The best camping in Washpool State Conservation Area, NSW

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Discover the natural splendour of Washpool State Conservation Area.  

Camper favorites near Washpool State Conservation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Eagle Ridge Bush Retreat

99%
(597)
65km from Washpool State Conservation Area · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tabulam, NSW
A property with amazing river access a history of great fishing and gold panning. The steep terrain adjacent the river lends itself to some fantastic scenery, the perfect place to unplug and enjoy the peace and quiet. Grab a tube and float down the river rapids, or just relax in camp listening to the sounds of nature. We have an abundance of bird life and wild cattle roaming the property, theres so much to see and enjoy With a small number of sites on the property you're sure to feel like the only ones in the world. Currently access is 4WD recommended due to the steep terrain. Any towing MUST be done with a 4WD. AWD and rear wheel drive vehicles are fine, though good idea to check with us FWD vehicles are NOT permitted. Good ground clearance is required
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$27
 / night

Binghi Station

99%
(508)
79km from Washpool State Conservation Area · 34 sites · Tents, RVs · Silent Grove, NSW
Binghi Station Located approximately 4.5hours from Brisbane, Queensland, or 1.5 hour drive west of Tenterfield, New South Wales. Binghi Station, once a large sheep station, was a thriving tin and gem mine from the late 1800 to mid 1900. Set on 4,000 acres of natural granite rock country and untouched overgrowth of lush tea tree bushlands, the sheer beauty of the land will, without a doubt, leave you breathless of its raw natural beauty. Binghi Station surrendered to the ravaging bush fires of 2019, however, after this devastation came some much needed rainfall which brought hope; the creation of new life in the form of rich, vibrant green country not seen since the 1980’s. You can explore endlessly on this raw outback property. Discover secret hideouts, come and enjoy a swim under our flowing waterfall (for those brave enough to during the winter months!) and simply relax and soak in pure wildlife beneath a million stars in the night sky. Binghi Station is designed for the 4x4 enthusiasts. In other words we strongly recommend access by 4WD only as the entry 6klm driveway is very rugged and bumpy in most places due to heavy rain fall past 12 months. Please ask for more details if necessary should you have any concerns based on your equipment. Its an ongoing maintenance. Its the 4x4 adventure. We would rather talk it down than up:-) Currently we do not recommend SUV AWD type cars due to there lower profile and vulnerability to bumps and ruts. It is doable many do it all however about driver confidence and add another upto 2hours to trip :-) We recommend parking up the top driveway and having a preplanned lift down. BE WARNED The driveway and some tracks are rough suited for 4x4 adventure enthusiasts that like to use there pride and joy offroad gear for what its intended. ps One thing we can say you will never get bogged on our driveway no matter the rain fall as its very compacted despite its authentic rough character. The Secret Gorge site is suited to tents, camper trailers and smaller length caravans. All our other site locations are suited to off-road 4WD caravans and camper trailers. Binghi Station - an extraordinary place to make some truly wonderful family memories. :-)
Pets
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from 
AU$31
 / night

"Mindoo"

100%
(315)
60km from Washpool State Conservation Area · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tenterfield, NSW
Located 19 km due east of the famous historical village of Tenterfield the working, cattle breeding, property "Mindoo" has recently opened its gates to campers. Framed by the rugged border range National Parks "Mindoo" is 1100 acres of rolling green hills dissected by the pure, cascading, waters of the Cataract River which provide a number of private riverside campsites. Campers are encouraged to meander along the continually changing River and explore its many secluded swimming holes and enjoy the abundant wildlife that cohabitates with the Angus/Wagyu cow herd. Direct access to the neighbouring National Parks and State Forests offers an array of day trips to hikers, mountain bikers, or horse riders where they can discover the natural treasures of Basket Swamp and Boonoo Boonoo Falls, Woolool Woolooni, among others. For those who require a little more comfort, and lets face it we all do at times, the Mindoo Cabin is available. Featuring three bedrooms, open plan living/dining/kitchen,and a shady deck overlooking the River the cabin sleeps eight and still allows visitors to partake in all the adventures that "Mindoo" offers with the benefit of a comfortable rest when the day is done. Unfortunately horse riding is no longer covered by our insurance policy. You are able to bring your horses, however evidence of your own insurance policy must be provided. Be as adventurous or as restful as you please as both options are freely available. Mountain Biking, Hiking, or just riding your hammock and relaxing we are sure you will enjoy your time at "Mindoo". All of our river sites are designated and are space apart. As most of our sites are on the river and have farm tracks to access, if it is wet we may have to move you to a different site. 4wds are recommended for all sites and are required for some site. Please read the listing for the campsite you are wanting to book. Some of our sites do not suit caravans. All roads require high clearance vans. If you do not like dogs or your own dogs are not very sociable Mindoo may not be the place for you. Daisy the Doodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle) and Paul the Pig Dog (a very gentle Bull Mastif/Catahoula) like to come and say hello to campers at The Park & The Junction. Send us a message if you have any questions.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$46
 / night

