The Basin campground

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Overview

A group of campers sitting near their tents by the beach and bush at The Basin campground. Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

Aerial view of The Basin campground surrounded by The Basin lagoon. Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

Campers walking across the ferry wharf, arriving at The Basin campground. Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

2 people looking at a wallaby at The Basin campground. Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

Sheltered barbecues and open picnic tables at The Basin campground. Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

A group of people eating at a picnic table by the water at The Basin campground. Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

2 people beach fishing in The Basin lagoon with Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park greenery in the background. Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

A group of picnic benches under a shelter surrounded by an open grassy picnic area. Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

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This waterfront campground overlooking Pittwater is one of Sydney's most popular beach camping spots. Arrive by hike, ferry, boat or water taxi.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites	114
Camping type	Tent, Remote/backpack camping
Facilities	Toilets, showers, unpowered sites, unmarked sites, drinking water, barbecue facilities, picnic tables, amenities block, public phone
Entry fees	Park entry fees for this park are not included in your camping fees.
Group bookings	School groups and Park Eco Pass holders can make a group booking enquiry.
Please note	If you choose to arrive by car instead of ferry or water taxi, you'll be walking a 2.8km track from West Head Road carpark to get to and from the campground. It's better to get the ferry if you have heavy camping gear or kids. If you're arriving by ferry from Palm Beach, be aware that parking at the ferry wharf is subject to time restrictions. To avoid fines, it's best to find alternative untimed parking. Check in after 10am. Check out before 10am. Campers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Check the latest Beachwatch water quality forecast for The Basin before swimming. The Basin is a family friendly campground. For the safety of all visitors, NPWS reserves the right to ask those displaying anti-social behaviour to leave the grounds.

The Basin campground is the only place you can camp in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. This large, grassy area overlooks Pittwater, offering lovely surroundings and views.

It’s easy to see why this waterfront campground is so popular. At The Basin, you’ll find great facilities along with a picnic area, sheltered beach and an inland lagoon. The campground accommodates up to 350 campers.

Pitch your tent in a shady spot, enjoy a bike ride or a swim and see if you can spot the local swamp wallabies or kookaburras.

There’s no car access to The Basin campground. You can park at West Head Road but it's a steep 2.8km walk to the campground from there. If you're not up for the hike, arrive by water taxi, boat or a ferry which leaves from Palm Beach Wharf.