A Quick Guide To Booderee National Park Camping

Booderee National Park is a glorious area of pristine white sand beaches, shimmering turquoise water, stunning coastal walks and wildlife in abundance. So, it stands to reason you might want to spend a night or two here, soaking in this wonderful environment. Well, luckily you can! Booderee National Park has three fantastic camping spots, leaving you totally immersed in nature and unplugged from everyday life.

Sound right up your street? Well, read on. In this guide, we’ll briefly discuss each of the campgrounds in Booderee National Park, before looking at all of the useful information to know before you go camping.

Read more: Booderee National Park: 12 Must-See Attractions

About Camping in Booderee National Park

Camping in Booderee National Park isn’t like rocking up at a holiday park. Far from it. Indeed, what awaits is a serene and picturesque environment of natural surroundings and nature, undisturbed. You’ll be sharing your campsite with kangaroos and wallabies. Perhaps even an echidna and yes, maybe even a snake or two. Attractions and things to do are found in the natural things around you. Certainly, instead of a purpose-built pool, you’ll find the dreamy waters of Jervis Bay.

As the campgrounds are managed by Parks Australia, you should always check their website for any booking conditions, updated fees or unexpected closures. Annoyingly, closures can and do happen. Also, all of the Booderee campsites require prior booking. So, don’t just turn up as you’ll likely be left disappointed.

As with most national park campgrounds, Booderee is unpowered and so those looking to really unplug will find camping here is truly delightful. You’ll certainly be kicking back, relaxing to the sound of the local bird song, watching the waves crash along the powdery shoreline and unwinding for a day or two.

But, which campsite to choose?

Where to Camp in Booderee National Park?

Booderee National Park has three main camping areas to choose from. They are Green Patch Campground, Bristol Point Campground and Cave Beach Campground. Each campsite offers campers a remote coastal stay in an epic location, complete with local wildlife.

Green Patch and Bristol Point enjoy the calmer coastal front of Jervis Bay, making them wonderful stays for the whole family. Located on the northern fringes of Booderee National Park, these neighbouring campsites are peaceful places to pitch up for the night. To experience the wilder waters on the south coast of Booderee National Park, head to Cave Beach for a spot of camping. Popular with surfers and those looking to enjoy the more naturally rugged side of Booderee, Cave Beach is definitely a winner.

Below is a map showing each of the camping locations in Booderee National Park.

1. Green Patch Camping

• Toilets
• Picnic area
• Fire pits
• BBQ
• Fresh water
• Tent, caravan and camper trailer
• Booking required

Green Patch Campground is a large and spacious camping location in Booderee National Park. It’s also arguably the most popular place to camp. Camping facilities are excellent, including sheltered BBQ areas, hot showers and toilets. Camping at Green Patch certainly offers perfect proximity to some of Booderee National Park’s best beaches, where it’s easy to enjoy sunrise and sunset in moderate peace and quiet.

Green Patch Campground can book out weeks in advance, so it’s worthwhile being organised with your trip planning. Also, the national park recommends bringing your own gas BBQ if you have one, as the communal BBQ facilities can be rather busy. Green Patch is also the only Booderee campground that offers drive-in sites, helping to boost its popularity by offering something for those with a caravan or trailer.

Dan and I loved the coastal bush setting of Green Patch Campground. Listening to the waves crash on Green Patch Beach, just mere metres from the tent is quite wonderful. As too is watching the resident ‘roos frolic around Green Patch.

Nearby attractions: Iluka Beach, Green Patch Beach, Hole in the Wall and Scottish Rocks, Murrays Beach

Location: Booderee National Park, Village Rd, JBT 2540, Australia

2. Bristol Point Campground

• Toilets
• Picnic area
• Fire pits
• BBQ
• Fresh water
• Tent only
• Booking required

Bristol Point Campground is a great retreat for nature enthusiasts. Set in a serene environment, Bristol Point Campground offers cozy campsites on the shores of Jervis Bay, ideal for a tranquil getaway. Surrounded by pristine and untouched coastal bushland, this camping spot is a haven for wildlife spotting in Booderee National Park. Indeed, keep your eyes peeled for wallabies and even echidnas.

