Smoky Cape Campground in Arakoon, NSW — photo 1

Smoky Cape Campground

Arakoon, NSW
At a glance
CampgroundSwimmingToiletsFire PlaceNo PetsTent SiteBeach FishingFishing Spot

About this campsite

Located below the Smoky Cape Lighthouse, near Kempsey, the Smoky Cape Campground is a secluded paradise where you can set up a tent or camper trailer across several private pockets of campsites. Featuring a rich wildlife presence, including giant goannas, and close proximity to the beautiful South West Rocks, the campsite offers various activities such as swimming, fishing and diving at Fish Rock, hailed as one of Australia's best diving sites. However, campers must be self-sufficient during their stay.

Smoky Cape campground, nestled on the isolated coastline beneath the majestic Smoky Cape Lighthouse near Kempsey, is the perfect secluded retreat offering breathtaking views. Offering numerous pockets of campsites, it captures the essence of privacy and peace, where you can set up your camp or trailer and unwind in your exclusive sanctuary. As you embark on self-sufficiency here, you are only a short drive away from the South West Rocks for any necessities. The campground offers a unique opportunity for wildlife encounters, with the presence of giant goannas being notable. The beach, just a walk away, is a gateway to diverse activities, including a soothing swim, an exciting fishing adventure, or even a diving trip to Fish Rock, acknowledged as one of the finest dive sites in Australia. With all this and more, Smoky Cape campground extends an invitation to an unforgettable escape into nature's wonders.

How to Get There

There is an unsealed section of road that is roughly 1km long some parts are one lane with trees either side of road and some low branches. Definitely NOT SUITABLE for larger caravans, larger motorhomes or big rigs.

What this place offers

Amenities

Toilets

Activities

Swimming
Beach Fishing
Fishing Spot

Accommodation Types

Campground
Tent Site

Facilities

Shade
Picnic Tables

Rules & Accessibility

No Pets
Camping Fee

Other Features

No Long Rigs
BYO drinking water
No Caravans
No bookings taken – first in best dressed
Walking
Camp Trailers
4WD on beach requires permit from Kempsey Shire Council
Unknown feature
Fire Place
National Park
National Parks pass required
Park Use Fee
Economical camping fees (self service)
Campgrounds
Mobile Phone Coverage
No showers
Photo Opportunity

Location

Smoky Cape CampgroundLighthouse Road, Arakoon, NSW, 2431

Nearby Campsites

within 50km
Trial Bay Campground — Arakoon, NSW5.7 km away

Arakoon, NSW

Trial Bay Campground

Trial Bay Campground offers an idyllic camping experience by the sea with breathtaking sunset views. Apart from 103 unpowered and 13 powered campsites, it includes picnic tables and barbecues for outdoor dining. It ensures a comfortable stay with amenities like flush toilets, hot and cold showers, a public phone, and drinking water. Enjoy onsite dining at a licensed restaurant/cafe/kiosk and take your boat out using the 4WD beach ramp. The site also serves as a gateway to the historic Trial Bay Gaol, ideal for those keen on local history.

Hungry Campground — Belmore River, NSW17.0 km away

Belmore River, NSW

Hungry Campground

Hungry Campground is a tranquil camping site nestled in Hat Head National Park, perfect for both tent and camper trailer settings. Surrounded by sand dunes and thick vegetation, it offers a home to a diverse range of birdlife, bats, and well-fed goannas. Kangaroos are also common visitors to the campground. Additionally, a brief 20-minute walk leads to a beautiful beach, often watched over by soaring Brahimy kites, offering an immersive nature experience.

Kempsey Showground — West Kempsey, NSW28.6 km away

West Kempsey, NSW

Kempsey Showground

Kempsey Showground is an ideal hub for outdoor enthusiasts providing spacious accommodation for all sizes of caravans, 5th wheelers, and busses, with the added convenience of not requiring unhitching. It stands as a tranquil getaway tucked in a local valley abundant in natural attractions, ranging from a beautiful coastline to a stunning hinterland. Whether it's a family trip or an adventurous journey, Kempsey Showground promises a memorable and comfortable excursion.

Delicate Campground — Crescent Head, NSW38.3 km away

Crescent Head, NSW

Delicate Campground

Delicate Campground is your gateway to the tranquility of nature, situated on a pristine beach ideal for swimming and fishing. With accessible amenities including cold showers and flushing toilets, your comfort is guaranteed. Embark on a serene adventure along the road to discover the remarkable Delicate Nobby Campground and make priceless memories.

Delicate Nobby Campground — Crescent Head, NSW38.3 km away

Crescent Head, NSW

Delicate Nobby Campground

Popular Routes Through Here

Road Trip Ideas
Britz HiTop for hireBritz HiTopCampervanMaui Ultima for hireMaui UltimaCampervanJucy Coaster for hireJucy CoasterCampervan
Campervan & motorhome hire

Hitting the road? Rent the rig, not just the gear.

Compare live prices across Britz, Maui, Apollo, Jucy & more — campervans and motorhomes, one-way hires included.

Compare & book

Similar Campsites

based on features
Hungry Campground — Belmore River, NSWSimilar17.0 km away

Belmore River, NSW

Hungry Campground

Hungry Campground is a tranquil camping site nestled in Hat Head National Park, perfect for both tent and camper trailer settings. Surrounded by sand dunes and thick vegetation, it offers a home to a diverse range of birdlife, bats, and well-fed goannas. Kangaroos are also common visitors to the campground. Additionally, a brief 20-minute walk leads to a beautiful beach, often watched over by soaring Brahimy kites, offering an immersive nature experience.

Saltwater Creek Camping Area — Green Cape, NSWSimilar750.2 km away

Green Cape, NSW

Saltwater Creek Camping Area

Saltwater Creek Camping Area, located in Ben Boyd National Park, offers a remote and peaceful camping experience amidst a spectacular coastal setting. Here, you can set your camp among apple gums, swim in the pristine beach, surf, or go fishing. The site is perfect for families with shallow lagoons for the kids and it's also a stopover for the Light to Light walk, allowing for adventurous hiking. Wildlife is abundant, with the opportunity to spot possums, wallabies, goannas, pythons, or lyrebirds. You may even catch a glimpse of dolphins riding the waves or whales on their migration journey.

Bittangabee Campground — Green Cape, NSWSimilar754.5 km away

Green Cape, NSW

Bittangabee Campground

Located in the southern area of Ben Boyd National Park, Bittangabee Campground is a hub of outdoor activities. This includes bushwalking, bird watching, swimming, and even snorkelling and diving. It also has a specific spot for kayaking and paddling on a pocket-sized beach. The area is replete with historical ruins of a storehouse, a visual reminder of its own history. A unique feature is its frequent natural displays by superb lyrebirds and a contemplative view of yachts resting in the bay.

Plan your visit

Save it, check the weather, map your route

Save it to your trips to plan your route
Weather, map & road access shown below
A 4WD with a rooftop tent set up at a eucalyptus bush camp
Campervan & 4WD hire

Touring without your own rig?

Hire one and make Arakoon, NSW a stop on the lap — live prices, one-way hires.

Compare & book

Nearby Fuel

Share Your Experience

Help fellow campers by sharing your photos and reviews.

Own This Campsite?

Claim your listing to manage information, respond to reviews, and update details.

Lighthouse Road

Arakoon, NSW 2431

Smoky Cape Campground