The best campgrounds near Coonabarabran, New South Wales with swimming

Swimming spots around Coonabarabran draw campers who want more than just a patch of grass and a fire pit. With over 80 campsites set up for swimming, you’ll find options from creekside clearings to dam-fed watering holes. Average price per night sits at $20, but you can snag a spot for as little as $7. Want a real feel for the area? Barkala farmstay (184 reviews) is a local favourite for its easy access to water, while Mount Terrace (119 reviews) and Warrumbungles Mtn Motel Campground (61 reviews) both put you close to swimming as well as bushwalks. Most spots let you bring pets and offer essentials like toilets and showers. When you’re not in the water, look out for wildlife, take a hike through the Warrumbungles, or cast a line and see what’s biting.

95% (399)

Top-rated campgrounds

Swimming spots around Coonabarabran draw campers who want more than just a patch of grass and a fire pit. With over 80 campsites set up for swimming, you’ll find options from creekside clearings to dam-fed watering holes. Average price per night sits at $20, but you can snag a spot for as little as $7. Want a real feel for the area? Barkala farmstay (184 reviews) is a local favourite for its easy access to water, while Mount Terrace (119 reviews) and Warrumbungles Mtn Motel Campground (61 reviews) both put you close to swimming as well as bushwalks. Most spots let you bring pets and offer essentials like toilets and showers. When you’re not in the water, look out for wildlife, take a hike through the Warrumbungles, or cast a line and see what’s biting.

95% (399)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Warrumbungles Mtn Motel Campground

92%

(124)

7.9km from Coonabarabran · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · Coonabarabran, NSW

Set on 25 acres in a quiet and peaceful valley bounded on three sides by the Castlereagh River 8 kms west of Coonabarabran on the road to the Warrumbungle National Park. This is a campground suitable for self contained caravans, camper trailers and tents - limited amenities and power. Great star gazing location as well as numerous bush walking and bird watching locations.

2. Barkala farmstay

96%

(279)

26km from Coonabarabran · 72 sites · Tents, RVs · Coonabarabran, NSW

Barkala Farmstay is a self-sustaining farm located off the grid, supplying our own water and solar electricity. The Farm is a grazing property situated on 13,000 acres surrounded by the tranquil Pilliga Forest. Only access is a 10km dirt road of the Newell Highway, north of Coonabarabran (follow directions below). As well as farm animals, the farm hosts a thriving community of birds and well- designed bush tracks where you can discover local wildlife, plants, Aboriginal artifacts, great lookouts, sandstone cliffs and caves all in the midst of the Pilliga Forrest. Barkala Farmstay is also home to Pilliga Pottery and the Blue Wren Bush Cafe (closed Wednesdays), offering pottery demonstrations and workshops, traditional European inspired fresh foods with ingredients from our organic green house and homemade Gelato. The property offers two camp sites, Goanna and Kellies Campground, which are freely available to anyone who books a camping stay with us. There are no allocated camping spots in either campground, thus it is first come, first serve. We offer large camping spots with no campground boundaries hence there is space for vehicles of any size. Both camping sites offer compost toilets and showers (although we encourage short showers due to our off-grid, self-sustaining farm). You are welcome to stop by the reception upon check-in to hear more about our campgrounds and we can help you find the perfect camp spot and tell you more about what we have to offer. Campers are welcome to enjoy feeding of our farm animals, our saltwater pool and campfires. Firewood can be collected on the property by yourself, or you can visit the reception to buy firewood. There is no phone reception close to any buildings but free limited Wi-Fi in the cafe area.

3. Lisadan Cottage and Homestead

97%

(17)

50km from Coonabarabran · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Dunedoo, NSW

This Homestead is set on 22 acres, just a short drive from the home of the Black Stump at Weetaliba, NSW. Camping under the stars is a must here as you are able to star-gaze at Australia's first Dark Sky Park. The homestead has 3 separate paddocks each with their own dam where you can have total privacy during your camp. Although you may have a visit from the resident sheep who graze the pastures (don't worry - they are friendly). A perfect place for bird watching an array of native birds including rosellas, cockatoos, and currawongs and you will hear the kookaburras every morning and evening. There are also kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas who roam the area. It's a beautiful place to snap a pic especially if you catch the morning sunrises and spectacular sunsets which are guaranteed to wow you. Do as little or as much as you want to on your stay. A perfect place to just unwind and take in the fresh country air and beautiful views. Stroll around the property and visit the old barn and some of the sheds and farming equipment that are scattered among the paddocks. You will have access to composting toilets or feel free to BYO facilities. Campfires are welcome in the pits provided, permitting there are no restrictions at the time of your visit. Dogs are welcomed as long as they are supervised and kept indoors at night. Being within 20 minutes to the local town of Coolah, it's a perfect stop over for an overnight stay or for a long weekend. You can easily duck into town to stock up on supplies or visit a good old country pub for a meal. We look forward to meeting you.

4. Mt Terrace

98%

(224)

33km from Coonabarabran · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Tonderburine, NSW

Mt Terrace is a 2500 acre property hidden in the Warrumbungle mountains, it supports a wide variety of animals and bush land to explore as well as creeks, waterfalls and its own mountain range. Surrounded by the Warrumbungle national park & Australia's only sky park, it has a lot to offer and explore.Enjoy piece and quiet with a selection of 3 camp sites to choose from, you'll have pleny of space and privacy. Access is relatively easy you will not need a 4wd but low city cars are not suitable . Fires are permitted in designated areas and within season.Pets are allowed.All campers must have their own supplies and be self sufficient as we do not supply any amenities, camper trailers are welcome however we do not accept caravans at this stage.Come check us out!

