Caravan Campgrounds In Kempsey, NSW -- Find Caravan Parks
30.9055° S, 152.6861° E
Quick Overview
Kempsey sits where the Macleay River meets the Pacific Ocean, creating a unique coastal-valley setting that draws RVers seeking both beach access and river adventures. This mid-north coast town offers a relaxed alternative to busier tourist destinations while maintaining excellent facilities and natural attractions. The surrounding region combines pristine beaches, national parks, and historic sites within easy reach of your campsite.
The area features several caravan parks and campgrounds, all offering paid accommodation with varying amenity levels. You won't find free camping options here (some available), but the paid parks deliver solid value with proper facilities and strategic locations. Most parks cater to both short-term tourists and longer-stay visitors, with several offering monthly rates for extended stays.
From your base in Kempsey, you're perfectly positioned to explore Hat Head National Park's stunning coastline just 20 minutes east. The park's lighthouse walks and secluded beaches provide excellent day trips, while the Macleay River offers fishing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities right in town. Trial Bay Gaol, a fascinating convict-built prison turned museum, sits 30 minutes north and makes for an intriguing historical excursion. The town itself maintains a genuine country feel with local markets, antique shops, and cafes that welcome caravan travelers.
Full hookup sites dominate the local camping scene, making Kempsey ideal for RVers who prefer reliable power, water, and sewer connections. Several parks accommodate big rigs with pull-through sites, while others focus on smaller units in more intimate settings. The coastal location means most campgrounds stay busy during school holidays, but you'll find peaceful stretches during weekdays and shoulder seasons.
The subtropical climate makes Kempsey a year-round destination, though summer brings higher temperatures and more crowds. Winter offers the best value and comfortable weather for exploring, while spring and autumn provide the perfect balance of mild conditions and reasonable rates.
Our listings below detail each park's specific amenities, site types, and booking requirements to help you choose the right fit for your rig and travel style.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Kempsey
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All Dump Stations Near Kempsey
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kempsey Showground | 14.4 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Free |
| Sundowner Caravan Park | 14.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Kempsey Riverside Park And Bbq! | 15.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Kempsey Tourist Village | 16.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Tall Timbers Caravan Park | 16.6 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Stuarts Point Holiday Park | 19.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Grassy Head Holiday Park | 20.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Nambucca River Tourist Park | 20.6 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks | 20.6 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| The Rocks Village | 21.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Kempsey Showground
14.4 miSundowner Caravan Park
14.9 miKempsey Riverside Park And Bbq!
15.3 miKempsey Tourist Village
16.1 miTall Timbers Caravan Park
16.6 miStuarts Point Holiday Park
19.2 miGrassy Head Holiday Park
20.0 miNambucca River Tourist Park
20.6 miIngenia Holidays South West Rocks
20.6 miThe Rocks Village
21.0 miTraveling to Kempsey by RV
The Pacific Highway (A1) provides the main access route to Kempsey, with the town sitting directly on this major north-south corridor. RVers traveling from Sydney face a 400-kilometer drive north, while those coming from Brisbane cover about 550 kilometers south. The highway through this section handles large RVs well, with multiple lanes and good sight lines, though you'll encounter some hills south of Kempsey that require attention in older or underpowered rigs.
Take the Kempsey exit (Exit 407) for the most direct route to town and campgrounds. The exit leads to a roundabout that connects to both the town center and coastal areas. Roads within Kempsey accommodate RVs without major restrictions, though some of the older residential streets near the river have tighter turns.
Fuel stops are plentiful along the Pacific Highway, with major service centers at both the north and south approaches to town. The BP and Shell stations on the highway handle large RVs easily, while in-town options work for smaller units. Stock up on supplies at the Woolworths or Coles in the main shopping area – both have decent parking for RVs, though you might need to park toward the back of the lots.
The coastal road to Hat Head National Park (Limeburners Creek Road) is sealed and caravan-friendly, making beach access straightforward. However, some of the back roads to remote fishing spots and smaller beaches aren't suitable for larger rigs, so stick to main routes unless you're confident about clearances and turning space.
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Dump Station Costs in Kempsey
Nightly rates in Kempsey range from $35-45 for basic powered sites to $55-75 for premium waterfront locations with full amenities. Budget-conscious travelers can find decent powered sites in the lower range, while those wanting river views or top-tier facilities should expect to pay premium rates. a portion% of local options are free, while a portion% charge fees, reflecting the area's focus on developed campgrounds with proper facilities.
Seasonal pricing shows significant variation, with summer holidays (December-January) commanding peak rates that can jump 30-50% above standard pricing. Winter months offer the best value, often with weekly discounts available for extended stays. School holidays throughout the year trigger higher rates, so plan accordingly if traveling with flexible dates.
Good Sam and Big4 membership discounts apply at select parks, potentially saving 10% on nightly rates. Some parks offer loyalty programs for repeat visitors, which can add up to meaningful savings for regular travelers to the area.
Groceries cost slightly more than major cities due to the regional location, but prices remain reasonable. Fuel typically runs 5-10 cents per liter above Sydney prices, so factor this into your travel budget. Local markets offer fresh produce at competitive prices, and several parks have camp kitchens that help reduce dining costs.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Kempsey
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Best Time to Visit Kempsey by RV
Winter
June-August
45-70°F
Crowds: Low
Best value season with mild weather perfect for exploring. Most parks offer weekly discounts for extended stays.
