The 14 Best Free Camping Spots Near Sydney, NSW
Looking to travel around NSW, but your bank balance is saying “no way”? Fear not! There are beautiful free camping spots all around Sydney and throughout NSW. Some are even pet-friendly, so you can take your favourite four-legged buddy with you! Whether you want to wake up to views of heritage-listed wilderness, sleep beside New South Wales’ most pristine river, wake up close to a great cup of coffee, or spend your days hiking pristine forests, you’ll find it on this list.
These free camping areas may have only basic amenities, and some may need a short walk from the car, but they are all worth visiting! Get your calendar ready because these free campsites are ready for a sneaky mini or, even better, a full-fledged NSW vacation!
Free Campgrounds in New South Wales
Cathedral Reserve, Mount Wilson (Dog-friendly campground)
Distance: 2 hours from Sydney
This charming campground is located on the fringes of Mount Wilson, a little community in the Blue Mountains. Make sure to stop off at Bilpin on the drive up to grab an apple pie or some local cider (Hillybilly Cider is a GoGet fave). The Cathedral of Ferns, a 22-acre rainforest covered in tall trees, moss-covered rocks, and ferns, is just a10 minute walk away. Visit at night if you can, and keep a watch out for fireflies! They are magical if you manage to spot them. Bins, toilets, fire pits, and recently installed BBQ facilities are the only amenities on site. No reservations are necessary, and camping is free. Bring your own drinking water, firewood, warm clothing (nights can get chilly!), toilet paper, and camping supplies. Dogs are permitted in Cathedral Reserve and Mt. Wilson Village but not in the National Park that borders the two locations.
Ingar Campground, Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains National Park
Distance: 2 hours from Sydney
Visit Ingar Campground to see a different side of the Blue Mountains. It’s a great spot to avoid the summer crowds at the main tourist sites. Ingar campgrounds is just a short distance from Wentworth Falls, which is the location of one of the best spectacular mountain walks in the state. Take a swim in the neighbouring damn during the warmer months, or bring your kayak to head out on the water. There are restrooms, BBQs, and picnic tables available. There are only eight places available on this site, and none of them can be reserved so arrive early!
Ngarigo Campground, Mount Kosciuszko National Park
Distance: 5 hours from Sydney
While a fair distance from Sydney and passing through Canberra, camping in Mount Kosciuszko National Park is definitely an experience to do once in your life. There is so much to do nearby; biking, horse riding, fishing, hiking to name just a few. The campsite has restrooms, picnic tables, and a BBQ pit, but is not powered. It does get chilly overnight so pack warm clothing! Keen fishers can find rivers stocked with brown and rainbow trout so expect to eat well! You might even spot a platypus if you’re really lucky. The Thredbo Valley track and Kosciuszko trek are just two of the many paths nearby for mountain biking or bushwalking.
Mt York Campground, Blue Mountains
Distance: 2 hours from Sydney
If you want free camping with an incredible backdrop and some of Australia’s best climbing, you’ve come to the right place. This is a rock climber’s heaven with over 300 climbing routes nearby, so if you’re eager to ascend to the heavens, check out The Crag before you leave. The camping area is pretty small so make sure to arrive early to get in before all the Sydney climbers do. Although there are restrooms at this campsite, you’ll need to bring your own water and firewood. Campers can only stay for a maximum of four days at a time so look elsewhere if you are looking for a longer getaway.
The Pines Campground, Olney State Forest
Distance: 2 hours from Sydney
Olney State Forest, west of Lake Macquarie, is a great place to start if you want to explore the Watagan Mountains. Amenities on site include picnic tables, fireplaces, and restrooms. You can also find the Abbotts Falls Walking Trail or the Pines Walking Trail nearby.
Old Olney HQ Campground, Olney State Forest (Dog-friendly Campground)
Distance: 2 hours from Sydney
Around the corner from the Pines, you can find Old Olney Campground so you’re sure to find a campsite in the area if you’re headed this way. It’s a fantastic place to stop if you are travelling along New South Wales’ Central Coast. This free campsite is excellent for both families and groups. Go swimming in local creeks or hike the Great North Walk nearby. The campsite is pet-friendly and offers drop toilets, campfires and BBQs.
