Byron Bay should be on everyone’s Australia camping bucket list, with its variety of cheap campsites, luxury campgrounds and even free spots, if you know where to find them. We’ve spent countless weeks in Byron Bay, trying the best places to park our van and explore the incredible surrounding coastline. Some of our top picks in Byron Bay include the Red Devil Park, Reflections Holiday and Caravan Park, and Ingenia camping grounds, where we especially loved the cabins right by the water.
Plan your camping trip to Byron Bay using our complete guide, and don’t miss out on our wild camping tips at the end.
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Where is Byron Bay located?
Byron Bay is a popular tourist destination in the northeastern corner of New South Wales, Australia. The beach town is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, about 765 km north of Sydney and 165 km south of Brisbane. It is known for its beautiful beaches, scenic coastline and relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, making it a popular destination for surfers, hikers and backpackers. The town is also known for its vibrant arts and music scene and for its numerous festivals and events that take place throughout the year. Even if you only have a day or two in Byron Bay, the town is well worth a visit.
The Cape Byron Lighthouse, which stands at the easternmost point of the Australian mainland, is one of the most famous sights in the region and a must-see for anyone visiting Byron Bay.
Map of the best camping grounds in Byron Bay
This map has all of our favourite camping grounds close to Byron Bay in New South Wales so you can pick the perfect one for you.
Top tip: Click the icon in the top right corner to add this map to your own Google Maps so it will always be with you on the go.
Where to rent a campervan for your camping trip to Byron Bay?
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Best camping grounds in Byron Bay
Find the best camping sites, campgrounds and free spots in and around Byron Bay using this list.
Reflections Holiday Park Byron Bay (formerly Clarkes)
Reflections Holiday Camping Park is perfectly located right on the main beach of Byron Bay and just minutes from the city centre.
You have easy access to the beach, which is ideal for sunbathing, swimming and surfing. The Cape Byron Lighthouse is also just a short drive away.
The park has a playground for children, laundry facilities, a barbecue area and a shared camp kitchen. Unfortunately, this is not a dog-friendly holiday park in Byron Bay, so you’ll have to look for camping alternatives if you’re travelling with a furry friend.
The Reflections Holiday Park in Byron Bay has campsites with and without electricity starting at $49 AUD for two people per night. If you don’t have your own tent or camper, you can choose from a wide selection of cabins, tiny houses, ocean-view villas, or even an old Air Stream Trailer for a romantic getaway.
Price range: Starting at $49 AUD
Dogs allowed: No
Facilities: Camp kitchen, BBQ area, playground, laundry
Driving time to Byron Bay: –
Address: 1 Lighthouse Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
First Sun Caravan Park Byron Bay
The First Sun Holiday Park is also located directly on Byron Bay’s Main Beach and even has its own private access. Here you can choose between different huts with or without ocean view, luxury cabins or caravans and camping sites with or without electricity.
Everything you need is within walking distance of the campsite, from restaurants and cafes in town to bike and surfboard rentals and a small kiosk for essentials in the park itself.
Facilities include a fully equipped communal camp kitchen, a BBQ area, covered and open picnic areas, laundry and WiFi throughout the park. Next to the campground, you can use the Byron Bay public swimming pool, which only costs a few dollars to enter. Unfortunately, this camping spot is also not dog-friendly, so you’ll have to look for other options close to Byron Bay.
Our tip: This is probably the best campground in Byron Bay in our experience, and it’s definitely worth the price, even though camping here doesn’t come cheap.
Price range: Starting at $68 AUD
Dogs allowed: No
Facilities: BBQ, camp kitchen, kiosk, laundry, bike and surfboard rental, WiFi
Driving time to Byron Bay: –
Address: Lawson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
Discovery Holiday Park Byron Bay
The Discovery Park in Byron Bay is located a bit further back without direct beach access, but there are plenty of great facilities here, so you don’t have to leave the camping site if you don’t want to.
There is a lot of entertainment for children, like a bounce pillow, a playground and a water park, making this the perfect choice for families. You can also enjoy the BBQ areas, a camp kitchen, laundry facilities, a kiosk where you can buy equipment, a swimming pool and a tennis court.
You can camp here with your tent, come with your caravan, or comfortably rent one of the many different cabins that come in various sizes and levels of comfort. Unfortunately, the Discovery Park in Byron Bay is not dog-friendly, and pets are not allowed in the park.
Despite the non-beachfront location, you can reach the water in a few minutes by car, but also on foot in less than 30 minutes.
Price range: Starting at $38 AUD
Dogs allowed: No
Facilities: BBQ, playground, camp kitchen, laundry, waterpark, tennis court, pool
Driving time to Byron Bay: –
Address: 399 Ewingsdale Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
Ingenia Caravan Park Byron Bay
Ingenia Caravan Park is one of the best campsites in Byron Bay, with lots of facilities that leave nothing to be desired. Whether you come by tent or campervan, are looking for a glamping vacation or want to stay in a simple cabin or luxurious villa, the Ingenia Caravan Park offers something for everyone.
