Bonnie Vale campground

Waterfront camping with hot showers and a calm sand spit
Bonnie Vale campground, Royal National Park
InsideRoyal National Park

Overview

Bonnie Vale Campground sits between Bundeena and Maianbar on the Hacking River, giving you that rare combo of bush and beach in one spot. It’s a proper, family‑friendly base with 79 marked sites and the comforts that matter: hot showers, flush toilets, drinking water, free barbecues and picnic tables. Sites suit tents through to camper trailers and caravans, with a mix of powered and unpowered options.

Why it’s worth your time

The big draw is the calm water and broad sand spit right out front—perfect for an easy swim, a lazy afternoon on the sand, or a paddle at high tide. You’re close to village cafes yet still feel tucked into the park. It’s an excellent first‑camp choice or a breezy weekend for folks who like a little comfort with their nature.

Things to do

  • Swim and laze on the sand spit along the Hacking River.
  • Hire kayaks on weekends and explore the bay’s sheltered water.
  • Walk nearby tracks, including access to a section of the Coast track from Bundeena.
  • Try your luck fishing at nearby Jibbon Beach.
  • During school holidays, look for guided kids’ activities run in the park.

Getting there

Drive in via Bundeena, or go car‑free: take the ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena wharf and walk about 15 minutes to camp. Parking is limited, so carpool if you can; each site allows only one vehicle.

Good to know (rules and practicals)

  • Check‑in 2 pm; check‑out 10 am.
  • Separate from camping fees, a daily vehicle entry fee applies for the park.
  • No campfires or solid‑fuel burners. Bring a gas stove if you want to cook beyond the BBQs.
  • Pets and recreational drones aren’t permitted.
  • Keep noise down after 10 pm.
  • Capture grey water and empty it at the dump points beside the amenity blocks.
  • Mobile reception can be patchy.

Best time to visit

Weekdays are the sweet spot for quieter vibes. On weekends and school holidays, arrive early to beat the parking crunch. For photos, early morning light is soft over the water; afternoons are great for a swim, though mozzies can kick up at dusk—plan your shoreline time accordingly.

Pros

  • Waterfront sites with easy beach access and a calm sand spit
  • Hot showers, flush toilets, BBQs and picnic tables
  • Mix of powered and unpowered sites with drinking water

Cons

  • Campfires and solid-fuel burners are prohibited
  • Parking can be tight; carpooling is recommended

Tips

  • If you’re car‑free, take the Cronulla–Bundeena ferry and walk 15 minutes.
  • Carpool and arrive early on weekends; parking is limited near camp.
  • Pack mozzie repellent for dusk, especially near the mangroves.
  • Bring a gas stove—campfires and solid fuel are not allowed.
  • Capture grey water and use the dump points beside the amenity blocks.
The Parkwolf tour guide sitting on a phone mounted in a car

Parkwolf Tour Guide

Like a tour guide in your car.

Save the places you found around Royal, then let Parkwolf guide the drive between them.Download Parkwolf on the App Store