World Heritage Sites are not a rarity on your Big Lap. You’ll come across more than one, each charming and unique in its own way. As one of UNESCO’s protected areas, the mystical Blue Mountains Region offers you the steepest railway in the world, the Giant Staircase walk, and some impressive caves. Everywhere you look, you’re captivated by majestic scenery, ancient rainforests, waterfalls, and gum trees.
Fun fact; the gum trees emit oil that forms an azure haze over the mountains, and that’s exactly how the region got its name. Let’s take a quick tour of the best free camps you can enjoy in the region!
- Acacia Flat Campground
- Perrys Camping Area
- Burra Korain Flat Camping Area
- Blackheath Glen Reserve
- Old Ford Reserve
- Mount York Lookout
- Lockyer’s Track Campground
- Ingar Campsite –Hike Only
- Londonderry Reserve
- Hartley Reserve
- Burralow Reserve
- Bilpin Reserve
- Cathedral Reserve
- Wheeny Creek
- Warragamba Reserve
- Dunphy’s Camping Area
- Coxs River Campground (Tent Only)
Acacia Flat Campground
Acacia is a walk-in camp settled in the Grose Valley Wilderness in the Blue Mountains. You can access it by hiking from Perry’s lookdown or Pierces Pass. There’s no vehicle access which contributes to keeping the beauty and serenity of this place. Acacia accommodates around 30 vehicles, but there are no marked sites.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: Walk-in only.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: Yes, book online or at 1300 072 757. A booking fee of $6 is applicable.
Other Amenities: Walking Tracks, Nice Scenery.
Time Limit: None.
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Perrys Camping Area
Perrys is a basic camp with bush toilets, and a few exciting walks and mountain bike rides you can take. There is a 3km gravel road to the entrance of the camp where you can find a few leveled sites and a lot of open space. You can expect peace and wonderful nature at this remote campground.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Walking Tracks; Tables; Tents Allowed.
Time Limit: None.
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Burra Korain Flat Camping Area
A bush camp located along two rivers with no amenities accessible on foot. You need to drive 7km down a gravel path and hike for another 6km to access it. If you’re visiting Victoria Falls you can take the walking track from there. Really secluded spot so chances are you’ll have it all to yourself!
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: Walk-In.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Walking Tracks; Tents Allowed.
Time Limit: None.
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Blackheath Glen Reserve
One of the best free camps you’ll come across in the Blue Mountains area, conveniently located close to the road. It’s a small camp with limited sites, a little flowing creek nearby, and an amazing rainforest. The road is a little narrow, and the place can get packed, so make sure to arrive early.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Campervans; Motorbikes.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Pets Permitted On A Leash; Non-drinking Water; Wheelchair Accessible; Wildlife; Open Fire Pits; Picnic Tables.
Time Limit: 10 Days.
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Old Ford Reserve
Old Ford is a medium-sized camp managed by the city council, located adjacent to Megalong Creek. It offers beautiful natural scenery, a nice flowing creek where you can chill and catch some dinner too! It’s a popular place so that it can get busy, especially on long weekends and holidays.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Motorbikes.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wheelchair Accessible; Walking Tracks; 4WD Tracks; Open Fire Pits; Picnic Tables; Wildlife; Fishing; Swimming.
Time Limit: 10 Days.
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Mount York Lookout
Mount York is a medium-sized remote camp with 15 campsites available. It’s secluded and not frequently visited, so if you’re looking for a tad more privacy, this is the spot. You’ll find plenty of shaded sites, clean toilets, and utmost silence.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Walking Tracks; Picnic Tables; Open Fire Pits; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 10 Days.
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Lockyer’s Track Campground
Lockeyer’s is an excellent base for climbers or hiking enthusiasts. Quiet, clean, and with plenty of flat, shaded sites. It’s small but close to the road and tranquil at the same time! This place offers great scenery and more privacy than other campgrounds around.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Motorbikes; Campers.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Picnic Tables; Open Fire Pits; Wildlife; Walking Tracks.
Time Limit: None.
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Ingar Campsite –Hike Only
Ingar Road is accessible for hikers and cyclists only, so the Ingar campground remains a quiet, secluded campsite. There are great walking tracks you can take from here or take a dive at Ingar Creek. You can rarely see other tourists and locals; you’ll likely get the place all to yourself.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: Walk-In.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: Yes, book online, or at 1300 072 757. A booking fee of $6 is applicable.
Other Amenities: Picnic Tables; Open Fire Pits; Swimming; Tents Allowed; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 7 Days.
