Last Updated: October 29, 2026
Quick Summary
The best camping spots for families in Australia include BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park, Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park, Booderee National Park, and Grampians National Park. Each suits a different mix of young children, water play and walking. Check current rates and facilities with each park before booking.
- Eight sites were chosen for ease of setup, safety around water and wildlife, and access for young children.
- BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park suits young kids and water play, with a splash park and playground.
- Check distance to toilets, whether the site is powered, and shade before booking with young children.
- Total fire bans and park-specific fire restrictions apply in most national parks, so check before planning a campfire.
- Unpowered national park sites range from about $7 to $30 per person per night, depending on the park.
Table of Contents
- How We Picked These 8 Family Camping Spots
- Quick Comparison: 8 Family Camping Spots at a Glance
- Camping With Kids: Spots for Young Families
- Family-Friendly Campsites Near Beaches and Waterfalls
- Family Campervan Spots With Easy Road Access
- Choosing the Right Spot for Your Family's Ages and Budget
- Camping Checklist for Families Before You Set Off
- Book Your Family Camping Trip and Pack the Right Gear
- Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These 8 Family Camping Spots
Choosing one of the best camping spots for families in Australia is harder than it looks. Families need flat, shaded sites, clean amenities, and a drive that doesn't wear out the kids before the tent goes up. Budget Roo Pty Ltd put this guide together to help families decide where to go and what to pack.
The camping spots are chosen for their suitability for families rather than for scenery alone. Our selection criteria focus on ease of setup, safety around water and wildlife, access for young children, and practical costs for a family budget. We have not visited every site ourselves, so verify current prices, facilities and access conditions with each park before you book.
Parks and campsite booking guidance from the relevant state government
Quick Comparison: 8 Family Camping Spots at a Glance
Below is the shortlist at a glance. Always confirm current rates, availability and peak-season surcharges with the park or state park authority before booking.
| # | Campsite | Region | Best for | Site type | Family facilities to check | Indicative nightly rate (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park | Riverina, inland river country | Young kids, water play | Powered caravan and tent sites, cabins | Splash park, playground, camp kitchen, amenities blocks | $45-$65 powered |
| 2 | Trial Bay Gaol Campground, Arakoon National Park | Mid North Coast, coastal | Beach and history combined | Unpowered national park sites | Toilets, cold showers, walking tracks, beach access | ~$25 per adult per night |
| 3 | Booderee National Park (Green Patch or Bristol Point) | Jervis Bay, coastal | Snorkelling, wildlife, older kids | Unpowered national park sites | Toilets, showers, drinking water, boat ramp | ~$15-$30 per adult per night |
| 4 | Grampians National Park (Halls Gap or Smiths Mill) | Grampians, bush and mountains | Walking, rock pools, mixed ages | Unpowered and some powered sites | Toilets, showers, playground nearby, visitor centre | ~$15-$30 per adult per night |
| 5 | Wilsons Promontory National Park (Tidal River) | Gippsland, coastal | Beach, wildlife, families with babies | Powered and unpowered sites, cabins | Amenities blocks, laundry, general store, ranger programs | ~$40-$70 powered |
| 6 | Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park | Central Queensland, gorge country | Adventure, older kids | Unpowered camping areas | Toilets, showers at some areas, no power | ~$7-$15 per person per night |
| 7 | Karijini National Park (Dales or Savannah) | Pilbara, outback | Teenagers, hiking, swimming holes | Unpowered national park sites | Toilets, some showers, no power, remote | ~$11-$20 per person per night |
| 8 | Cradle Mountain, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park | Tasmania, alpine | Cooler-weather walks, wildlife | Unpowered sites and cabins nearby | Amenities, cooking facilities, shuttle bus | ~$25-$45 per adult per night |
National park camping fees and booking for parks in each state and territory
Camping With Kids: Spots for Young Families
Young families need a campsite that is simple to reach and easy to manage with small children. Practical tips for a family's first camping trip cover what to expect. Flat ground, nearby toilets, shade from the afternoon sun and a playground within sight of the tent make a real difference to a first trip.
What to check before you book with young children:
- Distance from site to toilets, a five-minute walk in daylight is a very different proposition at 2am with a toddler.
- Whether the site is powered, a powered site lets you run a light, charge a monitor and boil a kettle without a gas stove.
