The best ranch campgrounds near Gulgong, New South Wales

Looking for a camping adventure near Gulgong, New South Wales in Australia? Hipcamp has got you covered with over 180 available options for your accommodation preference. Whether you're into boating, paddling, or fishing, there's something for everyone. Stay at top-rated campsites like Watton Airstrip (418 reviews), Wattle Valley Farm (339 reviews), or Maiden Jewel, Upper Hunter Valley (271 reviews). And with prices starting as low as $10 per night and popular facilities like cooking equipment, potable water, and toilets, your camping experience will be nothing short of amazing.

99% (218)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping adventure near Gulgong, New South Wales in Australia? Hipcamp has got you covered with over 180 available options for your accommodation preference. Whether you're into boating, paddling, or fishing, there's something for everyone. Stay at top-rated campsites like Watton Airstrip (418 reviews), Wattle Valley Farm (339 reviews), or Maiden Jewel, Upper Hunter Valley (271 reviews). And with prices starting as low as $10 per night and popular facilities like cooking equipment, potable water, and toilets, your camping experience will be nothing short of amazing.

99% (218)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Hillside Camp on Bow River

100%

(193)

66km from Gulgong · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · Merriwa, NSW

The ultimate Farm Solitude Camping experience for nature lovers seeking adventure, peace and serenity. This is not a place for parties and loud noise, but if you want to get away from it all and relax in a secluded Campsite surrounded by beautiful Native Bushland or explore miles of trails, gullies, caves, Flight Springs Creek and the exquisite Bow River, take some time to camp at Hillside, which is a remote 2000 acre working cattle property situated 23km west of MERRIWA, 17 km off the Golden Highway, adjoining the Goulburn River National Park. Most sites are in secluded area's far away from each other but at busy times people may pass by some sites to access the river. There are plenty of walking trails and for the enthusiastic bushwalker, the Bow River winds its way 7km down to the Goulburn River through the National Park with its gentle flowing stream and rock pools nestled between sandstone cliffs of caves. All sites are pet friendly, but pets must be kept on leash and cleaned up after. Campfires are allowed when there are no restrictions. Cut firewood is available on request $20 lots, cash only. 4WD and High vehicles are recommended as tracks have rocky outcrops and some areas of loose sand. Some sites can be accessed by 2WD. The Bow River area is strictly 4WD (Low Range) access ONLY as it is extremely steep with loose gravel and rocky outcrops. AWD (All wheel drive) vehicles will not get back out. For all 4WD areas please let your Tyres down to 25psi to help conserve our tracks. Outback 4WD tracks are now open for campers to explore as well as Hidden Valley. All sites have toilets, but guests will need their own shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Phone Service is very limited in this area. If you email a request, sometimes it may take a few hours for us to reply. No motorbikes or chainsaws and no hunting allowed. WARNING: There are many areas of cliff edges and shear drops! Children must be supervised at all times while exploring these areas. There are also dams at or near some of the campsite areas that could be dangerous if children wander off exploring alone.

2. Liberty Plains

94%

(63)

10km from Gulgong · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · Yarrawonga, NSW

Liberty Plains offers bush camping for self contained campers,just make your way in and pick a spot, host may or may not visit camp but will always be contactable. PLEASE NOTE dam is low due to lack of rain, refer to cover photo for reference this picture is november 2025 day trips are also available by booking the site that is listed as ‘day trips’ please read the description under that site before booking. There is one toilet available, a portable toilet (if the toilet runs out of soap/paper etc you will need to supply your own. The property offers a large dam for kayaking, fishing, yabbying. There is also bush walking. There is a small common area/ shed available with a bbq for guests to use and a table. If exploring please do not go through any fences as you may end up on a neighbors property. Guests may camp as close or far away from the main dam as they like, camp sites are first in first served. Pets allowed if kept under control, firewood is permitted to be used from the ground only no felling of standing trees, you may have a fire on the ground. NO fires during a total fireban. Please find your own way to camp by following your map that will be sent to you on booking and the signs that are posted from the driveway on after you turn in the main entrance, no need to meet and greet with host although I may come around occasionally to see if everything is going alright.

