Beach campground

Clyde River National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

After a day paddling and fishing on the beautiful waterways of Clyde River, pull up your kayak at Beach campground and recharge in this tranquil riverside setting.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 4 camping pads
Camping type Tent, Remote/backpack camping
Facilities Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, toilets
What to bring Drinking water, cooking water, firewood, fuel stove, insect repellent
Price There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies.
Bookings Book up to 12 people or 2 sites online.
Group bookings This campground is not suitable for group bookings.
Please note
  • Road access is via a steep track that is only suitable for 4WD vehicles.
  • This campground is not suitable for trailers.
  • Sites are not powered.
  • Mobile phone reception is avaialble.

Beach campground is a secluded camping area on the river. Accessible from both the water and via a steep four-wheel drive track, it’s a tranquil setting far away from the crowds.

Raised riverside platforms and steps down to the water’s edge allow for the launching and landing of kayaks and canoes, the mooring of small boats, or river access for swimming and fishing.

At low tide, a sandy shoreline and mangroves provide the opportunity for an exploratory walk along the river’s edge. However, at high tide, the sandy shore is covered by water, restricting walking access.

This picturesque riverside location is also home to mosquitos and sand flies, so make sure you pack some insect repellent.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/beach-campground/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Beach campground.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Beach campground is accessible by boat or 4WD vehicle.

    4WD access:

    • Follow the Kings Highway (B52) north-west towards Braidwood for 2.6km.
    • Turn left onto the unsealed Rotary Drive and follow for 1.4km to Holmes Lookout.
    • Continue west along Rotary Drive and then onto Chinamans Point Trail for 3km to a park management gate.
    • Drive through the gate and continue for 600m down a steep 4WD track to Beach campground.

    Boat access:

    • Launch your watercraft from the boat ramp beside the bridge at either Batemans Bay or Nelligen.
    • Travel around 6km upstream of Batemans Bay or 9km downstream of Nelligen.
    • The campground is located downstream of Big Island on the eastern river bank.

    Road quality

    • Unsealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • All roads require 4WD vehicle

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Parking

    Parking is available at Batemans Bay and Nelligen.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Clyde River National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

    Spring

    Take in magnificent sunset views from Holmes lookout after a day of exploring.

    Summer

    Get away from the holiday crowds and enjoy peaceful camping, swimming and kayaking on mighty Clyde River.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    14°C and 24°C

    Highest recorded

    43.3°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    6°C and 17°C

    Lowest recorded

    0°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    Driest month

    August

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    867.5mm

    Facilities

    • Water is not available at this campground
    • Firewood is not provided and is sparse.
    • Rubbish bins are not available, so please take your rubbish with you when leaving.
    • You’re encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
    • Boat hire, camping supplies, grocery stores and medical supplies and services are available at Batemans Bay.

    Toilets

    • Non-flush toilets

    Picnic tables

    There's 1 shared picnic table next to sites 1 and 2.

    Barbecue facilities

    Each campsite has a fire ring.

    • Fire rings (bring your own firewood)

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Camping safety

    Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

    Fire safety

    During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

    Fishing safety

    Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Paddling safety

    To make your paddling or kayaking adventure safer and more enjoyable, check out these paddling safety tips.

    River and lake safety

    The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

    Permitted

    Fishing

    A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    Prohibited

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Learn more

    Beach campground is in Clyde River National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    Forests along the foreshore

    Beach campground in Clyde River National Park. Photo: Lucas Boyd

    Clyde River National Park has patches of rare forest red gum and three endangered ecological communities; swamp oak floodplain forest; river-flat eucalypt forest on coastal floodplains; and coastal saltmarsh. Mangroves along the river also provide important fish nurseries.

    • Holmes lookout Get a wonderful bird’s-eye view of Clyde River and scenic views of the district at Holmes lookout, a popular picnic spot that’s perfect for a birdwatching day trip.

    Protecting the unique

    Glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami), Clyde River National Park. Photo: Michael Murphy

    As you enjoy the natural beauty of the Clyde River National Park, you’ll see the unique plants and animals protected here. The threatened glossy black cockatoo finds much needed feed trees such as black she-oak in the park. The yellow-bellied glider and masked owl, also a threatened species, make homes here where trees with suitable nest hollows for living and breeding occur.

    • Holmes lookout Get a wonderful bird’s-eye view of Clyde River and scenic views of the district at Holmes lookout, a popular picnic spot that’s perfect for a birdwatching day trip.

    Sites and storylines

    Views looking towards the Clyde River, Clyde River National Park. Photo: Lucas Boyd

    Welcome to the land of the Walbunja people. Clyde River, or Bhundoo as the locals call it, has provided an abundant food source for Aboriginal people for thousands of years. Several middens have been found along the shores where there are freshwater soaks and flat areas suitable for camping. The river, islands, and surrounding bushlands also have important cultural significance for the Walbunja people. Holmes lookout is part of a local dreaming story and was an important meeting and communication point due to its high vantage point.

    Waterway wonders

    Camping in Red Gum campground, Clyde River National Park. Photo: Lucas Boyd

    The waterways of Clyde River offer plenty of options to explore and enjoy. Launch your boat, kayak or canoe to see the natural beauty here from the water. Explore the shorelines paddling along the river and see the abundant birdlife. There are also plenty of spots to enjoy a peaceful swim in the calm waters of the river, or throw in a fishing line and relax as you watch the world go by.

    • Holmes lookout Get a wonderful bird’s-eye view of Clyde River and scenic views of the district at Holmes lookout, a popular picnic spot that’s perfect for a birdwatching day trip.

    Education resources (1)