Despite being situated next door to Green Patch Campground, camping at Bristol Point is a much quieter experience in Booderee National Park. That’s because Bristol Point Campground only accommodates tents and is walk-in only, meaning it’s not possible to park directly at your pitch. That being said, it’s never more than a 50 metre walk between your vehicle and your tent.

For a national park campground, the amenities here are excellent. When Dan and I passed through to walk down to Bristol Point Beach, there were only a handful of tents set up in the campground, meaning some lucky campers had a wonderfully peaceful night’s sleep camping in this incredible part of Booderee National Park.

Nearby attractions: Iluka Beach, Green Patch Beach, Hole in the Wall and Scottish Rocks, Murrays Beach

Location: Jervis Bay Rd, Jervis Bay Territory NSW 2540, Australia

3. Cave Beach Camping

• Toilets
• Picnic area
• Fire pits
• BBQ
• Fresh water
• Cold showers
• Tent only (walk-in)
• Booking required

Cave Beach Campground is a walk-in only campsite for those looking for something a little more remote and removed. With a walk of around 300 metres from car to camp, this serene grassy patch above Cave Beach is understandably a nature lovers’ paradise. Kangaroos are just some of the wildlife you’ll encounter at this picturesque site. Whilst, for any keen surfers, you’re just a short walk away from the outstanding Cave Beach and Bherwerre Beach, where you’ll find some of the best surf conditions in Booderee National Park.

Cave Beach’s facilities are basic but more than sufficient for camping in a national park. If you want to switch off and camp somewhere quiet and immersed in nature, head to Cave Beach Campground.

Nearby attractions: Cave Beach, Bherwerre Beach and Botanical Gardens

Location: Caves Beach Rd, Jervis Bay NSW 2540, Australia

Booderee National Park Camping: Useful Things to Know

So, now you know which campsites to stay at on your adventure to Booderee National Park, let’s look at some useful things to know before you go.

Where Is Booderee National Park?

Booderee National Park is located in Jervis Bay on the south coast of New South Wales. But, despite appearing to be part of NSW, Booderee National Park actually belongs to the ACT. As such, you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit Booderee National Park and use the camping facilities.

Please note: usually, the two-day Parks Pass costs $13 and can be purchased online before you arrive, at the entrance gates or using the QR codes dotted around the national park once you’ve arrived. But, if you’re camping, the Parks Pass is included in the camping fee. So, you don’t need to purchase a pass separately. You can find more information on the Parks Australia website.

You can check out the location of Booderee National Park on Google Maps.

How to Get to Booderee National Park

Certainly, the best way to reach Booderee National Park and its campgrounds is with your own set of wheels. That’s because there is no public transport inside Booderee National Park, and getting to the campsites will involve some long sections of road walking. If you don’t have access to your own car, van or even camper, then we recommend hiring something.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Heading to Jervis Bay from Sydney is very popular. It’s also very straightforward and takes just 2–3 hours to drive. You’ll follow the M1 south down to Bomaderry, before picking up the A1 Jervis Bay Road. Follow this directly to Booderee National Park. If you want to break up the journey and make a longer trip itinerary out of heading down to Jervis Bay, then we recommend stopping at Killalea Regional Park, Kiama and Huskisson.

Read more: How To Get From Sydney To Jervis Bay

How to Book Booderee National Park Camping

You MUST pre-book your camping trip to Booderee National Park. You cannot simply rock up and pitch your tent anywhere. Camping spots are numbered and allocated accordingly based on camp size.

The good news is, that booking to go camping in Booderee National Park is very straightforward. Head to the Parks Australia website, where you can fill out their online booking form and arrange your trip.

If camping at Green Patch or Bristol Point in Booderee National Park, you can head straight to your campground once you arrive. If you’re camping at Cave Beach, be sure to head into the Visitor Centre to collect your tent tag before proceeding.

