The best bell tent rentals near Jindabyne, New South Wales

Jindabyne is the gateway to Kosciuszko National Park, home of Australia’s highest ski resorts: Thredbo, Perisher, and Charlotte Pass. But the town, which overlooks Lake Jindabyne in southwest New South Wales, draws all kinds of travellers year-round, not just in winter, with waterskiing, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking being popular activities in the warmer months. Travel just an hour or two out of town and you’ll also find dramatic cliffs, coastal hideaways, secluded beaches, and opportunities for whale-watching, rainforest walking, and more.

98% (357)

Top-rated campgrounds

Jindabyne is the gateway to Kosciuszko National Park, home of Australia’s highest ski resorts: Thredbo, Perisher, and Charlotte Pass. But the town, which overlooks Lake Jindabyne in southwest New South Wales, draws all kinds of travellers year-round, not just in winter, with waterskiing, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking being popular activities in the warmer months. Travel just an hour or two out of town and you’ll also find dramatic cliffs, coastal hideaways, secluded beaches, and opportunities for whale-watching, rainforest walking, and more.

98% (357)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Bimbimbi River Camp

99%

(333)

78km from Jindabyne · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tintaldra, VIC

Bimbimbi is located at the free flowing, clear beginning of the Murray River, at Tintaldra. We have 5 separate sites. Each site is for a single group, so you know you will only have yourselves in close proximity. Each site has access to the river, although The Fishing Hole, River Red Gums and The Big Bend have better access than The Willows and The Old Pump Hole. Swimming, fishing for Murray Cod, hiking along the river bank (we have 3km of frontage), bird watching, relaxing are typical things to do here. Or, if you are more adventurous, borrow our canoes and do a down river trip, or go for a longer hike up Pine Mountain in the Pine Mountain National Park. Or, bring your mountain or road bikes and do some cycling on the picturesque roads and trails. The campsites are well spaced out, with a minimum of 200 metres between the nearest two locations. In fact, it either impossible or very difficult to see anyone else at the other camp sites from your own camp site. Each camp site is accessible via its own track, so you won't have other vehicles driving past your camp site. We have a Leave No Trace policy, please take all rubbish with you. (This also means not throwing bottles, cans, bottle tops, aluminium foil and other non-biodegradable items into the camp fire.) Dogs are allowed, but please keep them under control, particularly if near cattle. Campfires are allowed only in braziers provided, when fire bans are not in place. You can gather your own firewood or purchase firewood from us (see "Extras"). Please arrive before dark if you haven't been here before. It is difficult to understand a new camp site in the dark. We provide a toilet at each location, for your convenience and the cleanliness of the camp site in general. Nothing but your human deposit and toilet paper in the toilet please. No disposable wipes, nappies etc. Please put these in your trash. Also, bring your drone but use it only over locations that are not occupied. We have canoes to borrow, seasonal produce is available from the garden and our own beef and local lamb is also now available. And, again, wood for purchase if you don't want to gather your own. Please see "Extras" We are open from October to April.

2. Kybeyan Retreat

95%

(82)

68km from Jindabyne · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Kybeyan, NSW

Pitch your tent or park your campertrailer in the native bushland with the pristine Numeralla River as your boundary fence. This 3000 acre property is located close to Nimmitabel and not too far from Cooma. Try your hand at trout fishing and enjoy endless tracks for bushwalking and observing the native wildlife. Wander along the river banks just enjoying the serenity of the location and witness platypus feeding, water dragons sunning themselves and the brown trout fly feeding and one of Australia's beautiful but lesser known native rodents, Rakali (intelligent semi aquatic water rat who's scientific name translates to golden -bellied water mouse). One of Australia's two aquatic mammals, the platypus being the other. This campsite suits self-contained campers who bring their own camping toilet/shower. IF NO CHEMICAL TOILET, DIG A HOLE AT LEAST 30CM DEEP . There is access to a drinking water supply (mountain river water), or you can bring your own water. After heavy rain you may need to boil/filter for drinking. You will need a 4WD to access the campsites closest to the river as there is a shallow gully crossing. Camper trailer or off road pop up campers will be able to negoiate the tracks. Good clearance necessary to pass over one gully crossing. Dogs are welcome, however, we do run sheep in an adjoining paddock so they need to stay close to your camp. Kids aged 16 and under camp for free. There is a dedicated campfire pit so you can stay warm on chilly evenings (please check to see if there is a seasonal fire ban in place). Fire wood can be provided - chainsaws are permitted but be mindful of structures that are animal habitats. Your family may enjoy taking a bushwalk that takes you around the 300 acre native bush paddock. Climb up and get a birds eye view down into a gully of magnificent granite boulders above where the river disappears deep below. Identify the unique sounds of the native birds and follow the tracks wildlife create. We are centrally located - just 1.5 hours from the snowfields and from the best beaches of the NSW coastline. There is a small general store, 2 takeaway cafes and a pub at Nimmitabel, or you can get all supplies in Cooma 25 mins away. Please note that we have very limited reception service for mobiles, so let's communicate via messages before you arrive in our area. I can provide a camping setup if you need extra bedding or you don't have any camping equipment or tent.

