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Carrai State Conservation Area

The best camping in Carrai State Conservation Area, NSW

Discover the natural splendour of Carrai State Conservation Area.

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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

kevin

2 weeks ago

5 m car

2 nights at Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping

Great camp sites, fantastic views, ideal for swimming and fishing and lots of wildlife. Very friendly and helpful hosts.

Stephan

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping

It's a beautiful spot to camp and relax and watch nature do It's thing. The scenery is magical and very pretty. We all had a amazing trip and definitely want to come back soon. Thank you so much for making this possible. Talk soon!

Bronwyn

2 weeks ago

6 m pop-up camper

5 nights at Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping

Peaceful bush camp. Loved the private riverside site. Shade, flat, swims, somewhere to swing my hammock… bliss. Really enjoyed the nearby town too.

Andy

3 weeks ago

9 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Riverside Farm Retreat

Nice place by the river. Not too far from Narrabri and well kept. The addition of cameras and warning signs stating you’re under surveillance though is a deal breaker.

Rodney

3 weeks ago

7 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Sheffield B&B Farm stay Tamworth

Very pleasant visit with the owners. Location is convenient to town.

Carly

3 weeks ago

9 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Riverside Farm Retreat

Lawn area well maintained , excellent communication with host thank you Ian for a lovely night.

Peta

November 2025

8 m travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Riverside Farm Retreat

We had a great overnight stay! Quiet and a beautiful spot on the river to watch the sunset! Thanks for sharing your paradise with us!

Steph and Naomi

November 2025

5 m pop-up camper

1 night at Adela Park

A great stopover point if visiting the Tamworth area. Nice grassy paddock with shade. Geoff was onsite and lovely to chat to. Beautiful view of the neighbouring farms including horses and sheep.

Vincent

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Sheffield B&B Farm stay Tamworth

We loved camping here, it is a hidden gem with clean facilities and hospitality that is world class, can't recommend enough

Harry

November 2025

9 m Class A

Weekend Trip to Namoi Valley Escape

Great wilderness country of high hills and Naomi river below , plenty of Wildlife to see,2 or 3 camping spots away from others next to river or valley area,Dave and Joyce great host happy to show camps, very peaceful cattle grazing property, ps great fishing as well,

Monique

November 2025

7 m travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Sheffield B&B Farm stay Tamworth

The hosts were absolutely lovely and the property was beautiful!

Lizi

November 2025

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Adela Park

Lovely camp, lots of space and very quiet. Would come again

Meg

November 2025

6 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Riverside Farm Retreat

We loved camping at Riverside Farm Retreat. The view was beautiful and directions were clear. It was lovely and relaxing. The kids enjoyed their visits from Darcy the dog. Will definitely be back!

Jackie

November 2025

9 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping

What a beautiful spot for a relaxing get away right by the river on the private spot. Took our 9 metre motorhome and had mo issues getting there and despite us having rain we got out ok too. Highly recommend and would love to come back again. Thanks Caroline for having us x

Cole

November 2025

6 m travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Namoi Valley Escape

We loved this camp. It’s secluded and peaceful. The owners are friendly and accommodating explaining the walks and directions. The river was perfect for a swim and cool off. There is plenty of animal and bird life. Also the road in is in excellent condition. This is one to come back to!

Taneisha

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Adela Park

We had a lovely night stay at this property during our journey from Brisbane to Dubbo. This property is in a very convenient spot, not far from Tamworth. We enjoyed saying hello to the horses (and so did our kelpie). Jeff was very welcoming and we had no worries with our pup on this property. Thank you for having us!

aymie

November 2025

15 m pop-up camper

2 nights at Sheffield B&B Farm stay Tamworth

Quiet location, easy to find only 10 minutes from town.

Sparkelez

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping

Beautiful little spot. Peaceful. Just what is needed. Even with bad navigation skills, Caroline was very attentive and quick to respond. Will definitely be back.

angelia

November 2025

5 m travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Outback Fish Farm

So much room to move. Easy drive through sites. Showers great. Rick is an easy going happy fella , great hospitality and good advice.

Randal

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping

Another wonderful visit. Amazing amounts of birdlife and tranquil bush setting thanks again Caroline.

