Smoky Cape Campground – Arakoon National Park Camping

Smoky Cape Campground offers an idyllic coastal escape, perfectly positioned between lush forest and the golden sands of the Pacific Ocean in the beautiful Arakoon National Park. This very popular campground is set in a peaceful, sheltered gully, providing a fantastic, family-friendly atmosphere just a short stroll from the secluded North Smoky Beach. The campground is a spacious, grassy area surrounded by magnificent cabbage tree palms and towering eucalypts, offering well-defined unpowered sites suitable for tents, camper trailers, and caravans. It’s a place where you can fall asleep to the gentle sounds of the ocean and wake up to a chorus of kookaburras and other native birds.

The campground is a perfect base for exploration and adventure. A key attraction is the historic Smoky Cape Lighthouse, one of the oldest and tallest in Australia, which is just a short walk or drive up the hill. The headland provides one of the most spectacular whale watching vantage points on the coast during the migration season. The beautiful Captain Cook’s walking track also starts nearby, leading hikers on a scenic journey to the iconic Trial Bay Gaol. The beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, and fishing, while the campground itself is a haven for wildlife, with goannas and kangaroos being very common visitors. The facilities are excellent for a national park, with the luxury of hot showers and flush toilets making for a comfortable stay. Due to its popularity, bookings are essential, especially during holidays. For a classic Australian beach camping holiday that combines natural beauty, history, and comfort, Smoky Cape is a premier destination on the Mid North Coast.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -30.92748, 153.07723

Site Information

• Location: Arakoon National Park, near South West Rocks.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans.
• Road access: Sealed road. Easy 2WD access.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• 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: 87 marked sites.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available but boiling is recommended.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited. Some Telstra service is available.
• 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: 87 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• Your own firewood if you wish to have a campfire.
• Beach gear: swimmers, towels, surfboard, fishing gear.
• Sturdy shoes for coastal walks.
• Binoculars for whale watching.

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: Access to the Captain Cook’s walking track and the walk up to the lighthouse.

Local Amenities (in South West Rocks)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Seabreeze Beach Hotel, South West Rocks (~8 km)
  • The Riverside Tavern, South West Rocks (~9 km)
  • South West Rocks Country Club (~10 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in South West Rocks (~8 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Smoky Cape Lighthouse (on site)
  • The historic Trial Bay Gaol (~5 km)
  • Fish Rock Cave Dive Centre (~8 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Trial Bay Gaol campground (in the same National Park)
  • NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort (~9 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is located in South West Rocks (~9 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in South West Rocks (~9 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite (boil first). Otherwise, South West Rocks.
• 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.