- Camping with Horseback riding
The best camping near Armidale with horseback riding
96% (57) • 9 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Armidale
Briarfield
1. Briarfield
96%
(37)
32km from Armidale · 1 site · Tent, RV
Our piece of heaven is Briarfield, a beef & wool farm on the Northern Tablelands 30km east of Guyra. 1300m above sea level.The southern end of our farm is one large paddock of 500 acres for you to explore, relax & enjoy the peaceful seclusion. We only take one booking/group, it's all yours.There are gullies to explore full of natural rock outcrops, ferns & enormous gum trees. Lots of little tracks to follow under the canopy of our great stringy bark trees. An abundance of wildlife to share your space with, kangaroos, wallabies, echidna & if you are lucky koalas! We back onto the start of the Wollomombi River, where we would suggest that you camp, but there are many beautiful spots.Please bring your own camp toilet. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. Campfires - see rules.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
AU$25
/ night
Merridale
2. Merridale
91%
(22)
67km from Armidale · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Our beautiful property is located near Inverell, featuring 1,850 acres of gently sloping farmland edged by mountains with beautiful eucalyptus bush. There is a big dam and yabbies in the creek. We have a range of fruit trees which you are welcome to help yourself to fruit when in season.
Farm Rules
- clean up after yourself
- The hut and the yard up on the hill are out of bound.
- Fishing is welcome however we run a catch and release.
- Shut the gates when passing through.
- Dogs are welcome but must be under control/on lead as we do run cattle on the property.
- No hunting.
- Fires are welcome but must be contained and kept under control.
Activity's
- Being a kayak or something to float around on.
- Bring your metal detectors
- Horses are welcome with the addition cost. Enjoy scenic horse rides around the valley.
- Fishing (catch and release)
- Yabbies (welcome to eat what you catch).
- Panning in the creek for gems.
- hike
Sites
- we run a undesignated system meaning you can set up and camp anywhere you would like however some ideas below.
Anywhere around the dam
You have an option to camp at the shed where there is a generator for power (lighting) and toilet amenities. This area is generally flat and can accommodate any type of camping vehicle.
There is a shed to provide shelter for your food prep etc. There is a sink under the awning but you will need to carry water in a container to wash dishes. Outside there is wood-burning BBQ the camping paddock is fully fenced in .
For 4WD enthusiasts, there are good camping spots at the top of the mountain ridge however need to be self contained eg toilet.
You will need to bring your own fresh drinking water supply and unleaded fuel to run the water pump and generator.
We have secure cattle yards as a holding space if holidaying with your horses (please see Extras for horse facility fees).
Enjoy scenic horse rides around the valley and relax in front of the campfire by night. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
There is no phone reception on site
There is a pub in Bundarra where meals hospitality and spending time with the locals and a corner store 25km away at Bundarra, and all shops and amenities are available 75km at Inverell.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$49
/ night
Barrnation
3. Barrnation
100%
(8)
32km from Armidale · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Barrnation is a working 6000 acre cattle and sheep farm nestled in the heart of the Boorolong area. Well off the beaten track, this property has an abundance of land to explore.
Mountain views and wide open spaces;, Barrnation is for those who are seeking solitude and an off grid experience. With the Abbington creek running through the entirety of the property, we are fortunate to be able to offer several secluded, peaceful camping spots beside the creek or up on one of the mountain ridges.
Horses and their riders also welcome, with so many unexplored places to discover. Solitude, sunsets and a sense of escape is awaiting guests.
Please be mindful that Barrnation camping sites are 4WD access only. Rough terrain to camping areas means 4WDs and equivalent camping trailers only.
Non-off-road trailers are not suitable.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$34
/ night
Guyra gateway to Copeton Dam
4. Guyra gateway to Copeton Dam
41km from Armidale · 1 site · Tent, RV
High altitude area at 1330m above sea level. Highest liveable area of Australia. Close to the magic Copeton Dam. 45 Minutes from all major services of Armidale. Great place to explore.
The land is natural and not maintained. You will need to prepare your space on the land.
