'I used to hate camping, but this little-known beachside spot officially converted me.'

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I recently completed three days of camping. I didn't grow up in a camping family, and I am not your typical outdoorsy gal. The prospect was daunting.

There was no power or running water, just a long drop toilet and a swag on the ground. Yes, I was basically Bear Grylls with a camper van (but I was in a swag, so even more like Bear).

My first thoughts were, "There's a lot of admin involved in this" and, "Is this really worth all the effort?" But I quickly became a convert.

I got to like the concept of going for a swim doubling as a bath, and I felt grateful for simple food because I was so hungry, and it had been an effort to make it.

I don't think I'll ever forget the silver lining of my insomnia — opening my eyes to a sky of diamonds sparking across the night sky.

Watch: Jennifer Hawkins family camping trip. Post continues below.

The peacefulness of the quiet. No music, no podcasts, just the sounds of waves crashing —and no internet, so no doom-scrolling or meme scrolling.

I went with my kids, my mum, my cousin and her toddler. We sat around telling stories, and the kids not sitting around on their screens was amazing. If we weren't out doing things, they got bored, and so they found things to do.

They played card games, found bull ants to fight each other for "bull ant gladiators" and we played pranks.

It made me realise none of us have the space to feel bored, or time to think. It was an unplug and detox from the hectic busyness of life.

Would I do it again? Yes! Yes I would. So I have asked my more 'campy' friends and colleagues and rounded up the best spots to camp around Australia and broken them down state by state below:

Where I camped: Cape Range National Park, WA.

Termite mound at Cape Range National Park and snorkelling at Osprey Bay. Image:Supplied

Exmouth is a 13-hour drive north of Perth, but very much worth a visit! I live in Sydney but my cousin lives in Exmouth so we had all her gear on hand.

This was a classic off-grid experience with breathtaking coastal scenery, direct access to Ningaloo Reef with world-class snorkelling, and rugged bush surrounds.

We stayed a very short walk from the beach with those exceptional WA sunsets where the sun sinks into the sea.

The area is renowned for it's beaches, with Turquoise Bay often being voted "the best beach in the world" and I can see why! It had abundant marine life (we swam with turtles!), quiet white sandy beaches, and basic bush-style campgrounds spaced to maximise privacy and tranquillity.

Good to know:

• Cost: $100 a night

• Strict no pets and dog policy (they have poison around for the dingoes)

• Advance booking is critical, and they book out quickly.

• No fires are permitted at any time

• Campers must bring all water, food, and charge devices off-grid (solar helped for battery charging), as supply options are very limited

• Make sure you check the typical temperatures of the time you plan to visit if you're not a local, it can get very hot up there!

Another top camping spot in Western Australia:

Lane Poole Reserve near Dwellingup, WA.

This is jarrah forest on the banks of the Murray River, about 100 km south of Perth (90 minutes by car). It's got that bush camp atmosphere with large shady sites, surrounded by forest and nature—but with access to modern amenities.

The reserve has eight campgrounds to choose to "pitch on" with options from basic (drop toilets, no power, riverfront sites) to well-equipped (hot showers, flush toilets, camp kitchen, BBQs, firepits, potable water, and some powered sites at Baden Powell).

Perfect for canoeing, kayaking, swimming in the Murray River, bushwalks, rope swings, fishing, mountain biking trails. Sites are spaced for privacy and surrounded by towering forest.

Good to know:

• Unpowered sites are around $15 per adult per night; sites with amenities from $16–$22 per night for two people

• Dogs permitted in designated areas

The best camping spots in New South Wales.

L-R: The Barrington Coast. Image: Lani's Holiday Island, Hillside Harvest, Image: Supplied.

Lani's Forster, NSW.

Located on beautiful Wallis Lake in the heart of the Great Lakes region. You get a mix of natural bushland camping and more serviced caravan sites with great facilities.

You go through the caravan park but then onto an island, so it doesn't feel like a caravan park, but there are two pools the kids can use in the main part of the park.

It's close to supermarkets, not far from the beach, and you can take dogs.

The Great Lakes area is known for fishing, scuba diving, whale watching, beaches, and nearby national parks such as Booti Booti, ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting.

Good to know:

• Powered and unpowered site pricing generally ranges from about $40 to $60 per night depending on facilities and season

• Facilities usage like laundry and camp kitchens is generally included, but some amenities like showers may have a small fee

• The site includes a camp kitchen, BBQ areas, children's playground, games room, and swimming pools (2 outdoor pools)

Hillside Harvest Orchard in Borenore, New South Wales.

