The Best of the Blue Mountains: Camping Spots
We’ve listed our five favourite camping spots in the Blue Mountains, covering everything from the easy to access to those areas that are a little harder to reach but are well worth the effort.
Top 5 Camping Spots
Some people love camping with the attitude of ‘why settle for just five stars when you can have a million or more of them’!
We’ve listed our five favourite camping spots in the Blue Mountains, covering everything from the easy to access to those areas that are a little harder to reach but are well worth the effort.
To make the most of your camping adventure, always be prepared with adequate water and food, waterproof clothing and a first aid kit, and find out about local conditions. If you plan to go bush, register your planned route before leaving with the local police station or let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.
- Old Ford Reserve is a picturesque camping and picnic area located alongside Megalong Creek in the Megalong Valley. The Megalong Valley is mostly granite country and the Valley has bird species that are not found on the cliff tops. Old Ford Reserve is accessible by road 8.3 kilometres along the Six Foot Track from Katoomba.
- On the western edge of Blue Mountains National Park, Perrys Lookdown offers five free campsites and scenic views over the Grose Valley, Blue Gum Forest and Mount Banks. This rustic campground provides a real wilderness experience with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and walking. Follow Hat Hill Road, Blackheath and follow the signs to Perrys Lookdown. It’s a great spot to watch the sunrise.
- To reach the Acacia Flat campground in Blue Gum Forest might take a bit of effort but the reward is worth it. If you’re walking into the Grose Valley to pitch a tent at here you’ll join a rare breed of intrepid campers who have stayed in one of the most secluded wilderness areas in the Blue Mountains. The Blue Gum Forest is a haven for birds and wildlife, and was saved from the axe by bushwalkers in the 1930s when they pooled resources and bought the forest to preserve it for future generations. Access is via walking tracks from either Perrys Lookdown or Pierces Pass into the Grose Valley.
- When it's time to swap the noise of the city for the sounds of the bush, pack up the car and head for Murphys Glen campground, near Woodford. This remote campground has plenty of space for family and friends and when you're ready to explore, a short walking track will take you to several small pools, and another leads to Murphys lookout. Water is not available at this campground, so you'll need to bring your own.
- Cathedral Reserve campground is located on the way out of Mt Wilson village heading toward Mt Irvine. This very pretty, council run spot is free, flat and grassy making it popular for picnickers also. A great spot to enjoy Mt Wilson's stunning Autumn colour or Spring blooms. If you visit in Summer, head across the road to the stunning Cathedral of Ferns at twilight and you might spy some fireflies.