- Cotter Dam/
- Camping
The best camping near Cotter Dam, ACT
Cotter Dam: A Sanctuary of Serenity and Natural Splendour.
The best camping in Cotter Dam, ACT
Burrendah Farm Camp
1. Burrendah Farm Camp
99%
(59)
18km from Cotter Dam · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
200 acres of beautiful farmland situated on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. Enjoy a campsite overlooking the stunning Brindabellas, a small spot next to the dam, if you bring your 4WD, or a fabulous site next to the old cottage that comes complete with a flushing loo!
Our beautiful border collie, Sollie, will naturally want to come say hi no matter which site you pick.
There are plenty of local food and wine venues in the surrounding area for you to enjoy.
Pets are welcome but we do have livestock on the property, so please keep them on leash.
Campfires are allowed as long as there are no fire restrictions in place.
All campers must have their own supplies and be self sufficient as we do not supply any amenities: you will need to be self-contained with own camping toilet, shower and water. Please do not dig a toilet hole, even though you leave it covered, it doesn't take long for the foxes to dig it up!!
There is mobile reception. No shooting, archery or hunting.
Camper trailers and caravans are welcome but can only stay at the easily accessible camp site.
Please note, the road to the river is now impassable even for 4WD - we will update here when it is back up to scratch. But you do get your pick of 2 other lovely sites!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$39
/ night
Miranda Springs Farm Stay
2. Miranda Springs Farm Stay
96%
(70)
28km from Cotter Dam · 6 sites
Private and very easy to access caravan sites available just 20 minutes from Canberra City Centre and 10 mins to fuel, Aldi, takeaway etc.
Plenty of room to turn around and sites are nice and level. Guests can enjoy our peaceful and scenic paddock away from it all. Plenty of wildlife to see, Birds, Kangaroos, Reptiles and Wallabies, the occasional Wombat and lovely easy walks. Try some yabbying in the nearby dam too if you like.
We are just 7km from the Barton Highway and provide a very secure property that allows you to go off exploring with confidence.
DOGS are permitted on LEAD only.
Self contained vehicles. (toilet) required.
Fires permitted when no fire ban, fire pits provided. Wood provided at cost on request.
Pets
from
AU$31
/ night
Farmily Land
3. Farmily Land
98%
(123)
30km from Cotter Dam · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Just a half hour out of Canberra, Farmily Land is an animal rescue, off-grid farm where you can have a day trip, go for a picnic, camp out, go fishing, feed and pat the farm animals, go boating or just relax and unwind with your friends and relatives in a leisurely way.
There are a number of sites for caravans, vans, camping trailers, campers, tents, swags and a very unique ‘Glamping' option will be coming soon.
We keep the sites spacious and well distanced so you can really feel the farms special vibe.
We have dozens of friendly farm animals you can feed and pat! They are very interactive and most were rescued and hand raised by us so have very unique personalities.
There is a nature playground for the kids. Very limited reception.
We are pet friendly for well behaved dogs! We have a strict on-leash policy at all times and if your dog is off leash you might be asked to leave.
Respect all our animals at all times. We have zero tolerance for disrespect for our farm animals.
This includes off leash dogs and allowing your dog to go too close to the farm animals especially the Alpacas.
Please leave no trace. Take all waste away with you, during your stay and when you leave.
Be considerate of other visitors.
Feel free to use the fire pits provided by the farm. You can purchase excellent firewood from the staff or bring your own. The scattered branches on the farm can be picked up and used at will.
However, we have zero tolerance for the act of damaging living trees.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$31
/ night
Goolabri Estate
4. Goolabri Estate
95%
(688)
30km from Cotter Dam · 125 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Goolabri, a peaceful country escape just 10 minutes from Canberra. Set on land that was once a golf course and surrounded by natural bushland, it’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe out, and enjoy a relaxed stay in nature.
