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

10 current alerts · Checked 12 Oct 2026, 8:05 pm

  • Fire bansUntil 12 Oct 2026

    Total Fire Ban

    A total fire ban has been declared by the NSW Rural Fire Service. The total fire ban applies for the entire 24-hour period. Total fire ban rules apply. This ban may be extended. Please continue to check this website. To find out where and when total fire bans are currently in effect, please visit the NSW Rural Fire Service.

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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