Stories from the community

e

eric

2 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Warrumbungles Mtn Motel Campground

Lovely grassy camp spots and very clean amenities under a very dark sky with terrific hosts, an amateur astronomers paradise :)

E

Elizabeth

October 2025

With pets

1 night at Lisadan Cottage and Homestead

We loved our stay in the beautiful Belle tent on Lisa’s farm. We had everything we needed, the tent has its own (very clean) drop toilet, hot shower and camp kitchen that included a large bbq and even a tucker box fridge that kept our food cool. It was a heat wave when we arrived and Lisa suggested a swim in the dam that was a life saver. Our kelpie Chester loved every minute and especially the friendly morning visit from Lisa’s beautiful kelpie Arthur.

B

Braeleigh

October 2025

1 night at Lisadan Cottage and Homestead

Lisa was an amazing host and the livestock were friendly. Very peaceful spot and good amenities. Tent was beautiful with everything one could need for a comfortable night. Thank you Lisa

L

Lucy

October 2025

2 nights at Lisadan Cottage and Homestead

Lisa and Dan are such kind friendly people and our stay was beautiful and relaxing! The animals are a bonus and the views at sunset around the BBQ are great! Our sleeping quarters were large and the bed super comfortable- can’t wait to go back!

T

Tayla

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Barkala farmstay

I had a great time camping at Piliga Pottery! There's plenty to do with many bush walks & pottery workshops. Kellie's campground has a dog run which was great for burning off my dog's extra energy. Everyone involved in the property was lovely!

J

Jin

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lisadan Cottage and Homestead

My daughter had a great time playing with the farm animals. Lisa and Dan were super friendly and accommodating. We had fresh eggs to eat daily. This was our first camping trip. The accommodation was spacious and comfortable. The accommodation was very private. Night time we had a camp fire and watched the stars. We loved our stay.

p

paniradya

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Barkala farmstay

Nice campsite, great for familly or large group. Lot of ammenities and bushwalk spots

K

Kathryn

October 2025

10 m pop-up camper

With kids

2 nights at Barkala farmstay

A wonderful, unique camping experience. Campsites are pleasant and amenities good. The best part is the opportunity to participate in a pottery or clay class, and enjoy a pizza in the on-site cafe! A really fun destination camp and close to The Sculptures in the Scrub for a fantastic bushwalk.

Kate

October 2025

3 m Class B

Group trip

5 nights at Mt Terrace

Beautiful spot, slightly sloping, lots of shade available and trees for a hammock. Friendly, chill and helpful host. Lovely vista!

Samuel

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Barkala farmstay

Great spot. Secluded. No phone reception so distraction free (best bit). Clean facilities. Will be back if down this way again.

Mandy

September 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Lisadan Cottage and Homestead

Lovely quiet spot with a variety of animals making it interesting. Winston the donkey (I think that was his name) was particularly curious - a real character. I enjoyed my stay.

G

Gordon

September 2025

8 m travel trailer

1 night at Barkala farmstay

I was contacted by the host prior to arrival to ensure directions and any queries that I had, which I found very good. Directions were precise and easy to follow. With a 8M Motorhome I found the dirt road easily navigable when taken with care. There are two options of campgrounds. I opted to stay in Kellies Campground. The campground was clean and tidy and the showers and toilets also were clean and tidy. Went for a 3hr walk up in the bush, all tracks being better signposted than the council parks I go in. Overall, this campground was a great suprise to find. The host that I dealt with (Bella), was very friendly and helpful and Kellies campground is highly recommended, wether by yourself or with family.

Savannah

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Barkala farmstay

Lovely camp site, super quiet and thoughtful eco amenities. Highly recommend!

M

Matt

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mt Terrace

Two mates and I booked two nights at Jame’s place and we couldn’t recommend it more. James showed us to our site and gave us plenty of info about the property. The place was secluded and absolutely stunning. Great views of the Warrumbungles.

G

Gerald

August 2025

20 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Barkala farmstay

Plenty of room in camp ground and clean toilet block and nice restaurant area

K

Kim

August 2025

10 m travel trailer

2 nights at Barkala farmstay

Lovely quiet spot for camping. The walks and cafe are a bonus on top of the lovely pottery.

Jasmine

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Barkala farmstay

This is the kind of place you'll want to stay for a few days. Plenty to do: pottery lessons, bushwalks, not to mention the stunning National Parks nearby. Quiet, peaceful atmosphere with brilliant facilities and setup. Can't rate highly enough.

Glen

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mt Terrace

Do yourself a favor! Incredible property. James is a top bloke and onto a winner, he’s planning to upgrade the facilities for HipCampers so give him your support. I’ll definitely be coming back with doggo and doing some of the local hikes. Thanks again mate, good luck.

T

Tully

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Mt Terrace

Solitude at the foothills of the Warrumbungles! A short drive off the bitumen & then a quick guided drive to your spot after reaching the house/farm. My reactive dog & I had complete space to ourselves with that beautiful view, just the sounds of the bush. The lack of reception is to be expected (for anyone needing it) yet I carry a PLB as I travel remotely, it wasn’t a bother. Stu (James’ Dad) was very helpful, the firewood lasted most of the night, I would definitely return & was easy to book with great, prompt communication.

B

Belinda

July 2025

13 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Barkala farmstay

Friendly host. Kellies Campgound is a large flat shady area, easy to access, quiet and peaceful. The food at the Pillaga Pottery cafe was fresh and superb, the coffee was great also.