This pretty campground is on the outskirts of Mount Wilson, a village just north of Mount Tomah in the Blue Mountains. Run by the local council, the site is an expansive, flat grassy area, dotted with beautiful eucalypts and deciduous trees. Just ten minutes' walk away is the Cathedral of Ferns, 22 acres of rainforest, canopied by towering trees and filled with mossy stones and ferns. If you can, visit at night, keeping an eye out for fireflies.

If you're craving mountain time, but don't want to jostle with crowds at tourist attractions, then experience another side of the Blueys at Ingar Campground. This gorgeous little spot is just a hop, skip and jump away from Wentworth Falls, home to one of the state's best scenic mountain walks. In warmer months, take a dip in the nearby dam or carry your kayak with you and make it a paddle. While relaxing at your campsite, keep an eye out for sugar gliders, possums and bandicoots.

Sleep among pine trees at this roomy campground in Olney State Forest, which you'll find just west of Lake Macquarie. The site is an excellent springboard for exploring the Watagan Mountains. Alternatively, for a stroll that doesn't involve any driving, head along the Pines Walking Trail, which passes through rainforest, before reaching a rockpool, or the Abbotts Falls Walking Trail, which carries you into blue gum forests. The Pines is about two-and-a-half hours north of Sydney.

This picturesque spot is on the banks of Kangaroo River in the lovely Kangaroo Valley. If you're keen to get active, then embark on a paddling escapade, try your hand at fishing or take a swim. Alternatively, jump in your car and explore the local area, stopping by these foodie spots, conquering a few bushwalks in Morton National Park and swinging by Fitzroy Falls. Bendeela is about two-and-a-half hours southwest of Sydney.

Colo River is one of the most picturesque waterways in the state and this magical campground puts you just 100 metres from the water. Spend your days swimming, looking out for platypuses and losing yourself in the dizzying sandstone cliffs that tower above, or venture over to the Bob Turner Walking Track close by. Come nighttime, prepare for millions of stars. It's a good idea to arrive prepared: the only way to get here is on foot, along a 2.5-kilometre trail.

You could easily spend a week doing, well, very little, at this relaxed, idyllic spot, which inhabits a tranquil gully along Wheeny Creek. There's a sandy beach, a swimming hole, crowds of lush ferns and tall gumtrees, which provide plenty of shade. The picnic spots on site offer a perfect place to set up dinner for the night before getting some shut-eye in and building the energy the explore the lush surrounds of Wollemi National Park's southern end.

If your ideal camping adventure involves less wilderness and more beer, then this is where you want to be. Wollombi Tavern, a friendly, old-fashioned pub at the gateway of the Hunter Valley, lets you pitch your tent on its lawn for free. Given the money you'll save, you'll have a few bucks to spare for Dr Jurd's Jungle Juice, an alcoholic beverage created by legendary local Mel Jurd and unavailable anywhere else. The camping area is on the banks of Wollombi Brook.

Head deep into the Blue Mountains and you'll be waking up to magnificent vistas of heritage-listed wilderness, without paying so much as a penny at this idyllic campground. Perrys Lookdown looks directly onto the sandstone cliffs, heath-covered plateaus and ancient Blue Gum Forest of Grose Valley. It's the perfect spot to sleep over before or after conquering the Perrys Lookdown to Gum Forest Walking Track.

This one's for fit campers, as it's a ten-kilometre walk in — and you'll have to carry all your supplies. The good news is you can count on big rewards for your efforts — the campground perches right on the banks of the Hawkesbury River and, given its remoteness, you might well find that your only fellow creatures are lyrebirds, bandicoots, wedge-tailed eagles and sea eagles.