11 Private waterside camping spots around Australia

There’s something pretty special about setting up camp beside the water. Whether it’s waking beside a peaceful river, cooling off in a creek after a long drive or launching the kayak straight from camp, waterside camping is hard to beat.

But finding a great spot by the water doesn’t have to mean squeezing into a busy caravan park or fighting for a campsite in a popular national park.

We’ve teamed up with Hipcamp to find 11 waterside camping spots on private land around Australia, all within a couple of hours of a capital city. Think working farms, sprawling bush properties and private patches of countryside where caravanners and campers can set up beside rivers, lakes, creeks, lagoons and billabongs.

Some come with hot showers and flushing toilets, others require you to be completely self-sufficient. Some welcome seriously large caravans, while others are better suited to smaller rigs. What they all have in common is water close to camp and a setting that offers something a little different from the traditional caravan park.

Here are 11 private waterside camping spots worth checking out for your next RV escape.

Compare the best waterside camping spots

Campsite	Near	Waterside setting	Power	Amenities	Max RV length
Whispering Gums Colo River Camping, NSW	Sydney – 1.5 hrs	Colo River	No	Toilets + hot showers	Under 7m
Hawkesbury Hideaway, NSW	Sydney – 1.25-1.5 hrs	Hawkesbury River	Powered + unpowered	Toilets + hot water	Check site
Down by the Hawkesbury, NSW	Sydney – 1 hr	Hawkesbury River	Yes	Flush toilet + hot shower	Up to 15m
The Fern Glade, VIC	Melbourne – 1.5 hrs	Murrindindi River	No	Toilets	Under 6m
Rodborough Vale, VIC	Melbourne – 2 hrs	Deep Creek + Tullaroop Reservoir	No	Toilet at shearing shed	Varies by site
Glenmaye Farm, VIC	Melbourne – 2 hrs	Faithfulls Creek	No	Composting toilet	Up to 20m at Creekside Paddock
Lakeview, QLD	Brisbane – 45 mins	Billabongs	Powered + unpowered	No toilets/showers	Up to 19m at some sites
Bushywood at Woodford, QLD	Brisbane – 1–1.5 hrs	Lake	No	Toilets + hot showers	Under 14m
River Run Camping, QLD	Brisbane – 2 hrs	Mary River	No	None	Up to 13m
Lake Kepwari Getaway, WA	Perth – 2-2.25 hrs	Lake Kepwari	No	None	Under 12m
Tipsy Hill, SA	Adelaide – 1.5-2 hrs	Murray River lagoon	No	None	Under 10m

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Private waterside camping near Sydney

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Whispering Gums Colo River Camping, NSW

📍 Around 1.5 hours from Sydney

If your idea of waterside camping involves waking beneath the gums and heading straight to the river for a morning dip, Whispering Gums is a good place to start. Set across 10 acres of private land in Upper Colo, the campground has sites spread around the property, including plenty of spots along the banks of the Colo River.

Once you’ve set up camp, days can be spent swimming, kayaking, fishing or bushwalking, or simply relaxing beside the river. The campsites are unpowered, but this isn’t completely back-to-basics camping, with hot showers and flushing toilets available on-site.

For RV travellers, vehicles must be under seven metres, making Whispering Gums better suited to camper trailers, campervans and smaller caravans. There are no electrical or water hookups and no potable water, so you’ll need to arrive prepared. It’s also worth knowing that river access is via a short, steep path or stairs, which may be a consideration for those travelling with small children or anyone less comfortable on uneven terrain.

Good to know:

• Unpowered camping for RVs under 7 metres
• Hot showers and flushing toilets
• No potable water or electrical/water hookups
• Swimming, kayaking, fishing and bushwalking
• Campfires permitted
• Steep path or stairs to reach the river
• Pets permitted with host pre-approval and an additional fee

Best for: Smaller RVs wanting an easy riverside escape within reach of Sydney. 

Hawkesbury Hideaway, NSW

📍 Around 1.25 – 1.5 hours from Sydney

Another easy waterside escape from Sydney, Hawkesbury Hideaway occupies 10 acres of private land on the banks of the Hawkesbury River at Lower Portland. The camping areas are flat and grassy, with the river providing the backdrop for lazy days spent swimming, fishing or simply settling into a camp chair and watching the water.

There are eight RV and tent sites, with both powered and unpowered options available. Caravans and camper trailers are welcome, and the property also caters for those travelling with rooftop tents or keeping things simple with a swag. Campfires are permitted, and pets can come along provided they’re kept on a lead.

Facilities include a small amenity block with hot water, toilets and potable water available from a communal area. There are no individual water hookups, so caravanners should keep that in mind when setting up.

