Merimbula Camping, Bournda NSW
For a truly special and serene bush escape on the magnificent Sapphire Coast, Merimbula Camping offers a private and picturesque retreat that stands apart from the bustling coastal caravan parks. This fantastic property, often booked through platforms like Hipcamp, provides a genuine back-to-nature experience on a sprawling private acreage. The campground is set in a beautiful, secluded valley with huge, grassy, and well-spaced sites, ensuring campers have an abundance of privacy and peace. It’s an idyllic setting for self-sufficient travellers who want to unwind, surrounded by native forest and the sounds of abundant birdlife.
The experience here is centred on a relaxed, off-grid lifestyle. The centrepiece of the property is a large, beautiful dam, which is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or trying your luck fishing for bass. A major highlight for many visitors is the very welcoming pet-friendly policy, which allows dogs the freedom to run, play, and swim, making it a true paradise for the whole family. The simple joys of bush camping are championed here, with the opportunity to have a campfire in the provided fire pits making for magical evenings under a brilliant, starry sky. While the focus is on self-sufficiency, the hosts provide basic amenities, including a clean composting toilet, which adds a welcome touch of convenience.
What makes this location truly exceptional is that while it feels a world away from everything, it is on the doorstep of some of the Sapphire Coast’s best attractions. The campground has direct walking access into the stunning Bournda National Park, with its secluded beaches, pristine lagoons, and fantastic hiking trails. The vibrant coastal towns of Merimbula and Pambula, with their excellent cafes, pubs, and shops, are just a short drive away. For a peaceful, private, and perfectly located nature escape, Merimbula Camping is an outstanding choice.
Site Information
- Location: Private property in a secluded valley in Bournda, between Merimbula and Tathra.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Good quality unsealed access road to the property.
- Site Surface: Large, level grass areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, unpowered sites only. Booking is essential.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with the hosts when booking.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous spacious, undefined sites.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (composting) toilet. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: No.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra provides the best chance of a signal.
- TV Reception: Poor.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a basic toilet is provided for guests.
- Ullage: No. The nearest public dump point is in Merimbula.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a leave-no-trace property; you must take all rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Yes, campfires are a key feature and are permitted in provided fire pits (subject to fire bans).
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding timing and neighbours.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All food and drinking water, shower, power, rubbish bags, firewood, fishing gear, and hiking boots.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly campground.
- Fishing: Bass fishing in the on-site dam. Excellent beach and estuary fishing nearby.
- Short Walks: Excellent for bushwalking on the property and direct access to trails in Bournda National Park.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Royal Willows Hotel, Pambula (approx. 8 km)
- Merimbula Lakeview Hotel (approx. 12 km)
- Tathra Hotel (approx. 20 km)
- Places to Eat: A huge range of excellent cafes, bakeries, pubs, and restaurants in nearby Pambula and Merimbula.
- Local Attractions:
- Bournda National Park (direct access)
- Wallagoot Lake
- Merimbula Wharf Aquarium & Restaurant
- Magic Mountain Merimbula
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort
- Tween Waters Holiday Park, Merimbula
- Hobart Beach Campground (in Bournda NP)
- Next Free Camps: Low-cost camping at Panboola Wetlands in Pambula. Nearest free camp is Myrtle Creek Rest Area.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available in Merimbula.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Pambula and Merimbula.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Pambula or Merimbula.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite for guests.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot, perfect for swimming in the dam and exploring the nearby beaches. This is the peak holiday season. Temperatures average 16°C to 25°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to visit, with mild, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures average 11°C to 22°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): The whale watching season on the coast. Days are cool and can be windy, nights are cold. Temperatures range from 6°C to 17°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming temperatures and the surrounding bushland is vibrant with wildflowers. Temperatures average 10°C to 21°C.