Copmanhurst Recreation Grounds Camping | Clarence River Retreat

For travellers seeking a tranquil riverside escape in the beautiful Clarence Valley, the Copmanhurst Recreation Grounds offer a spectacular and authentic Australian camping experience. Located in the small, historic village of Copmanhurst, this community-run campground is set on a magnificent, expansive grassy flat right on the banks of the mighty Clarence River. It’s a paradise for water lovers, anglers, and anyone looking to unwind in a peaceful, natural setting. The grounds are vast, providing ample room for all types of campers, from those in large motorhomes and caravans to tents and swags, all with the potential for a prime waterfront position.

The main attraction here is undeniably the river. The campground provides direct access to the Clarence, making it incredibly easy to launch a kayak, canoe, or small boat for a day of exploration or fishing. The river is renowned for its Australian Bass and Eastern Freshwater Cod, making it a hotspot for anglers. The grassy banks are perfect for picnicking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing and watching the river’s gentle flow. The campground’s atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, reflecting the spirit of the small village. A short walk will take you to the historic Rest Point Hotel for a cold beer and a hearty pub meal. While offering a true bush camping feel, the grounds are only a 30-minute scenic drive from the major regional city of Grafton, making it easy to restock supplies. For a low-cost, picturesque, and activity-filled stay, the Copmanhurst Recreation Grounds is one of the Northern Rivers’ best-kept secrets.

Campground Details

Copmanhurst Recreation Grounds Camping – NSW Map

• Name: Copmanhurst Recreation Grounds
• Address: 1 Lawrence Street, Copmanhurst NSW 2460
• Website: Not applicable. This is a community facility that operates on a donation/fee system.
• GPS Coordinates: -29.59012, 152.77386

• Location: In the small riverside village of Copmanhurst, north-west of Grafton.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs, caravans, motorhomes, and tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the village, with a good gravel road into the camping area.
• Site Surface: Mostly level grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, paid camping is available (usually via a donation box or a visiting caretaker).
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check for local signage, but generally suitable for week-long stays.
• Number of Powered Sites: Yes, a limited number of powered sites are available for a fee.
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Vast unpowered camping areas are available.

Facilities

• Picnic Tables: Yes, some tables are available.
• Potable Water: Yes, a tap with potable water is available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited. Telstra provides the best chance of a signal, but it can be weak.
• TV Reception: Can be unreliable due to the valley location.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a toilet block is available (may be basic).
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are generally provided. Please help keep the area tidy.
• Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to local fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted during respectful hours.

Activities & Important Information

• Essentials to Bring: Cash for payment, fishing gear, kayak/canoe, firewood, and insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are generally welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
• Fishing: Excellent freshwater fishing in the Clarence River. A NSW fishing licence is required.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks along the riverbank and around the small, historic village.

Local Amenities

Pubs & Places to Eat

• Rest Point Hotel Copmanhurst: The classic local pub, offering meals and a friendly atmosphere, approx. 1 km.
• Jacaranda Hotel (Grafton): A landmark pub in Grafton with a great bistro, approx. 30 km.
• Crown Hotel (Grafton): Another popular pub with river views in Grafton, approx. 30 km.

Local Attractions

• Clarence River: The main attraction for boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing.
• Historic Grafton: Famous for its beautiful tree-lined streets (especially during the Jacaranda Festival in Oct/Nov), heritage buildings, and the iconic Grafton Bridge.
• Washpool National Park: A World Heritage-listed rainforest with stunning walking tracks, a bit further afield.

Camping & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks: Major commercial caravan parks are available in Grafton.
• Next Free Camps: This is the main low-cost camp in the immediate area. Other options are in surrounding state forests.
• Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available at the Grafton Showground.
• Nearest Petrol Station: The nearest reliable fuel is in Grafton.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available on-site.
• Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): The on-site toilets are the closest. Flush toilets are available in Grafton.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Note: Copmanhurst is in the Northern Rivers region and has a subtropical climate.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and humid, with a high chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Perfect for river activities.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Often considered the best time to visit, with warm, sunny days, lower humidity, and pleasant nights.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild and mostly dry, with cool to cold nights. It is a very popular time for travellers to visit the region.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Weather warms up, with beautiful sunny days. The landscape is typically lush and green.