Cave Beach Camping Ground – Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay

Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves, unzipping your tent to find kangaroos peacefully grazing just metres away on a grassy clearing. This is the magical reality of camping at Cave Beach in the magnificent Booderee National Park. This stunning campground offers one of the most iconic coastal camping experiences in Australia, renowned for its beautiful surf beach and incredibly tame local wildlife. The campground is nestled in a sheltered tea-tree forest just a short 300-metre walk from the car park, which ensures a quiet, vehicle-free environment perfect for immersing yourself in nature. This walk-in style means it’s best suited for tents and swags, creating an intimate and authentic camping atmosphere.

The star of the show is, of course, Cave Beach itself—a pristine arc of white sand that faces the open ocean, making it a popular spot for experienced surfers. For those not wanting to brave the waves, the beach is perfect for sunbathing, beach fishing, and exploring the namesake sea cave at low tide. The facilities provided by Parks Australia are excellent for a campground of this style, including clean toilets, cold-water showers, and gas barbecues. You will need to bring your own drinking water, but the convenience of the barbecues makes cooking a breeze. The campground is also a fantastic base for exploring the wider Booderee National Park, with its incredible network of walking trails, secluded bays, and the famous Booderee Botanic Gardens. For a back-to-nature coastal holiday that you will never forget, Cave Beach is an absolute must-do.

• Website: parksaustralia.gov.au/camping
• Phone Number: (02) 4443 0977 (Booderee Visitor Centre)
• GPS Coordinates: -35.1612, 150.6668

Site Information

• Location: Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay Territory.
• Site suitable for: Tents. This is a walk-in campground (approx. 300m from car park).
• Road access: Sealed road to the car park, suitable for all 2WD vehicles.
• Site surface: Grass.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are essential via the Parks Australia website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of un-powered sites: Approximately 29 designated sites.
• Facilities: Toilets, cold-water showers, gas barbecues, dishwashing sinks.
• Picnic tables: Yes, in communal areas.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited and unreliable.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Prohibited. Only the provided gas barbecues may be used.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 29 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All of your own drinking water.
• A trolley or cart to transport your gear from the car park to your campsite.
• Surfboard and wetsuit.
• A good torch, as the area is unlit at night.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are strictly prohibited in Booderee National Park.
• Fishing: Excellent beach fishing. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: The Ryans Swamp walking track starts from the campground. Many other tracks are available in the park.

Local Amenities (in Huskisson/Vincentia)

• Local Pubs:
  • Huskisson Hotel (‘The Husky Pub’), Huskisson (~20 km)
  • Club Jervis Bay, Huskisson (~20 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide variety of cafes, restaurants, and takeaways in Huskisson (~20 km) and Vincentia (~18 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Booderee Botanic Gardens (within the park)
  • Green Patch Beach (within the park)
  • Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours from Huskisson (~20 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Green Patch Campground (Booderee NP)
  • Jervis Bay Caravan Park, Huskisson (~20 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Closest options are low-cost, like camps in Shoalhaven council areas. True free camps are further away.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Huskisson Public Dump Point (~20 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Service stations in Vincentia (~18 km) and Huskisson (~20 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available for purchase at shops in Huskisson/Vincentia.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Also available at other beaches within the park and in Huskisson (~20 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Jervis Bay South Coast

• Summer (December – February): Warm to hot and often humid, perfect for swimming and beach life. Average temperatures from 18°C to 26°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Mild, sunny days and cool evenings. Often calm and clear, ideal for hiking and kayaking. Temperatures range from 12°C to 23°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny. Great for whale watching season. Temperatures range from 7°C to 17°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild but can be windy. The park is vibrant with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 11°C to 21°C.