Saltwater Creek campground, Green Cape NSW
Saltwater Creek campground is a truly magnificent coastal destination, offering a quintessential “best of both worlds” camping experience on the Far South Coast. Located in the beautiful Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd National Park), this idyllic campground is perfectly positioned between the calm, tea-tree-stained waters of Saltwater Creek Lagoon and the golden sands of the Pacific Ocean. This unique setting makes it an incredibly popular spot for families, kayakers, and anglers. The campground itself is a large, open, grassy area dotted with shady banksias and eucalypts, providing a serene and picturesque base for a classic back-to-nature holiday.
This is a fantastic bush camp for the self-sufficient camper. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, consisting of non-flushing toilets and wood barbecues. Campers need to be fully self-reliant, bringing their own drinking water and firewood, and are required to take all their rubbish home to protect the pristine environment. The main attraction is the dual aquatic paradise. The lagoon offers a safe, sheltered haven for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, making it perfect for families with young children. Just a short stroll over the dunes, the ocean beach provides opportunities for surfing, beach fishing, and exploring the rocky headlands.
The campground is a sanctuary for wildlife, and it’s almost guaranteed you’ll be sharing the space with kangaroos, wallabies, goannas, and an incredible array of birdlife. It also serves as a major campsite on the renowned Light to Light walk, a multi-day hike that showcases the spectacular coastal scenery of the park. Despite its secluded feel, the historic town of Eden is just a short drive away for supplies and attractions. For a stunning coastal adventure that combines the best of a calm-water lagoon and a surf beach, Saltwater Creek is a top-tier choice. Bookings are absolutely essential, as this popular spot fills up months in advance.
Site Information
- Location: In the southern section of Beowa National Park, south of Eden.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, and small-to-medium Caravans/Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Long unsealed road (Edrom Rd/Saltwater Creek Rd). Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather, but can be rough and slippery. Not recommended for large, low-clearance vehicles.
- Site Surface: Large, level grass and dirt areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, unpowered sites only. Online booking in advance is mandatory.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the NPWS booking website for current limits.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: 35 un-designated sites available for booking.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets, wood-fired BBQs/fire pits. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in provided BBQs only, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All water and food, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, hiking boots, kayak/SUP, fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in the National Park.
- Fishing: Excellent beach and estuary fishing.
- Short Walks: A key stop on the Light to Light walk with access to beautiful coastal trails.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Great Southern Inn, Eden (approx. 30 km)
- Hotel Australasia, Eden (approx. 30 km)
- Places to Eat: The nearest reliable options, including supermarkets, are in the town of Eden.
- Local Attractions:
- Green Cape Lightstation
- The Light to Light Walk
- Disaster Bay Lookout
- Eden Killer Whale Museum
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Bittangabee campground (also in the park)
- Numerous parks in Eden (e.g., BIG4, Eden Beachfront Holiday Park).
- Next Free Camps: Very limited. Low-cost camping at Nethercote Falls or Myrtle Creek Rest Area.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available in Eden.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Eden. It is essential to have a full tank.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Eden.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm and can be humid. The lagoon and beach are perfect for swimming. This is the peak season. Temperatures average 15°C to 24°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to visit, with mild, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures average 10°C to 21°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): The peak whale watching season. Days are cool and can be windy and wet. Nights are cold. Temperatures range from 6°C to 16°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming temperatures and coastal wildflowers in bloom. Excellent for walking. Temperatures average 9°C to 20°C.