Camping around Canberra offers diverse experiences, from family-friendly sites with great facilities to remote and rugged locations for those seeking solitude. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or someone looking for a peaceful retreat, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and its surrounding regions have plenty of options. Below is an in-depth guide to 10 of the best camping spots around Canberra, detailing their attractions, facilities, and practical tips for making the most of your camping experience.
1. Namadgi National Park
- Location: Southwest of Canberra
- Distance from Canberra: About 45 km
- Highlights: Rugged bushland, hiking trails, native wildlife, and Aboriginal rock art.
- Camping Spot: Orroral Campground
Namadgi National Park is one of the most popular camping destinations near Canberra. Located within the Australian Alps, the park covers over 100,000 hectares of rugged wilderness, making it an excellent choice for those who want to immerse themselves in nature.
The park offers several campsites, but one of the most popular is the Orroral Campground. This campsite is ideal for families and groups, providing a more relaxed camping experience with basic amenities such as toilets, picnic tables, and BBQ facilities. The campground is close to several hiking trails, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
For those interested in history and culture, Namadgi is home to important Aboriginal sites, including rock art and ceremonial stone arrangements. The park also offers opportunities for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds identified, and you may even spot kangaroos, wombats, and echidnas while hiking through the scenic trails.
Activities:
- Hiking: There are numerous trails to explore, such as the Granite Tors Walking Track and the Yankee Hat Trail.
- Wildlife Watching: Native wildlife such as kangaroos, emus, and various bird species are abundant in the park.
- Historical Exploration: Visit ancient Aboriginal sites and remnants of early European settlements.
2. Cotter Campground
- Location: 23 km west of Canberra
- Highlights: Close to the Cotter River, great for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
- Facilities: Powered and unpowered campsites, BBQ facilities, toilets, showers.
Cotter Campground is one of the most accessible and family-friendly camping spots near Canberra, located just a short drive from the city. It is set near the scenic Cotter River and Cotter Dam, offering picturesque surroundings and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Families love Cotter for its safe swimming areas, expansive picnic spots, and well-maintained amenities. You can spend your days fishing in the river, walking along the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail, or exploring nearby nature reserves. The campground has both powered and unpowered sites, making it suitable for tent campers and those with caravans or campervans.
One of the major attractions of this area is the Cotter Bend, a popular spot where visitors can swim and relax along the riverbanks. The area is known for its crystal-clear water and family-friendly atmosphere, offering a great location for a picnic or a leisurely afternoon swim.
Activities:
- Swimming: The Cotter River is perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot summer’s day.
- Picnicking: Enjoy a meal in one of the many picnic areas equipped with BBQ facilities.
- Fishing: The river is stocked with trout, providing great opportunities for anglers.
3. Honeysuckle Campground
- Location: Namadgi National Park
- Highlights: Former NASA tracking station site, scenic views, and close to the Orroral Valley.
- Camping Facilities: Basic amenities, including toilets and picnic areas.
For those interested in combining camping with a touch of history, Honeysuckle Campground is a unique option located within Namadgi National Park. The campground sits on the site of a former NASA tracking station, used during the Apollo moon missions. The remnants of this facility can still be explored, making the campground an interesting destination for history buffs and space enthusiasts alike.
Apart from its historical significance, Honeysuckle offers access to stunning views of the Orroral Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. This is a more primitive camping experience compared to some other options on this list, with fewer amenities, but it is ideal for campers seeking a peaceful and secluded setting. Hiking trails are easily accessible from the campground, and you’ll have the chance to explore pristine bushland filled with native wildlife.
Activities:
- Historical Exploration: Visit the ruins of the Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station.
- Bushwalking: Several walking trails in the area offer spectacular views of Namadgi’s rugged landscape.
- Stargazing: The remote location makes it perfect for stargazing with minimal light pollution.
4. Woods Reserve
- Location: Tidbinbilla area, near Canberra
- Highlights: Forested setting, walking tracks, and swimming hole.
- Facilities: BBQs, picnic tables, and toilet facilities.
Woods Reserve is a hidden gem located within the Tidbinbilla region, just a short drive from Canberra. This secluded campground is nestled in a forested area, offering a tranquil setting for campers who want to enjoy nature in a peaceful environment. Woods Reserve is a great spot for both tent camping and caravanning, with spacious sites and plenty of shade from surrounding trees.
One of the key attractions here is the Gibraltar Falls, located just a short walk from the campground. The falls are a beautiful natural feature, and visitors can enjoy a swim in the nearby rock pools or simply relax while taking in the scenery. Woods Reserve is also close to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, where you can experience wildlife encounters and learn about conservation efforts.
Activities:
- Swimming: Take a dip in the rock pools near Gibraltar Falls.
- Hiking: Explore nearby walking tracks that take you through scenic bushland.
- Nature Viewing: Visit the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to see koalas, kangaroos, and other wildlife.
5. Blue Range Campground
- Location: Brindabella National Park, west of Canberra
- Highlights: Pine forest, historical site, mountain biking, and hiking.
- Facilities: Basic amenities, including fireplaces, picnic tables, and toilets.
For campers looking for a more remote and adventurous experience, Blue Range Campground in Brindabella National Park is an excellent choice. The campground is set in a historic pine plantation, and it once served as an Italian internment camp during World War II. Today, Blue Range offers a peaceful and rustic camping experience, with large, shaded sites and a range of outdoor activities.
This is a great location for mountain biking, with several trails winding through the surrounding forest. Hiking is also a popular activity, with nearby tracks offering panoramic views of the Brindabella Ranges. Blue Range is less developed than some other campgrounds, providing a more back-to-nature experience with basic facilities like picnic tables, fire pits, and composting toilets.