Common Grounds

99%
(143)
79km from Washpool State Conservation Area · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Pillar Valley, NSW
Welcome to Common Grounds, where nature feels like home. (previously 'Oceans Reach') Our conservation property is a registered Land for Wildlife sanctuary, and we’ve created a space where native animals and humans alike can feel safe, welcome, and at home. Whether you’re stopping overnight just off the highway or planning a longer escape, Common Grounds is an easy and grounded place to rest, reconnect, and explore. We’re centrally located to some of the best the Clarence Valley has to offer with uncrowded surf beaches, national parks, rivers, and historic towns, all within a short drive. Or a perfect spot over spot between Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay, just off the motorway. Nearby to explore: 🦘 Glenugie State Forest: Right next door! Great for hiking, mountain biking, 4WD trails, wildlife spotting, and peaceful bush walks. 🌊 Brooms Head: A stunning coastal village with tidal pools, a quiet beach, and scenic headland walks 🏖️ Yuraygir National Park: Sprawling coastal park with epic hikes, secluded beaches, and vibrant wildlife 🌿 Wooli & Minnie Water: Pristine beaches, estuary kayaking, snorkelling, and quiet village charm 🏞️ Clarence River towns: Explore Ulmarra, Maclean, or Grafton for riverfront cafes, historic pubs, and local arts. 🐦 Birdwatcher’s paradise: The whole area is alive with native birds and seasonal visitors (black cockatoos, friendly king parrots, kookaburras, and more). Bring binoculars! Wander our own native bushland, rich with flora and fauna, or just sit back and watch the wildlife come to you. We live on-site and are slowly restoring this special land, including the old Grafton Racecourse Beer Pavilion. The composting toilets and clever camp showers were thoughtfully built using recycled materials and offered for campers to use. At night, light a fire, enjoy a cold drink, and take in the stars. We’re easy-going and happy to give you your space. Camp fires must be contained Sept-April. Large fire pits provided and firewood for sale on site. The sites are listed for vehicles under 9m, but if your setup is larger, feel free to contact me and we can usually work something out ☺️ We’d love to welcome you to Common Grounds - a place to land, to breathe, and to feel a little more connected.
Pets
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Toilets
from 
AU$31
 / night

Westbury Downs

100%
(168)
23km from Washpool State Conservation Area · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Jackadgery, NSW
Escape to our working beef cattle property set along the beautiful Mann River, just 35 minutes west of Grafton or 1.5 hours from Glen Innes. Enjoy wide open spaces, peaceful river views, and a genuine taste of country life. We offer seven spacious, grassy campsites overlooking the river. Four sites with easy 2WD access and three long-drop toilets available. Two sites on our island, 4WD accessible only – perfect for those seeking extra privacy. (Self-sufficient campers only – bring your own toilet.) One site “around the bend”, also 4WD access only, BYO toilet required. Each campsite features its own fire pit, perfect for cooking dinner or relaxing by the campfire under the stars. Firewood is available near the gate to the river for $10 per bag. Campers have 2 km of riverfront to enjoy – ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking, or simply soaking up the serenity. You’ll often see our cattle and horses grazing through the camping areas, adding to the authentic rural charm. If you need to stock up, the Mann River Caravan Park shop is close by for ice, gas, ice cream, and takeaway meals. Come unwind, connect with nature, and experience real country hospitality by the river. There are plenty of great day trips from camp — visit scenic river crossings like Cangai, Hanging Rock, Coombadjha, Lillydale, and Copmanhurst, or head up the Gibraltar Range to explore Washpool and Gibraltar Range National Parks for rainforest walks, birdwatching, and waterfalls like Boundary Falls. Sorry, no pets.
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$61
 / night

Emu Creek Retreat

97%
(319)
76km from Washpool State Conservation Area · 172 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tabulam, NSW
Welcome to Emu creek Retreat One of the best destinations for hiking, camping, bushwalking, swimming, Kayaking, fishing, mountain bike riding (bicycles only), bird watching, 4wdriving and even fossicking, since the old gold mining town "Lunatics" was not far away from us. Dogs, men's best friend, are definitely welcome. If travelling in a 2wd please contact us before booking, some of the campgrounds have to be reached by crossing the creeks, Girard camp is one of them where the office and the showers are, at times this crossing is under water and is only accessible by 4wd. Other campgrounds are available near the entry gate that don't require a creek crossing for access and toilets are available on some of them. One side of the property is bound by Emu Creek and the other by Girard Creek, both creeks have enough water with some permanent deep water holes for all year activities. Sightseeing inside the property we have Girard Falls, a 50m deep waterfall, nature at it's best. The only entry into the property is by Emu Creek Rd a gravel road. Emu Creek Retreat is located in the far north-east of New South Wales. We are approximately 200 km from Brisbane, Toowoomba and Gold Coast, 150km from Byron Bay. Tabulam is the nearest town 12km away. Fuel and groceries are available at Tabulam along with a post office, pub and police station. Casino is 68km away and Tenterfield 78km. Once a working cattle property, in the 90's was converted into a camping and 4WD park. Since 2017 has been a family own and operated property, pet friendly, we are using the existing large camping grounds to convert it into a camping paradise. Two properties combined with close to 2800 acres, fronting Paddy’s Flat Rd for 2km and extends 7km to the back fence bordering a 22000 acre cattle property. The front section is undulating with plantation forest (spotted gum) and bushland, towards the back it has mountains, steep terrain and millions of trees with spectacular views and great hiking tracks.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$40
 / night

The best camping in Washpool State Conservation Area, NSW guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure through the Washpool State Conservation Area, where 100km of horse riding trails beckon equestrians of all skill levels. Immerse yourself in the lush forest landscape, with options to extend your stay at the rustic Four Bull Hut, ensuring an unforgettable outdoor experience.

When to go

The Washpool State Conservation Area is a year-round destination, with each season offering its unique charm. However, the best time to visit is during the milder months of spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Be mindful of the summer heat and winter chill, and always check for local alerts before planning your trip.

Know before you go

  • Check current alerts and safety information before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly.
  • Office contact hours are from 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, for any enquiries.
  • Remember to bring a detailed map as the provided maps may not be sufficient for all activities.
  • Accessibility may vary across the park, so plan according to your needs.
  • Be aware of the park's conservation efforts and respect the natural habitat during your visit.
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