Top-rated campgrounds near Carrai State Conservation Area

Riverside Farm Retreat

97%

(128)

54km from Carrai State Conservation Area · 99 sites · Tents, RVs

Riverside Farm Retreat is 13 km southeast of Narrabri. It is a horse breeding farm on the banks of the Namoi River, set over 500 acres, where guests can enjoy camping, fishing, canoeing, and relaxing. There is good access for caravans and campers - to get to the property is all tarred roads, with no gates to open, just a cattle grid to cross. The camping area is spread over a beautiful, wide green grassed space, with plenty of level ground. There is an abundance of bird life here, including our pet emu Pepper who roams freely, occasional visiting kangaroos and cattle moseying down in the afternoon sunset to drink from the river opposite.

Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping

100%

(371)

55km from Carrai State Conservation Area · 27 sites · Tents, RVs

A beautiful, off grid, riverside campground with amazing swimming hole on private property. This private campground is located in North West NSW. 50 minutes from Tamworth. Conveniently located 20 minutes outside the pretty town of Manilla and right on the river banks of the Namoi River. Also 20 minutes from beautiful Warrabah National Park. The campground is tucked away in a little valley overlooking an idyllic stretch of windy river with an amazing swimming hole, sandy beach, tranquil rapids and a beautiful, mesmerising, majestic rock. We have four primative campsites suited to all types of large and small, self sufficient campers in RV's, caravans, camp trailers, vans and tents. All sites are unique and positioned to enhance space and privacy as well as proximity and views of the river. They all showcase the varying, natural beauty and characteristics of the landscape. You can also book our amazing, award winning glamping tent. We are not a party campsite. Our little slice of paradise is for peace and relaxation. We also need to respect and encourage the presence and abundance of birds and animals and continue to ensure it is a peaceful and quiet home for them. You can enjoy your music just as long as other campsites and the local wildlife can't hear it. Manilla, only 20 minutes away has two dump points and water refill stations as well as a good number of shops to cater to all your needs during your stay. We are not in a high traffic area so you may get to enjoy having the place all to yourself. Our campsites have good access for all types of camp set ups and are not impacted by flooding. Nor do they become boggy in wet weather due to the high sand content in our soil. You could be sitting on the warm sandy bank overlooking the river and being captivated by the surrounding beauty and the magnificence of the swimming hole. This secret little piece of paradise has been untouched for 40 years and is home to an abundance of birdlife. Birds include the colourful Rainbow bee eaters, Kingfishers, Superb Fairy Wrens, Eastern Yellow Robins, Red Browed Finch and many more. A magical place that will delight your senses and make you feel relaxed and at peace. BYO camp toilet and leave no trace. Fish in the river; cod, cat, golden perch and carp. Well behaved dogs on leash and supervised at all times are welcome. If you would like to enquire about having the place to yourselves send me a message. ACCESS CONDITIONS: To help you decide if your set up is suitable you can google Riverside Escape Camping Manilla and find 2 videos on 23 and 25 May 2022 taken of me driving up and down the track to the campsites in my old Ford Courier that is NOT 4x4. There are lots of other useful videos to get a good sense of our campsite. You will also get a sense of the distance between each site. We recognise the Kamilaroi / Gomeroi people as the traditional custodians of this land.

Outback Fish Farm

97%

(118)

59km from Carrai State Conservation Area · 21 sites · Tents, RVs

Set 10km outside of Narrabri on a dirt road is Narrabri Fish Farm. Camp in the serenity alongside 100 ponds. Take the daily fish feeding tour at 10.30am or explore the farm - book in advance or when you arrive. Flushing toilets and hot showers (also a new addition of the donkey shower) Campfires permitted (pending Fire bans, please check). Firewood available upon arrival. Cabins and kiosk coming soon. Fishing will be available from September 2024.