Activities:
- Mountain Biking: Explore forested trails perfect for biking enthusiasts.
- Hiking: Enjoy walks through the pine forest and surrounding bushland.
- Campfire Cooking: Use the on-site fireplaces to enjoy an evening around the campfire.
6. Yerrabi Trackhead
- Location: Northern part of Namadgi National Park
- Highlights: Base for hiking trails and exploring the Gudgenby Valley.
- Facilities: Primitive camping with no facilities.
For those who prefer a more rugged and solitary camping experience, Yerrabi Trackhead in Namadgi National Park offers a true backcountry experience. This campsite is situated in the northern part of the park, providing easy access to some of the area’s best hiking trails and wilderness exploration.
Yerrabi Trackhead is a primitive campsite, meaning it has no facilities, so campers need to be self-sufficient and bring everything they need. However, the reward for this level of preparation is a serene and peaceful camping experience in the heart of Namadgi’s rugged wilderness. From here, you can access hiking trails that take you deep into the Gudgenby Valley, where you’ll encounter stunning alpine landscapes and a variety of native flora and fauna.
Activities:
- Wilderness Hiking: Set off on multi-day hikes through Namadgi’s remote wilderness.
- Birdwatching: Keep an eye out for the many bird species that call the park home.
- Solitude: Enjoy the peace and quiet of this remote and uncrowded camping spot.
7. Googong Foreshores
- Location: Southeast of Canberra
- Highlights: Located around Googong Dam, ideal for fishing, kayaking, and bushwalking.
- Camping Facilities: Bush camping is permitted in certain areas.
Googong Foreshores is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts located southeast of Canberra, surrounding the Googong Dam. This area is renowned for its water-based activities, including kayaking, fishing, and boating. The foreshores also offer a number of bushwalking trails that allow visitors to explore the scenic landscape around the dam.
Although there are no formal campgrounds at Googong, bush camping is permitted in designated areas. This provides a more remote and primitive camping experience, ideal for those looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy nature in a quiet setting. The foreshores are home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a great location for birdwatchers as well.
Activities:
- Kayaking: Paddle across the tranquil waters of Googong Dam.
- Fishing: Try your luck at catching fish, with the dam known for trout and other freshwater species.
- Bushwalking: Explore the trails that wind through the picturesque landscape around the dam.
8. Flea Creek
- Location: Brindabella National Park
- Highlights: Creekside camping, fishing, and 4WD access.
- Facilities: Basic facilities with toilets and picnic areas.
Flea Creek is a remote and serene campground located within Brindabella National Park. The campground is set along a creek, providing campers with a tranquil setting where they can enjoy fishing, swimming, and wildlife watching. Flea Creek is ideal for those who want a more secluded camping experience, and it is accessible by 4WD, making it a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts.
The campground has basic facilities, including toilets and picnic tables, but it is a more rustic option compared to some other sites around Canberra. The area is surrounded by dense bushland, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure. The creek is also a great spot for fishing, with several species of freshwater fish available.
Activities:
- 4WD Adventures: Access the campground via challenging 4WD tracks.
- Fishing: Cast a line into the creek for freshwater fish.
- Nature Walks: Explore the surrounding bushland and spot native wildlife.
9. Gibraltar Falls
- Location: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
- Highlights: Scenic waterfall, rock pools, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Camping Facilities: Nearby Woods Reserve provides camping facilities.
Gibraltar Falls is one of the most beautiful natural attractions near Canberra, located within the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. The falls are a popular destination for day trips, but nearby camping options make it possible to extend your stay and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
The falls cascade down a rocky cliff face into a series of rock pools, where visitors can swim and relax. The nearby Woods Reserve campground provides convenient access to the falls, offering basic camping facilities such as toilets, picnic tables, and BBQs. This is a great spot for families and groups looking for a relaxed camping experience combined with the opportunity to explore one of Canberra’s most picturesque natural features.
Activities:
- Swimming: Cool off in the rock pools at the base of Gibraltar Falls.
- Picnicking: Enjoy a meal with a view at one of the many picnic areas near the falls.
- Hiking: Explore nearby walking tracks that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
10. Corin Forest
- Location: Tidbinbilla area
- Highlights: Close to Corin Dam and a popular spot for snow play in winter.
- Camping Facilities: No designated campground, but nearby Namadgi National Park offers camping options.
Corin Forest is a unique destination for camping and outdoor activities, especially during the winter months when the area becomes a hub for snow play and tobogganing. Located in the Tidbinbilla area, Corin Forest offers a range of outdoor experiences, from bushwalking and picnicking to winter sports.
While there are no official campgrounds at Corin Forest itself, nearby campsites within Namadgi National Park provide excellent options for those looking to stay overnight. In the winter, visitors flock to the area to experience snow activities, while in the warmer months, the focus shifts to hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the scenic Corin Dam.
Activities:
- Snow Play: Enjoy tobogganing and snow play during the winter months.
- Hiking: Explore nearby trails that offer stunning views of Corin Dam and the surrounding mountains.
- Picnicking: Take advantage of the picnic facilities in the area for a relaxing outdoor meal.
Conclusion
Camping around Canberra offers an incredible variety of experiences, from peaceful riverside retreats to remote bushland adventures. Whether you’re a family looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, a hiker seeking solitude in the wilderness, or an adventurer ready to explore off-road trails, the ACT and surrounding areas provide endless opportunities. With stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and unique natural attractions, the region is a camper’s paradise. Before setting out, make sure to check access conditions, camping permits, and any seasonal restrictions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping trip.