3. Bushland Bliss Retreat

100%

(8)

71km from Gulgong · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Dubbo, NSW

Discover Tranquil Riverside Creek Retreat on the Golden Highway. This is the place for you. We are located 20 kms from Dubbo or 106 km from Mudgee. We are a family working farm that is happy to share our beautiful property. When you need to escape the hustle and bustle and find peace in nature, with easy access to a private, secluded river/creek frontage property. The Ultimate Outdoor Experience Enjoy the beauty of the Talbragar River and Plain Creek, which meet and flow through the property. Whether you love doing landscape artworks, fishing, bushwalking, or birdwatching, we offer a perfect spot to relax and connect with nature. Or unwind in the quiet serenity of your surroundings—it's the perfect place to read, rest, and rejuvenate. Explore the Local Charm A short drive away, the quaint village of Ballimore offers the "Hair of the Dog" bush pub, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and a refreshing drink. For all your grocery needs or to handle any last-minute camping requirements, Dubbo is just a short drive away. Experience Local Attractions While you’re here, make sure to explore the area's unique tourist attractions, including Taronga Western Plains Zoo, the historic Old Dubbo Gaol, and the fascinating Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience. There's something for everyone to enjoy! Whether you're looking to relax, explore, or both, this river/creek retreat offers the perfect escape.

4. Meroo Hills

100%

(1)

45km from Gulgong · 1 site · Lodging · Meroo, NSW

Meroo Hills is an operational sheep farm, so you may be surrounded by sheep or they might be in another paddock. The farm is regenerative so we have lots of paddocks that sheep get rotated around each paddock to rest all the paddocks attempting to get maximum growth for the grasses and longevity. Mainly we just want you to escape and relax.

5. Halls Retreat

100%

(2)

17km from Gulgong · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Tallawang, NSW

50 acres that you can walk / push bike ride through, seasonal creek, 4 legged friends are welcomed however must be on a leash. Host live on site. Please note- no water, toilets, you need to be fully set up with your own. Located just off the castlereigh hwy. Dunedoo 20 minutes. Gulgong 15 minutes, Mudgee 35 minutes.

6. Phoenix Flats

83%

(3)

59km from Gulgong · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Merriwa, NSW

Phoenix Flats offers a beautiful camping area with lots of wildlife that love to visit, including Emus, Kangaroos and Wombats. We also have friendly cattle on the property who might wander by for a visit. The property has a number of picturesque dams and walking tracks available to our guests. There are plenty of flat areas for caravan and motorhomes to set up comfortably. Enjoy a campfire in the evenings and gaze up at the star filled sky! Guests are required to be fully self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. We are also super close to Goulburn River National Park, a beautiful place to explore. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times whilst on the property- without exception.

7. Odd Frog Lodges - Country Escape

43km from Gulgong · 3 sites · Lodging · Lue, NSW

Our lodges offer the perfect rustic retreat to escape the busy hustle and enjoy a relaxing weekend or mid-week getaway to the country. They are ideal for a romantic escape and are perfect for small or large groups. You can book one lodge or the entire farm. From Sydney: Located in the village of Lue, 3 ½ hours northwest of Sydney. Travel north and follow the signs to the Blue Mountains, then Lithgow. The turn-off for Mudgee is just past Lithgow. Continue for another hour, and after passing through Ilford, make a right-hand turn. Follow the signs to Rylstone, and approximately 5 minutes out of Rylstone, turn left onto Lue Road. Turn right at The Lue Hotel, and we are just past the hotel on your right—Peel Street. From Newcastle: Take the scenic Bylong Valley Way for a 4-hour drive via Denman and Sandy Hollow. At Sandy Hollow, turn towards Rylstone. As you approach Rylstone, turn right at the sign for Mudgee via Lue on Lue Road. Turn right at The Lue Hotel, and just past the hotel, make a right at Peel Street.

8. Stoney Creek Cottage

46km from Gulgong · 1 site · Lodging · Windeyer, NSW

Slow down, breathe deep, and escape to a place where time stretches out with the setting sun. Tucked away on a tranquil sheep farm just 30 minutes from Mudgee, this cosy one-bedroom cottage invites you to reconnect—with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself. Watch golden light spill across rolling paddocks, share a glass of wine on the veranda, and let the peaceful rhythm of the countryside soothe your soul. With tar road frontage and just 10 minutes to Windeyer village and the charming Gold and Fleece Hotel, the cottage offers easy access without compromising on serenity. Set beside a creek and surrounded by dams, you’ll share the land with sheep, goats, cattle and their new spring arrivals—plus kangaroos and native wildlife who drop by daily.

Camper favorites near Gulgong

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Meroo Hills

100%

(1)

45km from Gulgong · 1 site · Lodging · Meroo, NSW

Meroo Hills is an operational sheep farm, so you may be surrounded by sheep or they might be in another paddock. The farm is regenerative so we have lots of paddocks that sheep get rotated around each paddock to rest all the paddocks attempting to get maximum growth for the grasses and longevity. Mainly we just want you to escape and relax.

