Sandy Point Reserve Camp Ground – Free Camp In Hay NSW

Sandy Point Reserve is a free camping area where you can stay for up to three nights. Facilities include free BBQs, flush toilets and $2 showers available at the Visitor Centre on Moppett Street. It’s an ideal location for swimming, boating, or fishing.

It’s a great stop for caravanners and campers travelling through Hay. You can explore the well maintained tracks that wind along the Murrumbidgee River lined with impressive river red gums. This pet friendly site welcomes all types of campers from tents to large vehicles. Access is available from two main points – Brunker Street near the Skate Park and Water Street at the western end.

Table Of Contents

Sandy Point Reserve Camping Near Hay NSW Overview
Best Features Of This Free Camp In Hay NSW
Driving to Hay, NSW
Our Stay At Sandy Point Reserve Free Camping Area
Sandy Point Reserve Free Camping Area In Hay NSW Photo Gallery

Murrumbidgee River View At Sandy Point

Sandy Point Reserve Camping Near Hay NSW Overview

Camping Type: Free Camping
Cost: Free
Location: Brunker St, Hay, New South Wales
GPS: -34.5147990, 144.8355560
Pet Friendly: Yes
Toilets: Yes
Showers: No
Bins: Yes
Campfires: Yes
Dump Point: Nearby at the showground
Drinking Water: Nearby at the information centre

Camping At Sandy Point Reserve Hay NSW

Best Features Of This Free Camp In Hay NSW

Price: It’s free to camp here so that’s a big plus.
Toilets: There are clean flushing toilets available here. That’s unusual for a free camping area.
72 Hour Stay: You can stay for up to 72 hours. Be aware that the rangers do come through and check.
Campfires: Campfires are allowed during the non fire season and non fire ban periods.
Plenty Of Room: The camping area at Sandy Point Reserve is absolutely massive. Outside of peak holiday times like Christmas and Easter you are all but guaranteed of getting a spot.

Sandy Point Primitive Camping Reserve Rules Sign

Driving to Hay, NSW

Hay is located in the western Riverina region of New South Wales. It is well connected by sealed highways from all major Australian cities and regional areas. Below is a guide to help you plan your trip by car.

Directions Overview

Starting Point	Main Route(s)	Road Conditions
Adelaide, SA	Sturt Hwy (A20)	Sealed highway all the way
Melbourne, VIC	Calder Fwy (M79) → Murray Valley Hwy → Cobb Hwy	All sealed regional and state highways
Sydney, NSW	Hume Hwy (M31) → Burley Griffin Way → Newell Hwy	All sealed highways, some regional
Canberra, ACT	Barton Hwy → Hume Hwy → Burley Griffin Way	Sealed roads and highways
Brisbane, QLD	Newell Hwy (A39) or Pacific Hwy → Hume Hwy	Fully sealed, long-distance route
Wagga Wagga, NSW	Sturt Hwy (A20)	Direct sealed route
Albury, NSW/VIC	Riverina Hwy → Cobb Hwy	Scenic regional sealed roads
Griffith, NSW	Mid Western Hwy → Sturt Hwy	Short sealed regional route
Mildura, VIC	Sturt Hwy (A20) eastbound	Direct highway route

Distances And Driving Times

Location	Distance To Hay	Estimated Driving Time
Adelaide, SA	630km	6 hr 30 min
Melbourne, VIC	415km	4 hr 45 min
Sydney, NSW	725km	8 hr 15 min
Canberra, ACT	470km	5 hr 30 min
Brisbane, QLD	1,200km	13 hr
Wagga Wagga, NSW	165km	1 hr 50 min
Albury, NSW/VIC	300km	3 hr 20 min
Griffith, NSW	140km	1 hr 30 min
Mildura, VIC	290km	3 hr 10 min

Travel Tips

Fuel Up: Long stretches of road may have limited fuel stops, especially from Adelaide or Brisbane.
Weather: Summer can be very hot, so bring water, hats, and sun protection.
Stopovers: If driving from Sydney or Brisbane, consider overnight accommodation on the way.

Our Stay At Sandy Point Reserve Free Camping Area

Amanda and I have driven past Sandy point Reserve in Hay NSW at least a dozen times and have always meant to call in for a look. On our way back from the 2025 Marree Camel Races it was a perfect place for us to pull in for the night to break up our trip home so we did. It’s a huge area right on the Murrumbidgee River. Lots of birdlife on the river including plenty of Mr (and Mrs) Pelicans. The campgrounds are very well looked after – an absolute credit to Hay Council. We will certainly stay here again now that we know how good it is.