Red Gum campground
Clyde River National Park
Overview
Escape the crowds for picnicking, fishing, and swimming in this peaceful riverside campground. Camp overnight and you’ll find yourself paddling in tranquillity.
| Number of campsites | 2 tent sites and 2 camper trailer sites |
|---|---|
| Camping type | Tent, Camper trailer site, Camping beside my vehicle |
| Facilities | Barbecue facilities, toilets |
| What to bring | Drinking water, cooking water, firewood, fuel stove |
| Price | There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies. |
| Bookings | Book up to 12 people or 2 sites online. |
| Group bookings | This campground is not suitable for group bookings. |
| Please note | Sites are not powered. |
Red Gum campground is a beautiful riverside camping area, just a short drive from Batemans Bay, or a scenic trip on the river by boat, canoe, or kayak. This back-to-basics campground is perfect for a weekend escape or a day trip away from the holiday crowds.
Find a grassy patch near your car, or wander to the secluded campsites away from the carpark to pitch your tent and really immerse yourself in nature.
Throw a fishing line in the river, take a quick swim, or head off to explore the nearby mangroves and surrounding bush by foot. Or you could paddle your kayak or canoe to explore the nearby shoreline.
If you like birdwatching, don’t forget your binoculars - you’ll find an abundance of waterbirds by the river. In the distance, you might spot a glossy black-cockatoo or a sea eagle.
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/red-gum-campground/local-alerts
Bookings
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Ulladulla office
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
- 02 4454 9500
- npws.shoalhaven@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Lot 9 Blackburn Industrial Estate, 6 Coller Road Ulladulla NSW 2539
Park info
- in Clyde River National Park in the South Coast region
Clyde River National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Red Gum campground.
Getting there and parking
On entering Clyde River National Park:
- Follow Rotary Drive for about 1.5km until you pass Holmes lookout
- Take the second right and drive for approximately 2km until you arrive at Red Gum campground
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- All roads require 4WD vehicle
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available a short walk from Red Gum campground, near the toilets
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Clyde River National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Spring
Take in magnificent sunset views from Holmes lookout after a day of exploring.
Summer
Get away from the holiday crowds and enjoy peaceful camping, swimming and kayaking on mighty Clyde River.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
14°C and 24°C
Highest recorded
43.3°C
Winter temperature
Average
6°C and 17°C
Lowest recorded
0°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
August
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
867.5mm
Facilities
- Water is not available at this campground.
- Firewood is not provided and is sparse in the park.
- You’re encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
- Rubbish bins are not available, so please take your rubbish with you when leaving.
- Boat hire, camping supplies, grocery stores and medical supplies and services are available at Batemans Bay.
Toilets
- Non-flush toilets
Barbecue facilities
- Fire rings (bring your own firewood)
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
Assistance may be required to access this area.
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Learn more
Red Gum campground is in Clyde River National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Forests along the foreshore
Clyde River National Park has patches of rare forest red gum and three endangered ecological communities; swamp oak floodplain forest; river-flat eucalypt forest on coastal floodplains; and coastal saltmarsh. Mangroves along the river also provide important fish nurseries.
- Holmes lookout Get a wonderful bird’s-eye view of Clyde River and scenic views of the district at Holmes lookout, a popular picnic spot that’s perfect for a birdwatching day trip.
Protecting the unique
As you enjoy the natural beauty of the Clyde River National Park, you’ll see the unique plants and animals protected here. The threatened glossy black cockatoo finds much needed feed trees such as black she-oak in the park. The yellow-bellied glider and masked owl, also a threatened species, make homes here where trees with suitable nest hollows for living and breeding occur.
- Holmes lookout Get a wonderful bird’s-eye view of Clyde River and scenic views of the district at Holmes lookout, a popular picnic spot that’s perfect for a birdwatching day trip.
Sites and storylines
Welcome to the land of the Walbunja people. Clyde River, or Bhundoo as the locals call it, has provided an abundant food source for Aboriginal people for thousands of years. Several middens have been found along the shores where there are freshwater soaks and flat areas suitable for camping. The river, islands, and surrounding bushlands also have important cultural significance for the Walbunja people. Holmes lookout is part of a local dreaming story and was an important meeting and communication point due to its high vantage point.
Waterway wonders
The waterways of Clyde River offer plenty of options to explore and enjoy. Launch your boat, kayak or canoe to see the natural beauty here from the water. Explore the shorelines paddling along the river and see the abundant birdlife. There are also plenty of spots to enjoy a peaceful swim in the calm waters of the river, or throw in a fishing line and relax as you watch the world go by.
- Holmes lookout Get a wonderful bird’s-eye view of Clyde River and scenic views of the district at Holmes lookout, a popular picnic spot that’s perfect for a birdwatching day trip.