Halls Retreat

100%

(2)

17km from Gulgong · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Tallawang, NSW

50 acres that you can walk / push bike ride through, seasonal creek, 4 legged friends are welcomed however must be on a leash. Host live on site. Please note- no water, toilets, you need to be fully set up with your own. Located just off the castlereigh hwy. Dunedoo 20 minutes. Gulgong 15 minutes, Mudgee 35 minutes.

Phoenix Flats

83%

(3)

59km from Gulgong · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Merriwa, NSW

Phoenix Flats offers a beautiful camping area with lots of wildlife that love to visit, including Emus, Kangaroos and Wombats. We also have friendly cattle on the property who might wander by for a visit. The property has a number of picturesque dams and walking tracks available to our guests. There are plenty of flat areas for caravan and motorhomes to set up comfortably. Enjoy a campfire in the evenings and gaze up at the star filled sky! Guests are required to be fully self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. We are also super close to Goulburn River National Park, a beautiful place to explore. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times whilst on the property- without exception.

Odd Frog Lodges - Country Escape

43km from Gulgong · 3 sites · Lodging · Lue, NSW

Our lodges offer the perfect rustic retreat to escape the busy hustle and enjoy a relaxing weekend or mid-week getaway to the country. They are ideal for a romantic escape and are perfect for small or large groups. You can book one lodge or the entire farm. From Sydney: Located in the village of Lue, 3 ½ hours northwest of Sydney. Travel north and follow the signs to the Blue Mountains, then Lithgow. The turn-off for Mudgee is just past Lithgow. Continue for another hour, and after passing through Ilford, make a right-hand turn. Follow the signs to Rylstone, and approximately 5 minutes out of Rylstone, turn left onto Lue Road. Turn right at The Lue Hotel, and we are just past the hotel on your right—Peel Street. From Newcastle: Take the scenic Bylong Valley Way for a 4-hour drive via Denman and Sandy Hollow. At Sandy Hollow, turn towards Rylstone. As you approach Rylstone, turn right at the sign for Mudgee via Lue on Lue Road. Turn right at The Lue Hotel, and just past the hotel, make a right at Peel Street.

Stoney Creek Cottage

46km from Gulgong · 1 site · Lodging · Windeyer, NSW

Slow down, breathe deep, and escape to a place where time stretches out with the setting sun. Tucked away on a tranquil sheep farm just 30 minutes from Mudgee, this cosy one-bedroom cottage invites you to reconnect—with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself. Watch golden light spill across rolling paddocks, share a glass of wine on the veranda, and let the peaceful rhythm of the countryside soothe your soul. With tar road frontage and just 10 minutes to Windeyer village and the charming Gold and Fleece Hotel, the cottage offers easy access without compromising on serenity. Set beside a creek and surrounded by dams, you’ll share the land with sheep, goats, cattle and their new spring arrivals—plus kangaroos and native wildlife who drop by daily.

Stories from the community

C

Craig

2 weeks ago

5 m pop-up camper

Group trip

3 nights at Hillside Camp on Bow River

Great open area for our group of friends. Unfortunately the river was quite low hut we found a nice waterhole to cool off.

J

Jodie

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Hillside Camp on Bow River

My partner and I have stayed here twice now this spring and are already keen to go back. The first time we stayed in the group sites but had no issue with noise or neighbours. We explored the tracks and caves and river, and had such a good time that we came back a month later with friends. Stayed on the Flights Ridge site that has awesome views and the cleanest port-a-loo I’ve ever used! (1 loo per site!) 4x4 tracks are well looked after, well sign posted and varied in difficulty. The place is out in the country but the host gives accurate arrival details and meets you at the gate! The site is amazing and super varied, and Dave the host is super hospitable, helpful and friendly. We will absolutely be back!

M

Mike

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hillside Camp on Bow River

My son and I loved camping at David’s place and what a place it was! Absolutely beautiful country, and whilst we’ve camped at a few big properties (couple of thousand acres) this was by far the most camper friendly I’ve experienced. David was an absolute legend, very informative and super helpful, he met us at the gate and escorted us out to Riverside campsite, explained everything along the way. They have sign-posted and mapped the entire property making it almost impossible to get lost. We enjoyed long hikes into the bush, caves and all across acres of amazing bushland and lookouts. The best part was walking along Bow River for km’s and swimming in the waterholes. There’s not a huge amount of water this time of year with the drought, but beautiful enough to enjoy what’s there. I couldn’t imagine how incredible the river would be after some proper soaking rains. Animals everywhere, and the wildlife here will surprise you. Highly recommended and please look after the land by leaving no trace. Thanks David, Max and I loved your place and can’t wait to come back again soon.