Woolridge Fossicking Camping Area / Rocky River Fossicking Area Camping Area, Uralla
Distance: 5.5 hours from Sydney
A campground where you may go prospecting for gold – not just for the kids! At the Rocky River Fossicking Area (also known as Woolridge Fossicking Camping Area), you can relive the heydey of the Gold Rush while also getting some free camping in! The Uralla Visitor Information Centre has equipment you may use to take the youngsters gold panning.
Additionally, there are kid-friendly swimming holes that are shallow. Although there are two camping areas quite near to one another, you’ll most likely have a lot of room to breathe. The free campsites are extremely roomy and well-shaded. The restrooms are primitive but do the job.
Bendeela Recreation Area, Kangaroo Valley
Distance: 2.5 hours from Sydney
Bendeela Recreation Area can be found in the gorgeous Kangaroo Valley along the banks of the Kangaroo River. Toilets and drinking water are available on site and Kangaroo Valley village is just ten minutes away by car. Stand-up paddleboard, fish or swim in the river, or jump in your GoGet and explore the local area. Don’t miss the beautiful Fitzroy Falls!
Colo Meroo Campground, Wollemi National Park
Distance: 2 hours from Sydney
Colo River is one of the most beautiful rivers in NSW, and this campsite puts you just 100 metres away from it. Spend your days swimming, keeping an eye out for platypuses, and getting lost in the towering sandstone cliffs above. The Bob Turner Walking Track is also nearby and is a must for keen hikers. If you are interested in astrophotography, get your camera ready for the incredible night sky. A word of warning; you need to access the site on foot via a 2.5-kilometre track, so come prepared. You’ll also need to carry all of your food and water. Toilets and BBQs are both available.
Wheeny Creek Campground, Wollemi National Park
Distance: 2 hours from Sydney
A great option for a family getaway. There is a swimming hole, a beach made of sand, and a lot of tall, shady gum trees and ferns nearby. The picnic areas on the property provide an ideal location to prepare meals and it’s a great base for exploring the lush Wollemi National Park. There are only BBQs and restrooms available on site, but Kurrajong village is close by, so you don’t need to worry if you forget any necessities.
Wollombi Tavern, Hunter Valley
Distance: 2 hours from Sydney
This is where you want to go if your dream camping trip entails less of the outdoors and more of the easy access to food and drink on tap. You can set up your tent on the lawn at Wollombi Tavern, a welcoming, traditional pub at the entrance to the Hunter Valley, without paying anything – just visit the pub for a meal to compensate for the stay. With the money you’ll save, you’ll have some more cash for their exclusive Dr. Jurd’s Jungle Juice, made by renowned local Mel Jurd. There are restrooms but no showers in the camping area, which is located along the banks of Wollombi Brook.
Bummaroo Campground, Abercrombie River National Park
Distance: 3 hours from Sydney
This campground is about a three-hour drive from Sydney and is situated in the Abercrombie River National Park. Enjoy the incredible wildlife in the area, including local birds and wallabies and even the elusive platypus at dusk. Although there are drop toilets at the campground, you’ll need to bring your own water and please remember to take all of your rubbish with you when you leave. Hike down the Abercrombie River in your swimming gear, then rent a canoe or kayak to explore the waterway.
Perrys Lookdown Campground, Blue Mountains National Park
At this lovely campground in the Blue Mountains, you can wake up to stunning views of the heritage-listed wilderness without having to spend a dollar. Perrys Lookdown offers a clear view of the historic Blue Gum Forest, heath-covered plateaus, and the sandstone cliffs of Grose Valley. It’s the ideal place to spend the night before or after completing the famous Perrys Lookdown to Gum Forest Walking Track, a challenging (but totally worth it!), 4km walk. Toilets are the only amenities available on site.
Acacia Flat Campground, Blue Mountains National Park
This camping spot is not for the weak of heart; it is only for avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! Parking is available at Pierces Pass or Perry’s Lookdown, and you can hike from there to this secluded camping spot! It’s a challenging walk, but we reckon it’s worth it! If you’re after a spot that’s a bit easier to access, read our guide on 6 Free Blue Mountains Camping Spots.
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