Booderee National Park Camping Prices

Booderee National Park has four types of camping sites. They are small walk-in, small drive-in, large walk-in and large drive-in. Small sites accommodate up to five people (one tent) with large sites accommodating up to 10 people (two tents).

Prices therefore vary depending on the size of your pitch and the time of the week you go, with weekends typically more expensive. For a small walk-in or drive-in site, you’ll typically pay between $36–51/night. For a large walk-in or drive-in site, you’ll pay between $54–82/night.

Be sure to check on the official Booderee National Park website for any price changes.

Best Time For Camping in Booderee National Park

Certainly, summer in Booderee National Park is the busiest time of year to visit. The sun is warm, the water temperature wonderful and so it’s not uncommon for camping at Booderee National Park to not only be busy but also booked out.

If you can avoid weekends, you should have a quieter stay. Also, consider camping during the shoulder season and outside of school holidays for a less hectic stay.

Dan and I have visited Jervis Bay during winter on a previous trip and found it to be quite lovely. Although camping in Booderee National Park might feel a little cold, if you have the right equipment, you’ll experience a truly serene and nature-filled trip, without the crowds.

What to Pack For Camping in Booderee National Park

You’ll need to be fairly self-sufficient when camping in Booderee National Park. If you’re a fan of keeping things minimal when you’re camping (especially useful for Cave Beach Campground), then below are some of our favourite pieces of gear when spending the night in a national park.

Other Camping Nearby

If you prefer your camping to have a few more amenities and some electricity, then there are plenty of holiday parks to stay at outside of Booderee National Park and in Jervis Bay. In nearby Huskisson, you’ll find White Sands Holiday Haven and Paperbark Camp. But, our favourite all-rounder has to be Jervis Bay Holiday Park.

Read more: Camping Jervis Bay: 7 Stunning Coastal Campsites

Alternatives to Camping

Of course, it’s possible to visit Booderee National Park without camping there. Although, if you’re a fan of camping, we highly suggest you aim to camp if you can. But, below is our pick of the best apartment, motel and hotel accommodation options in nearby Jervis Bay, as a great alternative to camping.

Read more: Top 8 Jervis Bay Cabins For A Unique and Memorable Stay

Best Things to Do in Booderee National Park

Although we think Booderee National Park is worth visiting for camping alone, there are plenty of other natural attractions to check out during your visit. Below is a selection of our favourites.

• Green Patch Beach: tropical island-style beach with wonderful snorkelling and camping.
• Murrays Beach: a popular beach complete with a cave, lookout and coastal walks.
• Cave Beach: wild and rugged, this spectacular beach is home to an incredible sea cave.
• Scottish Rocks: interesting rock formations are found at the end of a beautiful coastal forest trail.
• Hole in the Wall: it’s more like a half a hole these days but it’s still a beautiful rock formation between Bristol Point and Murrays Beach.
• Iluka Beach: head here for one of the best sunrises in Booderee National Park.
• Steamers Beach: enjoy a 2km trail to this secluded beach. Also, while you’re at it, check out Brooks Lookout.
• Cape St. George Lighthouse: on the eastern edge of the national park are the ruins of a 19th-century lighthouse.
• Booderee Botanic Gardens: check out the local flora of Booderee National Park.

Read more: Jervis Bay Walks: 13 Easy Hikes Not To Miss

Bonus Tips

• Supplies: pick up food, water and other supplies in Huskisson before driving into Booderee National Park. Otherwise, there’s a supermarket in Jervis Bay Village inside the national park.
• Fuel: fill up in Huskisson or Vincentia before heading into the national park.
• No pets allowed: as this is a national park, unfortunately, your dog will need to sit this trip out.
• Phone signal: Dan and I found the phone and internet signal to be pretty good throughout Booderee National Park.
• Information Centre: be sure to head to the Visitor Centre at the entrance of Booderee National Park for ideas, tips and additional information on attractions and things to do.

Bookmark or save this post ready for your camping trip to Booderee National Park.

We acknowledge and respect the First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land/water that we visited and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.