Camp near our dams, wander the nearby nature reserve, and wake up to the sounds of birds and the sight of kangaroos grazing nearby. It’s an easy, quiet getaway that still feels close to everything.
Suitable for tents, campers, vans, and caravans, with good 2WD access.
Small campfires are permitted in designated areas when restrictions aren’t in place. You’re welcome to collect dead wood from the old golf course area (please don’t collect from the nature reserve).
No pets permitted.
What to do nearby
If you feel like a treat, the Little Sutton Bakehouse is a fantastic local bakery, and the Eagle Hawk Pub is just down the road with amazing meals.
And when you want more adventure, everything Canberra has to offer is right there
markets, galleries, wineries, walks, restaurants, and live music.
Goolabri is also a perfect campground for anyone attending Canberra or local festivals and events, giving you a calm place to return to at the end of the day.
If you’d like directions for the best bush walks and hidden spots around the property, just ask when you arrive.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
AU$42
/ night
Coots Creek Campground
5. Coots Creek Campground
99%
(379)
34km from Cotter Dam · 14 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful 240acre cattle property for campers to enjoy the beauty of the land and its flora and fauna in a pieceful environment.
Campers have enjoyed the easy accessibility,
stunning sunset views and the peace and quiet of feeling like they are a million miles away from civilization.
2 Dams available for swimming.
All sites in the Campground area are fenced and sited to give maximum privacy and safety from any fire threat, with plenty of room to place tents/vans/motorhomes for best viewing position.
Campground Sites x 8
Beautiful private sites that feel like you are away from the rest of the world.
Watch kangaroos, wallaroos and wedge tail eagles. Drive through comfort for large Caravans/RV.
Toilets for your comfort nearby and potable water available for refill of tanks.
Campfires are allowed unless there is a fireban.
Why not hire a van if you have no equipment- they will set the van up on your site https://www.camplify.com.au/rv/caravan-rental-murrumbateman-nsw-viv-the-viscount/33909
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
AU$31
/ night
PEACEFUL RURAL PROPERTY SUTTON, NSW
6. PEACEFUL RURAL PROPERTY SUTTON, NSW
100%
(113)
36km from Cotter Dam · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Located on a sealed road, on 220 acres of land, approximately 5-6 minutes to Sutton or Gundaroo, 10 minutes to Gunghalin and 20 minutes into Canberra. The site is very quiet and private. Sutton village (5 kms away) has a toilet block and shower amenities available.
A beautiful quiet location to stay. Close to a lot of amenities, such as Bakery, Wineries, Gundaroo, Mulligan's Flat Reserve and Gunghalin shops.
Sutton has a world class bakery, we recommend chicken and leek or pepper steak pies. Gundaroo has an old world pub with local wines and food. The old police station at Gundaroo has been converted to a gourmet pizza restaurant, there is also an excellent restaurant named Grazing. There is also Eagle Hawke pub, which is very popular. There are numerous wineries nearby including Gundog at Gundaroo and all of the many Murrumbateman wineries.
Water refill and waste disposal is available at Queanbeyan showground.
The Mulligans Flat Reserve, about 10 minutes away, is a real first in Australia, given that a very large area has been set aside near Canberra to foster wildlife. A walk through the reserve is well worth while. Check it out.
None of the above should be missed if you visit our area.
Situated on a farm, our property has flat terrain in most areas.
We have a land for wildlife reserve on site to explore native plants and wildlife.
Sites are suitable for Tents, Campers, Vans and Caravans.Must have own amenities.• Check in: After 12 PM• Check out: Before 11 AM• Cancellation policy: Flexible • On arrival: Meet and greet • Minimum nights: 1 night• Accepts bookings: 1 month out Surface type: grass or field Surface levelness: flat Generators allowed
Show less
Approximately 30 minutes into Canberra.
Owners live on site.
