Gumma Campsite – Free Riverside Camping Nambucca Valley NSW

Gumma Campsite is a legendary free camping spot on the NSW Mid North Coast, beloved by travellers for its spectacular waterfront location and relaxed, spacious atmosphere. Situated on the beautiful, tidal Warrell Creek, which feeds into the Nambucca River, this council-run reserve is an absolute paradise for anyone who loves fishing, boating, or paddling. The campground is a massive, sprawling grassy area, offering a huge number of campsites with plenty of room to spread out. You can choose a prime spot right on the water’s edge or find a more sheltered position back amongst the trees. Its suitability for all types of camping setups, from tents to the largest big rigs, makes it accessible to everyone.

The main attraction is undoubtedly the water. The creek provides a stunning backdrop and a playground for activities. It’s an ideal place to launch a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the mangrove-lined waterways, or to head out in a boat for some serious fishing for bream, flathead, and whiting. The reserve is exceptionally pet-friendly, with endless space for dogs to run and swim. The facilities are basic, with non-flush toilets provided, so campers need to be largely self-sufficient, especially with their own drinking water. The campground operates on an honour system, with a donation box to help the local council with the upkeep of this magnificent community asset. Despite its wonderfully remote and natural feel, it’s just a short drive to the full services of Macksville and the beautiful beaches of Nambucca Heads. For a classic, budget-friendly Aussie riverside camping experience, Gumma Reserve is one of the best.

• GPS Coordinates: -30.70674, 152.98322

Site Information

• Location: On Warrell Creek, east of Macksville.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed road, generally 2WD accessible with care. Can get corrugated.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, a donation is requested.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally up to 2-3 weeks, check local signage.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, boat ramp.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes, but taking rubbish with you is encouraged.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive area.

Essentials to Bring

• Donation cash for the honesty box.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Kayak, boat, or paddleboard.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Insect repellent, especially for sandflies at dusk and dawn.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent creek and estuary fishing.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the extensive foreshore.

Local Amenities (in Macksville / Nambucca Heads)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Nambucca Hotel, Macksville (~10 km)
  • The Star Hotel, Macksville (~10 km)
  • The Golden Sands Tavern, Nambucca Heads (~15 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide variety of pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in Macksville (~10 km) and Nambucca Heads (~15 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The V-Wall Outdoor Gallery, Nambucca Heads (~15 km)
  • Captain Cook Lookout, Nambucca Heads (~16 km)
  • Shelly Beach, Nambucca Heads (~16 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Nambucca River Tourist Park, Macksville (~10 km)
  • White Albatross Holiday Park, Nambucca Heads (~15 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Numerous rest areas along the Pacific Highway.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Nambucca Heads Visitor Information Centre (~15 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Macksville (~10 km) and Nambucca Heads (~15 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Nambucca Heads Visitor Information Centre (~15 km) or service stations. Arrive fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Also available in parks in Macksville and Nambucca Heads.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mid North Coast

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, perfect for swimming and water sports. High chance of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 20°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Often calm, making it ideal for paddling. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny. The water is cold but fishing is often at its best. Temperatures range from 8°C to 19°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather, though can be windy. The bush is full of life. Temperatures range from 13°C to 24°C.