3. Wombat Pines - Glamping and Camping

100%

(25)

48km from Jindabyne · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Dry Plain, NSW

Property Update. We now have two sites. One dedicated for tent or camper trailer/caravan camping and our new bell tent for a glamping experience. Both sites are private and well separated from each other. We now also have a clean new toilet available for all campers and bell tent guests. Wombat Pines is 55 acres with a natural spring fed creek, wombats, kangaroos, sensational views and a 25 acre pine forest to explore. Nestled in the picturesque Kosciuszko region, Wombat Pines is a charming rural property that embodies the tranquility and natural beauty of the Australian Alpine region. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, this idyllic retreat offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Wombat Pines is only 30-minutes from Cooma and 20-minutes from Adaminaby. It is characterised by its expansive landscapes, featuring sprawling sheep farms dotted with native flora and fauna. The property is crowned by a gentle hill, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. A babbling creek meanders through the property, adding a touch of serenity to the already peaceful ambiance. For outdoor enthusiasts, Wombat Pines offers a plethora of activities, from hiking, mountain bike riding, birdwatching, trout fishing, skiing, hot springs and exploring the magic of the Kosciuszko National Park. The property's rural charm and proximity to nature make it a perfect retreat for those seeking a quiet and rejuvenating escape in the heart of the Australian high country.

4. Stormyacres

71km from Jindabyne · 2 sites · Lodging · Nariel Valley, VIC

Stormy Acres is a picturesque 15-acre property nestled in a hidden valley, just a kilometer from Stacey’s Bridge Reserve. Surrounded by mountains, alongside a creek, and backing onto state forest, this area offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, bushwalking, camping, and more. With little to no traffic, private waterholes, minimal noise pollution, and a large fire pit, guests can enjoy a serene and relaxing stay. Miniature donkeys and horses roam the property and are available for interaction, photos, and plenty of laughs—ensuring a truly memorable trip.

5. Merriangaah Eco Retreat

57km from Jindabyne · 2 sites · Lodging · Bombala, NSW

At Merriangaah Eco Retreat, guests can immerse themselves in nature with a range of outdoor activities. Bring your kayak to paddle on the dam, explore mountain bike trails, photograph vibrant wildflowers, or take a bushwalk through the serene landscape. Relax and enjoy the abundant wildlife, spotting emus, owls, kangaroos, anteaters, bandicoots, sugar gliders, and even the elusive spotted quoll. You can also feed the fish while soaking in the peaceful surroundings. For a comfortable and immersive retreat, we offer two 4-meter bell tents, a toilet and shower tent, camping beds, and gas BBQ facilities, ensuring a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in nature.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best bell tents near Jindabyne guide

Where to go

Snowy Mountains

Australia’s highest mountain range and home to Kosciuszko National Park, the Snowy Mountains region is an alpine wonderland of glacial lakes and soaring snow-capped mountains. A 45-minute drive from Jindabyne, the national park’s riverfront Pinch River Campground is popular among fishers and swimmers cooling off in the heat of summer. Three Mile Dam Campground offers some of the best views of Mount Kosciuszko, especially in winter when the adjacent lake freezes over, and Yarrangobilly Village Campground makes a good base for walkers given its location near the Yarrangobilly Caves.

Wadbilliga National Park

Just under two hours east of Jindabyne, the rugged Wadbilliga National Park offers a wilderness escape for experienced and well-equipped campers and bushwalkers. The park’s scenery includes steep gorges carved into granite cliffs and the teeming waters of Tuross Falls—plus, you might also spot such charismatic critters as wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, possums, and platypus. You can set up camp in the remote surroundings of Cascades Campground, a small, quiet area with toilets, picnic tables, and barbecues.

The Sapphire Coast

With its uncrowded, white-sand beaches, cliffs, and blue bays, the Sapphire Coast along the far south of NSW’s coastline offers a laid-back alternative to the north. This spot is perfect for soaking up nature while boating, kayaking, and wildlife-spotting. Eden is one of the best places in Australia to spot humpback whales on their annual migration, while Mimosa Rocks National Park, near Tathra, is a wonderland of rainforest, lagoons, and strikingly intricate rock formations. You’ll find opportunities for fishing, surfing, snorkelling, and birdwatching here, as well as the unpowered Gillards Campground set between the bush and beach.

When to go

The snowy winter (June through August) is the peak season in Jindabyne, offering the chance to hit the surrounding slopes but coming with bigger crowds and higher prices. Summer (December through February) visitors can take advantage of balmy weather and easy access to hiking, biking, and watersports on the lake. Some festive highlights outside of peak season include Jindabyne's Man From Snowy River Rodeo, an action-packed day filled with barrel racing and side shows, which has been held in late December since 1943. Keen whale watchers will want to visit between May and September.

Know before you go

To stay at national park campgrounds, you’ll need to purchase park admission.
If you are planning to visit several NSW national parks, you can save on entry fees by purchasing an annual pass.
Smoking is prohibited in all New South Wales national parks, as are pets.
Jindabyne is home to several camping and outdoor supply stores, including Wilderness Sports in the town center.