Back to previous page
Print factsheet

Trial Bay Gaol campground

Arakoon National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

Upgrades to Trial Bay Gaol campground

Sections of Trial Bay Gaol campground will be closed for infrastructure upgrades from Monday 10 February 2025 to late August 2025. Find out more about the improvements planned for Trial Bay Gaol campground.

Trial Bay Gaol campground is right by the beach and perfect for a family camping holiday. Bring your caravan, motorhome or tent for a weekend of swimming, fishing and fun.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 97
Camping type Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside my vehicle
Where 63 Trial Bay Goal Road, Arakoon, NSW, 2431 - in Arakoon National Park
Facilities Amenities block, picnic tables, barbecue facilities, boat ramp, cafe/kiosk, carpark, drinking water, showers, toilets, electric power
Group bookings Book up to 20 people or 5 sites online. For larger groups, make a group booking enquiry.
Please note
  • Campsites are marked, with some powered sites available.
  • Check in 2pm, check out 10am.
  • All campers must check in to the office on arrival and late arrivals must contact the office during business hours. Fees apply for late check outs.
  • The maximum number of guests is 6 guests per site. Campers found not paying for the correct number of guests will be asked to leave the campground without refund.
  • You can set up 1 tent or a campervan/trailer/caravan and annex on your site. There's a limit of 1 vehicle and trailer per site.
  • All equipment must be kept within the campsite boundaries and must be at least 1.5m from the site boundaries in accordance with fire regulations.
  • Sites near the boat ramp may experience some early morning noise from 4am during January to April as fishermen gather for marlin season.
  • Mermaid Pools is near this campground but is not recommended for swimming. Large waves wash over the area and visitors can be swept off the rocks.

Trial Bay Gaol campground offers campsites for tents, caravans, campervans and camper trailers in an enviable position beside Front Beach.

Pack your snorkels, swimmers, fishing rod, walking shoes and surfboard, because you’ll have time to use all of these when you’re enjoying this delightful campground and picnic area. And if you’re too tired after a day exploring the park to cook up a feast, treat yourself to a meal at the Trial Bay Kiosk Restaurant. It's the ideal place for families to take a weekend break in the beautiful Arakoon National Park.

Thinking of going in winter? Make sure you take your binoculars - Arakoon is a great place to see whales making their annual migration north. And even better in spring as they make their way south hugging the coast and resting with their calves in Trial Bay, just off the campground.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Things to do:

Trial Bay Gaol

For a glimpse into Australian history, head to South West Rocks to explore the historic ruins of Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park. Make sure you see the view from the sentry’s lookout.

Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

 

Download our app

The free NSW National Parks app lets you download maps and explore parks, things to do and places to stay—all without mobile reception.

Hand holding a phone with NSW National Parks app on screen. Photo: Branden Bodman/DPIE

Bookings

Park info

See more visitor info

What's nearby:

Things to do (24)

Tours (5)

Camping and accommodation (4)

Volunteering (2)

School excursions (2)

Why create an account?

  • Create lists of your next adventures
  • Get closure alerts by email
  • Save your personal info to make it fast and easy to fill in trip intention forms
  • And more features coming soon