Camping is a great way to experience the great outdoors for all the family. Many people go camping for a multitude of reasons. Some want to escape the stresses in life, reconnect with their loved ones or just take time out to enjoy nature for all it has to offer. There are a variety of different types of camping though and not all types are for everyone. Depending on what you look for in your ideal camping trip, your campsite may or may not have phone reception and/or running water for toilets and showers. This can be a great way to reconnect with nature, your loved ones and yourself. There are so many things to do and see when you take screens out of the equation. We will help break down the top campsites in Canberra and the surrounds based on facilities, things to do or see nearby and type of camping accepted at the campground.
Campsites in the Bush Capital, Canberra
Honeysuckle Campground
Adjacent to the former space tracking station site, the Honeysuckle Creek Campground is located in the Namadgi National Park. It is suitable for couples, families and large groups and is a great spot to use as a base camp for exploring the walking tracks to try nearby.
Facilities: wood fire BBQ pits, composting toilets, picnic tables, covered shelter with a fireplace and two gas BBQ’s.
Things to do and see: remnants of the Honeysuckle space tracking station, walking trails of Booroomba Rocks, Orroral Ridge and Mount Tennent.
Type of camping: tents, campervans and camper-trailers accepted.
Cotter Campground
On the banks of the Cotter River, the Cotter Campground is near where the Murrumbidgee River meets with the Cotter River. This campsite is widely used as a base camp for those accessing Stromlo Forest Park nearby. This campsite is wheelchair accessible and is suitable for couples, families and large groups.
Facilities: flushing toilets, showers, drinking water, BBQ’s (gas and electric), picnic tables and shelter, a communal fireplace, dishwashing facilities, and canoe/kayak entry point.
Things to do and see: fishing, water activities (kayaking and canoeing), walking trails of the Bullen track and is a short drive to the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, Corin Forest, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Brindabella National Park.
Types of camping: tents, camper-trailers and small vans accepted.
Mount Clear
Within the Namadgi National Park, Mount Clear is a remote but established campground. It offers limited and basic facilities and permits and camping fees apply to stay. This campsite is very much weather dependent and roads might be closed and are inaccessible depending the weather.
Facilities: pit toilets, communal fireplace and picnic tables with shelter.
Things to do and see: birdwatching, star gazing, mountain bike riding and walking trails of Horse Gully Hut.
Types of camping: tents only.
Blue Range Recreation Area
The Blue Range Recreation Area camp is at the centre of remains of a heritage-listed World War II internment camp. This site is situated within the former Uriarra Forest pine plantation and provides great views. The campsite can be hired out exclusively provided you have a permit and have booked. This is also one of the only campsites in Canberra that dogs are welcome in certain areas but on-leash at all times. This camping spot is wheelchair accessible and is suitable for the whole family.
Facilities: toilets, picnic tables and shelter, gas BBQ’s, communal fireplace and dog exercise area.
Things to do and see: horse riding, birdwatching, mountain bike riding and walking trails of Sherwood Homestead.
Types of camping: tents, camper-trailers and small vans accepted.
Campsites just outside of Canberra
McIntyres Campground, Uriarra
Located just over the border of New South Wales at Uriarra, McIntyres Campground is perched within the Brindabella National Park. It is a riverside campground where you can visit the historic McIntyres Hut and enjoy fishing by the river. This campsite is only accessible with a high clearance 4WD.
Facilities: toilets, picnic tables and BBQ’s.
Things to do and see: visit McIntyres Hut, fishing, horse riding, swimming and birdwatching.
Types of camping: tents only.
Yarrangobilly Village Campground, Snowy Mountains
Within the Kosciuszko National Park, Yarrangobilly Village Campground is the perfect base camp to tour all that is on offer in the Snowy Mountains. Located beside the historic and oldest building in the national park, Cotterill’s Cottage, all types of camping are welcome here.
Facilities: toilets, picnic tables and BBQ’s.
Things to do and see: swimming, cycling, horse riding, fishing, 4WD tours, trail walks of Kiandra Heritage Track and Clarke Gorge.
Types of camping: tents, camper-trailers and vans accepted.
Micalong Creek Reserve, Wee Jasper
Only 90 minutes away from Canberra, Micalong Creek Reserve offers swimming holes, beautiful overhanging willow trees and a tranquil running creek beneath. There are three other campsites within the Wee Jasper Reserve but Micalong is our favourite of the lot! This site is dog friendly as well. While there is no picnic or BBQ facilities here, you can collect a range of small goods at the office located at Billy Grace Reserve such as ice bags, gas refills, jams & pickles, milk and the bare necessities required.
Facilities: flushing toilets, showers and access to drinking water.
Things to do and see: swimming, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, trail walks along the Micalong Creek and caving at Carey’s Cave.
Types of camping: tents only.
Jugiong Showground Memorial Park, Jugiong
Towards Gundagai, Jugiong Showground Memorial Park is also just 90 minutes away from Canberra. The Memorial Park is a free camping area that has a pool complex. It is also across the road from The Sir George pub where you can have a great meal and offers views of the Murrumbidgee River.
Facilities: flushing toilets, BBQ facilities and picnic tables.
Things to do and see: swimming, fishing, canoeing and walking.
Types of camping: tents, camper-trailers and vans accepted.
Well, there you have it! That concludes our list of the top campsites to visit in Canberra and the surrounding areas. If you plan on checking any of these options out, please look at either Parks ACT or NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to make your booking and for further relevant information. Let us know in the comments what you think of our top picks.