The best river, stream, or creek glamping in Snowy Mountains

Affectionately dubbed "The Snowies," the Snowy Mountains and its surrounding sub-region is home to the highest mountain range on the mainland, encompassing five of the nation’s tallest peaks. While the region is best known for its skiing and snowboarding opportunities, of which there are plenty, it's also a great place to visit in the summer months. Popular fair-weather activities include fishing, mountain biking, bushwalking, and spelunking, and many people visit the region specifically to visit the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, accessible by chairlift or on foot via the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk. It's also a great place to camp, snow or shine, with plenty of campgrounds, cabins, and more than a few caravan parks.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Affectionately dubbed "The Snowies," the Snowy Mountains and its surrounding sub-region is home to the highest mountain range on the mainland, encompassing five of the nation’s tallest peaks. While the region is best known for its skiing and snowboarding opportunities, of which there are plenty, it's also a great place to visit in the summer months. Popular fair-weather activities include fishing, mountain biking, bushwalking, and spelunking, and many people visit the region specifically to visit the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, accessible by chairlift or on foot via the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk. It's also a great place to camp, snow or shine, with plenty of campgrounds, cabins, and more than a few caravan parks.

100% (326)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Bimbimbi River Camp

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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. Calabash Retreat

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21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tinderry, NSW

This is a working farm approx 70% cleared remainder bush. Sub Alpine so the temperature can change quickly and snow, the area has quite a verity of bird and animals. There are currently 5 paddocks available no set campsites you pick your own site near mountain stream or in the bush also available is a self-contained cottage (view our separate listing for Calabash Manager's Cottage). This has 4 bedrooms bathroom, 3 rooms have queen size and 1 has a single, kitchen, heating when required is a slow combustion wood stove very relaxing. There are no amenities for campers, please BYO and leave no trace. There is plenty of branches and wood on the ground for a fire but please no fires when fire bans in place. Dogs are OK but as we are a sheep property they must be well controlled and on a leash and not left to roam. We prefer smaller dogs. Campfires permitted when restrictions aren't in place. Plenty of firewood around to gather your own. If you want it cut it for you then buy some as an extra and add it to your order. Please check with the host on arrival regarding local fire conditions. No set areas for camping - choose when you get here. Suitable for caravans, motor homes, tents. Lots of options! No mobile phone reception if you walk around the paddock you may get a signal, If you need to contact us once you have a booking, contact us via email or landline. Temperature can change quickly and in winter you could be snowed in, so be prepared.

3. Shellgrove Cottage

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1 site · Lodging · Numeralla, NSW

‘Shellgrove Cottage’ located 25mins from Cooma and 10 mins from Numeralla. It is a small off grid glamping shed/ house on the main property of ‘Shellgrove’ a working farm. Shellgrove Cottage is located in a private 12 acre paddock along the Numeralla River. The cottage is completely off grid with a plumbed toilet and gas shower and a generator to power appliances when needed. It’s a quiet relaxed place to unwind and listen to nature.

4. CHILL-OUT THREDBO

1 site · Lodging · Thredbo, NSW

CHILL-OUT and reconnect in this cool cosy cabin Architect designed freestanding open-plan, loft-style Perfect for 5 star glamping in the snowy mountains with all the luxuries of home Queen bed in the loft plus sofa bed in the lounge below Sunny balcony with electric bbq overlooking the river and mountain Stroll to village and ski lifts - available all year round for skiiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking and much more...

Stories from the community

T

Tommy

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Calabash Retreat

The location is incredible and the cabin has everything you could wish for including an amazing fireplace that keeps the whole place nice and toasty, but the best part we're the owners, such genuine welcoming people that make you feel right at home. I highly recommend this beautiful place with incredible hospitality, we will be back

R

Ranadip

April 2025

1 night at Calabash Retreat

We stayed at the mangers cottage . Great stay . The place is fully equipped. Clean and tidy . We welcomed the hot shows after a few days camping . The hosts were very welcoming and communication was great .

R

Rin

March 2025

2 nights at Calabash Retreat

We had a fantastic time, the cottage is cozy and the views were lovely. We had some hot water issues but our host was amazing at getting this fixed asap for us. Great little getaway for us and the dogs who loves running around in the enclosed yard.

J

Jie

December 2024

With kids

Weekend Trip to Calabash Retreat

This is the second time our family stayed at Tony’s farm! It has a very beautiful view, lots of sheeps, bird watching, camp fire, our kids loved playing around and as adults relaxed and enjoyed the view with a glass of wine!

P

Pushkar

December 2024

1 night at Calabash Retreat

We loved this place. Very peaceful environment. Not too far from Canberra. Tony is helpful and friendly. Everything good. We will definitely return back and highly recommend this beautiful place.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best river, stream, or creek glamping in Snowy Mountains guide

Where to go

The Sydney Area

Cosmopolitan Sydney offers big-city charm and easy access to fantastic beaches and natural areas. While plenty of people come here to dine, shop, and take in the city lights, you won’t need to drive far from the city to find yourself out in nature. Some of the best (and easiest-to-reach) camping areas near Sydney include Lane Cove National Park and Royal National Park, both within a short drive of the Central Business District.

The Blue Mountains

Not far from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer some of New South Wales's finest scenery, from massive rock formations such as the iconic Three Sisters to the enchanting Jenolan Caves. It's a popular destination for bushwalkers and rock climbers alike and has plenty of campgrounds, from forested spots tucked among gum trees to private wilderness campsites far away from it all.

The South Coast of New South Wales

If you want to get away from the crowds but still wish to spend time near the sea, the South Coast may just be the ticket. Head to Booderee National Park to see wildlife or make your way down to Jervis Bay for a bit of kayaking. Like to surf? Head to Kiama to check out the waves or head south to take in the scenery in nearby Gerringong.

The Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is best known for its wineries, and it’s got plenty of them, but even teetotalers will find plenty to do in this lovely region. Highlights include the massive Lake Macquarie, the largest saltwater lake on the coast of Australia, and Mount Royal, which is part of the World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.