Coopernook Forest Camping Ground, Lansdowne NSW
For travellers on the NSW Mid North Coast seeking a peaceful, free, and pet-friendly bush escape, the Coopernook Forest Camping Ground is an absolute treasure. Also known as the Coopernook Headquarters, this fantastic State Forest campground offers a serene and spacious retreat just a short detour from the Pacific Highway. It’s a classic Australian bush camp, set in a vast, open, grassy clearing surrounded by magnificent tall timber forest. The sheer amount of space is a major drawcard, allowing all types of campers, from those in big rigs to simple tents, to find their own private spot and enjoy the tranquillity of the forest.
This is a back-to-basics camp that perfectly suits the self-sufficient traveller. The facilities are simple but well-maintained, consisting of non-flushing toilets and a number of picnic tables and wood-fired barbecue pits. A key highlight for many visitors is that, being in a state forest, it is wonderfully pet-friendly, allowing dogs the freedom to run and play in the wide-open spaces. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, with the only sounds being the rich chorus of native birdlife, including bell miners and kookaburras. Evenings are often spent around a crackling campfire, making for a classic and cosy bush experience under the stars.
The campground’s location is superb. While feeling wonderfully secluded, it’s just a short drive to the village of Coopernook for a pub meal, or the larger town of Taree for all major supplies. It also serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area, with the forest offering numerous tracks for bushwalking and 4WDing. The beautiful coastal towns of Harrington and Crowdy Head are also easily accessible for a day trip. For a simple, free, and authentic forest stay, the Coopernook Forest Camping Ground is one of the best on the coast.
Site Information
- Location: In the Coopernook State Forest, west of the Pacific Highway, near Taree.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, and Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest roads. Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather, but can be slippery after rain.
- Site Surface: Large, level grass and dirt areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free, informal camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but short to medium stays are common.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Very large, open, undefined camping area.
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 water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra provides the best chance of a signal.
- TV Reception: Poor.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding timing and neighbours.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All water and food, rubbish bags, firewood, toilet paper, hiking boots.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Fishing opportunities in the nearby Lansdowne and Manning Rivers.
- Short Walks: Excellent for bushwalking and exploring the surrounding forest tracks.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Coopernook Hotel (approx. 10 km)
- The Royal Hotel, Kew (approx. 20 km)
- Laurieton Hotel (approx. 25 km)
- Places to Eat: The Coopernook pub. A full range of supermarkets, pubs, and cafes in nearby Laurieton and Taree.
- Local Attractions:
- Cattai Wetlands
- Crowdy Bay National Park and Diamond Head
- The coastal towns of Harrington and Crowdy Head
- The “Big Axe” at Kew
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Lansdowne Caravan Park
- Multiple parks in Taree and Harrington.
- Next Free Camps: Various highway rest areas like the New Italy Rest Area (north) or Wang Wauk Rest Area (south).
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Taree and Laurieton.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available at the Coopernook service centre on the highway.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Taree or Laurieton.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Hot and humid, with a high chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures average 19°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to visit, with warm, sunny days and lower humidity. Temperatures average 14°C to 26°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Mild days and cool nights. It’s generally drier, making it great for camping and exploring. Temperatures range from 7°C to 19°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming temperatures and the forest is vibrant with new growth and wildflowers. Temperatures average 12°C to 25°C.