Pets
from
AU$37
/ night
Themeda Farm Campground
7. Themeda Farm Campground
100%
(11)
38km from Cotter Dam · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
The Themeda Farm Campground provides a private off-grid experience on the western bank of the Murrumbidgee River. Relax by the camp fire or take the stairs down to a private beach with multiple swimming and fishing holes.
Nature lovers can enjoy the local wildlife that frequent the river or stroll around the 165 acre property. There's also easy access to local attractions including the Namadgi Visitor's Centre, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and popular local walking trails.
Located 30 minutes from the southernmost shopping precinct of the ACT, and 15 mins from the historic village of Tharwa.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$59
/ night
Kaemlai Park Bywong
8. Kaemlai Park Bywong
92%
(12)
43km from Cotter Dam · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Only 17 minutes to Canberra, this camp site gives you the best of both worlds. The Camp site has access to a large Dam, and an active creek.
Explore the creek, bush walk, swim in the Dam or just sit back and enjoy the serenity.
Camp site has no facilities so this is only suited to self sufficient campers with own facilities.
Pets
Electrical hookup
from
AU$44
/ night
Maddara.Organic.Farm.and.Art
9. Maddara.Organic.Farm.and.Art
99%
(170)
45km from Cotter Dam · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Once a much larger property, we purchased our 120-acre (50-hectare) in 1984 as a means to live sustainably and raise a family.
Living in our shed whilst we prepared the garden, installed watering infrastructure, and built our house, which we finally moved into when our daughter was 6 months old in 1990.
Over the ensuing years, we have continued to increase biodiversity on the property and set it up so we can live sustainably, harvesting our own water, electricity, and food.
If you're lucky, you could get a hamper of our product when there is sufficient in season.
With the increased biodiversity, you will find that in the mornings and evenings, kangaroos and wallabies will visit with the occasional echidna, rabbi,t and hare; and to forget the large array of bird life - that may wake you early in the morning with the songs.
This campsite is set on lovely grassy open areas interspersed with gum trees. The sunrise looks spectacular near the dam, when the trees give off a lovely glow.
The main paddock has a Geodome, a shared space for relaxing in. With all that space, you can park and set up camp anywhere in the paddock.
There is access to drinking water, toilets, and a hot shower.
Around the dome is a fire pit, drinking water, and a camp kitchen. The fire pit features an Argentinian BBQ and a plate for cooking. The kitchen has plates, cups, cutlery, and other bits and pieces for you to use.
We also allow your pets to stay on-site; this includes horses.
If you want exclusive use of the paddocks, refer to Group Bush Retreat.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$51
/ night
Swan Farm
10. Swan Farm
100%
(10)
47km from Cotter Dam · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Located directly off the highway, our little piece of country paradise is easy access and the perfect weekend getaway or stop on the way to the snowy mountains.
Our campground is nestled amongst 200 acres of farm land where campers are welcome to stretch their legs and witness the beautiful views of the Tinderry Mountains from the hill tops. Along the way say hi to the cows and our beautiful Clydesdale.
The Michelago General Store is only a hop skip jump away, where you can treat yourself to a barista made coffee, warm homemade meal or restock food supplies. The Petrol Station is also only 100m down the road.
Camp fires are welcome within the fire pits, but please bring your own wood. All fires must be put out at night and before you leave.
A portable camp toilet can be provided upon request.
