Smoky Cape campground
Hat Head National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Smoky Cape campground.
Getting there and parking
From Kempsey:
- Take the South West Rocks Road toward South West Rocks
- Just after the Spencers Creek bridge turn right onto Arakoon Road
- Turn right onto Lighthouse Road and follow the signs to Smoky Cape campground
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available at the Smoky Cape campground.
Best times to visit
This park's sweeping beaches are extremely inviting during summer, but its wildlife and walking tracks make it a joy to visit all year round.
Spring
A birdwatcher's delight as the heath shrubland bursts into a kaleidoscope of wild flowers and birds come from all around, listen out for the guttural call of glossy black cockatoos.
Summer
Take Smoky Cape walking track through a dense rainforest of cabbage tree palms and lush ferns to spectacular views along the coast.
Winter
Spot humpback and southern right whales migrating to northern waters between May and July.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
19°C and 26°C
Highest recorded
41.7°C (1968)
Winter temperature
Average
13°C and 20°C
Lowest recorded
4°C (1997)
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
343.7mm
Facilities
- Water is not available at this campground.
- There are no rubbish bins at this campground. Please take your rubbish with you when you leave.
Toilets
- Non-flush toilets
Picnic tables
There are a limited number of picnic tables at this campground.
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Campfires are not permitted on the ground. Please bring your own fire pit or brazier to ensure fires are kept off the ground.
Please do not tie ropes, clothing, towels, hammocks or camping and fishing equipment to the trees.
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.
Park info
- in Hat Head National Park in the North Coast region
Hat Head National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day.
Buy annual pass