The Basin campground is a large campground in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Australia. It has 114 campsites with toilets, showers and unpowered sites.
Getting there#
Address: Basin Trail, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase, NSW, 2084
Check the official website for detailed directions and current road conditions.
Location
Open in Google MapsFacilities#
The Basin campground offers the following facilities:
- toilets
- showers
- unpowered sites
- unmarked sites
- drinking water
- barbecue facilities
- picnic tables
- amenities block
- public phone
Check the official page for the full list and current facility status.
Camping fees#
Camping fee: $40/adult, $24/child (5-15), under 5 free Vehicle entry: $12/vehicle/day (park entry, separate from camping)
Ferry fare is additional — around $15 return per adult
Fees are subject to change. Check the official website for the latest pricing.
Can't get a booking?#
The Basin campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the area and books out fast - especially during school holidays, long weekends, and summer.
Set up a free CampWatch alert and we'll text you the moment a spot opens up. No app, no account - just your phone number.
Climate
Best time to visit The Basin campground
Sydney and surrounds experiences warm summers (25°C avg) and mild winters (11°C–16°C). Rainfall peaks in February (112mm avg). The driest camping months are April, May, September, October and November.
Summer
Dec–Feb
25°C high
20°C low
100mm rain
Autumn
Mar–May
21°C high
17°C low
87mm rain
Winter
Jun–Aug
16°C high
11°C low
59mm rain
Spring
Sep–Nov
21°C high
15°C low
69mm rain
Get alerts for The Basin
Enter your dates and we'll text you the moment a spot opens up. No app, no account needed.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to The Basin campground?
The Basin has no car access. The easiest way is the ferry from Palm Beach Wharf, which takes about 20 minutes and runs hourly. You can also walk in via the Basin Trail from West Head Road carpark (2.8km, about 45 minutes) or arrive by water taxi or private boat.
How do I book The Basin campground?
Book online through the NSW National Parks website. Bookings open on a rolling basis, typically 3-6 months ahead. Popular dates sell out within hours, so check early. If your dates are sold out, set up a free CampWatch alert to get notified when a cancellation opens up.
Can I have a campfire at The Basin?
Fire pits are available at the campground but must be booked on-site through the campground manager — they cannot be pre-booked. Gathering firewood is not permitted, but you can purchase firewood from the campground manager during sale times (9:45-10am and 2:45-3pm).
Are there stingrays at The Basin?
Yes, stingrays are sometimes present in The Basin lagoon. Shuffle your feet when walking in the shallows to avoid stepping on them. This is a standard precaution at many NSW coastal waterways.
What facilities does The Basin campground have?
The Basin has toilets, showers, drinking water, electric barbecue facilities, picnic tables, an amenities block, and a public phone. Sites are unpowered and unmarked. The campground manager sells firewood, ice, bait, and solar water bags at set times.
Is The Basin campground good for families?
The Basin is one of the best family campgrounds near Sydney. The sheltered beach and calm lagoon are safe for young children, the ferry ride is an adventure in itself, and the resident wallabies and wildlife make it memorable. It is a designated family-friendly campground.
What's the weather like at The Basin campground?
Sydney and surrounds experiences warm summers (25°C avg) and mild winters (11°C–16°C). Rainfall peaks in February (112mm avg). The driest camping months are April, May, September, October and November.
When is the best time to camp at The Basin campground?
The best months for camping at The Basin campground are April, May, September, October and November, when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is lowest.