All we ask is that you respect and enjoy our farm as much as we do.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$31
/ night
The Lodge at Tinneburra
11. The Lodge at Tinneburra
100%
(21)
47km from Cotter Dam · 1 site
The Lodge at Tinnenburra is a secluded getaway just 55 minutes from Canberra. Located above the most picturesque waterfalls on the Queanbeyan River; the Lodge started as a humble fishing cabin and has evolved over the years into a cozy, off grid sustainable
eco-house. Perfect for a family weekend away or a get together with friends to enjoy the beauty of the surrounds. The drive in through neighbouring farms and national parks sets the tone for the escape from the suburban surrounds of the Canberra region. Enjoy exploring the farm, the surrounding Yanununbeyan National Park or exploring along the gorges and flats of the river. There is an amazing array or native flora and fauna - spot the Platypus in the river gorges; the wombats on the flats in the evenings; the wallabies and kangaroos grazing in the paddocks nearby and more.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
AU$520
/ night
Yass River seclusion
12. Yass River seclusion
92%
(12)
48km from Cotter Dam · 1 site · Tent, RV
200 acres of wild natural bushland on the Yass River. There's plenty of space for hiķing, with a long River frontage for fishing, canoeing, or fossicking. Old Chinese gold works near the site to inspect. A dam is available for swimming or catching yabbies. It is not safe to swim in the river due to flood wrack. There is plenty of wildlife particularly if you are into bird watching. Outside of the fire danger period you are welcome to build camp fires in the fireplace.
Lots of native animals to see. There are 4 species of macropod, wombats, and 3 possum species. A bird watchers paradise. Bush walking. Close to cold climate wineries and horse riding. We can provide a driver for winery visits.
Completely undeveloped so you will need to bring everything you need and take it away with you including toilet and waste. There is a dump site at Yass. You are welcome to collect the abundant fallen timber to burn in the fireplace when firebans are not in place.
Only 4WD car access. Unsuitable for caravans. Dogs are welcome so long as they do not pass property boundaries. We have neighbours with sheep and cattle. You could also bring your horses we have trails and a small yard and attached shelter.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$40
/ night
Woodlands
13. Woodlands
100%
(10)
48km from Cotter Dam · 1 site · Tent, RV
Situated adjacent to Kosciuszko National Park on the Goobarragandra River, it is a farming property with sheep and native kangaroos, platypus and wombats. The river is renowned for trout fishing and is popular with canoeists and tube tyre swimmers also enjoying the water.
The town of Tumut is about 20 kms away and is full of wonderful cafes, craft brewers and equipment hire firms for your leisure needs. Also within close travel are the towns of Tumbarumba, Adelong and Batlow.
All guests staying on site will need to be fully self contained with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure.
Leave no trace.
Campfires
from
AU$61
/ night
Michelago HILLDYKE 160 yr old farm
14. Michelago HILLDYKE 160 yr old farm
100%
(221)
51km from Cotter Dam · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
**Please let me know if you are bringing a caravan, I can only accomodate caravans at certain sites with the weather**
Our property is just 25 minutes from Canberra City but feels a world away, and offers a peaceful country paradise and wide open spaces.
We have several sites for 100% self-contained campers, where you'll be spoilt with
spectacular
views of the Tinderry Mountains, access to undulating walking trails,
and the Namadgi National Park nearby. On clear nights,
the stars here are spellbinding.
We have many animals here too!
View our placid Scottish Galloway cattle (currently with calves!) pat our friendly poddy Cody and grab a photo opportunity.
We also have a beautiful horse Ali and her yearling colt diesel, just watch your fingers with him, gelded now but still thinks he’s a stallion.
5 fat Dorper sheep look like running rugs running around. A real country experience!
An Angora goat and slashed tracks to access the beautiful 130 acres around the farm.
The small village of Michelago is 5km from our property, has the fuel servo and a terrific General Store, which serves great burgers and milkshakes plus much more. 20mins to the town of Bredbo with its own pub is great for counter lunches and dinners.
The Town of Cooma, the gateway to the Snowy mountains is a 40 min drive south.
Also if you want to go camping with friends and introduce them to the great outdoors and they don’t have the gear ask about our hire service of all things needed to have a great camp, some are listed but more is always available to hire, just send me a message.
As one of our many happy Hipcamp guests have said the photos don’t do the views justice, they are truely spectacular:)
Thats all folks, our paradise is your paradise to enjoy.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$49
/ night
Forest Elbow
15. Forest Elbow
90%
(31)
51km from Cotter Dam · 1 site · Tent, RV
We are a 5 min drive to the historic township of Bungendore where you can find plenty of shopping and cafes. It's just a 25 min drive to Queanbeyan and a 30 min drive to Canberra CBD. We are about 1.5 hours from Batemans Bay and the NSW south coast.The night sky here is mesmerising. The milky way core is visible from January through to November and is an astrophotographer's dream. Bring a camera!
