Tucked away between Narooma and Batemans Bay, Brou Lake Campground is one of those places that feels far more remote than it actually is. Just a short drive from the Princes Highway, this peaceful campground sits beside Brou Lake and Brou Beach, offering a unique mix of bush camping, wildlife and coastal scenery.
During our stay we were lucky enough to arrive under a full moon, and the place felt nothing short of magical.
Getting There
Brou Lake Campground is located on Brou Lake Road, just a few kilometres off the Princes Highway between Narooma and Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast.
There are a handful of campsites scattered along Brou Lake Road on the way in, but the main campground is located right at the end of the road beside the lake.
Despite being so close to major towns and the highway, the campground feels surprisingly secluded and peaceful.
Campsites & Layout
The main campground doesn’t appear to have designated campsites. Instead, campers simply choose their own spot within a large open camping area.
When we first arrived this was a little confusing, as we’re generally not fans of setting up camp right next to other people if we can avoid it. During our stay, most campers seemed to naturally spread themselves out towards one end of the campground.
There is plenty of room for caravans and larger camping setups, although the ground slopes in many areas so decent levelling gear is definitely recommended.
One thing to keep in mind is solar charging. The campground is surrounded by trees and receives plenty of shade throughout the day. If you rely on fixed solar panels and plan on staying for several days, portable solar panels may make life a little easier.
Brou Lake & Brou Beach
The real attraction here is the location.
The campground sits between Brou Lake and Brou Beach, giving campers easy access to both calm lake waters and the ocean.
We were lucky enough to visit during a full moon and the atmosphere around the lake and beach was absolutely stunning. It was one of those camping trips where everything just seemed to come together perfectly.
The beach itself looked fantastic, although during our visit there were large numbers of bluebottle jellyfish washed up along the shoreline, so we decided to stay out of the water.
Wildlife & Camp Life
One of the highlights of our stay was the wildlife.
Bandicoots regularly wandered through the campground during the evening and there were plenty of wallabies around the area as well.
The combination of wildlife, bushland and the nearby beach gives Brou Lake a very relaxed and natural feel.
We were lucky enough to be there under a full moon, and while the setting felt almost magical, thankfully we didn’t encounter any werewolves.
Facilities
Facilities are fairly basic but adequate for a campground in a National Park.
There is a single long-drop toilet available, although it was a little on the fragrant side during our visit.
Phone reception was limited throughout the campground and tended to drop in and out. We found reception improved significantly once we reached the beach, where both Telstra and Optus appeared to work reasonably well.
There are no rubbish bins provided within the campground, so you’ll need to take your rubbish with you when you leave.
Things To Know Before You Go
Brou Lake Campground is managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and bookings are required.
At the time of our visit, camping fees were approximately $6 per booking, and National Park entry fees also applied.
Although we didn’t see any rangers during our stay, the fees are very reasonable and help maintain one of the South Coast’s most beautiful camping destinations.
Final Thoughts
Brou Lake Campground offers something a little different from many coastal campgrounds.
The combination of bush camping, easy access to both the lake and beach, abundant wildlife and a peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to understand why people keep coming back.
If you’re looking for a quiet coastal escape on the NSW South Coast that feels a world away from civilisation, Brou Lake Campground is well worth adding to your camping bucket list.
Looking for more great camping destinations? Check out our review of Woods Point Campground on the Snowy River in East Gippsland.
Pull Up A Chair Around The Campfire
Have you stayed at Brou Lake Campground?
Leave a comment below and let us know what you thought of the place. We’d love to hear your tips, favourite campsites, fishing stories, photos or anything future visitors should know before making the trip.
Know another campground that deserves a mention?
Country Campfire is built on stories shared by campers, travellers and country Australians from all walks of life. If you’ve discovered a hidden gem, found an unforgettable campsite or have a story worth telling, we’d love to hear from you.
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