Tattersalls Campground, Limeburners Creek National Park Camping

Tucked away on the serene banks of the Karuah River, Tattersalls campground offers a classic bush camping experience within the beautiful Limeburners Creek National Park. This peaceful, spacious campground is a haven for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in a rich natural environment defined by tranquil waterways and towering eucalypts. It’s a destination that beckons water lovers; the gentle river is perfect for launching a kayak or canoe for a quiet paddle, and the fishing is a major drawcard for anglers hoping to catch bream, whiting, or flathead from the bank or a small boat. The campground’s grassy, level sites are scattered amongst the trees, providing a sense of seclusion and ample shade.The atmosphere at Tattersalls is relaxed and family-friendly. Kids have plenty of open space to run around, and the calm river waters are inviting for a supervised splash on a warm day. As a back-to-basics campground, it encourages a self-sufficient approach to camping. While there are well-maintained pit toilets, visitors need to bring their own drinking water and take all their rubbish home. This commitment to ‘leave no trace’ helps preserve the pristine condition of the park. As evening approaches, the air fills with the sounds of the bush—the call of birds, the gentle lapping of the river, and the crackle of campfires, which are permitted in the designated fire pits.While it feels wonderfully remote, Tattersalls is conveniently located just a short drive from the Pacific Highway, making it an accessible weekend getaway from Newcastle or Sydney. The surrounding national park offers opportunities for birdwatching and exploring the unsealed roads by 4WD or mountain bike. The nearby towns of Karuah and Tea Gardens provide all the necessary supplies, pubs, and cafes for those who need to restock or fancy a meal out. Tattersalls campground strikes the perfect balance, offering a genuine sense of bush seclusion without being completely isolated from modern conveniences.

Site Details

• Location: Limeburners Creek National Park, on the banks of the Karuah River.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, campervans. Some sites may be suitable for small caravans.
• Road access: Unsealed road (Tattersalls Road). It is generally 2WD accessible, but conditions can deteriorate after heavy rain, so caution is advised.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes. Bookings are required and can be made online via the NSW NPWS website. A daily park entry fee may also apply.
• Maximum overnight stays: Subject to NSW NPWS booking rules.
• Number of powered sites: 0
• Number of un-powered sites: 20 unmarked sites.

Facilities & Rules

• Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets.
• Picnic tables: No.
• Potable water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited and unreliable. Telstra may have some reception.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes, pit toilets.
• Ullage / Dump Point: No. The nearest public dump points are in Karuah or Bulahdelah.
• Drive through sites: No designated drive-through sites.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be taken out with you.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire rings only, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Permitted, but with time and noise restrictions. Be considerate of other campers.
• Number of sites available: 20 marked sites.

Activities & Notes

• Essentials to bring: All drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent, and fishing gear.
• Pet friendly: No. Pets and domestic animals are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Yes, river fishing is very popular. A NSW fishing license is required.
• Short walks: Explore the area around the campground on foot.

Local Amenities

The nearest towns with services are Karuah and Tea Gardens / Hawks Nest.

• Nearest Pubs:
  • Karuah RSL Club (approx. 20 km)
  • Tea Gardens Hotel (approx. 30 km)
  • Hawks Nest Golf Club (approx. 35 km)
• Places to Eat: Pubs, cafes, and takeaway shops in Karuah and Tea Gardens.
• Local Attractions:
  • Kayaking and boating on the Karuah River and Port Stephens.
  • Myall Lakes National Park.
  • Beaches at Hawks Nest.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • BIG4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park (approx. 20 km)
  • Hawks Nest Beach Holiday Park (approx. 35 km)
• Next Free Camps: Limited options. Bulahdelah Rest Area is a possibility for an overnight stop.
• Nearest Dump Points: Karuah servo or Bulahdelah Showground (check for public access).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Karuah.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available at service stations or public parks in Karuah or Tea Gardens.
• Nearest Public Toilets (offsite): Public parks in Karuah.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The region experiences a temperate coastal climate.

• Summer (December – February): Warm to hot and can be humid. Popular time for water activities but can be busy. Insect repellent is essential.
• Autumn (March – May): Mild, sunny days and cooler nights. Generally considered the best time for camping with pleasant weather.
• Winter (June – August): Days are often cool but sunny. Nights can be cold, so warm gear and good sleeping bags are necessary.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm weather, perfect for bushwalking and fishing as the season warms up.