11 BEST Spots For A Free Camp Blue Mountains Escape

Plan your next getaway with 11 Free Camp Blue Mountains spots offering incredible nature, wildlife encounters and zero camping fees. Up in the rugged landscapes of the Blue Mountains NSW a Free Camp Blue Mountains experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Towering sandstone cliffs, dense eucalyptus forests and misty valleys create a breathtaking backdrop for those seeking a budget friendly escape.

Several designated Free Camp Blue Mountains sites cater to campers looking for a secluded retreat. Old Ford Reserve and Blackheath Glen Reserve are among the most popular, providing access to walking trails, waterfalls and scenic lookouts. While these sites lack full amenities, most offer basic facilities such as fire pits and pit toilets. Campers should arrive well prepared with drinking water, food supplies and waste disposal options.

Wildlife encounters are common, with kangaroos, wombats and lyrebirds often seen wandering through campsites. However, caution is advised during warmer months when snakes may be active. Campfires are permitted in designated areas, but restrictions apply during bushfire season.

How We Qualified A Free Camp Blue Mountains Listing

To make our list of free camp Blue Mountains sites we had the following criteria that needed to be met.

Note: We’ve tried to be as accurate as possible with compiling this list but mistakes and changes do happen. If you see anything that needs updating, is incorrect or we’ve missed please let us know – you can contact us by email.

• Accessible to all types of camping – such as tents, camper trailers and caravans.
• Not a caravan park – because caravan parks aren’t really camping now are they?
• Blue Mountains feel to it – The free camp Blue Mountains site had to have a Blue Mountains feel to it. There were quite a few that were near the Blue Mountains but were big open clearings without the Blue Mountains feel that didn’t make the list.
• We had to have actually been there – not just found it on a Google search and then tried to pretend we were experts on the place.
• Free or cheap camping – no big dollar Hipcamp sites here. Hipcamp sites have their place just not on this list.

Three Sisters Blue Mountains New South Wales Australia (Source Wikimedia Commons – Anne Dirkse www.annedirkse.com)

List Of 11 Best Spots For A Free Camp Blue Mountains Escape

For those who enjoy adventure, staying at a Free Camp Blue Mountains site means easy access to world renowned trails such as the Grand Canyon Walk and the Three Sisters lookout. Whether you seek tranquillity or exploration, camping here is an affordable way to experience the raw beauty of the Blue Mountains.

1. Old Ford Reserve

This free campground offers pit toilets, fire pits (byo wood), picnic tables, rubbish bins and swimming. It is a medium sized campground, adjacent to Megalong Creek. Access is via a sealed road.

• It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers and caravans. Big rigs will find the road in very tight and finding a level site difficult.
• Camping in tents is allowed
• Maximum camping stay is 10 days
• Dogs are permitted

Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Address: 1363 Megalong Rd, Megalong Valley, New South Wales
GPS: -33.731648°, 150.235481°
Website URL: https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/stay-blue-mountains/camping-blue-mountains
Pet Friendly: Yes

Free Camp Blue Mountains At Cathedral Reserve

2. Blackheath Glen Reserve

Free camping permitted at Blackheath Glen Reserve. Maximum camping stay for 10 days only.

• Pit toilets
• Fire pits (byo firewood)
• Picnic tables
• Rubbish bins
• Bring your own drinking water
• Pets on leash are permitted

2WD access on a narrow winding road. Care needs to be taken. NOT suitable for large motorhomes or caravans. This is a popular camping area and sites fill up quickly.

Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Address: 540 Megalong Rd, Megalong Valley, New South Wales
GPS: -33.675445°, 150.268465°
Pet Friendly: Yes

3. Lockyer’s Track Campground

• This free campground offers toilets
• Dog friendly
• It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers and caravans
• Camping in tents is allowed

Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Address: 261 Hartley Vale Rd, Hartley Vale, New South Wales
GPS: -33.536082°, 150.232935°
Pet Friendly: Yes

4. Londonderry Reserve

• This free campground offers toilets
• Dog friendly
• It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers and caravans
• Camping in tents is allowed

Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Address: 751 Browns Gap Rd, Hartley Vale, New South Wales
GPS: -33.528214°, 150.200416°
Pet Friendly: No

5. Cathedral Reserve (Free Camp Blue Mountains)

Cathedral Reserve is on the Mt Irvine Rd on the way out of the Mt Wilson village travelling towards Mt Irvine opposite the Cathedral of Ferns. It is a large open area with liquid ambers along the Mt Irvine Rd and rainforest behind the reserve. The Reserve has two modern composting toilets and campers the choice of camping in the open or amongst the trees.

Bollards have been installed to prevent cars driving on the grassed areas and also driving into camping areas so these areas are protected. Car parking areas have been extended to cater for the large numbers of campers and picnickers who use the area.

• Camping is free and no booking is required.
• There are toilets, tank water (not suitable for drinking but can be boiled or used for other purposes)
• Fireplaces
• Picnic tables
• Garbage bins

Remember to bring your own drinking water, firewood, warm clothes (it gets cold at night), toilet paper and your own camping gear. Dogs are allowed in the Mt Wilson Village and at Cathedral Reserve, however dogs are not allowed in the National Park adjacent to the reserve and village. So walks around the village are ok providing they are not into the National Park. Users are reminded to securely lock up any valuables during their stay.

Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Address: 117 Mount Irvine Rd, Mount Wilson, New South Wales
GPS: -33.502094°, 150.390169°
Website URL: https://www.mtwilson.com.au/stay/camping
Pet Friendly: Yes

6. Boyd River Camping Area

This location is a free campground, however a booking fee of $6 per site applies. Money collected will be used to manage campground numbers and improve your safety. You are now required to make a booking for all campgrounds and campsites in NSW national parks. This includes locations that were previously available for use without a booking.

• This free campground offers toilets
• Dogs are not permitted
• It is accessible to camper trailers and caravans
• Camping in tents is allowed

Type: National Park Camping
Cost: $6 booking fee
Address: Kanangra Rd, Kanangra, New South Wales
GPS: -33.970912°, 150.057168°
Phone: 0130 007 275
Website URL: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/boyd-river-campground
Pet Friendly: No

7. Millionth Acre Recreation Area

• This free campground offers toilets
• Dog friendly
• It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers and caravans
• Camping in tents is allowed

Type: State Forest Camping
Cost: Free
Address: Duckmaloi Rd, Hampton, New South Wales
GPS: -33.676944°, 150.050272°
Website URL: http://www.forests.nsw.gov.au
Pet Friendly: Yes

8. Thill Ridge Campground

This is a free campground. Located at the top of a ridge at 1250m ASL at Bindo Pinch in Hampton State Forest.

• It is dog friendly
• It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers and caravans
• Camping in tents is allowed. You must be fully self contained
• Access is off old bindi road just before Hampton going east

Type: State Forest Camping
Cost: Free
Address: LOT 72 Bindo Boundary Rd, Hampton, New South Wales
GPS: -33.668502°, 150.022474°
Website URL: http://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/forests/hampton-state-forest
Pet Friendly: Yes

9. Fireman’s Lookout (Back Of Mt Bindo)

Just off the 4WD track at the back of Mt Bindo summit in Hampton State Forest. Perfect spot with great views out over the valley to the east and north. No amenities or water. Must be fully self contained and take all rubbish with you. Unmarked state forest camp site. There is only enough space for a couple of vehicles. Can get windy and very cold and snows in winter due to elevation of over 1300m above sea level. Can be chilly at any time of the year. A couple of well used fire pits. Site is not completely level but is level enough.