- Shade and ground surface, grass and flat ground are easier for pegs and for toddlers than hard-packed dirt or sloping sites.
- Water safety, confirm whether the swimming area is patrolled, whether there are rock pools or river currents, and how far the water is from your tent.
- Fire rules, total fire bans and park-specific fire restrictions apply in most national parks, so check before you plan a campfire dinner.
For a young family, the Weisshorn Instant Up Camping Tent is designed for quick setup. Weisshorn Instant Up Camping Tent 4-5 Person | budgetroo.com.au is priced at $216.95.
Water safety advice for families near beaches and rivers
Family-Friendly Campsites Near Beaches and Waterfalls
Beach and waterfall sites are among the most popular camping spots for families in Australia. Swimming, rock pools and short walks keep older kids busy for hours. They also bring extra planning needs, such as sun protection, strong tent pegs for coastal wind, and clear rules around water safety.
Water safety advice for families near beaches and rivers
The Weisshorn Family Camping Tent 4 Person has a double-layer fabric build and a window mesh screen, and it is priced at $102.95.
Weisshorn Instant Up Camping Tent 4-5 Person Pop up Tents Family Hiking Beach →
Check whether the site allows fires or camping near the water before you arrive.
Family Campervan Spots With Easy Road Access
Campervan families may want to check road access, the entrance and parking space before choosing a spot.
Larger families who travel with a lot of gear will find that a bigger tent saves space and keeps everyone comfortable. The Weisshorn Camping Tent 6 Person has an entrance shade awning and a cross-pole roof for extra headroom, and it is priced from $259.95. Ensuring a restful night after a long day of outdoor activity requires careful consideration of travel bedding for families to maintain warmth and support within your chosen shelter.
The THERMOMATE 2 Burner Gas Portable Camping Oven Stove Combo, priced at $899.00, has two stove burners and a camping oven for outdoor cooking. It weighs 15kg.
Choosing the Right Spot for Your Family's Ages and Budget
The right campsite depends on your children's ages and your budget. Consider whether the site has facilities and activities that suit your family.
Budget matters too. Our range includes a camping hammock with mosquito net at $69.95 and an inflatable travel pillow at $14.95.
A common mistake is buying the largest tent and most expensive stove before the first trip. Start with the essentials, then add items once you know what your family actually uses.
Camping Checklist for Families Before You Set Off
Use this checklist before you leave home: Step-by-step guidance on organising a family campsite can help you plan the set-up before you go.
- Tent, pegs, ropes and a ground sheet
- Sleeping bags for each person, plus pillows
- Gas cooker or BBQ and a plate and bowl set
- Portable gas water heater for warm showers
- Sun protection, first aid kit and insect repellent
- Lights, water containers and a list of emergency numbers
The Devanti Portable Gas Water Heater 8LPM Outdoor Camping Shower is priced at $188.95. It is for outdoor use only and requires an LPG portable gas bottle. The Grillz Charcoal BBQ Grill Smoker, priced at $67.95, has foldable legs and a handle for transport.
Book Your Family Camping Trip and Pack the Right Gear
Confirm the facilities you need. Then pack the gear that fits your family. Browse the full range at Budget Roo to find tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear and camping accessories for your next trip, and choose the items that suit your children's ages and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best camping sites in Australia for families?
The best family campsites combine safe swimming, shaded areas, toilets and showers, and easy access to walking tracks or playgrounds. Caravan and holiday parks usually offer the most facilities, while national park campgrounds suit families who want quieter, nature-focused trips. Check current facilities and booking requirements before you travel, as conditions and prices change seasonally.
Where is the best place to camp with kids?
The right place depends on the age of your children and how much you want to do each day. Holiday parks with pools and playgrounds suit young children. Choose a site with a short drive from a hospital or medical centre, and consider how far you will be from shops and fuel.
What should families look for when choosing a campsite?
Focus on practical needs: toilets and showers that are clean and close to your site, shade, safe water access, and whether the ground suits tents or campervans. Check whether there is mobile phone coverage, a shop nearby, and rules about fires and pets. Booking early during school holidays helps you secure the spot you want.
What facilities make a campsite family-friendly?
Useful facilities include a playground, a camp kitchen or BBQ area, flush toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities and a swimming pool or safe swimming area. Campsites with a camp shop and kids' activities may be worth considering.
