The Basin campground
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Overview
The Basin campground in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is one of Sydney's most popular beach camping spots.
Camping type | Tent, Remote/backpack camping |
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Facilities | Amenities block, picnic tables, barbecue facilities, drinking water, public phone, showers, toilets |
Entry fees |
Park entry fees for this park are not included in your camping fees. |
Bookings | Bookings are required. Book online or call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757. |
Please note |
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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.
Take a virtual tour of The Basin campground captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Things to do:
Basin Aboriginal art site
Basin Aboriginal art site in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers picnicking and walking. The fascinating rock engravings at the site are part of the significant Aboriginal cultural heritage in this area.

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Bookings
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- The entrance to Bobbin Head and Appletree Bay is closed from 8pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 5.30pm to 6am the rest of the year.
- Gates to West Head are closed from 8.30pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 6pm to 6am the rest of the year.
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Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day. You can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.
Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).
Other fees:
A $3 per adult, $2 per child landing fee may apply for day visitors to The Basin campground. Please pay at the campground wharf. Landing fees are included in your camping fees.
Group bookings:
Under the Plan of Management for this park, prior written approval is required for organised groups of 20 or more people planning to visit this park. Contact the park office before your visit.
Buy annual pass
What's nearby:
Things to do (96)
- Aboriginal culture (15)
- Adventure sports (1)
- Beach (3)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (14)
- Cafes and kiosks (3)
- Canoeing/paddling (8)
- Cultural heritage (4)
- Cycling (10)
- Educational activities (1)
- Fishing (7)
- Geotourism (1)
- Historic heritage (14)
- Horse riding (3)
- Other experiences (3)
- Photography (3)
- Picnics and barbecues (11)
- Sailing, boating and cruises (8)
- Sightseeing (42)
- Snorkelling and scuba (1)
- Swimming (5)
- Visitor centres (2)
- Walking (48)
- Waterfalls (2)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (9)