Good to know:

• Powered and unpowered camping available
• Flat, grassy sites
• Caravans and camper trailers welcome
• Toilets and hot water
• Potable water available from a communal area
• No individual water hookups
• Swimming and fishing
• Campfires permitted
• Pets welcome on lead

Best for: Groups wanting powered riverside camping with room to spread out. 

Down by the Hawkesbury, NSW

📍 Around 1 hour from Sydney

Want the waterside camping experience without sharing your patch of riverbank with other campers? Down by the Hawkesbury is an exclusive-use campsite at Pitt Town Bottoms, around an hour from Sydney and just 10 minutes from historic Windsor. Only one group can book the site at a time, giving you the place to yourselves.

The property was originally settled as ‘Bobs Grant’ in 1889, when the surrounding area was used for farming. Today, it’s largely surrounded by turf farms, with the campsite sitting right on the Hawkesbury River. Along with direct access to the water for swimming and fishing, campers have use of a rebuilt river shack with an undercover area, fire pit and a few handy extras including a fridge, BBQ and pizza oven.

It’s also well set up for RV travellers. The flat, loose-gravel site accommodates vehicles up to 15 metres, including caravans, fifth wheels, motorhomes and camper trailers, and there’s an electrical connection available. A flush toilet and hot river-water shower add some creature comforts, although you’ll need to bring your own drinking water.

Good to know:

• Exclusive-use campsite for one group
• RVs up to 15 metres
• Electrical connection available
• No water or sewage connection
• Bring your own drinking water
• Flush toilet and hot river-water shower
• Direct river access for swimming and fishing
• Boats are not permitted
• Campfires permitted when restrictions allow
• Dogs welcome but must remain on a lead

Best for: Groups wanting an exclusive-use Hawkesbury River campsite with plenty of RV-friendly comforts. 

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Private waterside camping near Melbourne

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The Fern Glade, VIC

📍 Around 1.5 hours from Melbourne

For waterside camping with a bush setting, The Fern Glade occupies 20 acres in Murrindindi, with the property following the Murrindindi River for around one kilometre. Campsites are well spaced and all have easy access to the river, so you can spend your days swimming, trying your luck at fishing or simply relaxing to the sound of running water.

Site 1 is particularly well suited to RV travellers, with a large, flat camping area beside the river and space for vehicles under six metres. It’s fenced and gated, which is handy when camping with a dog, and comes with a fireplace, gas BBQ, picnic table and a 3000-litre rainwater tank for drinking water. Toilets are also available on the property.

When you’re ready to venture beyond camp, Wilhelmina Falls and Murrindindi Scenic Reserve are only a few kilometres away. Or stick around the property and wander up the hill, where you’ll find views across the Murrindindi Valley that are particularly impressive around sunset.

Good to know:

• RV and tent camping
• Vehicles must be under 6 metres
• All campsites have river access
• Toilets and potable water available
• No electrical hookup
• Campfires permitted
• Gas BBQs available; BYO gas bottle
• Swimming and fishing
• Pets welcome
• 4WD recommended for some sites in wet winter conditions

Best for: A peaceful bush escape where every campsite has access to the Murrindindi River. 

Rodborough Vale, Victoria

📍 Around 2 hours from Melbourne

For a waterside escape with a farm-stay feel, Rodborough Vale spreads across 600 acres at Majorca in Victoria’s Central Goldfields. This working sheep property is home to the Rodvale Border Leicester Stud, with campsites dotted along Deep Creek among creek flats, native bushland and rocky volcanic outcrops.

There are nine sites to choose from, several with easy access to Deep Creek where you can fish or simply settle in beside the water. The farm also borders Tullaroop Reservoir, which is around a 10-minute walk from most campsites and is known for trout fishing. If you’re bringing something to get out on the water, the boat ramp is around 400 metres from the property’s front gate, although the reservoir is currently restricted to electric-powered boats and canoes.

Rodborough Vale is a good option for those travelling with bigger rigs, with the property offering good access for caravans and large RVs. It’s fairly self-sufficient camping, though, with no potable water or electrical or water hookups. There is a flushing toilet at the shearing shed, but depending on your campsite it could be several hundred metres away.

Good to know:

• Nine RV and tent sites across 600 acres
• Good access for caravans and large RVs
• Campsites along Deep Creek
• Tullaroop Reservoir around a 10-minute walk from most sites
• Flushing toilet at the shearing shed
• No potable water, electrical hookup or water hookup
• Fishing available
• Campfires permitted when restrictions aren’t in place
• Dogs welcome but must be well behaved around sheep
• Tullaroop Reservoir currently permits electric-powered boats and canoes only

Best for: Larger caravans wanting spacious farm camping with access to both a creek and reservoir. 

