The best camping near Cotter Dam, ACT

Cotter Dam: A Sanctuary of Serenity and Natural Splendour.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Cotter Dam

Burrendah Farm Camp

99%

(53)

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

Potable water

from

AU$39

/ night

Miranda Springs Farm Stay

96%

(69)

28km from Cotter Dam · 6 sites · RVs

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

99%

(109)

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

Showers

from

AU$31

/ night

Goolabri Estate

96%

(652)

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

99%

(368)

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

100%

(110)

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

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

99%

(156)

45km from Cotter Dam · 9 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

Showers

from

AU$51

/ night

The Lodge at Tinneburra

100%

(21)

47km from Cotter Dam · 1 site · Lodging

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

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

91%

(29)

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

91%

(99)

55km from Cotter Dam · 6 sites · Tents

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

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Matthew

1 day ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Maddara.Organic.Farm.and.Art

Margot met us at the gate and was really warm and welcoming, even though we arrived a bit later than planned. The facilities were great—the showers were excellent and refreshing, the composting toilets were well-maintained, and the camping setup overall was just spot on. We’d definitely go back again.

Aaron

2 days ago

5 m travel trailer

5 nights at Jarabin on the Murrumbidgee

Absolutely loved it, peaceful and scenic, I have stayed a few times and will come again.

Adam

3 days ago

5 m Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Farmily Land

We loved waking up with the animals around the paddock. My kids really enjoyed the farm tour. Amenities were of high standards, flushing toilets and hot showers, highly accommodating for children. We would definitely be back next time we are in town

Madison

4 days ago

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Farmily Land

Loved spending our 2 nights stay here - property was beautiful and well looked after Were given fresh eggs from the chickens and invited on a little farm tour to feed the animals on site Will be back!!!

Anthony

4 days ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Jarabin on the Murrumbidgee

No matter how many times I visit Jarabin it feels just as good as the first time, hands down my favourite spot to camp 10/10 as always ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

mitch

5 days ago

6 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Jarabin on the Murrumbidgee

Unbelievable!! By far the best spot yet! We will be back

Damien

1 week ago

6 m travel trailer

2 nights at Jarabin on the Murrumbidgee

Very nice spot with 3 camping areas separated by about 100 meters or so, providing a good amount of privacy. Easy access to the river, which is nice and cold even during a heat wave! River is fast moving in some places so something to consider if swimming with kids. We were there in an off road caravan with a total length of about 12 meters with the car and plenty of room to manoeuvre. Campfires were allowed but was a tad hot when we went. Was a nice little fire teepee set up for us ready to go, with kindling and a small supply of wood provided by the owner which was a nice gesture :-) Overall a great stay and will definitely be back.

Kerri

1 week ago

5 m travel trailer

2 nights at Jarabin on the Murrumbidgee

Amazing spot right on the Murrumbidgee River. Beautiful wide river with a flowing current, we had a dip near the edge where the water was clear and shallow. Steaks and sausages in meat pack were fantastic. Other campers nearby, but did not take away from our experience.

Catherine

1 week ago

3 m travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Farmily Land

My little grandson and I loved camping for 2 nights at Yifu's place. When we arrived there were alpacas cooling off in the pond and geese honking their welcome. Yifu was extremely friendly and we enjoyed the farm tours led by his terrific son. We loved seeing the rabbits and guinea pigs. Missy the pony was lovely to pat and feed. My granny loved the playground, the cubbyhole and trampoline. It was a peaceful and very enjoyable break from Canberra. We will return! Big thanks to Yifu and his family for their thoughtful additions to our camping experience 🥰

Allison

1 week ago

8 m travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Farmily Land

It is very quiet and beautiful.and has a lot of farm animals, my daughter loves the place and made two friends from another camper. Will come back again.

Beck

1 week ago

Tent

With kids

1 night at Farmily Land

Very accomodating, peaceful and safe. I camped here with my 9 year old son and it felt very kid friendly. Good toilets available and even a farm tour, firewood and eggs! Thank you for being lovely hosts. Very sweet farm animals also :)

1 week ago

5 m Class A

With kids

Weekend Trip to Jarabin on the Murrumbidgee

Jarabin might be one of my top spots to camp! Big, private sites 👌🏻 We camped by the rapids but a short walk up the river there was a quiet spot we could all swim safely with our 6yo.

May

1 week ago

With pets

3 nights at Maddara.Organic.Farm.and.Art

The Campervan at Margot's was the perfect getaway for someone who doesn't have all the gear but still enjoys some time outdoors! The owners were very attentive and welcoming of me and my dog. We went hiking on the property and surrounding towns. Its proximity to Canberra and wineries also make it the perfect little getaway!

Andrew

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Jarabin on the Murrumbidgee

Jarabin is on beautiful country and is truly a delightful place to unwind. Joseph and Ben have thought of everything for the tent and I only wish we could have stayed longer. Will definitely be back. Highly recommend the beef pack as an addition, it was awesome!

Uma

1 week ago

5 m car

With pets

1 night at Burrendah Farm Camp

Sarah, the gracious host met us at the entrance and made us feel comfortable. The paddock we were allocated had a beautiful view of the Rowley Hills of Canberra, and by Moonlight was divine.

Jess

1 week ago

2 nights at Tin Can Ridge

This was our second stay and it was yet again, perfect. The tent is in a wonderful spot and it’s a great place particularly for those who value not being around others. We look forward to coming back again

Rebecca

1 week ago

Tent

With kids

5 nights at Farmily Land

My family had a great time at Farmily. The hosts are amazing. The property is perfect for the kids. The toilets and shower were clean. We will be back!

Daniel

1 week ago

6 m travel trailer

With kids

4 nights at Jarabin on the Murrumbidgee

Jarabin is sensational place to stay. We stayed for 4 nights and loved it. Its peaceful, serene, picturesque all in one. Ben is also a fantastic host who is very friendly and welcoming. We can't wait to come back.

Danielle

2 weeks ago

7 m travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Goolabri Estate

Fantastic location not too far from Canberra. Was lovely for a quick overnight stay while passing through. Would stay again 😊

Reachelle Ellaine

2 weeks ago

2 nights at Tin Can Ridge

It has been an absolutely amazing experience. I stayed up all night just gazing at the stars and just felt very safe. And during the day is when I catched some zzz's thanks to the hammock. Everything I needed was there. Anna and Andrew have been very gracious and accomodating, giving me a ride to the camp from their homestead, and back. I will 100% come back.

The 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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