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Londonderry Reserve
A bush camp near the road with a large grass area, peaceful atmosphere, and plenty of wood for cozy fires at night. It’s tucked away, so there is minimal road noise and not many visitors. Walk to the nearby creek to spot some platypi, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, rabbits, and some pet emus at the farm next door!
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; Motorbikes; Campers.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking Water; Picnic Tables; Open Fire Pits; Walking Tracks; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Hartley Reserve
Suitable overnight campground by the river, right off the road but down a steep 4WD track, not recommended for large vans or big rigs. It features a nice grassy area and an excellent water hole for a quick dip. Hartley Reserve is a good place to stop and rest on your way from the Blue Mountains to the Jenolan Caves.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD Only.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking Water; Dog-friendly; Generators Allowed; Wildlife; Picnic Tables; Swimming.
Time Limit: None.
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Burralow Reserve
Burralow Reserve campground and picnic area is a remote bush escape, located just 2 hours from Sydney but secluded in Lower Grose Valley’s marvelous nature. The Burralow Creek, natural sandstone amphitheatre, and scribbly gum trees are just some of the things you’ll find on-site. The proximity makes it popular among locals, so it gets crowded fast.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 4WD; Off-Road Caravans.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: Yes, book online or at 1300 072 757. A booking fee of $6 is applicable.
Other Amenities: Generators Allowed; Open Fire Pits; Picnic Tables; Walking Tracks; 4WD Tracks;
Time Limit: 7 Days.
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Bilpin Reserve
Bilpin is a good spot for an overnight stop in the mountains. There are basic amenities and minimal road noise. You’re surrounded by nature and close to the Wollemi National Park for a nice walk. You can find a convenience store and coffee shop just 5km down the road. There’s room for up to 3 vans, and the sites are a little uneven, but location wise it’s perfect to rest and move on.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Picnic Tables; Playground; Walking Tracks.
Time Limit: 24 Hours.
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Cathedral Reserve
The Cathedral Reserve is a large open area surrounded by sweetgum trees and rainforest. It’s located on Mt Irvine Road, on Mount Wilson. A stunning camp to stay at while traveling along the Blue Mountains. It can get pretty chilly at night so bring your own firewood and warm clothes!
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Non-drinking Water; Open Fire Pits; BBQs; Picnic Tables; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Wheeny Creek
Wheeny Creek Campground is located in the Wollemi National Park near East Kurrajong. It features 30 campsites available for tents. The flowing creek is perfect for a refreshing swim, while the abundance of birdlife will have you entertained for hours. The giant eucalyptus trees provide excellent shade. Wheeny Creek Campground is top-rated among locals, so avoid it on weekends if you need tranquillity.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: Yes, book online or at 1300 072 757. A booking fee of $6 is applicable.
Other Amenities: Open Fire Pits; BBQs; Picnic Tables; Swimming.
Time Limit: 7 Days.
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Warragamba Reserve
The Warragamba Reserve offers a free 48-hour stay for self-contained vehicles only. It’s a lovely, clean, and overall well-maintained campground, but toilets are locked after dark, so that’s why it’s required to be self-contained. The council will provide you with a code to access the gate at whatever time you arrive. Warragamba is a lively town, so you can expect a crowded place on weekends.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: Yes, please contact the council at (02) 8579 0315.
Other Amenities: Drinking Water; Dog-friendly; Generators Allowed; BBQs; Picnic Tables; Playground; TV Reception; Dump Spot.
Time Limit: 48 Hours.
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Dunphy’s Camping Area
Dunphy’s Campground is an isolated camp located down a scenic drive. You can camp at the grassy parking area or take your tent and access the best sites just a short walk inside the camp. It’s a stunning spot with some incredible views, and it’s just 30 minutes from Blackheath. You can spot plenty of wildlife around – kangaroos, wallabies, snakes, wombats, echidnas, and even possums!
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: Yes, book online or at 1300 072 757. A booking fee of $6 is applicable.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking Water; Picnic Tables; Walking Tracks; Open Fire Pits; BBQs; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 7 Days.
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Coxs River Campground (Tent Only)
Coxs River Campground is settled off the beaten track, accessible by a 4WD or walk-in only. The road requires you to cross three creeks and some steep sections. You can leave your car at the bollards and camp in tents. Fires and pets are strictly forbidden, and make sure not to leave a trace behind. The Coxs River is just a walk down from the camp.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 4WD Only.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking Water; Picnic Tables; Swimming.
Time Limit: None.
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