The Basin campground

Stays
A group of campers sitting near their tents by the beach and bush at The Basin campground. Credit:
Aerial view of The Basin campground surrounded by The Basin lagoon. Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW
Campers walking across the ferry wharf, arriving at The Basin campground. Credit: John
2 people looking at a wallaby at The Basin campground. Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW  © DCCEEW
Sheltered barbecues and open picnic tables at The Basin campground. Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW
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Park alerts

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

8 current alerts · Checked 13 Oct 2026, 2:05 pm

  • Other planned eventsUntil 1 Feb 2027

    1080 pest management operation

    NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 August 2026 and 31 January 2027 in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

    Do not touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

    All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.

    Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

    Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.

    For more information, contact the local park office on:

    • Forestville 9451 3479 or Lane Cove 8448 0400 (business hours)
    • NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)

About

The Basin campground is the only place you can camp in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. This large, grassy area overlooks Pittwater, offering lovely surroundings and views.

It's easy to see why this waterfront campground is so popular. At The Basin, you'll find great facilities along with a picnic area, sheltered beach and an inland lagoon. The campground accommodates up to 350 campers.

Pitch your tent in a shady spot, enjoy a bike ride or a swim and see if you can spot the local swamp wallabies or kookaburras.

There's no car access to The Basin campground. You can park at West Head Road but it's a steep 2.8km walk to the campground from there. If you're not up for the hike, arrive by water taxi, boat or a ferry which leaves from Palm Beach Wharf.

Take a virtual tour

Take a virtual tour of The Basin campground captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

This waterfront campground overlooking Pittwater is one of Sydney's most popular beach camping spots. Arrive by hike, ferry, boat or water taxi.

Campsites
114
Accessibility
Medium

Camping type

  • Tent
  • Remote/backpack camping

Facilities

  • Toilets
  • Showers
  • Unpowered sites
  • Unmarked sites
  • Drinking water
  • Barbecue facilities
  • Picnic tables
  • Amenities block
  • Public phone

Plan your stay

Access, facilities and practical details.

Frequently asked questions

6 questions

What this place offers

A group of campers sitting near their tents by the beach and bush at The Basin campground. Credit:

Remote/backpack camping

This waterfront campground overlooking Pittwater is one of Sydney's most popular beach camping spots. Arrive by hike, ferry, boat or water taxi.

Reviews & Ratings

Arezoo Y

ILoveAU review

We didn’t camp this time. we walked down via The Basin Track, stopping by the Basin Aboriginal art site on the way, and spent some quiet time unwinding right by the water. It’s an absolute gem of a spot, but walking that track made it very clear that hauling heavy camping gear down on foot wouldn’t be easy. We noticed the ferry timetables at the wharf; taking the ferry across is definitely the smarter way to do it if you're bringing gear. Would love to come back for an overnight stay.

Before you go

Park entry

Park entry fees for this park are not included in your camping fees.

Where you'll be

Basin Trail

Ku-ring-gai Chase NSW 2084

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