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$49
/ night
Camp Rossi
16. Camp Rossi
90%
(103)
55km from Cotter Dam · 6 sites
Small acreage about 400m from the Tallaganda State Forest which is known for picnic area with water wheel, lookouts, trout streams, bush walking, mountain bike riding and single track motorcycles.Campsites are beside the natural spring creek. The creek is suitable for swimming but a word of warning is it's freezing!Includes filtered rain water, shelter, toilet, gas BBQ, fire pit and free firewood.Not suitable for caravans at the moment. 2WD ok and suits camper trailers and tents only. Dogs welcome on a leash/restrained & well controlled.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
AU$49
/ night
Private Bush Camp Exclusively Yours
17. Private Bush Camp Exclusively Yours
97%
(39)
56km from Cotter Dam · 7 sites
Peaceful unspoilt bush and farm land in the Southern Tablelands, on the Great Dividing Range. 1 hour from Canberra, 3 hours from Sydney. Suits tents, rooftop tents and camper trailers only - no caravans or motor homes.
Drive 6.5km private dirt road off highway to access private individual campsites along short bush tracks. Choice of small number of secluded locations on different parts of the property; each booking enjoys their own private camping area completely to themselves.
Campfires allowed when conditions permit, firewood available to buy. No services (power, water, sewerage, rubbish collection or wifi).
1. PEPPERMINT GUM CAMPGROUND is well established and suits a larger group of friends or 2-3 families (max 16 guests per booking, your group will have this place all to yourself). Located in 1.6ha / 4 acres of grassy woodland, it offers a good choice of mown tent sites in shade or sun. A large centrally located clearing for your group to gather, with a rustic camp kitchen hut for all-weather cooking and eating. A rustic pit toilet is a short walk away, with handwashing station and views!
2. SNOWGUMS CAMPSITE is a smaller camping area for up to 6 people, on a low forested ridge overlooking Sandhills Creek. Choose from separate mown tent sites and gather in a campfire clearing in protected snowgums forest. A rustic pit toilet is a short walk away.
Several kilometres of marked walking trails within the property. Explore the creek line, hike up the mountain to the old stone trig point, walk to the swimming hole on the creek with jetty, picnic area and rowboat. Numerous picnic spots. A swimming dam, jetty, and picnic sites are accessible via marked walking and driving tracks. There are also several kms of walking tracks directly from the campsite along Sandhills Creek and the 'mountain paddock'.
Owners live further along the road on the property, and can be contacted if needed. A separate AirBnB house is located on the property; please respect the privacy of fellow guests.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
AU$73
/ night
Butmaroo Station
18. Butmaroo Station
98%
(28)
56km from Cotter Dam · 1 site · Tent, RV
Butmaroo Station is situated in its own sheltered picturesque valley with Butmaroo Creek running through the entire property with Tallaganda National Park on the southern boundary.
Butmaroo is perfect for guests who love to connect to nature or just need a place to relax and unwind. It is an ideal venue for family get togethers, groups of friends, or a couple that wants a very special place to connect.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from
AU$46
/ night
Tin Can Ridge
19. Tin Can Ridge
100%
(120)
58km from Cotter Dam · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bush camping on 100 acres in the Tinderry Range at about 1400 metres altitude. Seclusion and adventure all within an hour of Canberra and twenty minutes from Michelago and the Monaro highway. Big skies and dark nights for star-gazing are likely; or perhaps you'll be nestled in cloud; or hidden by falling snow. There are numerous tracks with spectacular views around the property for bush walking or mountain bike riding. The tracks are surrounded by sub-alpine flora and fauna (such as wallaby's, wombats, lyrebirds)
and nearby in the Tinderry Nature Reserve.