Paul

November 2025

4 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Hillside Camp on Bow River

awesome place and Dave is such a great host - i'll be back again for the 3rd time

K

Kyle

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Hillside Camp on Bow River

Well spaced out campgrounds in a beautiful spot. Dave was very accommodating and a pleasure to deal with. Highly recommend the spot for a quiet time away. Thanks Dave and Lisa.

Cameron

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Hillside Camp on Bow River

Dave is a legend. Been camping here multiple times and seriously love it. Magical experience

L

Laura

October 2025

12 m pop-up camper

1 night at Hillside Camp on Bow River

My partner and I absolutely loved our stay here! The property is breathtaking — peaceful, full of wildlife, with amazing walking trails and some great 4WD tracks to explore. It felt like our own little slice of paradise. The toilets were nice and clean, directions easy to follow, and the host was so friendly and down-to-earth. We’ll definitely be back for another adventure!

C

Cath

October 2025

12 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Liberty Plains

Lovely quiet bush camp, lots of birds and kangaroos. Tara came for a chat and a check in with a big storm rolling in. Loved it 😊

R

Ruth

October 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Hillside Camp on Bow River

Had the most amazing few days on the property. Toilet, dog friendly, on a little river, able to have a camp fire, shade......honestly just ticked all boxes. The night sky's are jaw dropping and watching 🛰 satellites are lots of fun. Relaxing, bushwalking and a bit of 4WDing Above and beyond with their signage and mud maps for 4WD tracks, including how tricky each are. Walking trails clearly displayed. AMAZING caves, escarpments and lots of critters to watch. Host were fantastic with their communication and making sure we were happy. Cannot thank them enough for allowing us onto their property. Rugged and beautiful.

M

Marta

October 2025

12 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Liberty Plains

We enjoyed staying at the main dam on Tara's farm. We had a great time relaxing by the water and camp fire. There was plenty of space and plenty for the kids to do, whether playing on play equipment, slide, wading and splashing in the water or throw a line in. We even managed to catch a few fish! The toilet on site was very clean, and there was a BBQ available too. If you're looking for a nice, quiet time away camping and fishing, I recommend Tara's farm.

S

Shayne

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hillside Camp on Bow River

Gully view was well grassed and flat. We really enjoyed driving the 4x4 trails and views, Exploring Bow river and all it's caves was probably the highlight of our stay. Amazing. Dave was super helpful and laidback. We'll definitely return 🤠

M

Mark

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hillside Camp on Bow River

David’s land was amazing! There’s so much space to explore and plenty to see and do. The caves are unreal, and the wildlife was incredible — we spotted wombats, kangaroos, and even a few goannas. Highly recommend camping here if you’re after a true nature experience!

M

Michelle

October 2025

10 m pop-up camper

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Hillside Camp on Bow River

We had a great weekend camp at Flights Ridge camp site. It was very private. Had lovely caves along the caves walk. A trip to the river is well worthwhile. So beautiful down there. Communication with Dave was excellent.

B

Brad

October 2025

11 m pop-up camper

With pets

4 nights at Hillside Camp on Bow River

This was our third time camping at Dave & Lisa's farm. They are wonderful hosts and the property is perfect if you enjoy peace and quiet while being surrounded by nature. Having time away from the crowds and the screens is priceless.

R

Rob

October 2025

10 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Phoenix Flats

Classic paddock camp. Heaps of clear space to setup. Big sky's and views. Nice hosts and plenty of quiet to recharge the serenity meter.

M

Morgan

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hillside Camp on Bow River

David was a great host and has a beautiful property, will definitely be going back

M

Meg

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hillside Camp on Bow River

We loved our stay at Hilllside camp. David was a great host. The camp sites were huge and there was so much space to explore. It’s a beautiful area and we will definitely be going back!

S

Steve

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hillside Camp on Bow River

Great property for camping with the whole family or small groups. Loved the views, the 4wd tracks, the water holes. Plenty of wildlife to spot also.

Amelia

October 2025

4 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hillside Camp on Bow River

Unreal spot! Super private with so much space. Awesome walking tracks and 4WDriving tracks to explore, highly highly recommend!!

E

Emma

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hillside Camp on Bow River

A beautiful location with large private sites. Plenty to explore without leaving the property. Dave made us feel very welcome and has done a great job of clearly signposting around the property. Definitely planning on returning.