Glenmaye Farm, Victoria

📍 Around 2 hours from Melbourne

Set across 700 acres in the Strathbogie Ranges, Glenmaye Farm combines creekside camping with the chance to explore a working regenerative cattle property. Campsites are spread around the farm, including several along Faithfulls Creek, with natural swimming holes and plenty of space to explore once you’ve parked up.

For those travelling with a larger caravan or RV, Creekside Paddock is the pick of the sites. This spacious, grassy camping area overlooks Faithfulls Creek, is accessible by 2WD and can accommodate RVs up to 20 metres. There are swimming holes nearby, or you can explore further afield on foot, following the creek and walking to Marraweeny Falls elsewhere on the property.

Despite being only minutes from Euroa and Violet Town, camping here is firmly on the off-grid side. A basic composting toilet is available, but there’s no potable water, electrical hookup or water hookup, so arrive prepared to be self-sufficient. Dogs are welcome at the RV campsites but need to remain on a lead, and campfires are allowed in designated fire pits when conditions permit.

Good to know:

• 700-acre regenerative cattle property
• Several campsites along Faithfulls Creek
• Creekside Paddock accommodates RVs up to 20 metres
• Creekside Paddock is 2WD accessible
• Natural swimming holes
• Walking access to Marraweeny Falls
• Basic composting toilet
• No potable water or electrical/water hookups
• Campfires permitted in designated fire pits when allowed
• Dogs welcome on lead at RV campsites

Best for: Big-rig travellers wanting an off-grid creekside farm stay with plenty of room to spread out. 

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Private waterside camping near Brisbane

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Lakeview, QLD

📍 Around 45 minutes from Brisbane

You don’t have to travel far from Brisbane to find waterside camping on private land. Lakeview sits on just under 50 acres of Australian bushland near the seaside village of Beachmere, with three billabongs providing the backdrop for a surprisingly close-to-the-city camping escape.

There are powered and unpowered sites suitable for caravans, campers and tents, including several waterfront options. Some sites can also accommodate multiple vans, making this one worth a look if you’re planning a trip with friends. Once set up, you can swim or canoe in the billabongs, head out for a walk around the property or settle in around the campfire. The Caboolture River boat ramp is also only five minutes away, providing access to Moreton Bay.

Just don’t arrive expecting caravan park facilities. Lakeview is set up for self-sufficient campers and there are no toilets or showers, so you’ll need to bring or hire your own. Potable water is available, and some sites have power, but individual facilities vary depending on which camping area you book.

Good to know:

• Powered and unpowered sites available
• Waterfront camping options
• Some sites accommodate multiple caravans
• Some sites accommodate RVs up to 19 metres
• No toilets or showers – campers must be self-sufficient
• Potable water available
• Swimming and canoeing in the billabongs
• Caboolture River boat ramp around five minutes away
• Campfires permitted subject to property rules
• Dogs permitted subject to property rules

Best for: Groups travelling with multiple vans who want a waterside escape close to Brisbane. 

Bushywood at Woodford, QLD

📍 Around 1-1.5 hours from Brisbane

Bushywood at Woodford combines lakeside camping with plenty of space to spread out, all within an easy drive of Brisbane. Set across 170 acres of private bushland, the unpowered campsites are large and well spaced, with a peaceful lake at the heart of the property.

Bring a kayak or paddleboard and you can spend the day exploring the lake, or simply cool off with a swim. Motorised watercraft aren’t permitted, helping to keep things peaceful on the water. While there are a couple of lakefront sites, these can’t be guaranteed, with campsites allocated according to your setup and group size. The good news is that all sites are close to the lake.

The campsites can accommodate RVs under 14 metres, and the one-kilometre unsealed driveway is suitable for 2WD vehicles when driven carefully. While there’s no power or water hookup, you won’t have to be completely self-sufficient, with flushing toilets, hot showers and potable water available. Each campsite also has a firepit for use when restrictions allow.

Good to know:

• Spacious unpowered bush and lakeside camping
• RVs under 14 metres
• Lakefront sites can’t be guaranteed
• Flushing toilets and hot showers
• Potable water available
• No electrical or water hookups
• No generators
• Swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding
• No motorised watercraft on the lake
• Firepits at campsites, subject to restrictions
• 1km unsealed driveway suitable for 2WD when driven carefully
• Dogs welcome under control

Best for: Families wanting lakeside camping with hot showers, flushing toilets and easy access from Brisbane. 

River Run Camping, QLD

📍 Around 2 hours from Brisbane

Water really is the star at River Run Camping, a farm stay near Conondale with around 450 metres of Mary River frontage. Set between Maleny and Kenilworth, the campground offers flat, shaded sites with easy access to the river via two tracks, making it a great spot to set up the caravan and spend a few days by the water.