Tinderry Range is a rugged range east of the Monaro highway accessed mostly through Michelago or an hour and a half from Braidwood (when dirt roads are reasonable). The range is only around 70km away from the coast, thus enabling a sea mist to often roll over us in the late afternoon. Summer temperatures are a pleasant 6 degrees or so cooler than nearby Canberra.
You may choose between a number of options for camping depending on your camping desires and set up. There are numerous tracks around our property or nearby Tinderry Nature Reserve. You may go exploring to find the springs or choose to stick to easy walking tracks that follow the contours. We will provide a map. Tracks are also great for mountain bike riding and exploring the unusual mix of sub-alpine, montane and coastal flora and fauna. There is numerous species of bird life and regular calls from lyre birds.
This area has fascinating history with the largest eucalyptus distillery in Australia until the late 1950's and very popular with a number of bushrangers such as the Clarke Brothers who had numerous hideouts.
No amenities. BYO camping toilet and leave no trace. Campfires (except on fire ban days or when we advise otherwise) are okay--usually recommended. Normally dry firewood is easy to find, or purchase some from us if you prefer. The exception is the bell tent glamping option,' Tin Can Ridge Glamping' which has a toilet included as well as firewood and shortly its own wood stove!
Some campsites are best accessed by 4WD, or on foot. or gain access to the glamping tent with us escorting you.
Camp lightly. No hunting. Do nothing illegal. Take all waste with you. Respect the land, the wildlife and people. Keep the peace. Enjoy.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$25
/ night
MOUNTAIN VIEW RETREAT
20. MOUNTAIN VIEW RETREAT
99%
(184)
59km from Cotter Dam · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
We are located a short drive from Tumut in the Snowy Mountains region.
Pitch your tent or RV overlooking the gorgeous mountains. We are half a kilometre from the main road behind locked gates, and just 10 minutes from town for all your supply needs.
There are plenty of scenic walks and fishing spots nearby, at camp you can enjoy complete privacy.
There is a shower and toilet available which is separate from the main residence. There is also bar fridge, large chest freezer, jug, toaster, and microwave available,
We are on tank water and can offer drinking water. We ask that you are conservative with your water use, and we encourage you to bring your own.
Enjoy waking up to the tranquil sounds of wildlife of all sorts, (not having to hear any traffic being 500meters off the main road). plus the views of the kangaroos in the mornings is pleasant too!
The campsite is accessible by 2WD and we can accommodate all types of camping vehicles. You will need to level your vehicle depending on which site you choose.
Your pet is welcome to join you and can cool off in the dams we have available.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$59
/ night
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
L
Lily
1 week ago
Jo
1 week ago
6 m pop-up camper
This is our second visit. We love how close to home it is but that it feels miles away. We saw Gang-gang cockatoos, kangaroos in the morning mist and met Harry the friendly magpie. Thanks Margot.
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L
Lachlan
1 week ago
5 m pop-up camper
Lovely spot.
We will definitely be back again. Very clean and well kept.
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J
Joshua
2 weeks ago
6 m pop-up camper
With pets
Nice relaxing property, the farm animals tour was good for my son he loved feeding the animals and petting them.
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A
Andrew
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Excellent little site on a beautiful side of the mountain. Nice level ground for a rooftop tent setup, no levelling required!
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P
Peter
3 weeks ago
Tent
Sarah is a great hostess and the Two Trees site has great views across the Namadgi, sheep in the adjacent paddocks and feels secluded even though just a short stroll from the main property. Definitely recommend staying here.
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P
PETER
February 2026
8 m travel trailer
Huge private paddock, geese as Neighbours, hot shower and toilets, incredibly well maintained. Snake bite and first aid kit at the shower. Awesome
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P
PETER
February 2026
8 m travel trailer
Quiet and beautiful. Unfortunately it was very windy when we were there otherwise it would have been awesome. Water available if needed, we didn’t. Will visit again.
