Pre-book via NPWS or 1300 072 757. Fees vary by site and season. Campground photos are official NPWS images under CC BY 4.0 with photographer credit on each card.
Decommissioned — no camping—Coast Track · near GarieWalk-in only (beach/track; no camp)
North Era Campground
Coast Track site — decommissioned (no camping)
✓NPWS: closed 2023 and decommissioned — no camping
✓North Era Beach and Coast Track still used for day walks (unpatrolled surf)
✓Do not plan an overnight at North Era
More about this campground
NPWS closed North Era campground in 2023 and has decommissioned the site (emergency access, servicing and damp aspect). It is not available for camping. Plan the Coast Track as a day walk, stay outside the park, or check NPWS for overnight options such as Garie Beach on the Coast Track booking.
Coast Track overnight options: check NPWS (e.g. Garie Beach booking) or stay outside the park
Check current alerts before hiking — conditions change
Bonnie Vale fills first on summer weekends — book months ahead if you need car access near the water.
Planning tip
Overflow
If the campgrounds are full
Bonnie Vale fills first on summer weekends and school holidays. Book NPWS first (up to 6 months). If sites are gone, stay outside the park and day-trip in: Cronulla for the north / Bundeena ferry, Miranda for Audley and the middle, Otford / Waterfall for Uloola and the southern trailheads. These are Booking.com links (sponsored). Park cottages are a different NPWS booking — see accommodation.
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Near Bonnie Vale
Kayak on Port Hacking
Self-guided 2-hour kayak rental at Bundeena — a good add-on if you’re camping at Bonnie Vale or arriving by ferry. Check wind and conditions; this is not an NPWS booking.
Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park fees and NPWS bookings are never affiliated.
FAQ
Camping FAQ
Can you camp in Royal National Park?+
Yes — only in designated NPWS campgrounds (Bonnie Vale and Uloola Falls are the main options). North Era campground is decommissioned (closed 2023; no camping). Camping outside designated areas can mean ranger fines. Book via NPWS or call 1300 072 757.
How do I book a campsite?+
Book up to 6 months ahead on the NPWS camping site or phone 1300 072 757. Park entry ($12 per vehicle per day) is separate from campground fees.
What if Bonnie Vale or Uloola is booked out?+
Book NPWS first — NPWS camping or 1300 072 757. Sites fill months ahead in holidays. If nothing is left, hotels outside the park are the overflow: Cronulla (north / ferry), Miranda (Audley), Otford / Waterfall (Uloola / south). Cottages are still NPWS (accommodation guide). Wattamolla is not camping.
What are Bonnie Vale check-in and check-out times?+
Per NPWS Bonnie Vale listing: check-in 2 pm, check-out 10 am. Confirm on the Bonnie Vale campground page when you book — rules can change.
Can you camp at Wattamolla?+
No. Wattamolla is day-use only (beach, lagoon, picnic area). Overnight camping is not permitted there — use Bonnie Vale or other NPWS campgrounds.
Is North Era campground open?+
NPWS closed North Era campground in 2023 and has decommissioned the site (emergency access, servicing and damp aspect). It is not available for camping. Plan the Coast Track as a day walk, stay outside the park, or check NPWS for overnight options such as Garie Beach on the Coast Track booking.
