Stewart and Lloyds Campground is an Ideal Weekend Reset 3 Hours From Sydney

Feel a world away at Stewart and Lloyds Campground in Myall Lakes National Park on NSW’s Mid-North Coast, where nature hands you endless sand dunes that meet the ocean.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Worimi people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

A three-hour road trip north of Sydney will take you a world away to be immersed in nature within the Myall Lakes National Park at Stewart and Lloyds Campground.

Campground Facts

Duration from Sydney: 3 hours
Distance from Sydney: 236km
Nearest town: Hawks Nest, NSW

About Stewart and Lloyds Campground

Stewart and Lloyds is a well-laid-out campground with 12 marked sites, non-flush toilets, and all flat terrain. The campground is accessible by 2WD via sealed roads and suitable for both tents and camper trailers.

Surrounding the campground is a mixture of beautiful trees and access to the ocean via an extensive landscape of sand dunes surrounded by lakes and rainforests. As this is a national park, unfortunately your four-legged friends will need to stay home for this one.

Find somewhere you and pooch can enjoy together: Dog Friendly Campgrounds NSW

Stewart and Lloyds Campground History

Myall Lakes National Park holds deep cultural significance containing sacred sites as part of the traditional Country of the Worimi Aboriginal people. Living within this land for over 40,000 years they used the local freshwater lakes, ocean, and native flora and fauna to sustain their fisher/hunter gatherer lifestyle. Be sure to visit Dark Point Aboriginal Place which is where they came together for ceremonies and feasts.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

How to Get to Stewart and Lloyds Campground

Stewart and Lloyds Campground is approximately a three-hour drive north of Sydney. Unfortunately, there’s no access via public transport.

Skill Level

Beginner

This is a remote campground with unpowered sites and drop toilets. There’s no access to water so you must be well prepared. It’s a short drive to the local town of Hawks Nest where all your essential needs can be replenished. There are BBQ facilities (wood barbeques) but you need to bring your own firewood.

Essential Gear for Camping

• All your food and drinks – if you need to top up supplies, Hawks Nest is a short drive for essentials
• Firewood
• Water (there’s no access to water)
• Your sleeping quarters – camper, tent, swag, motorhome
• Camera
• Bike (if you would like to explore the surrounds by bike)
• Good walking shoes
• Backpack
• Drinking water
• Hat
• Rain jacket
• A sense of adventure

What it’s Like to Visit Stewart and Lloyds Campground

When I first drove into Stewart and Lloyds Campground, there was no one in sight and I couldn’t believe it. I got out, had a walk around, and was in awe of the beauty that surrounded the campground. I knew then and there I wanted to stay so I booked a site on the spot online. A lot of my time was spent taking nature walks, snapping photos, and exploring the sand dunes at different times of day.

I loved walking the sand dunes that are accessible directly from the campground, but one thing to note is that everything can look the same, so my tip is to use the compass app on your phone to find your bearings and take a screenshot of them. This way you know exactly where you need go to find your way back without question. If you don’t have your phone, keep your eye on your access point. The worst that’ll happen is you’ll come out on another track and have a longer walk back to camp. 

Stargazing was amazing from the dunes, I felt like I could’ve been in Namibia. I highly recommend this if the sky is clear on your visit.

Read more: How to Become a Stargazing Know It All

The ocean here is beautiful, wild, and unpatrolled. I didn’t swim but enjoyed watching it and the beautiful views beyond.

There are local dingoes that call this place home and although they’re beautiful be aware they’re also very clever and inquisitive. Pack away your food if you leave your site otherwise you may be asking your fellow campers to share their food with you!

I drove up to Mungo Brush (ten minutes up the road) and explored the lush Mungo Brush Rainforest. If you’ve never walked through a rainforest in the rain I highly recommend it! It’s called a ‘rainforest’ for a reason after all!

Filled with an array of birdlife and lush palms keeping me somewhat dry, I meandered the loop track, which is approximately 1.5km and takes 45 minutes at a slow pace. I stopped and admired the natural scenery and took photos. 

Tips For Visiting Stewart and Lloyds Campground

• All campsites require a booking via NSW National Parks. Although I drove in and found the campground empty and decided to stay, I booked online easily. However I recommend pre-booking, especially in peak seasons to avoid disappointment
• All sites are marked and the terrain is flat. There are no bins, so please take your rubbish with you and leave no trace

Stewart and Lloyds Campground FAQs

Where is Stewart and Lloyds Campground located?

Stewart and Lloyds Campground is located in Myall Lakes National Park on the NSW Mid-North Coast.

How do you get to the campground?

Stewart and Lloyds Campground is approximately a three-hour drive north of Sydney. Unfortunately, there’s no access via public transport.

When is this campground open?

The campground is open all year long, unless otherwise indicated by NSW National Parks on the campground page.

Do I need to book my visit to Stewart and Lloyds Campground?

Yep, you should definitely book your visit to the campground in advance, through the NSW National Parks website.

When is the best time of year to visit Myall Lakes National Park?

As it’s near the beach, spring and summer are the best times to visit this campground in Myall Lakes National Park, however it can be quite busy during school holidays.

How many days should I spend camping here?

A weekend is a great length of time to stay at the campground for a reset.

Can you swim at Stewart and Lloyds Campground?

Yep, there’s a beach a short walk from the campground, however as it’s unpatrolled, it’s best to check the conditions before jumping in.

Do you need a 4WD to get to Stewart and Lloyds Campground?

Nope, although there are some unsealed roads, they’re all navigable in a 2WD.

Is Stewart and Lloyds Campground open?

At the time of publishing, Stewart and Lloyds Campground is open.

Is Stewart and Lloyds Campground free?

Nope, staying at the campground isn’t free, it costs from $17.43 per person per night.

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