Kempsey Showground Camping | Macleay Valley Coast Base
Positioned as a central hub in the beautiful Macleay Valley, the Kempsey Showground offers travellers a spacious, convenient, and highly affordable base to explore the stunning Mid-North Coast of NSW. This classic country showground provides vast, level, grassy areas, making it a perfect spot for all kinds of camping setups, from the largest motorhomes and big rigs to caravans and camper trailers. Its location within the major regional town of Kempsey ensures that all essential services are just minutes away, blending the practicality of a city stay with the relaxed, open atmosphere of a traditional showground.
The key advantage of camping at the Kempsey Showground is its strategic position. It serves as an ideal launchpad for a wide range of local adventures. A must-visit attraction is the iconic Slim Dusty Centre, located right on the edge of town, which pays homage to Australia’s king of country music. The showground is also perfectly situated for day trips to the stunning coastal towns of Crescent Head, Hat Head, and South West Rocks, famous for their world-class surf breaks, pristine beaches, and historic landmarks like Trial Bay Gaol. The Macleay River, which runs through Kempsey, offers excellent fishing opportunities. The showground itself provides all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay, including powered sites, clean amenity blocks with hot showers, and a dump point. For a no-fuss, value-for-money camping experience that puts the rich history and natural beauty of the Macleay Valley Coast at your doorstep, the Kempsey Showground is an excellent choice.
Campground Details
- Name: Kempsey Showground
- Address: 19 Sea Street, West Kempsey NSW 2440
- Website: www.kempseyshowground.com.au
- GPS Coordinates: -31.07359, 152.82908
- Location: In the regional centre of Kempsey, close to the town centre and all major services.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large caravans, motorhomes, and tents.
- Road Access: Sealed road access directly to the showground entrance.
- Site Surface: Mostly level grass with some gravel/dirt areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, paid camping is available. Contact the on-site caretaker upon arrival.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Flexible. Check with the caretaker for any rules regarding long-term stays.
- Number of Powered Sites: Yes, a large number of powered sites are available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, extensive unpowered camping areas are also available.
Facilities
- Picnic Tables: Limited. Self-sufficiency is recommended.
- Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major Australian carriers.
- TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, amenity blocks with toilets and hot showers are available.
- Drive Through: Yes, many sites can be used as drive-through sites.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided for campers.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Permitted during respectful hours, but check with the caretaker.
Activities & Important Information
- Essentials to Bring: Long power lead and water hose, levelling blocks.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are generally welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing opportunities for various species in the nearby Macleay River.
- Short Walks: Easy walks around the showgrounds and into the West Kempsey town centre.
Local Amenities (in Kempsey)
Pubs & Places to Eat
- West Kempsey Hotel: A classic local pub with a bistro and friendly atmosphere, approx. 1 km.
- Kempsey Hotel: Located in the main town centre with a popular restaurant, approx. 2.5 km.
- Kempsey Macleay RSL Club: A large club offering a bistro, cafe, and entertainment, approx. 3 km.
Local Attractions
- Slim Dusty Centre: An award-winning museum dedicated to the life and music of the Australian country music legend.
- Crescent Head: A world-famous surfing reserve with a beautiful beach and iconic point break, approx. 20 km.
- Trial Bay Gaol: A historic and picturesque ruined gaol in Arakoon National Park near South West Rocks, approx. 35 km.
- Gladstone: A beautifully preserved historic riverside village with cafes and galleries, approx. 20 km.
Camping & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks: This is a major camping ground. Several other commercial caravan parks are located in and around Kempsey.
- Next Free Camps: Some free camps are available in nearby state forests (e.g., Collombatti) and at rest areas on the highway.
- Nearest Dump Points: A dump point is available on-site for registered campers.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous 24/7 service stations are located throughout the town.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available on-site.
- Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Available on-site.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Note: Kempsey enjoys a subtropical climate typical of the Mid-North Coast.
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and humid, with a high chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
- Autumn (Mar-May): A very pleasant season with warm, sunny days, lower humidity, and mild nights.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild and mostly dry, with cool nights. It is a very popular time for travellers to visit.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Weather warms up, with beautiful sunny days. The landscape is typically lush and green.