Nestled inside the break walls at the mouth of the Camden Haven River, Pilot Beach offers a calm, protected swimming and snorkeling haven on the Mid North Coast of NSW. The breakwaters shield this 250-metre sandy beach from ocean swell, creating glassy conditions ideal for beginner snorkelers. Shaded by casuarina trees along the foreshore, the reserve is a popular family spot with picnic tables and grassy areas. Visible marine life includes darting schools of river-estuary fish, and dolphins are regularly spotted cruising the channel. The beach sits between Camden Head and Dunbogan, providing superb views across the river entrance to the Pacific Ocean beyond.
Pilot Beach (Camden Haven)
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 6.0 sWind Speed 1.5 knPrecipitation 0.2 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Brian TolagsonThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents at river entrance
The Camden Haven River mouth can produce strong tidal outflow currents near the break wall tips, especially on an outgoing tide. Snorkelers should stay well inside the protected inner beach area.
Low risk: Boat traffic near channel
The river entrance is used by recreational boats, kayaks, and fishing vessels. Snorkelers must stay clear of the navigation channel.
Low risk: Bluebottle jellyfish (summer)
Bluebottles (Physalia physalis) can drift into the beach during north-easterly winds, typically from October to April.
Low risk: Boat traffic at river mouth
The Camden Haven River entrance is used by recreational boats launching and retrieving, especially on weekends.
Low risk: Tidal currents near breakwalls
Water flows can quicken near the breakwall ends during outgoing tides, potentially pulling swimmers towards the channel.
Low risk: Bluebottle jellyfish
Bluebottles (Physalia physalis) can drift into the beach with northeasterly winds during warmer months.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
2 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Laurieton, head east on Bold Street which becomes Ocean Drive. Turn right onto Pilot Beach Road. From Port Macquarie, take Ocean Drive south for about 25 minutes. The beach is well signposted from Camden Head / Dunbogan.
Parking & facilities
Large car park at Pilot Beach Reserve suitable for cars and motorhomes. Overflow parking available along the reserve access road.
parkingtoiletsshowerspicnic_tablesdrinking_water
Free entry. No parking fees.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports