Beach Campground – Free Clyde River Camping, Batemans Bay

For those in search of a true riverside sanctuary, Beach Campground in the magnificent Clyde River National Park is a top-tier destination. This beautiful and remote free campground is aptly named, featuring a stunning, large sandy beach that slopes gently into the pristine, calm waters of the Clyde River. It’s a paradise for families, paddlers, and self-sufficient adventurers. The journey in along unsealed forest roads is best suited to 4WD or high-clearance vehicles, which ensures the campground remains a peaceful and secluded retreat. The reward is a beautiful, grassy clearing set amongst towering spotted gums, with the magnificent river beach right at your doorstep.

This is the ultimate spot for water lovers. The large, sandy beach and calm, clear water make it an incredibly safe and enjoyable spot for children to swim and play. It’s a perfect launch point for a kayak or canoe to explore the serene, winding waterway, which is renowned for its spectacular scenery and excellent bass and estuary fishing. As a primitive national park campground, it offers a classic back-to-basics experience with no facilities. This means campers must be completely self-reliant, bringing their own toilet, all their drinking water, and taking every single piece of rubbish with them when they leave. The freedom to find your own private 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, Beach campground is an unmissable choice for the well-prepared camper.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -35.69098, 150.13034

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, steep, and rough, especially after rain.
• Site surface: Natural grass, dirt, and sand.
• 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 and estuary 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 (~25 km)
  • The Bayview Hotel, Batemans Bay (~25 km)
  • Catalina Country Club (~27 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in Batemans Bay (~25 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • The beautiful beaches and coastline of Batemans Bay.
  • Birdland Animal Park (~25 km)
  • Oyster tasting on the Clyde River.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • BIG4 Batemans Bay at Easts Riverside Holiday Park (~25 km)
  • Shady Willows Holiday Park, Batemans Bay (~25 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Red Gum Campground (in the same National Park).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Batemans Bay Visitor Information Centre (~25 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Batemans Bay (~25 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 (~25 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.