This highly recommended camping and glamping site is set within a 75-acre working orchard producing cherries, stonefruit, apples, and pears. It offers a scenic, peaceful bush setting with a small block of eucalypts and three dams, including a large dam suitable for swimming, paddling, and fishing.

Perfect for campers who seek a quiet, nature-rich camping environment enhanced by farmhouse charm and fruit picking (check for fruit picking seasons).

Good to know:

• Typically charges $31 per night for most unpowered vehicle or tent sites depending on the season.

• There are no showers or potable (drinking) water supplies at most sites. Campers must bring their own water.

• Advance booking is essential, especially for sites with toilets or during fruit picking season.

Mystery Bay Campground, NSW.

Located on the NSW South Coast near Bermagui, this offers a beautiful, off-grid bush camping experience close to pristine beaches and native bushland. It's one of the few natural camping areas remaining on this coastline and surrounded by spotted gums.

A great spot for kayaking, fishing, bushwalking in national parks, beach combing, and wildlife watching.

Good to know:

• The pricing is approximately $27 per person per night, with the site charged per guest and you can bring your furry friends!

• Book early—this off the grid and beaten track fills up fast.

• Amenities include cold outdoor showers, water taps, and long drop toilets.

• All sites are unpowered, so you need to BYO power sources like solar panels or generators.

The best camping spots in Victoria.

L-R Johanna Beach, Image: Supplied. Tidal River, Image: Instagram @theblondenomads

Johanna Beach, VIC.

This is if you want a rugged, off-grid bush experience on the Shipwreck Coast. There's lots of open grassy sites, striking surf, and direct access to one of Victoria's wilder ocean beaches. The campground is set slightly back from the dunes, so you get wind shelter but still get the constant sound of surf.

The campground is known for being spacious and not packed—even during busy periods like Easter. It's pet-friendly (dogs on leads are welcome year-round), and the surroundings have farmland and lush Otways forest, with walks and rockpools nearby.

Good to know:

• Sites normally cost under $30 per night.

• There are non-flushing drop toilets but no showers, drinking water, power, or barbecues.

• No fires are permitted at any time, so plan to keep warm with extra clothes and cook food with gas or other means.

Tidal River Campground, VIC.

Located in Wilsons Promontory National Park, it's the park's main and largest camping hub with 484 active sites. It offers a comprehensive camping experience surrounded by stunning coastal bushland, making it perfect for nature lovers, families, and hikers exploring the famous Prom.

It has kangaroos, wallabies, wombats casually strolling around and access to amazing beaches like Squeaky Beach, Whisky Bay, and Norman Beach for swimming and surfing.

Good to know:

• Non-powered sites range from $56 (off-peak) to $62 (peak) per night, powered sites $62 to $69 per night.

• Booking is essential year-round, with a ballot system for Christmas to late January due to extreme demand.

• Modern, well-maintained amenities including flush toilets, hot showers (token-operated).

• No campfires, generators, or pets are allowed for environmental protection.

The best camping spots in South Australia.

L-R: Swag Huts. Image: Camp Coodlie, Image: Rawnsley Park Station.

Coodlie Park Farm Retreat, Eyre Peninsula, SA.

Located on a 3,000-acre working farm near Venus Bay on the Eyre Peninsula, this eco bush camp offers a true off-grid experience. It's close to stunning natural attractions like Mount Camel Beach and the famous Talia Caves for day trips. Perfect for adventurous campers looking for peaceful nature immersion with some basic comforts.

Good to know:

• From $34 per night for unpowered sites for 2 adults. Powered caravan/tent sites: From $49 to $66 per night for 2 adults.

• Pet friendly with local firewood available and private beach access for sunset views.

• Facilities are minimal and eco-friendly, including hot water tin bucket showers, pit toilets.

Rawnsley Park Station, Flinders Ranges, SA.

Located in the Flinders Ranges, it offers both basic bush camping and fully-serviced powered sites with onsite amenities. The park has clean, well-maintained facilities, including flush toilets, hot showers, camp kitchens, laundry, and a shop.

With stunning views of Wilpena Pound and access to nearby walking tracks and wildlife experiences.

Good to know:

• Bush camping sites (unpowered): Starting from $34 per night for two adults.

• Powered caravan/tent sites: From $49 to $66 per night for two adults.

• Suitable for tents, caravans, campervans, and families and provides a mix of natural setting with more infrastructure than typical off-grid.

The best camping spots in Queensland.

L-R: Cooloola Recreation Area Image: Parks QLD, Tallebudgera Creek Image: Gold Coast Tourist Parks.

Cooloola Recreation Area – Great Sandy National Park, QLD.

