Pitch your tent among the towering gum trees, sleep beneath the stars and wake to the sound of native birdcalls in the Blue Mountains, a vast wilderness playground on the western edge of Sydney.
Sep 2024 -
3
min readBest for first timers: Euroka Campground
If it’s your first time pitching a tent in the great outdoors, Euroka is a great place to start. This well-equipped campground is close to Glenbrook on the eastern side of the Blue Mountains and has toilets, barbecues and picnic tables (though you will need to bring your own water). There are five different camping areas, each with their own carpark, so you won’t have to carry your gear very far. There are walking trails and mountain bike tracks nearby, as well as fishing in the Nepean River.
Euroka Campground on Nepean River walk, Blue Mountains National Park - Credit: Nick Cubbin/DCCEEW
Best for water sports: Lake Lyell Recreation Area
Set on the outskirts of Lithgow, Lake Lyell is a man-made lake covering more than 200 hectares. It’s a popular spot for waterskiing, canoeing, swimming and fishing – it’s stocked with thousands of trout, bass and redfin. There are powered and unpowered campsites suitable for tents, camper trailers and caravans, as well as amenities blocks, barbecue areas, a kiosk and a playground.
Lake Lyell Recreation Park, South Bowenfels - Credit: Seven Valleys Visitor Information Centre
Best for outdoor activities: Turon Gates
A sprawling 2,500-hectare oasis in the Capertee Valley, set alongside the Turon River. There’s an almost endless list of things to do on the property, from horse riding, mountain biking and bushwalking to kayaking, fishing, swimming and even panning for gold. The valley is famous for its birdwatching, while at night you can stargaze on crystal-clear skies. Pitch a tent by the water or treat yourself to a little luxury in one of the cosy cottages and chic glamping tents.
Horse riding at Turon Gates, Capertee - Credit: GM Photographics
Best for intrepid campers: Acacia Flat Campground
This is one for the experts. Hidden deep in the wilderness of the Grose Valley, Acacia Flat is accessible only on foot with a challenging three- to four-hour walk down a steep trail with many steps. You’ll need to carry your own drinking water, supplies and a personal locater beacon, though there are basic composting toilets. For all that hard work, you’ll be rewarded with absolute tranquillity, exceptional birdwatching and just the sounds of the bush to lull you to sleep.
Grose River Crossing to Acacia Flat, Blue Mountains National Park - Credit: Aine Gliddon
Best for families: Blackheath Tourist Park
Just a short walk from the centre of the village, the Blackheath Tourist Park offers the best of both worlds. You can sleep under the stars, in a caravan or in a comfortable cabin, and still be able to get a good coffee or dinner at the pub. Kids will love the playground and duck pond just across the road, and there are modern amenities blocks and a camp kitchen. The park is also pet-friendly in off-peak periods if you want to bring the four-legged family members along too.
Blackheath Tourist Park, Blackheath - Credit: BelgraviaPRO Pty Ltd
Best for going off grid: Newnes Campground
Surrounded by soaring sandstone cliffs and tall groves of eucalypts, Newnes Campground sits among spectacular natural beauty. Paddle in the Wolgan River, explore the ruins of the historic shale mines and swap stories around the campfire. Since the closer of Wolgan Road, it’s accessible only on foot with a 10-kilometre walk in, carrying all your gear, water and supplies. There’s no reception down here, so turn off your phone and connect with nature.
Newnes Campground, Wollemi National Park - Credit: Stephen Alton/DCCEEW
Best for Scenic World: Katoomba Falls Tourist Park
If you’re heading to the Blue Mountains to try out the world’s steepest railway and see the Jamison Valley from 270 metres in the air, then you’ll want to stay close to Scenic World. The Katoomba Falls Tourist Park is just a 10-minute walk from this iconic attraction, making it the perfect base for your adventures. It’s also within easy reach of bushwalks, waterfalls and the shops and restaurants of bustling Katoomba.
Sydney Adventure Tours at Scenic World, Katoomba
Best for camping with your dog: Megalong Valley Farm
Most of the popular campgrounds in the Blue Mountains sit within national parks, so dogs aren’t permitted. But Megalong Valley Farm is the perfect retreat for your furry friends. This private farm and wilderness reserve in the stunning Megalong Valley has lots of campsites, with powered and non-powered options for tents, camper trailers and caravans. Horses and donkeys will be roaming free, the sunsets are spectacular and it’s so large you might not even see another camper.
Megalong Valley Farm, Megalong Valley - Credit: Hipcamp Australia Pty Ltd
Best for telling ghost stories: Private Town Campground
Yerranderie is a remote silver mining settlement in the southeast of the Blue Mountains that was abandoned in the 1920s. Today, it’s a well-preserved ghost town where the bank, post office, general store and residential cottages have been carefully restored. You can pitch your tent at the Private Town Campground right next to the buildings and sleep among an eerie piece of NSW history.
Private Town Campground, Yerranderie Regional Park - Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW
Best for wildlife: Dunphys Campground
You’ll find wildlife close to many campgrounds in the Blue Mountains, but this remote site in the Megalong Valley has some regular visitors that you’re almost guaranteed to see. Curious kangaroos and waddling wombats nibble the grass while wedge-tailed eagles and flocks of squawking cockatoos perch in the trees above. Spot more native creatures on nearby hiking trails like the Six Foot Track and Narrow Neck Trail.
Dunphys Campground, Blue Mountains National Park - Credit: Elinor Sheargold/DCCEEW
FAQs
What are the best caravan parks and camping sites in the Blue Mountains?
What are the best caravan parks and camping sites in the Blue Mountains?
Some of the best campsites in the Blue Mountains are Euroka Campground, Acacia Flat Campground, Newnes Campground and Dunphy Campground. The top caravan parks include Katoomba Falls Tourist Park and Blackheath Glen Tourist Park.
Do I need to book campsites in advance, and how can I make a reservation?
Do I need to book campsites in advance, and how can I make a reservation?
Yes, you need to make a reservation for all campsites in the Blue Mountains. For campgrounds inside national parks, you can book here. For private campgrounds or caravan parks, book via the website or phone.
What facilities and amenities are available at caravan and camping sites in the Blue Mountains?
What facilities and amenities are available at caravan and camping sites in the Blue Mountains?
Facilities vary at different campgrounds in the Blue Mountains. Some basic campsites will only have composting toilets and you will need to bring in your own water, firewood and supplies. Other campsites have facilities like toilets, hot showers, barbecues, picnic tables and drinking water. Holiday parks have additional amenities like camp kitchens, laundries and playgrounds.
Are there any pet-friendly camping and caravan sites in the Blue Mountains?
Are there any pet-friendly camping and caravan sites in the Blue Mountains?
Yes, there are some pet-friendly campgrounds in the Blue Mountains such as Megalong Valley Farm, Blackheath Glen Tourist Park, Blue Mountains Grass Tree Bush Camp, Lake Lyell Recreation Park and Turon Gates. Remember that pets are not permitted at any campsites within a national park.
What activities and attractions are available near the camping and caravanning sites in the Blue Mountains?
What activities and attractions are available near the camping and caravanning sites in the Blue Mountains?
Hiking, bushwalking, mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling, swimming, fishing, watersports, stargazing and more are all available close to campgrounds. You can also visit attractions like Scenic World and Jenolan Caves.