Besides the usual facilities such as a BBQ area, a camp kitchen and a laundry room, there is also a children’s playground, a pool, a skate park, an on-site restaurant and a dog park where you can let your four-legged friend run free. This is my favourite dog-friendly camping site in Byron Bay by far!
Our tip: Do you struggle to set up your tent? We’ve got the best tips on how to get tent pegs into hard ground.
Price range: Starting at $35 AUD
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Camp kitchen, playground, laundry, BBQ areas, pool, dog park, games room, skatepark, restaurant
Driving time to Byron Bay: ~ 5 minutes
Address: Unit 5/37 Broken Head Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
Red Devil Park Byron Bay
The Red Devil camping ground is located very close to Ingenia Holiday Park in Byron Bay, although it is a far more basic campsite with only a few facilities and cheap prices. Luckily, you can stay here for only $30 AUD per vehicle (the number of people does not matter), which is a real bargain in the area of Byron Bay.
There is a communal camp kitchen which is, unfortunately, sometimes a bit dirty, a covered and uncovered picnic area and a children’s playground.
The athletes from the nearby sports field use the toilets and showers on the camping site, so these are somewhat crowded after training which you should keep in mind. But the site is dog-friendly and great for families who are looking for something cheap on their camping trip to Byron Bay.
Our tip: Byron Bay is one of Australia’s most popular tourist hotspots. A $30 AUD per night campsite with only very basic facilities might seem expensive, but here this is, unfortunately, a good deal in our experience.
Price range: $30 AUD per vehicle
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Camp kitchen, picnic area, playground
Driving time to Byron Bay: ~ 5 minutes
Address: Red Devils Park, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
Best camping sites near Byron Bay
Byron Bay has limited camping options, and you shouldn’t forget about the parks located just a quick drive outside of town. They’re usually slightly cheaper and a great option if you’re passing through for a night or two.
Broken Head Holiday Park
Broken Head Holiday Park is located about 15 minutes’ drive south of Byron Bay and within walking distance of the local beach.
The camp has a fully equipped communal kitchen with a fridge and freezer, toaster, microwave and plenty of seating. There are also several BBQ areas spread around the site. In addition, there is a coin laundry with dryers and an ironing board.
The Broken Head Holiday Park also has a small kiosk where you can stock up on necessities and a cafe on wheels where you can get your coffee in the morning.
Besides powered and unpowered campsites, there are also cabins for two to six people and smaller, more basic shacks for rent at the Broken Head Camping Holiday Park close to Byron Bay.
There are some great smaller hiking trails in the area that are perfect for a midday stroll. One of them leads to the secluded Kings Beach, which is only accessible via this trail.
Our tip: Byron Bay is great, and we love it, but the surrounding beaches (which are some of the best on the East Coast) are what really make this area special. Don’t miss out on them when you’re staying here.
Price range: Starting at $40 AUD
Dogs allowed: No
Facilities: Camp kitchen, BBQ areas, laundry, kiosk, coffee shop
Driving time to Byron Bay: ~ 15 minutes
Address: 184 Beach Road, Broken Head NSW 2481, Australia
Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park
Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park is also only a few minutes walk from the beach and is located about 10 minutes south of Byron Bay.
The Suffolk Beachfront campground in Byron Bay offers not only caravan plots but also tent sites and various types of cabins.
Visitors can enjoy a fully equipped camp kitchen, dump point, laundry facilities, BBQ areas and WiFi access. A playground for children is located not far from the campsite. Unfortunately, the Suffolk Beachfront Holiday park is not dog friendly, so those camping with their pets will have to look for alternatives elsewhere around Byron Bay.
Price range: Starting at $41 AUD
Dogs allowed: No
Facilities: Camp kitchen, laundry, BBQ areas, WiFi
Driving time to Byron Bay: 10 minutes
Address: 143 Alcorn St, Suffolk Park NSW 2481, Australia
Best free camping sites near Byron Bay
If you’re watching your spending, you’ll love these free camping grounds close to Byron Bay. While there aren’t any free camping options in Byron Bay itself, you can still avoid spending money if you’re okay with a short drive to town.
Our tip: Camping on a budget? You’ll love this guide to free and wild camping sites on the East Coast of Australia.
Yelgun Rest Area
The Yelgun Rest Area is probably one of the best free camping sites near Byron Bay. It is only about 20 minutes away and has more than enough parking lots, so you don’t have to worry about getting there early. Every time we’ve been here, there has been plenty of space.
The park area has a children’s playground, BBQs and public toilets with freshwater facilities. There is also a coffee van that comes by every morning to sell snacks and drinks. This is a really good place to park for a few nights.
Our tip: The Yelgun Rest Area is extremely underrated, in our opinion. If you’re not quite ready to pay $30 AUD or more per night for a camping ground in Byron Bay, this free one is absolutely fantastic value.
Price range: Free
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Public toilets, playground, BBQs, picnic areas
Driving time to Byron Bay: ~ 20 minutes
Address: Billinudgel NSW 2483, Australia
Area De Descanso Byron Bay
Area De Descanso is a small parking bay at the edge of the highway with a public toilet. Byron Bay is about 15 minutes away, and although this isn’t the best camping site on this list, it might still be a good option if you’re passing through. There is limited space here, and the road is a bit noisy, but for a night or two, this is a good place to get some sleep.
