Yagon Campground – Myall Lakes National Park

For those seeking a truly remote and peaceful bush escape, Yagon campground offers a fantastic back-to-basics experience in the magnificent Myall Lakes National Park. Tucked away in a secluded clearing amidst coastal heathland and towering blackbutt forest, this campground is a haven for self-sufficient campers who want to get away from the crowds. The journey to Yagon is an adventure in itself, with access via unsealed forest roads that are best suited to 4WD vehicles, ensuring a quiet and tranquil atmosphere for all who visit. The campground features a small number of spacious, unmarked sites perfect for tents and off-road camper trailers, offering a genuine sense of immersion in the natural environment.

Yagon is an ideal base for exploration. While not directly on the beach, it’s just a short 4WD trip to the stunning and often deserted Lighthouse Beach and the other famous beaches of the Seal Rocks precinct. It’s also a great spot for bushwalkers, with access to nearby trails that wind through the beautiful and diverse coastal landscape. This is a classic, self-reliant national park experience; facilities are limited to non-flush toilets and wood barbecues. Campers must book in advance and arrive fully prepared with all their own drinking water and firewood, and must take all their rubbish out with them. The campground is a fantastic spot for wildlife watching, with goannas, wallabies, and a rich array of birdlife being common visitors. For a rugged, peaceful, and authentic bush adventure, Yagon campground is a top choice for the well-prepared camper.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -32.45328, 152.49474

Site Information

• Location: Myall Lakes National Park, near Seal Rocks.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers.
• Road access: Unsealed roads. 4WD is recommended as tracks can be sandy and rough, especially after rain.
• Site surface: Grass, sand, 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: 10 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 10 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• A well-prepared 4WD with recovery gear.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood and an axe/saw.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) is recommended.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Available at nearby beaches and lakes.
• Short walks: Explore the surrounding bushland and 4WD tracks.

Local Amenities (in Smiths Lake / Pacific Palms)

• Local Pubs:
  • Pacific Palms Recreation Club (“The Recky”) (~22 km)
  • Blueys Cellars & Deli, Blueys Beach (~24 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A small number of cafes and takeaways in Seal Rocks village (~5 km).
  • Good cafes and restaurants in Blueys Beach and Elizabeth Beach area (~24 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse (~5 km)
  • The beautiful beaches of Seal Rocks (~5 km)
  • The coastal town of Forster (~42 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Treachery Camp (private campground) (~2 km)
  • Reflections Holiday Parks Seal Rocks (~5 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Nearest public dump point is in Forster (~42 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Smiths Lake (~18 km) or Bulahdelah (~48 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Forster or Bulahdelah. It is essential to arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Seal Rocks village (~5 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mid North Coast

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, perfect for swimming and surfing. Average temperatures from 20°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Often the best time for exploring. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cool nights. The prime time for whale watching. Temperatures range from 8°C to 18°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather, though can be windy. The bush is full of wildflowers. Temperatures range from 13°C to 24°C.