Indian Head campground is an idyllic coastal sanctuary, offering one of the most picturesque and family-friendly camping experiences on the NSW Mid North Coast. Located in the magnificent Crowdy Bay National Park, this popular campground is set in a beautiful, grassy clearing just behind the sand dunes, with many sites boasting views of the park’s iconic ‘Indian Head’ rock formation. The campground is famous for its incredible population of resident eastern grey kangaroos, which graze peacefully throughout the campsites, providing an unforgettable, up-close wildlife experience for visitors of all ages. The atmosphere is relaxed and serene, making it the perfect spot for a classic Australian beach holiday.

The campground provides direct access to the pristine Indian Head Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand perfect for swimming, bodyboarding, and excellent beach fishing. For hikers, the campground is the starting point for several scenic walks, including the popular Trig Trig walking track which offers panoramic views of the coast and hinterland. The facilities at Indian Head are outstanding for a national park, with the rare luxury of hot showers and flush toilets, making for a very comfortable stay. The spacious, unpowered sites are suitable for tents, camper trailers, and caravans. Bookings are essential, especially during peak seasons, and campers must arrive self-sufficient with their own drinking water and firewood. For a comfortable, scenic, and wildlife-rich coastal escape that feels a world away yet is easily accessible, Indian Head campground is a premier destination.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -31.73034, 152.79441

Site Information

• Location: Crowdy Bay National Park, north of Crowdy Head.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road access: Unsealed road, generally 2WD accessible with care.
• Site surface: Grass and sand.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of un-powered sites: 60 marked sites.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited. Telstra service is patchy.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 60 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Your own firewood.
• Beach gear: swimmers, towels, surfboard, fishing gear.
• Sturdy shoes for coastal walks.
• Binoculars for whale watching (in season).

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Excellent beach and rock fishing. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: The Trig Trig walking track and other coastal walks start from the campground.

Local Amenities (in Harrington / Laurieton)

• Local Pubs:
  • Harrington Hotel (~20 km)
  • Laurieton Hotel (~30 km)
  • The Royal Hotel, Kew (~30 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A good selection of cafes, clubs, and pubs in Harrington (~20 km)
  • Extensive dining options in Laurieton (~30 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Crowdy Head Lighthouse (~15 km)
  • The coastal village of Harrington and its breakwall (~20 km)
  • North Brother Mountain Lookout, Laurieton (~35 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Crowdy Head Holiday Park (~15 km)
  • Discovery Parks – Harrington (~20 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is located in Laurieton (~30 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Harrington (~20 km) or Laurieton (~30 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Harrington or Laurieton. It is essential to arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mid North Coast

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, perfect for swimming. High chance of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 21°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Ideal for hiking and fishing. Temperatures range from 16°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cool nights. The prime time for whale watching. Temperatures range from 9°C to 20°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The bush is vibrant with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 14°C to 25°C.