The river has everything from calm, shallow sections to rapids and rock pools, with water levels varying depending on seasonal conditions. Bring the kayak to explore from the water, cool off with a swim or keep an eye out for some of the wildlife that calls this stretch of the Mary River home, including platypus and the critically endangered white-throated snapping turtle. Back at camp, you might spot wallabies and plenty of birdlife, while the property’s pygmy goats provide a little farm entertainment.

There are six sites, with one RV or caravan permitted per site and vehicles up to 13 metres welcome. It’s self-contained camping, though, with no toilets, showers or potable water provided. Access involves crossing a dip and causeway and is generally suitable for 2WD vehicles, but the host recommends checking conditions before your stay during wet weather.

Good to know:

• Six RV and tent sites
• RVs and caravans up to 13 metres
• One RV or caravan per site
• Around 450 metres of Mary River frontage
• Swimming and kayaking
• No toilets or showers
• No potable water or electrical/water hookups
• Campers must bring their own camping toilet
• Campfires permitted in designated fire pits when conditions allow
• Generators permitted but must be turned off by 8pm
• Pets welcome
• Access generally suitable for 2WD, but check conditions during wet weather

Best for: Self-contained campers who want swimming, paddling and wildlife along the Mary River. 

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Private waterside camping near Perth

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Lake Kepwari Getaway, WA

📍 Around 2-2.25 hours from Perth

Lake Kepwari Getaway puts campers on private land with prime frontage to Lake Kepwari, a man-made lake near Collie that’s fed by the Collie River. Spread across 500 acres, it’s a great option if your ideal camping trip involves spending as much time on the water as you do sitting beside it.

Bring the kayak or canoe for a paddle, throw in a fishing line or take a walk along the edge of the lake. There’s easy access to the water, including a sandy section and pontoon, while mountain bikes are another option for exploring during your stay. If you’re travelling with a larger group, one camping area also includes a 10m x 5m shelter with a BBQ and open firepit.

Caravans and tents are welcome, with the current RV listing accommodating vehicles under 12 metres. You’ll need to arrive prepared for self-sufficient camping, though, as there are no toilets, showers, potable water or hookups. For larger group bookings, the host can help arrange mobile toilet hire at an additional cost.

Good to know:

• Private frontage to Lake Kepwari
• Caravans and tents welcome
• RVs under 12 metres
• No toilets or showers
• No potable water
• No electrical or water hookups
• Mobile toilet hire can be arranged at a cost for group bookings
• Kayaking, canoeing and fishing
• Campfires permitted outside fire ban season
• Dogs welcome on lead

Best for: Self-sufficient caravanners who want direct lake access for paddling and fishing. 

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Private waterside camping near Adelaide

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Tipsy Hill, SA

📍 Around 1.5-2 hours from Adelaide

If having the water almost at your doorstep is the priority, Tipsy Hill delivers a simple, private camping experience on the Murray. Located at Forster/Nildottie, across the river from Walker Flat, there’s just one campsite available, set beneath a large river gum on the edge of a lagoon connected to the Murray River.

The site’s jetty makes it easy to spend much of your stay on or beside the water. Drop in a fishing line, try your luck yabbying, launch a kayak or paddleboard, or bring a small row boat to explore further. Back on dry land, the large river gum provides plenty of shade for settling in and enjoying the waterfront setting.

Tipsy Hill is best suited to self-contained travellers, with no toilet, potable water, electrical hookup or water hookup provided. The site itself is flat, accessible by 2WD and suitable for RVs under 10 metres. Campfires aren’t permitted, but pets are welcome.

Good to know:

• One campsite only
• Waterfront camping beside a Murray River lagoon
• RVs under 10 metres
• Flat, 2WD-accessible site
• Jetty access
• Fishing, yabbying, kayaking and paddleboarding
• Small row boats can be launched
• No toilet or potable water
• No electrical or water hookups
• Campfires aren’t permitted
• Pets welcome

Best for: Self-contained travellers wanting a one-site-only camp with the water almost at their doorstep. 

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Find your next waterside camping spot

You don’t need a beachfront caravan park to wake up with water outside your door. From the Hawkesbury and Mary rivers to Victorian farm creeks, Queensland billabongs and the shores of Lake Kepwari, private-land camping opens up plenty of places you might otherwise never get the chance to stay.

Just remember that facilities and RV access vary considerably between properties, so check the latest listing details before booking – particularly if you’re travelling with a larger caravan or need access to power, water or amenities.

Then it’s simply a matter of choosing a spot, packing the fishing rods or kayak and finding your own patch beside the water.

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