Red Gum Campground – Free Clyde River Camping, Batemans Bay

For a truly tranquil and off-the-grid riverside escape, Red Gum campground in the Clyde River National Park is a hidden gem on the NSW South Coast. This beautiful, free, and remote campground offers a classic bush experience for self-sufficient adventurers. The journey in along unsealed forest roads is best suited to 4WDs or high-clearance vehicles, which helps to preserve the campground’s peaceful and secluded atmosphere. The reward is a stunning campsite set in a grassy clearing right on the banks of the pristine Clyde River, surrounded by magnificent spotted gums and a rich diversity of native bushland. It’s a place to truly disconnect, with the gentle sounds of the river and the calls of bellbirds as your only soundtrack.

This is a paradise for paddlers and anglers. The campground has direct access to the river, making it the perfect spot to launch a kayak or canoe and explore the serene, winding waterway, which is renowned for its excellent bass fishing. The clear, calm water is also wonderful for a refreshing swim on a warm day. As a primitive national park campground, there are no facilities here at all, so campers must be completely self-reliant. This means bringing your own toilet, all your drinking water, and taking every single piece of rubbish with you. The freedom to find your own secluded spot by the water and enjoy a campfire under a brilliant, star-filled sky makes this a very special place. For a rugged, beautiful, and completely free adventure, Red Gum campground is a top-tier choice for the well-prepared camper.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -35.66882, 150.15171

Site Information

• Location: Clyde River National Park, west of Batemans Bay.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers.
• Road access: Unsealed roads. 4WD is recommended as tracks can be slippery and rough, especially after rain.
• Site surface: Natural grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge. Bookings are required via the NPWS website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Facilities: None.
• Picnic tables: No.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None. A PLB is essential.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: No. Must be fully self-contained with a portable toilet.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to fire bans. Check NPWS alerts for the park.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: A small number of unmarked sites.

Essentials to Bring

• A well-prepared 4WD with recovery gear.
• Your own portable toilet and shower setup.
• All drinking and washing water for your entire stay.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) is essential for this remote area.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Excellent bass fishing in the Clyde River. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: Explore the beautiful and rugged riverbanks and surrounding forest.

Local Amenities (in Batemans Bay)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Star Hotel, Batemans Bay (~20 km)
  • The Bayview Hotel, Batemans Bay (~20 km)
  • Catalina Country Club (~22 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in Batemans Bay (~20 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • The beautiful beaches and coastline of Batemans Bay.
  • Birdland Animal Park (~20 km)
  • Oyster tasting on the Clyde River.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • BIG4 Batemans Bay at Easts Riverside Holiday Park (~20 km)
  • Shady Willows Holiday Park, Batemans Bay (~20 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Batemans Bay Visitor Information Centre (~20 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Batemans Bay (~20 km). It is essential to arrive with a full tank of fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Batemans Bay. You must arrive at the park fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • The nearest public toilets are in Batemans Bay (~20 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: NSW South Coast Hinterland

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, perfect for swimming. High chance of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 18°C to 27°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Ideal for hiking and paddling. Temperatures range from 12°C to 24°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cold nights. Frost is possible in the valley. Great for campfires. Temperatures range from 5°C to 18°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The landscape is lush and green. Temperatures range from 10°C to 23°C.