Little Mountain campground

North Coast

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Little Mountain campground is a quiet riverside camping area in Karuah National Park. Enjoy 4WD touring, mountain biking, fishing, paddling and birdwatching from your campsite near Karuah.

Accommodation Details
Camping type Tent, Camper trailer site, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Barbecue facilities
What to bring Drinking water, cooking water, firewood, 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
  • Sites are unmarked sites and unpowered
  • This is a remote campground, so please make sure you arrive well-prepared.
  • There is limited/no mobile reception in this park
  • Noise restrictions apply at this campground
  • Be aware that mosquitoes are common, particularly during the summer months.

Escape the city lights and get back to basics at this quiet riverside campground. Surrounded by forest, it’s a picturesque spot for birdwatching with views across the river and not a soul in sight.

Enjoy 4WDing or cycling through the forest and admire the ironbarks, angophoras banksias and blackbutt trees along the way. Once you arrive, set up your tent, then it’s time to relax and recharge. Launch your canoe or kayak into the river and paddle off to explore. Take a walk in the forest, cast your fishing line into the river or just lie back and listen to the chorus of birds in the trees above.

As dusk sets in, keep your eyes out for swamp wallabies and ring-tailed and brush-tailed possums around the campsite. Then get ready for a peaceful night around the campfire and a bit of stargazing.

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/little-mountain-campground/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Little Mountain campground.

Getting there and parking

Little Mountain campground is in Karuah National Park. To get there:

  • Turn onto Bucketts Way from Pacific Highway
  • Continue for approximately 9km then turn right onto Hobarts Road, just past Limeburners Creek.
  • Continue for approximately 3km then turn right onto Little Mountain Road
  • Follow for another 3km until you reach the campground

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Little Mountain campground can become boggy and inaccessible when it rains.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • All roads require 4WD vehicle

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

Parking is available at Little Mountain campground.

Best times to visit

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

Autumn

Pack your fishing gear and head to the river at this popular fishing spot.

Spring

See how the wildflowers bring the bush to life in spring.

Summer

Launch your kayak, canoe or boat and explore the reserve by water.

Winter

Get cosy around the campfires on those cold winter nights.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

12°C to 28°C

Highest recorded

40.6°C

Winter temperature

Average

3°C to 18°C

Lowest recorded

-4.4°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

573.8mm

Facilities

  • Water is not available at this campground.
  • Rubbish bins are not available – please take rubbish with you when leaving.

Barbecue facilities

  • 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.

This park or attraction is in a remote location, so please ensure you’re well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.

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.

Permitted

Fishing

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

Generators

Generators are permitted to be used in particular areas within this campground.

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

Little Mountain campground is in Karuah National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Ancient connections

Karuah River, Karuah Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer

Karuah National Park is part of the traditional lands of the Worimi Nation. Before European settlement, the Worimi People lived in an area from Port Stephens to Forster and as far west as Gloucester. There are a number of recorded Aboriginal sites in the reserve, particularly along Karuah River, such as modified trees, artefacts, earth mounds, shell middens and a burial site. The Worimi people continue to have a strong connection with the animals, land and waterways of Karuah.

Bird watching retreat

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), Karuah Nature Reserve. Photo: Lucy Morrell

You'll find an abundance of birdlife to watch at Karuah. Vulnerable species such as the square-tailed kite, swift parrot and masked owl find their home in eucalyptus woodlands. Glossy black cockatoos can be seen feeding on the casuarina stands along the river's edge. You might also see one of the 8 vulnerable bat species found here, including little bent-wing bats and greater broad-nosed bats. Karuah is also home to plenty of native animals. You'll most likely share your camping spot with locals like bandicoots and ring-tailed and brush-tailed possums. There's also a local koala population at Karuah, so keep your eyes peeled when you're walking through the eucalypt forest.

  • Double Wharf picnic area Take a day trip from Newcastle and spend the day picnicking, bushwalking, fishing, paddling and boating on the river at Double Wharf picnic area in Karuah National Park.

Rich in heritage sites

Karuah Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer

As well as being a place of natural beauty and tranquillity, Karuah has many historic sites to remind you of the forestry industry that once thrived in this region. Driving through the forest, you'll be driving along a road network built by the timber industry and see timber loading ramps on the banks of the river at Double Wharf. Other historic sites to discover are a set of yards at Witt Road and the Hunter Jetty on Claybank Road.

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