Winter Camping Pick - Coolendel NSW

The Challenge was set..

Approached by Ryan and the team at Next Level Adventures, we were given the following challenge..

” Give us a full review of your best Winter Camp Site close to Sydney! “

Watch the Review…

We grabbed the gear, Packed the swag, stopped for food and beer, and then hit the road, camera’s in hand, ready to show off one of the most beautiful and quiet campsites within a short drive of home. This is the OzCampBoat.com Winter campsite review of..

Coolendel Camp Grounds NSW

About Coolendel

Coolendel is a privately owned property, located on the beautiful Shoalhaven River.

Very reasonable rates at about $25pp/Night with awesome facilities and fires allowed.

Getting there..

About a 3 hour drive south of Sydney, we take a right hand turn at Nowra towards Yalwal. Just over 30km along a very easy dirt road, sits a 130 acre Free Range campground (meaning no set campsites). Heaps of things to do with the family, we find heading there in winter, mid week, (and outside of school holidays) we are spoiled with the place all to ourselves.

We can take our pick from 9 different camp zones. Being winter we look for something with the afternoon sun to keep us company. Close to the river, we chose the eastern side of The Riverview Campgrounds.

Things to do..

If you’re one for the nature of it all, prepare for a treat. Wildlife to be seen includes abundant Bird Life, Goannas, Wallabies, Wombats, we were even lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the shy Bandicoot.

If you like fishing, make sure you pack your best freshwater gear, as Australian Bass, Carp and Eels are ripe for the taking! (Be sure to adhere to legal bag limits on Bass)

Plenty of walking and bicycle riding around the grounds, and even out to nearby lookouts.

The local 4WDing will get your truck dirty, with loads of interesting things to see too.

Gold Hunting. If you fancy yourself a prospector, then pack your detector and pan. The place use to be teaming with minors in the olden day, who knows what you can find now. TAKE CAUTION: Old mines litter the area.

Stargazing – Some of the most AMAZING night watch skies I have ever seen.

Swimming / Kayaking / Canoeing – Make sure you pack a lifejacket. Equipment can be hired from head office.

Leave Rover at home… No Pets Allowed.

There is NO PHONE SERVICE within the camp grounds, however WIFI can be rented (via recently installed Starlink) and the phone can be used at the office if you require.

Facilities

At the front desk, you can stock up on all the things you forgot to bring. Bread, Milk, Firewood, Gas, Ice.. and something to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Water around the park is drinkable, and taps are a plenty.

There are NO POWERED CAMPSITES. So bring your own power!

Camp Fires are allowed within designated fire pits. Be sure to watch, and care for your own fire. The surrounding grass is dry and can catch. We had a very near miss.