Coolendel Camp

I would have loved to have given this place more as it has such potential however there were a few negatives that cannot be forgiven.First though, the positives: Coolendel is a sweeping, gorgeous property with plenty of room. Want to camp near others? Can do! Want to be away from people? Also got you covered. There is no phone reception (yes!) so you're totally off the grid. When they say bring your bike, believe them, you want to bring your bike! There are trails aplenty and I spent a lot of time giggling along with others watching the kids fly down the hill past our camp. It looked exhilarating and like so much fun! The wildlife is another plus. We saw wallabies, wombats, possums, bilbies, and even had a very large goanna walk through our camp. Pure magic!The river was gentle and we all spent time swimming and floating down river. I can't speak for the rapids but from all accounts, also a lot of fun.For the negatives: the amenities were shockingly bad. In our area there were 2 toilets and 2 showers and 1250 people booked in which meant we were constantly lined up to use them and they were not cleaned. Our 2nd night there I had to request they clean the toilets as there was no toilet paper, hand soap and quite frankly, I've used construction port-a-loos that were cleaner.Next was the road in. Now, I've been off roading the past 20 years and love a good track but this is meant to be a 2wd road. Please, be careful driving along here. Pot holes galore and not the safest of roads.Lastly, and quite unfortunately is the owners themselves. I was told by their staff that they've just recently purchased the property and their inexperience showed. They were completely overwhelmed, snappy and rude. On our 2nd night one of our party had been told his brother was in hospital dying after having lost his other brother 18 months ago and were trying to lighten their load but having some drinks and laughs. During our Sorry Business the owner came down and immediately threatened to throw us off the property if we didn't quieten down. There was no could you please keep the noise down" or polite request

Beautiful place next to the river for swimming, kayaking and other water sports. Camping area is huge and was really busy. Amenities were clean.One down thing was the loud music and party well into the night after midnight. And no caretaker to come and check on it.

Staff were very helpful and knowledgeable. Beautiful bushland for families to reconnect around the camp site toasting marshmallows or cooking on the BBQ. Swimming in the spectacular Shoalhaven River was very refreshing.We will definitely come again!!!

First time camping and it was great! We stayed 2 nights and experienced the glamping stay- very spacious and clean. Lots of things to do and see, and our 2 year old loved seeing the wombats, peacocks/ hens and wallabies. The river and rapids aren't the easiest to get to (downhill/ lots of rocks) but it's great when you are there. Don't go to the rapids unless youre a strong swimmer. The river is great for families. Staff were friendly and helpful, lots of bins around and camp shop has back ups of whatever you may need. Bathroom/ shower amenities are slightly older but function well (there is hot water). 1 star taken off due to uncontrollable weather and the flies. Would return again (maybe not in December!).

If you're looking for your first foray into camping, this is a great choice. 2WD accessible, though this may change during long periods of wet weather.Pros:- friendly service- nice location- great star-gazing- 1030pm noise curfew- no mobile service- plenty to do- clean amenities, well cared for and well stocked by the staffCons:- very busy during weekends and summer- moderately priced at $50 per night- noise curfew isn't enforced- many campers don't respect the amenities and often leave them quite dirty/unkemptMy recent experience included loud music until 3.30am. The staff apologised and did offer free kayaks for a day to compensate.If you're looking to reconnect with nature, perhaps go to a smaller campground or stay here during the week or in winter when it is less busy.

A nice bush camp but beware even though the actual glamping tents are luxurious for bush camping with very comfortable beds and proper linen. For the money you pay to glamp you are essentially just another camper. Anyone can pitch a tent right next to you. We expected the glamping tents to be more secluded and “private”Our trip spoiled by a large bunch of young people partying right next to us.

The cabin was dirty! Spider webs, gum on bunk bed, filthy sofa mattress, smelly fridge, dusty floors, stained doona on main bed. 3 stars only because the nature reserve was amazing - otherwise it would have been a 1 star review

We spent a weekend at Coolendel which was my first experience of inland off grid camping experience. Approaching the place you’re driving along essentially a dangerous shared windy road with many pot holes. We drove carefully and it was a good experience in our 4x4 but I would recommended non-4x4 cars to drive on those road conditions. Approaching the reception you sign in and a great surprise they had a small store like area selling many items you can often forget at reasonable prices. The owners were lovely offering suggestions for us first timers. Driving around the site to find a spot, you have a variety of places near people, or away from people. Some near amenities, some with the river views, the choice is yours. We saw a kangaroo, wombats, peacock and even goannas. There is a bbq communal area for you to use, and two shower/toilet blocks. We found the one closest to reception and the main camp to be fairly small only offering 2 toilets and 2 showers, but the one near the bbq area was much larger. Both were average but honestly you can’t expect 5 star in the bush!We overall enjoyed the place and experience and would return again.

We camped in Coolendel between 30/9/2022 to 02/10/2022. It was one of the most memorable experience. The weather did not help much but camping is all about uncertainties and overcoming those to make your trip memorable. To start with, we booked our spots for 4 families on call then checked in as planned. The owner Kyrie is an absolute delight to deal with. He is so welcoming and helpful that we felt at home. Small acts of kindness/courtesy makes your service from good to Wow. He didn’t hesitate in lending us the pump for our at mattress as ours broke down last minute. The reception has every supply you need and to our surprise they are charged if not below market price, equal to what you would have paid at your local store. We had some visitors like the Iguanas and peacocks. There was a wombat that visited us during the starry night as well. Just remember to cover or secure your foods if you are not around your tents . Small details, there are few electrical outlets in the kitchen area, the toilets are very well maintained too. I wish our trip could be extended but we kept it for our next visit. Loved the place.