Royal National Park has limited camping capacity for a park so close to Sydney. In 2026, Bonnie Vale remains the main drive-in campground, Uloola Falls remains the walk-in option, and North Era campground is closed until further notice.
The more important change since this guide was first published in April is the live-alert picture. The short April whale, hazard-reduction and baiting notices have passed. Current NPWS notices instead include a long-running deer-control program through 18 December 2026 and changed access at Wattamolla.
For current conditions, use the Royal National Park local alerts page before every trip.
At a glance: Royal National Park campgrounds in 2026#
| Campground | Status | Access | Sites | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonnie Vale | Open, subject to live alerts | Drive-in or walk from Bundeena | 79 | Families, caravans, river access |
| Uloola Falls | Open, subject to live alerts | Walk-in | Small | Self-sufficient hikers |
| North Era | Closed until further notice | Walk-in when reopened | n/a | Coastal backpack camping |
Royal National Park entry is currently $12 per vehicle per day, separate from camping fees. NPWS requires campground bookings before arrival.
Bonnie Vale campground#
Bonnie Vale sits on the Hacking River between Bundeena and Maianbar and is the most fully serviced camping option in Royal National Park.
NPWS currently lists 79 campsites, including powered and unpowered options, with toilets, hot showers, drinking water, barbecues and picnic tables. Tents, camper trailers and caravans are supported on suitable sites.
Check-in is 2pm and check-out is 10am. NPWS allows online bookings for up to 18 people or 3 sites; larger groups need a group booking enquiry.
Camping prices are shown for the dates and site type you choose. Because those prices can change, use the NPWS Bonnie Vale page for the live amount rather than a hard-coded nightly figure.
Current deer-control restriction#
Bonnie Vale is within a current deer-control management area. NPWS says selected areas of Royal National Park are closed to the public between sunset and sunrise from Monday to Thursday, excluding school holidays, from 6 July to 18 December 2026.
Bonnie Vale campground and picnic area are named in that notice. Importantly, NPWS also says people with a campground booking can still access campgrounds during these times. Follow signs and do not use surrounding closed tracks or areas merely because your campground booking permits access to the campground itself.
Uloola Falls campground#
Uloola Falls is the walk-in alternative for campers who want a more self-sufficient trip. Access is via walking tracks from the Heathcote/Waterfall side of the park, and you need to carry the supplies required for a remote campground.
The current deer-control notice also affects Uloola Falls campground, Uloola walking track and Karloo walking track during the stated night-time closure periods. As with Bonnie Vale, NPWS says people with campground bookings can still access campgrounds, but surrounding areas may be closed between sunset and sunrise on operating nights.
Check the Uloola Falls local alerts before walking in, particularly if your itinerary involves an evening or pre-dawn approach.
North Era campground remains closed#
North Era has been closed since July 2023. The current NPWS alert still says simply: North Era campground is closed until further notice.
There is no published reopening date, so don't build a 2026 itinerary around an assumed return. Use Uloola Falls for an authorised walk-in camping option inside Royal National Park, or consider another coastal campground outside the park.
We've kept our North Era campground page live so the closure remains visible to people searching for the site.
Current Royal National Park alerts: August 2026#
The main current notices relevant to campers are:
- Deer control through 18 December 2026: selected areas are closed sunset to sunrise Monday–Thursday, excluding school holidays. The affected list includes Bonnie Vale, Uloola Falls, North Era, Wattamolla, Garie and numerous tracks and picnic areas. Campground booking holders can still access campgrounds.
- Wattamolla beach access: the pontoon has been removed for maintenance. NPWS says beach access is via stairs at the eastern end of the precinct and requires crossing through water, with conditions changing with the tide. The current notice runs through 30 September 2026.
- North Era: closed until further notice.
These are not the only notices that can appear. Always use the live NPWS alerts immediately before travel.
How to book Royal National Park camping#
NPWS requires online or contact-centre bookings before arrival at its bookable campgrounds. The general NPWS booking FAQ does not currently publish the old universal claim that every Royal National Park date is released exactly six months ahead at 9am, so this guide no longer presents that as a rule.
Instead:
- Check the live NPWS booking calendar for Bonnie Vale or Uloola Falls.
- If your dates are available, book directly with NPWS.
- If they are full, keep an eye on cancellations or use CampWatch to monitor supported dates.
The booking itself always happens on the NPWS site. CampWatch does not hold campsites or take campground payment.
Getting there without a car#
Bonnie Vale is one of the more practical NSW national-park campgrounds to reach without driving.
Train + ferry: travel to Cronulla, walk to the wharf and take the ferry to Bundeena, then continue on foot to Bonnie Vale. Check the ferry operator's current timetable before relying on the connection.
Train + walk for Uloola Falls: Heathcote and Waterfall stations are common starting points for the walking tracks into the Uloola area. Check the current track alerts before departure because management operations can affect those routes even when the campground itself is available.
Best time to visit#
Royal National Park works year-round, but the trade-offs change by season. Summer brings the strongest demand for Bonnie Vale; cooler months are better for longer walks and can be less competitive for camping dates.
What matters more than a generic seasonal recommendation is the live park status. Fire danger, track works, wildlife management and ocean conditions can all change access independently of the weather forecast.
What to bring#
For Bonnie Vale, check the official page for current facilities and your selected site type. The campground currently provides toilets, hot showers, drinking water, powered and unpowered sites, barbecues and picnic tables.
For Uloola Falls, plan as a walk-in remote campsite: carry sufficient water, food, weather protection, lighting and a suitable cooking setup, and check fire rules before leaving.
If your preferred dates are full, set up a CampWatch alert and we'll text you if a matching supported campsite becomes available.
This guide was refreshed against current NPWS information on 16 August 2026.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I camp anywhere in Royal NP for free?
No. Overnight camping must be at an authorised campground and booked before arrival. Bonnie Vale and Uloola Falls are the current camping options covered here; North Era is closed until further notice.
Are dogs allowed at Royal National Park campgrounds?
No. Pets and domestic animals are not permitted in Royal National Park except certified assistance animals. Check current NPWS alerts as pest and wildlife-management operations can add temporary access restrictions.
How much does it cost to camp at Bonnie Vale?
Camping prices are shown for your dates in the NPWS booking system and can vary by site type and season. Royal National Park also has a $12 vehicle entry fee per day, separate from camping fees. Check the live Bonnie Vale page before booking rather than relying on a fixed price quoted here.
Can I have a campfire at Royal NP campgrounds?
Fire rules are campground-specific and can change with conditions. Check the individual campground visitor-information page, current NPWS alerts and NSW RFS restrictions before using any fire or solid-fuel appliance.
When will North Era campground reopen?
NPWS currently lists North Era campground as closed until further notice. No reopening date is published.
Are there current access restrictions in Royal National Park?
Yes. From 6 July to 18 December 2026, selected areas are closed between sunset and sunrise Monday to Thursday, excluding school holidays, for deer control. Bonnie Vale and Uloola Falls are among affected locations, but NPWS says people with campground bookings can still access campgrounds.