For self contained campers only, please leave no trace.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$25
/ night
96% (57) • 9 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Armidale
Briarfield
1. Briarfield
96%
(37)
32km from Armidale · 1 site · Tent, RV
Our piece of heaven is Briarfield, a beef & wool farm on the Northern Tablelands 30km east of Guyra. 1300m above sea level.The southern end of our farm is one large paddock of 500 acres for you to explore, relax & enjoy the peaceful seclusion. We only take one booking/group, it's all yours.There are gullies to explore full of natural rock outcrops, ferns & enormous gum trees. Lots of little tracks to follow under the canopy of our great stringy bark trees. An abundance of wildlife to share your space with, kangaroos, wallabies, echidna & if you are lucky koalas! We back onto the start of the Wollomombi River, where we would suggest that you camp, but there are many beautiful spots.Please bring your own camp toilet. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. Campfires - see rules.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
AU$25
/ night
Merridale
2. Merridale
91%
(22)
67km from Armidale · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Our beautiful property is located near Inverell, featuring 1,850 acres of gently sloping farmland edged by mountains with beautiful eucalyptus bush. There is a big dam and yabbies in the creek. We have a range of fruit trees which you are welcome to help yourself to fruit when in season.
Farm Rules
- clean up after yourself
- The hut and the yard up on the hill are out of bound.
- Fishing is welcome however we run a catch and release.
- Shut the gates when passing through.
- Dogs are welcome but must be under control/on lead as we do run cattle on the property.
- No hunting.
- Fires are welcome but must be contained and kept under control.
Activity's
- Being a kayak or something to float around on.
- Bring your metal detectors
- Horses are welcome with the addition cost. Enjoy scenic horse rides around the valley.
- Fishing (catch and release)
- Yabbies (welcome to eat what you catch).
- Panning in the creek for gems.
- hike
Sites
- we run a undesignated system meaning you can set up and camp anywhere you would like however some ideas below.
Anywhere around the dam
You have an option to camp at the shed where there is a generator for power (lighting) and toilet amenities. This area is generally flat and can accommodate any type of camping vehicle.
There is a shed to provide shelter for your food prep etc. There is a sink under the awning but you will need to carry water in a container to wash dishes. Outside there is wood-burning BBQ the camping paddock is fully fenced in .
For 4WD enthusiasts, there are good camping spots at the top of the mountain ridge however need to be self contained eg toilet.
You will need to bring your own fresh drinking water supply and unleaded fuel to run the water pump and generator.
We have secure cattle yards as a holding space if holidaying with your horses (please see Extras for horse facility fees).
Enjoy scenic horse rides around the valley and relax in front of the campfire by night. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
There is no phone reception on site
There is a pub in Bundarra where meals hospitality and spending time with the locals and a corner store 25km away at Bundarra, and all shops and amenities are available 75km at Inverell.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$49
/ night
Barrnation
3. Barrnation
100%
(8)
32km from Armidale · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Barrnation is a working 6000 acre cattle and sheep farm nestled in the heart of the Boorolong area. Well off the beaten track, this property has an abundance of land to explore.
Mountain views and wide open spaces;, Barrnation is for those who are seeking solitude and an off grid experience. With the Abbington creek running through the entirety of the property, we are fortunate to be able to offer several secluded, peaceful camping spots beside the creek or up on one of the mountain ridges.
Horses and their riders also welcome, with so many unexplored places to discover. Solitude, sunsets and a sense of escape is awaiting guests.
Please be mindful that Barrnation camping sites are 4WD access only. Rough terrain to camping areas means 4WDs and equivalent camping trailers only.
Non-off-road trailers are not suitable.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$34
/ night
Guyra gateway to Copeton Dam
4. Guyra gateway to Copeton Dam
41km from Armidale · 1 site · Tent, RV
High altitude area at 1330m above sea level. Highest liveable area of Australia. Close to the magic Copeton Dam. 45 Minutes from all major services of Armidale. Great place to explore.
The land is natural and not maintained. You will need to prepare your space on the land.
For self contained campers only, please leave no trace.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$25
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
R
Ruby
October 2025
Tent
The variety of birds on the property was amazing. Highly recommend for those who enjoy birdwatching! Beautiful views and a really nice place to camp. Thanks Julia and Robert
See moreD
Dean
October 2025
6 m pop-up camper
We didn’t actually get to stay long at Briarfield as something came up and we had to leave early but I can say that it is an awesome place and Robert and Julia are great hosts who were more than understanding when our circumstances changed and we had to leave early and they actually refunded our money which we didn’t ask for or expect but it was much appreciated and it just shows the type of people that they are.
We can’t wait to get back and enjoy their awesome property.