The Valley

94%

(55)

60km from Carrai State Conservation Area · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Located 25 minutes from Narrabri CBD on 200 acres at the foothills of Mount Kaputar with 360 degree mountain views, The Valley is your perfect farm camping escape. With the National Park bordering the property where there are several bush walking tracks, lookout points, 4WD tracks, Aboriginal sites, picnic locations, wildlife encounters, bike riding tracks, historical heritage, waterfalls and swimming locations. Pitch your tent or park your RV, there is plenty of room for you with us at the Valley. Nestled in at the very base of the Mount Kaputar National Park, with breath taking 360 degree mountain views. A firepit provided with wood available for purchase. You need to be a self-contained camper with your own camping toilet/shower, and drinking water. There is a picnic table for camp meals and access to rubbish facilities. Pets welcome, please ensure your pet is restrained if it's likely to chase our livestock. 4WDs are recommended to access our property, and are required in wet conditions.

Namoi Valley Escape

100%

(15)

63km from Carrai State Conservation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV

We are located near Manilla, which lies 45km northwest of Tamworth. You can purchase all you need at the shopping centres there, or in Manilla where you can can pick up groceries and fuel. We are suitable for caravans or motorhomes with self contained toilets and showers as we have no facilities. It is essential that visitors have these facilities. All waste must be removed. There is a waste dump station in Manilla. Our property offers flat access from the road, with plenty of room to manoeuvre. We recommend 4WDs - please message us if you are unsure about your vehicle. You are welcome to stay near the river or in a hidden valley. But again stress the need for self contained removable toilet facilities. Swim in the river and have a camp fire. Walk in the area, see the abundance of birds and wildlife. This is a hilly and mountainous area to explore, you are welcome to go fishing along the river bank, or bring a camera as it is a photographer's delight. Very private camping areas. Enjoy listening to the crackle of the campfire in the evenings. There is access to drinking water, but no amenities so you need to be a self-contained toilet/shower. Well behaved pets welcome.

Dales Do Drop Inn

100%

(12)

68km from Carrai State Conservation Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Westdale 10mins drive west of Tamworth's main street. A larger than normal suburban backyard with no neighbours. Access for large vehicles. Can accommodate tents, caravans, buses, RV's of all sizes. Flat level all weather block. Dale enjoys Happy Hour most evenings and loves a chat. Or she can leave you to your own devices. There is one site with power and water and plenty of room for those who are self sufficient.

Royal Oaks

99%

(41)

76km from Carrai State Conservation Area · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Great location for Tamworth Country Music Festival, walk or cycle into Tamworth CBD. 20 acres on the Peel River. There are unpowered campsites next to the river but the amenities are about a 300m walk. We have a couple of horses, a few chooks and lots of avian wildlife live on the property. Peaceful and with abundant trees. Hot water shower, flushing toilet and 10 amp power available at the sites next to the amenities. Good access for caravans and all types of vehicles. Dogs or other pets not accepted. No campfires, total fire bans often in place here.

Kingfisher's Hut Nature Retreat

100%

(11)

76km from Carrai State Conservation Area · 1 site · Lodging

Welcome to our river retreat. Ideal for those seeking privacy, peace and solitude away from the socials and technology. Kingfisher's Hut sits on 80 acres of our 240 acre property, on a high bank overlooking the Macdonald River as it makes it way towards the confluence with the Namoi River. Ideally suited for a couple (children and fur babies also welcome) or small groups, and those who are new to a nature escape holiday. A small solar system provides lighting (but not recharging of devices). Our insulated cabin provides a comfortable double bed (bring your own linen and pillows) and pot belly stove for the colder months. Our bush kitchen provides your basic needs with a BBQ, 12 volt fridge, and fully equipped camp kitchen. Our open fire is set up for cooking or for just sitting, relaxing and staring into the flames. Our bush bathroom provides a toilet and wood fired hot shower. Or you might chose to relax in a hot bath overlooking the river. We welcome nature lovers and offer activities such as bush walking, bird watching, native wildlife, swimming, picnicking, kayaking (double kayak provided), catch and release fishing (seasonal and with current Fishing Licence), and big open night skies for astronomy enthusiasts. We are a small farming enterprise and currently establishing aquaculture (yabby) ponds and can offer an introductory tour to those who are interested. The hut sleeps two but there is plenty of room for those who wish to bring a camper trailer or van or pitch a tent. As a working property, you may need to navigate around the odd cow pat! We do ask that you carefully read our rules (see link) to avoid any conflict with neighbouring properties or our attempts at retaining a relatively undisturbed, healthy river environment and not to impact upon our surrounding community.

