Holidaymakers at Diamond Head and nearby areas made a hasty retreat after bushfires forced the closure of camping grounds at Diamond Head, Crowdy Bay and Kylies Beach.
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The fire in the Crowdy Bay National Park started in the Harrington before moving north.
Campers were asked to leave the area immediately at lunchtime on Thursday by National Parks staff. For some, including Sydney man Daniel Felice, this meant leaving tents and camping equipment behind.
"We weren't even allowed to pack up our gear," Mr Felice said. He and his two young sons were relocated to the Laurieton United Services Club where staff from the Department of Family and Community Services were on hand.
Initially campers were not too concerned about the fire which had flared up in the Harrington area the night before.
"This morning I noticed the wind change direction and then you could really smell the smoke," Mr Felice said.
Like others resting at the Laurieton club, Mr Felice was on his phone and computer, trying to make plans as he watched his two young boys playing on the floor.
"We're just trying to find an alternative," he said.
National Parks and Wildlife personnel thanked campers for their cooperation in evacuating the campgrounds.