The views from the campsites are amazing.
See more
Sam
October 2025
5 m car
With pets
Very lovely spot to stay for few days. We had quiet little spot down on the river with no one in sight. Julia was very organised and easy to communicate with. Highly recommend this place as a great little get away.
See moreA
Anthony
June 2025
Tent
Julia and Robert were great hosts. Directions were clear and simple.
We were looking for a crisp winter camping experience in private surrounds and we certainly got that. Had a few visits from the curious residents (cows) but otherwise we had the place to ourselves.
Some great national parks not too far away too. Will definitely be coming again.
See moreB
Belinda
June 2025
6 m travel trailer
Briarfiled is one of the most beautiful spots we have visited. The views are stunning and Julia and Robert are beautiful and hardworking people. We felt privileged to stay here and and share their property and particularly loved that we could enjoy the entire space to ourselves. Felt extremely safe and appreciated access to water from the water tank and being able to collect fallen wood for the fire. It was very cold given we visited when NSW was experiencing a polar blast and we even got to experience a little snow which was just stunning to sit in our warm van and look out and watch. We will definitely be back.
See more
C
Courtney
April 2025
Tent
With pets
Perfect spot for a quiet stay, there is plenty of room and you have a lot of space to yourself
See more
Allison
April 2025
5 m pop-up camper
With pets
We were actually very surprised by this site! We loved it more than we imagined. Loved kayaking in the dam, plenty of space, awesome for having a hike around.
See more
Dave
April 2025
7 m Class B
Group trip
Great property with heaps of room. The dam offered swimming, fishing and kayaking.
See moreW
William
February 2025
5 m car
I enjoyed my stay at Robert and Julia’s property very much. Julia was extremely helpful. I really appreciated Julia’s detailed directions, notes about where to find the best camping spot, and map. I felt very welcomed. Beautiful land and scenery; and the peace and seclusion was so healing.
See moreArmidale camping guide
Where to go
Western Tablelands
West of Armidale, the forested slopes and farmlands of the New England tablelands provide plenty of options for campers and bushwalkers. Visit the gold rush town of Bingara and try gold panning along the Gwydir River, enjoy tranquil bush camping in the Warrabah National Park, or camp by Copeton Lake, where you can swim and enjoy water sports in the summer months. Further east, hike or mountain bike through the ancient volcanic landscapes of Mount Kaputar National Park.
Waterfall Way
The scenic 210-kilometre Waterfall Way driving route runs east of Armidale all the way to Coffs Harbour on the NSW coast. Taking around three hours to drive (not accounting for stops), this is a day trip to be savored. Hop out to admire five waterfalls, including Chandler Falls and Crystal Shower Falls, enjoy hikes in the Dorrigo and Cathedral Rock national parks, and spot platypus along the Wollomombi River.
Eastern Tablelands
East of Armidale, wild rivers and rainforest-clad gorges hug the slopes of the eastern tablelands. Hike or horseback ride through World Heritage-listed rainforest in Washpool National Park, go white water rafting in the Nymboida National Park, or enjoy fishing, swimming, and canoeing in the Guy Fawkes River National Park. Campsites are dotted along the riversides, some of which are reachable only by canoe or 4WD.
When to go
Temperatures rarely hit extremes in the New England Tablelands, so outdoor activities are enjoyable year-round. Summer (December through January) is the best time for camping by the riverside, when it's warm enough to swim and enjoy water sports. Visiting in late spring means you’ll avoid the biggest crowds and see the hillsides blooming with wildflowers, while autumn transforms the bushlands with colorful fall foliage. Winter evenings can drop below 10°C, so wrap up warm if camping.
Know before you go
- Armidale has bus links to the surrounding towns, but you’ll need a vehicle to explore the tablelands and national parks.
- Armidale has a selection of shops where you can pick up camping gear and stock up on supplies.
- Fire bans are common in New South Wales during summer and dry periods, so check local recommendations before lighting a campfire and always use designated fire pits.
- A permit is required to camp within NSW’s national parks, and campsites must be booked in advance.
Nearby attractions
- An historic venue and an interesting tale in revival, the Tamworth Showgrounds have evolved over the last century to be the impressive event space that it is today.
- An unexplained natural wonder on the border of the beautiful Pilliga State Conservation Area, Yarrie Lake was most likely formed by an asteroid. To this day, the lake resembles an almost lunar landscape.