On the Sunshine Coast, about 3 hours north of Brisbane. This is wild beach and bush camping with over 20 camping locations to choose from, including remote, walk-in or 4WD-access-only sites along the long Teewah Beach and inland Noosa River wilderness.

You'll find iconic coloured sand cliffs, expansive beaches, wildflower heathlands, eucalypt woodlands, and river and lake spots perfect for kayaking and fishing.

Good to know:

• You need to book and pay for a vehicle permit before you arrive here. You can get a one-week pass for $38.

• Costs $7.25 per person per night, or $29.00 per family per night.

• Extremely popular in school holidays—book early!

• Facilities: Basic to none—most sites are unpowered, no water, no showers, with toilets at only some locations.

Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park, QLD.

On "The Goldy", Gold Coast, near Burleigh Heads National Park and Tallebudgera Creek. By a scenic creek with direct access to calm water for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing; surrounded by national park and only a short walk to beach and bushwalks.

It's a top choice for campers who want natural ambience and activities with well-established amenities. That's less rugged than purely off-grid sites, but much less commercial than the major holiday parks.

Good to know:

• Unpowered site: approximately $45–$55 per night for 2 people (depending on the time of year).

• Waterfront powered site: Approximately $65–$90 per night for 2 people (depending on the season, location, and site size).

• Offers modern amenity blocks, hot showers, toilets, powered and unpowered grassy sites, laundry, camp kitchens, BBQ areas, playgrounds, and a swimming pool.

The best camping spots in the Australian Capital Territory.

L-R: Cotter Campground at night, Honeysuckle Campground. Images: Parks ACT - ACT Government.

Cotter Campground, ACT.

Located about 24 km (25 minutes) from Canberra, nestled by the Murrumbidgee River. It offers bush camping with facilities like flush toilets, hot showers, BBQs (electric and gas), drinking water, communal fireplaces, picnic tables, and wheelchair-accessible paths. Popular for fishing, swimming, canoeing, and spotting wildlife like platypus and kangaroos.

Good to know:

• Cost: $17 per adult per night

• This is not pet friendly, leave the doggos at home!

Honeysuckle Campground, ACT.

Approximately 54 km (53 minutes) from Canberra, in Namadgi National Park near the former space tracking station.

A peaceful, natural bush camping vibe perfect for nature lovers seeking quiet immersion without heavy commercialisation. Extensive bushwalking and hiking, including trails to Booroomba Rocks and nearby Orroral Valley wilderness.

Good to know:

• $10 per adult per night

• Facilities include long drop toilets, BBQs with gas stoves, campfires in designated pits, picnic tables, shelters, and rainwater tanks

• No potable water is available; bring your own drinking water

• Motorised generator use prohibited

• No dogs allowed to protect local wildlife

The best places to camp in the Northern Territory.

L-R: Kings Creek Station playground Image: Instagram @kingscreekstation, Resort style pool in the outback at Litchfield Safari Camp Image: Litchfield Safari Camp.

Kings Creek Station, NT.

Located near Watarrka National Park (King's Canyon), this station offers a genuine outback experience with both remote powered and unpowered campsites.

Popular for 4WD adventures, guided hikes to King's Canyon, and exploring the Red Centre. The vibe is quiet, rural, and spacious, ideal for travellers wanting a mix of adventure and comfort.

Good to know:

• Powered site: $37.50 per adult per night; Unpowered site: $32.50 per adult per night

• Facilities include toilets, showers, laundry, swimming pool, camp kitchen

• They have bush tents available for $230 per night through to deluxe glamping options for $985 a night if that's more your speed!

• Bookings recommended during peak season - it's popular!

Litchfield Safari Camp, NT.

Located in Litchfield National Park, about 1.5 hours from Darwin. It the perfect base to explore waterfalls, swimming holes, and walks in Litchfield National Park. It's really family-friendly with shaded campsites in a relaxed atmosphere with excellent facilities but set amid natural bushland.

Good to know:

• Unpowered camping sites: starting from AU$20‑30 a night

• Powered camping sites: $30–$60 per night (depending on the season).

• Cabins and glamping options: starting from approximately $399.50 per night depending on the season).

• Hot showers, clean toilets, camp kitchens, BBQ areas, swimming pool, laundry, and a small shop on-site.

• Make sure you check the typical temperatures of the time you plan to visit if you're not a local, it can get very hot up there!

The verdict.

Camping is a far cheaper holiday alternative, that's perfect to have with your kids. It gets them unplugged from screens and creates core memories that will last a lifetime.

Who knew that a bit of dirt, some questionable toilet facilities, and sleeping on the ground could be so transformative?

Where is your favourite place to go camping? Share in the comments below!

Feature Image: Supplied.