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P
Peter
February 2026
8 m travel trailer
Lots of space and location so close to Canberra is the biggest plus. Toilets on site are proper flushing and are a bonus. Plenty of wildlife to view as in birds, ducks and kangaroo’s . Wrong time of year for us as we couldn’t have a campfire but lots of small kindling about if you wandered around. Can stay till 12 noon before departure
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A
Abbie
January 2026
Tent
Very peaceful place!! Had a lovely stay here with the kangaroos.
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T
Tanya
January 2026
6 m Class B
Second trip to Goolabri, love the wildlife and the quiet. Don’t change a thing!
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A
Abhimanu
January 2026
Tent
Group trip
Amazing views if you are into stars/galaxy. Loved the way how Craig and Liz drove over and guided us for everything:) Amazing place, highly recommended!!
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Jo
January 2026
6 m pop-up camper
Group trip
Great spot. Peaceful, spacious and a decent loo! We stayed for 3 nights in a fenced area which meant our friend's dog could roam. Lots of bird life, and kangaroos heading to the dam in the evening. Good bbq area.
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Jo
January 2026
5 m fifth wheel
With pets
What a great find and only 35 minutes from home in the ACT. Lots of space and shade, composting toilets and a simple shower. We stayed over a very hot weekend but had the dam to dip toes in. Margot was friendly and helpful, and when our friend found a young kangaroo hanging in a fence, came to its rescue and took it home to rest and recover (I hope it was ok!). We'll be back :-)
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A
Alexandra
January 2026
Tent
This was perfect for us - nice and quiet and spacious. Don’t expect a golf course - I think that may have been decades ago - but it’s a great location minutes outside Canberra but feels like a million miles away.
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Jono
January 2026
5 m pop-up camper
With pets
Really picturesque location on top of a hill, overlooking a beautiful natural creek. The views went on forever.
See moreS
Sharon
January 2026
5 m pop-up camper
With pets
The site we stayed at was clean and tidy, with wide open views of the surrounding area. The location is excellent with Gundaroo and its quaint cafes and heritage buildings about a 10min drive away, and Little Sutton Bakehouse in the opposite direction about a 7min drive. Lorraine was a great host, gave clear directions and checked in to see how we were going which was nice. Would stay again and recommend to others looking for a quiet and clean place to stay.
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K
Karlie
January 2026
Tent
With kids
We stayed here as four families with six children and had a great glamping experience. The place was comfortable and fun, especially for the kids. The host was very friendly and welcoming, which made our stay even more enjoyable. Would definitely recommend.
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Debby
January 2026
6 m travel trailer
With pets
Loved the peace and quiet. A true gem and highly recommended.
See moreD
Dax
January 2026
Tent
With kids
Great location and play area for the kids to explore and play. Very friendly atmosphere and looking forward to going bsck real soon.
See moreThe best camping near Cotter Dam, ACT guide
Overview
About
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Cotter Dam, where the rush of water and whisper of wind through native vegetation beckon adventurers and nature lovers alike. Here, the Cotter River's journey culminates in a stunning display of pristine waterways, offering scenic drives, bushwalking, mountain biking, and bird watching. While camping is not available within the reserve, the surrounding areas provide ample opportunities for overnight stays amid the wilderness.
When to go
The best time to visit Cotter Dam is during the milder months of spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Summer can be quite warm, making it less ideal for strenuous activities. Winter, while cooler, offers a unique beauty, though some tracks may be less accessible.
Know before you go
- Check the weather forecast and plan your visit when conditions are favourable for outdoor activities.
- Be aware that 1080 poison is used in the area for fox control, so keep pets on a leash and on designated paths.
- Respect the prohibition of swimming in the catchment to protect water quality.
- Remember that boating and fishing are restricted to certain areas; always follow local regulations.
- Take care to leave no trace, ensuring trash is properly disposed of and the natural environment is preserved.
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