Five free campgrounds near Sydney to check out
If you want the fresh air and freedom that only the Australian bush can provide, how about camping for your next road trip adventure?We don’t mean a typical caravan park, some of which can be small towns in themselves, but free camping, with a tent or trailer, out in the wild. By the way, “free” means both the cost and the feeling you’ll get - but check before leaving because NSW National Parks can charge a small booking fee to ensure there’s no fighting over available sites. Here are five we like.
Newnes Campground, Wollemi National Park
This beautiful river flat seems quite remote and yes, it is a three-hour drive from Sydney through the Blue Mountains and then north of Lithgow. But Newnes Campground is easily accessible by car (no 4WD needed!) and once you’ve pitched the tent or unfurled the camper trailer the surrounding sandstone cliffs and eucalypts form a dramatic backdrop. There are hiking trails in the Wollemi National Park, the ruins of an old shale oil extraction plant nearby, and it’s a short drive to the fascinating glow worm tunnel.
Ingar Campground, Blue Mountains National Park
This jewel-like campground is within striking distance of Sydney, not far from Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. Ingar has just nine campsites, each with its own fire pit and picnic table so it’s a good opportunity to practise those outdoor cooking skills. There are tracks for walking and mountain biking, including one leading from Wentworth Falls, and the surrounding bushland with scribbly gums is pristine enough that you might see water dragons during the day, and sugar gliders at night.
Blowering Dam, Kosciuszko National Park
This one is more of a drive from Sydney, with the mountainous Tumut area being about a five-hour schlep down the Hume Highway then south into the Alps. But Blowering Dam is worth it, especially if you’re into watersports and fishing. Choose between Humes Crossing Campground on the shores of the lake and proximity to the Blowering Cliffs walking track, or The Pines campground further north. Both have proper dunnies, picnic and BBQ facilities.
Ellenborough Reserve Campground, near Port Macquarie
If you find yourself on NSW’s north coast and feel like escaping the beaches, head inland from Port Macquarie to Ellenborough and this lovely little free campground. Nestled in a crook between the Hastings and Ellenborough Rivers, the handful of campsites don't need booking, but it can get busy in the warmer months. Flushing loos, BBQs, a nearby swimming gorge and provided drinking water are among the luxuries and pets are welcome too. It's a short hike to both Ellenborough and Rawson Falls, and kids will love Bago Maze, just a short drive away.
Dangars Gorge Campground, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
Another expedition, this time to the New England region of NSW, up near Armidale. Dangars Gorge campground is set in bushland on the edge of the Great Escarpment and virtually adjacent to one of the state’s most impressive waterfalls. Go hiking along McDirtys track, take advantage of the cooking facilities and tables for the seven campsites, and get out to explore this rugged but beautiful landscape.
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