Spring
September-November
55-75°F
Crowds: Medium
Ideal weather conditions with moderate crowds. Book ahead for long weekends as grey nomads start moving north.
Summer
December-February
70-85°F
Crowds: High
Peak season with highest rates and crowds. School holidays require advance booking, especially waterfront sites.
Fall
March-May
60-80°F
Crowds: Medium
Excellent weather with fewer crowds than summer. Easter holidays bring temporary spikes in bookings and rates.
Explore the Kempsey Area
Kempsey Holiday Park stands out as the top choice for most RVers, offering excellent facilities right on the Macleay River with easy walking access to town amenities. Their sites accommodate big rigs, and the river frontage provides a peaceful setting that's hard to beat. Book ahead during school holidays and long weekends, as this park fills up quickly.
Boondockers face limited options in the immediate Kempsey area, but Hat Head National Park allows camping at designated sites with basic facilities. These spots book out fast during peak season, so plan well in advance if you're hoping to dry camp near the coast.
The Macleay River offers excellent fishing right from many campgrounds, with flathead, bream, and whiting commonly caught. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best action, and you don't need a boat to access productive waters. Local bait shops can set you up with tackle and advice.
For dining, Rusty's Family Restaurant delivers solid pub meals with caravan parking available, while the Kempsey RSL Club welcomes visitors and offers good value dinners. The Saturday morning markets at Riverside Park showcase local produce and crafts, with easy caravan access and parking.
Dog owners will appreciate the off-leash areas along the river and several pet-friendly campgrounds. The beaches at Hat Head allow dogs in designated areas, making it a great day trip destination for families traveling with pets.
National Parks Nearby
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Kempsey
What are the best caravan campgrounds in Kempsey?
Kempsey Holiday Park leads the pack with river frontage and excellent facilities for big rigs. Their location provides easy town access while maintaining a peaceful waterside setting. Several other parks offer good amenities, though most focus on standard powered sites rather than premium waterfront locations.
Is there free caravan camping near Kempsey?
Free camping options are extremely limited in the immediate Kempsey area, with most accommodation being paid campgrounds. Hat Head National Park offers some camping at designated sites with basic facilities, but these require advance booking and fill up quickly during popular periods.
What is the best time of year to camp in Kempsey?
Winter and early spring provide the best combination of mild weather, lower rates, and smaller crowds. Summer brings peak conditions but also higher costs and busy campgrounds. Avoid school holiday periods if you want better availability and pricing.
Are there full hookup caravan parks in Kempsey?
Most parks in Kempsey offer powered sites with water access, though full sewer hookups are less common. Several campgrounds provide dump stations and camp kitchens to supplement basic hookups. Check specific park amenities when booking to ensure they meet your rig's requirements.
Can I boondock near Kempsey?
Freedom Camping opportunities are limited around Kempsey, with most options requiring travel to Hat Head National Park or other designated camping areas. These spots book out well in advance and have restrictions on generator use and stay duration.
How far is Hat Head National Park from Kempsey campgrounds?
Hat Head National Park sits about 20 minutes east of Kempsey via sealed roads suitable for RVs. The drive takes you through rural countryside before reaching the coastal park entrance. Day trips to the lighthouse and beaches make easy excursions from your Kempsey base.
What are the best caravan campgrounds in Kempsey?
Kempsey Holiday Park leads the pack with river frontage and excellent facilities for big rigs. Their location provides easy town access while maintaining a peaceful waterside setting. Several other parks offer good amenities, though most focus on standard powered sites rather than premium waterfront locations.
Is there free caravan camping near Kempsey?
Free camping options are extremely limited in the immediate Kempsey area, with most accommodation being paid campgrounds. Hat Head National Park offers some camping at designated sites with basic facilities, but these require advance booking and fill up quickly during popular periods.
What is the best time of year to camp in Kempsey?
Winter and early spring provide the best combination of mild weather, lower rates, and smaller crowds. Summer brings peak conditions but also higher costs and busy campgrounds. Avoid school holiday periods if you want better availability and pricing.
Are there full hookup caravan parks in Kempsey?
Most parks in Kempsey offer powered sites with water access, though full sewer hookups are less common. Several campgrounds provide dump stations and camp kitchens to supplement basic hookups. Check specific park amenities when booking to ensure they meet your rig's requirements.
Can I boondock near Kempsey?
Freedom Camping opportunities are limited around Kempsey, with most options requiring travel to Hat Head National Park or other designated camping areas. These spots book out well in advance and have restrictions on generator use and stay duration.
How far is Hat Head National Park from Kempsey campgrounds?
Hat Head National Park sits about 20 minutes east of Kempsey via sealed roads suitable for RVs. The drive takes you through rural countryside before reaching the coastal park entrance. Day trips to the lighthouse and beaches make easy excursions from your Kempsey base.
Are there free dump stations in Kempsey?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Kempsey.
All Dump Stations Near Kempsey (44)
RV ParkDorrigo Mountain Holiday Park
RV ParkDorrigo Showground
RV ParkNrma Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park
RV ParkBellinger River Tourist Park
RV ParkEllenborough Park
RV ParkDangar Falls Lodge, Camp & Caravan
RV ParkWoodridge Park Country Retreat
RV Park with Dump StationsFlynns Beach Caravan Park
RV ParkBig4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park
RV Park with Dump Stations