Finding the best forest camping sites in New South Wales is a challenging task. Especially given the state’s varying different landscapes and beauty spots.
The best forest camping sites in New South Wales are often free to stay at and are close to World Heritage Sites, breathtaking beauty spots and unique wildlife.
Camping in forests isn’t just a spot for tranquillity. They provide safe havens to base yourself for exploring wilderness and can be accessed from networks of paths – paved or unpaved.
There’s an abundance of great camping sites to discover across NSW, whether close to the Pacific Ocean, tucked away in the Blue Mountains or straddling the mighty Murray River. So what are the best forest camping sites in New South Wales?
The best forest camping sites in New South Wales
Coopernook Forest Camping Ground
Lansdowne Forest NSW 2340
There’s no better way to spend the night than in a World Heritage Site. That’s the beauty that Coopernook Forest Camping Ground provides. Located in the iconic Barrington Tops National Park, Coopernook delivers a stunning place to take a tranquil break. The campground is surrounded by towering eucalypt trees and is free for all to access. Be on the lookout for Koalas and wallabies frequenting nearby grounds.
The campground is suited for all vehicles. This means it’s designed to host campervans and motorhomes. Sites are unpowered but the campground has BBQ facilities and basic toilet facilities to enjoy. Access to the campground is easy via a sealed track just north of Taree. A perfect spot for exploring the Barrington Tops at your leisure.
Moonan Brook Campground
Moonan Brook Road, Moonan Brook NSW 2337
Tucked away in the Barrington Tops is a hidden gem. Moonan Brook Campground has everyone something wants from a campsite. Tranquillity, natural beauty and thriving nature are just some of the highlights. The gentle namesake creek flows along the edge giving an easy amenity to explore for young and old. It’s also not far from the Moonan Outlook which offers stunning views across Stewarts Brook State Forest. Late dwellers will find the area as a great spot to watch the sunset over the nearby hillside.
The site itself doesn’t have much in the way of facilities. There are spots designed to cater for caravans and campervans. However, there is no running water or power at the site. Despite this, it is relatively secluded making it easy to get a spot without booking. One thing to note is the campsite is community-run. Therefore, it’s common courtesy to leave a small donation to aid in maintaining the facility. A small price to pay for one of the best forest camping sites in New South Wales.
Maxwell’s Flat Camping Area
Causeway Rd, Bulga Forest NSW 2429
Maxwell’s Flat might not look like much. A small campsite with little in the way of facilities. And access can be tricky without a 4×4 vehicle. However, discovering this gem is worthwhile should you wind up here for a night. Its spot in the Bulga National Park guarantees a tranquil night of camping. Listen carefully and you will hear an assortment of sounds. All this is naturally provided by local lyrebirds that frequent the surrounding forest. The nearby Doyles River also provides natural entertainment should you want to take a dip on a hot summer’s night.
Stays are limited at the site for 24 hours but that shouldn’t hinder your choice for a stop at this hidden gem. It’s free to stay and isn’t too far from the Oxley Highway. Given it also has close access to walking tracks in Bulga State Forest, it’s a great gem to discover and enjoy when camping in this corner of NSW.
Perricoota Forest Bush Camp
Freemans Road, Womboota, NSW 2731
The winding reaches of the Murray are full of great camping spots. Yet few offer access to the river quite like in Perricoota State Forest. On the NSW edge of the river, this campsite is perfect for river access. It links directly onto the water and there’s even a boat ramp for launching off. Along the banks, there are plenty of spots for fishing where you can sit and watch the day go by. It’s the perfect spot for catching Murray Cod, Macquarie Perch or other aquatic life in the mighty river. Keen wildlife spotters should look out for everything from turtles to platypis and kookaburras.
The site itself doesn’t have much in the way of facilities with only basic amenities such as picnic tables. However, phone reception is possible should emergencies arise. With the site easy to reach from both Moama and Barham, this is a great gem worth investigating. One of the best forest camping spots in New South Wales adjacent to Australia’s mightiest river.
Bodalla Park Rest Area
Princes Highway, Bodalla NSW 2545
You wouldn’t think this gem is just minutes from the highway. However, that is the beauty that Bodalla Park Forest Rest Area provides. It’s not just accessible but stunning in its own right. Located on the edge of Bodalla State Forest, you can find plenty of trails to explore the nearby nature. Alongside that, Mummaga Lake borders the site too. This makes kayaking or fishing just as easy as a good hike in the bush!
This particular campsite is designed to cater for travellers of all needs. Although sites are unpowered, there are toilet facilities and accessible drinking water. It’s also designed to hold all types of vehicles including campervans, motorhomes as well as tents. All this combines to make this one of the best forest camping spots in New South Wales and one of the most accessible.
Currowan Creek Camp Area
Currowan State Forest, NSW 2527
Want to get off the grid? Well, nowhere lets you do this better than Currowan Creek Camp. This isolated camping spot is tucked away in the heart of Currowan State Forest. What you will discover is the forest singing in its lungs. Look for all sorts of native animals singing in full voice and unwinding at their leisure. The Currowan Creek also flows along its edges making for a great place for a swim in the summer.
Access can be tricky to this site given it’s a 10-minute drive off the Kings Highway on unsealed roads. There’s also little in the way of facilities meaning you need to be well-stocked for the night. But should you have a 4WD motorhome and want a secluded night in the bush, this is one of the top places to do it.
Macquarie Woods Recreation Area
Macquarie Woods Drive, Vittoria NSW 2799
The Macquarie Valley dominates the heart of central NSW. And this valley can be explored at leisure from the safety of the Macquarie Woods Recreation Area. The campsite sites are in the heart of Macquarie Woods State Forest. It makes it easy to explore the 600-acre forest which teems with local wildlife. The rolling hillsides also make for a great variety of bushwalks available to those staying at the campsite.
It’s also extremely easy to access this campsite given that it is very close to the Mitchell Highway. It’s also not far from Bathurst and Orange making for a great stopping point when on long journeys. You will find that the spot has working toilets and is also pet-friendly – perfect for families on a getaway. Add in picnic and BBQ facilities and you have one of the best forest camping sites in New South Wales.
FAQs
Are forest campsites free?
Yes – all forest campsites in New South Wales are free. The NSW Forestry Corporation underlines that all campsites in their jurisdiction are free. Some may ask for small donations but these are voluntary and at your behest.
How long can I stay at campsites?
Most campsites are designed for short-term use. Most will impose a 24-hour or 48-hour limit on camping in one spot. These durations will be marked at the main entry so keep a look out when approaching a campsite.
Are forest campsites accessible all year round?
Not always. Given that some campsites may be found in remote areas; wild weather or seasons may force them to be closed for prolonged periods. Check on the Forestry Corporation website to get details on whether the best forest campsites in New South Wales are open or not.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the best forest campsites in New South Wales offer something for everyone. No matter their location, you will find something memorable. This could be thanks to serene moments away from civilisation. Or it could be making the most of natural phenomena like dense forests or roaring rivers.
As always, it always helps to be prepared. This includes knowing what facilities are available at the site and what is allowed. It also helps to ensure you are fully supplied before heading off on your journey. This all ensures you will enjoy the most from the best forest campsites in New South Wales.
