The Ruins Campground – Booti Booti National Park

The Ruins Campground is one of the most sought-after coastal camping destinations in New South Wales, and for very good reason. Perfectly situated in the heart of Booti Booti National Park, this campground boasts an unbeatable location on a thin isthmus, offering campers the best of both worlds: the calm, protected waters of Wallis Lake on one side, and the crashing surf of the spectacular Seven Mile Beach on the other. This dual water access makes it an absolute paradise for families and water sports enthusiasts. You can spend the morning kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the glassy lake, and the afternoon surfing or swimming at the ocean beach, all just a short walk from your campsite.

This is a campground that perfectly blends a stunning natural setting with excellent modern facilities. The large, grassy sites are set amongst a beautiful grove of paperbark and gum trees, offering shade and a serene atmosphere suitable for tents, caravans, and camper trailers. The amenity blocks are modern and well-maintained, providing the welcome comfort of hot showers and flush toilets. There are also free electric barbecues and picnic areas, making meal times easy and social. The campground is the starting point for the scenic Booti Hill and Lakeside walking track, a beautiful loop that offers incredible views over both the lake and the ocean. Due to its immense popularity, bookings are absolutely essential and need to be made many months in advance, especially for holiday periods. For a family-friendly coastal holiday that ticks every box, The Ruins is a truly world-class national park experience.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -32.31075, 152.51915

Site Information

• Location: Booti Booti National Park, between Forster and Pacific Palms.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road access: Sealed road (The Lakes Way), 2WD accessible.
• Site surface: Grass.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of un-powered sites: 88 marked sites.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, electric barbecues, picnic tables, drinking water.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Prohibited. Only the provided barbecues may be used.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 88 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• Swimming gear for both the lake and the beach.
• Kayak, paddleboard, surfboard, or fishing gear.
• Sturdy shoes for the Booti Hill walking track.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Booti Booti National Park.
• Fishing: Excellent beach fishing and lake fishing. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: The Booti Hill and Lakeside walking track is a highlight.

Local Amenities (in Forster / Pacific Palms)

• Local Pubs:
  • Pacific Palms Recreation Club (“The Recky”) (~10 km)
  • The Bellevue Hotel, Forster (~15 km)
  • Forster Bowling Club (~15 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A selection of cafes and restaurants at Elizabeth Beach and Blueys Beach (~8 km)
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in Forster (~15 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Seven Mile Beach (on site)
  • Cape Hawke Lookout, Forster (~18 km)
  • Seal Rocks and Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse (~30 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Reflections Holiday Parks Forster Beach (~15 km)
  • BIG4 Forster Tuncurry Great Lakes Holiday Park (~18 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Forster (various caravan parks, may charge a fee for non-guests).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Pacific Palms (~10 km) or Forster (~15 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite at the campground.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mid North Coast

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, perfect for swimming and beach activities. Average temperatures from 20°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Often calm, making it ideal for paddling and hiking. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny. The best time for whale watching. Temperatures range from 8°C to 18°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather, though can be windy. The bush is full of wildflowers. Temperatures range from 13°C to 24°C.