Type: State Forest Camping
Cost: Free
Address: Bindo Boundary Road, Hampton, New South Wales
GPS: -33.675723°, 150.008334°
Pet Friendly: Yes

Free Camp Blue Mountains Fireman’s Lookout (Back Of Mt Bindo)

10. Glen Davis Campground

• This campground offers toilets, showers and drinking water
• It is dog friendly
• It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers and caravans
• Camping in tents is allowed

Type: Donation Camping
Cost: Donation
Address: Glen Davis, New South Wales
GPS: -33.126095°, 150.281240°
Pet Friendly: Yes

11. Mount Airly Camping Area

Grassy camping area without facilities but with nice bush walks in the area. Bushland with a few cleared flattish areas, many under big trees

Type: State Forest Camping
Cost: Free
Address: The Tramway, Capertee, New South Wales
GPS: -33.109614°, 150.040055°
Pet Friendly: No

Free Camp Blue Mountains Londonderry Reserve

Top 10 Things To Do While Staying At A Free Camp Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains offer awesome scenery, rugged bushland and a load of outdoor activities. If you’re staying at a free camp in the Blue Mountains, you’re in for an adventure without the hefty price tag. From bushwalking to cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top 10 things to do while enjoying the region’s best free camping spots.

1. Hike the National Pass Trail
   One of the most iconic bushwalks in the Blue Mountains, the National Pass Trail takes you through lush rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and along dramatic cliff edges. It’s a moderate to challenging hike, but the views are worth the effort. Make sure to pack plenty of water and wear sturdy footwear.
2. Visit the Three Sisters Lookout
   No trip to the Blue Mountains is complete without a visit to Echo Point Lookout to see the Three Sisters. These towering rock formations are one of Australia’s most famous natural landmarks. The lookout offers a panoramic view of the Jamison Valley, making it a perfect spot for sunrise or sunset photography.
3. Explore Jenolan Caves
   If you’re up for an underground adventure, take a trip to Jenolan Caves, one of the world’s oldest cave systems. These limestone caves feature stunning stalactites, crystal formations and underground rivers. Guided tours are available, but even just exploring the surrounding bushland is a great experience.
4. Go Wild Swimming at Jellybean Pool
   After a day of hiking, cool off at Jellybean Pool in Glenbrook. This natural swimming hole is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. The sandy banks make it ideal for relaxing, while the calm waters are perfect for a refreshing dip. It’s a must visit when staying at a free camp Blue Mountains.
5. Visit Govetts Leap Lookout
   For one of the most dramatic views in the Blue Mountains, head to Govetts Leap Lookout. Overlooking the Grose Valley, this spot offers breathtaking scenery, especially in the early morning mist. The nearby walking tracks take you to hidden waterfalls and quiet forest trails.
6. Enjoy Stargazing in the Wilderness
   One of the biggest perks of staying at a free camp Blue Mountains is the chance to experience clear, unpolluted night skies. Away from city lights, you’ll see thousands of stars, constellations and even the Milky Way. Bring a telescope or simply lay back and take in the view.
7. Take a Scenic Drive Along Bells Line of Road
   A drive along Bells Line of Road offers some of the best scenic views in the Blue Mountains. The winding road takes you through lush forests, past orchards and offers spectacular lookout points. Stop at Bilpin for fresh apples and homemade pies.
8. Walk the Grand Canyon Track
   The Grand Canyon Track is a must do for nature lovers. This loop trail takes you through fern lined gullies, narrow canyon paths and alongside flowing creeks. It’s a moderate hike that showcases the diverse landscapes of the Blue Mountains.
9. Spot Wildlife in the Bush
   Camping in the Blue Mountains gives you a chance to see some of Australia’s unique wildlife. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, lyrebirds and even the occasional wombat. Early morning and dusk are the best times for wildlife spotting.
10. Visit the Mount Tomah Botanic Garden
    If you want a break from rugged bushland, visit the Mount Tomah Botanic Garden. Located on the edge of the Blue Mountains, this cool climate garden features a stunning collection of native and exotic plants. The views over the valley are spectacular and it’s a great place for a relaxing stroll.

Final Thoughts On Free Camp Blue Mountains

Staying at a free camp Blue Mountains is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of the region without spending a fortune. Whether you’re hiking through ancient rainforests, swimming in secluded waterholes, or taking in jaw dropping views, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do. Pack your gear, embrace the wilderness and make the most of your adventure in the Blue Mountains.

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions About Free Camp Blue Mountains