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The Ruins campground and picnic area

Booti Booti National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the The Ruins campground and picnic area.

Getting there and parking

The Ruins campground and picnic area is located in Booti Booti National Park.

To get there from Forster:

  • Follow The Lakes Way for 15km towards Pacific Palms
  • Turn left into the campground

To get there from the Pacific Highway near Bulahdelah:

  • Follow The Lakes Way for 45km
  • Turn right into the campground

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Tent and drive-on campsites allow for 1 vehicle to park directly on the site. Tent only campsites provide parking for a maximum of 2 vehicles next to the site. There's limited additional parking within this campground.

Best times to visit

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

Spring

See the park's magnificent wildflower displays as they bloom across the heathlands.

Summer

Swim at the seasonally patrolled Elizabeth Beach or kayak in Wallis Lake while staying at the nearby The Ruins campground.

Winter

Visit Cape Hawke lookout to watch whales migrating off the coast.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

15°C and 30°C

Highest recorded

45.2°C

Winter temperature

Average

5°C and 20°C

Lowest recorded

-5°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

280.2mm

Facilities

  • Campsites are marked, unpowered and suitable for motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers, campervans and tents.
  • Rubbish and recycling bins are available at the campground.

Toilets

  • Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

Carpark

Drinking water

Showers

  • Hot showers

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Beach safety

Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

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.

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).

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

You might need help to access this area. A wheelchair accessible toilet and shower is available.

Prohibited

  • Amplified music is not permitted
  • Possession or use of fireworks is not permitted
  • Please don't tie ropes to trees. It can cause damage which may lead to tree removal and the loss of shade
  • Please be considerate of other campers and keep noise low—noise must stop from 10pm.
  • This is a family friendly campground. Visitors displaying anti-social, offensive or dangerous behaviour will be asked to leave the campground.

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Generators

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.

The Ruins campground and picnic area Search availability

Park info

  • in Booti Booti National Park in the North Coast region

  • Booti Booti National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day. Day passes are available from the Manning Great Lakes Area Office, Bulahdelah Visitor Information Centre and the Hawks Nest Newsagency.

    Buy annual pass