This spot is much closer to Byron Bay than the Yelgun Rest Area, but it’s also not nearly as nice.
Our tip: This is a highway stop that doesn’t always have other campers around. As a solo female camper, I’m not sure if I would feel safe staying here overnight, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Price range: Free
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Toilet
Driving time to Byron Bay: ~ 15 minutes
Address: Pacific Hwy, Tyagarah NSW 2481, Australia
Wild camping in Byron Bay
Wild camping in Australia can be risky, and it’s not permitted in most parts of the country. Byron Bay is a tourist hotspot and one of the most popular places to camp on the East Coast. Wild camping rules here are strict, especially in recent times. Just a few years ago, you used to be able to set up a tent right on the main beach (which you can still attempt at your own risk now), but with fines for wild camping being high, this isn’t advisable.
If you’re still planning to try wild camping in Byron Bay, make sure to stay away from the beaches, which always have rangers distributing fines. You’ll be best off around 15 to 30 minutes outside of town, either in small towns or remote spots along the road. Recommending a specific wild camping location is difficult, since staying overnight is often prohibited, but if you look, you’ll find something. Just be aware of the risks and be respectful, which includes leaving no trace and not disturbing local residents.
Travelling up the East Coast? You’ll love these wild camping spots along the coast.
Our tip: Read our complete guide to wild camping in Australia here for more advice. You might be hesitant to camp in a place without any facilities. Not having the comforts of home is actually one of the top reasons why people don’t like camping. Luckily, we’ve got the perfect solutions for you.
Glamping in Byron Bay
Go on a romantic getaway with your significant other at one of Byron Bay’s best glamping sites. We’ve stayed at several different ones and will tell you all about our favourites in this detailed guide.
Things to do in Byron Bay
Don’t forget to add these fun things to do to your Byron Bay itinerary.
1. Visit the Byron Bay Lighthouse
The Byron bay Lighthouse is the most easterly point of mainland Australia, with stunning views of the coastline. This is a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset, and you can also take a guided tour to learn about the history of the lighthouse and the surrounding area.
Our tip: The guided tour of the Byron Bay Lighthouse was a real highlight for us and added a lot of value, so I’d highly recommend it if you’re visiting the area.
2. Take a surf lesson
Byron Bay is known for its great surf spots and is a popular destination for surfers. Several surf schools in the area offer lessons for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Whether you’re a first-time surfer or looking to improve your skills, a lesson with a local instructor is a great way to experience the thrill of riding the waves.
3. Explore the local markets
The Byron Bay Markets are a great place to find unique local crafts, food and clothing. The markets are held on different days of the week and showcase a wide range of products, from handmade jewellery and clothing to fresh produce and street food. Find the exact times of the markets here.
4. Relax on Tallow Beach
Tallow Beach is a long, wide beach with clear water and is great for swimming, sunbathing, and long walks. Tallow Beach is located on the eastern side of Byron Bay and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Come here for a picnic or to set up a few camping chairs to relax by the water. Just avoid lleaving trash or taking sand or shells home with you from the beach.
5. Visit the Crystal Castle
The Crystal Castle in Byron Bay is a spiritual sanctuary featuring a range of crystals and gemstones. It offers a peaceful and serene setting with beautiful gardens, a labyrinth, and a range of workshops and classes. You can also participate in a daily sound healing session and, of course, purchase crystals as a souvenir.
Our tip: Entrance tickets to the Crystal Cave cost $49 AUD per person, which is quite expensive. You’ll get a lot of value for the ticket price, but this might not be the best attraction for you if you’re not someone who is interested in crystals and spirituality.
6. Spend an afternoon at the local breweries
Byron Bay is home to a number of microbreweries and craft beer taprooms, offering a wide range of locally brewed beers, ales and lagers. One of the most popular breweries in Byron Bay is Stone & Wood Brewery. Most breweries offer guided tours where you can learn more about the brewing process and try some beers afterwards.
7. Join a yoga class
Byron Bay is a yoga hub with many different styles and levels of classes offered throughout the town. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, you’ll find a yoga class that suits your level and preferences. There are many yoga studios, yoga retreat centres and outdoor yoga classes offered in this town. You can choose to practice in a beautiful natural setting, such as a beach or a forest, or in a more traditional studio setting.
Byron Bay camping FAQ
Yelgun Rest Area and the Area De Descanso Byron Bay are great free camping grounds close to Byron Bay.
The Reflections Holiday Park and First Sun Park are the best beach camping spots in Byron Bay.
Camping in Arakwal National Park near Byron Bay is unfortunately not allowed. You have to stay in designated campsites in town.
You can set up your tent at most campsites in Byron Bay, just make sure you’re not wild camping at the beach
The Red Devil campsite is the cheapest camping spot in Byron Bay, or you could try the free grounds close by.
Yes, there is a Discovery Holiday Park in Byron Bay, although it isn’t dog-friendly.
Did we miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post please leave a comment below or contact us.
