by lush greenery.

7 of the best campgrounds in and around Kangaroo Valley