Edgecote Camping

98%

(48)

77km from Carrai State Conservation Area · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Our family have lived at ‘Edgecote’ for eighteen years. We are predominantly horse breeders and trainers, however have some cattle and many dogs. We love the great outdoors and especially enjoy this ‘bottom paddock’ because of all the trees and the bird life. The dam gives the space a cool feel and a place for dogs to swim and retrieve.

Bai-Yai River Eco-Camp & Artist Retreat

100%

(37)

77km from Carrai State Conservation Area · 4 sites · Lodging

Bai-Yai is a 480 acre partly Conservation Covenanted property, 70 minutes south-west of Armidale & 70 minutes north-west of Tamworth. On the tablelands 700 metres above sea level, next door to Warrabah National Park. Our northern boundary is the Macdonald river, just before it drops westward through the gorges & changes its name to the Namoi.We're for the nature-lover who enjoys peace & quiet away from crowds, who values birdsong above the hum of cars & generators! Our facilities are simple but comfortable, all off-grid. There's a covered platform kitchen area overlooking some of the great river swimming spots for campers to enjoy, a pit toilet, simple shower, & fresh drinking water supplied daily. The owners house is out of sight but within coo-ee if needed.The river & general wildness of terrain make Bai-Yai camping not really suitable for young children who requite 24/7 supervision for their safety.CRITICAL: Please ensure your personal profile is completed including a photo before submitting a booking request.

Sheffield B&B Farm stay Tamworth

99%

(71)

79km from Carrai State Conservation Area · 14 sites · Tents, RVs

Located in a quiet rural setting upon 30 acres, overlooking the city of Tamworth, just a quick 10 minute drive from the CBD. As I wake in the morning you will find yourself surrounded by horses, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and you welcome to feed the ponies a carrot or two. We cater for all your accommodations and camping needs with grasses powered camp sites for hooking up your caravans & horse floats or we provide self contained units and B&B style accommodation. Offering toilets, showers and drinking water. Accomodation options include powered and unpowered sites - suitable for set-ups from tents to big rig RVs. Located close to amenities and a campfire. Sheffield runs a unique hands on farm experience join us to come feed and communicate with the friendly horses, pigs, goats, chooks, Guinea fowl and cats . Enjoy walking through our beautiful gardens and have a picnic. Follow Debbie around and learn why the guniea fowl are in the trees or how the horses sleep while standing up? Collect the chook eggs and feed the pigs, horses and goats.

Adela Park

92%

(39)

80km from Carrai State Conservation Area · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

A quiet property on the outskirts of Tamworth, a seven-minute drive to the town centre or the Country Music Capital festivities. Walking distance to the local pub and general store. We offer a flat block, with options for shade by the large pepper and gum trees. There are sweeping mountain views, no street lights, and plentiful birdlife to enjoy. We provide on-site power and bore water (which is drinkable) and also unpowered sites however we DO NOT have toilet or shower facilities so all campers must be self-sufficient in this regard. Dogs are welcome but must be under control or on a leash at all times. Horses welcome also. Children under 12 stay free - please just ensure they're added to the booking so we can keep on top of the numbers. (you will not be charged).

The best camping in Carrai State Conservation Area, NSW guide

Overview

About

Carrai State Conservation Area, a haven for nature enthusiasts, offers a plethora of activities set amid 6853 hectares of pristine wilderness. Traverse the rugged landscapes, spot diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the bush. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, a keen hiker, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustle of daily life, this conservation area promises an unforgettable adventure.

When to go

The best time to visit Carrai State Conservation Area is during the milder months of autumn and spring, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Summer can be quite warm, making it less ideal for strenuous hikes. Always check for local alerts and weather conditions before planning your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Know before you go

Ensure you have a detailed map and are familiar with the park's terrain before exploring.
Check the official website for any current alerts or closures in the area.
Be prepared for limited mobile reception; plan your visit accordingly.
Respect the natural environment and local wildlife by following all conservation guidelines.
Contact the Walcha office at 02 6777 4700, open from 8:30am to 4:30pm, for any inquiries.

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