Free Camping Blue Mountains, NSW: Where To Camp For Free

Written By Bastian Graf

One of the very best ways of seeing the Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales is by camping, offering you the opportunity to trek through rugged terrain and marvel at ancient eucalyptus trees – something any truly adventurous soul craves.

Camping doesn’t have to be a mega-expensive affair, either, and there are some amazing free camping spots in the Blue Mountains that offer everything you could possibly want without charging you any money. To make things even easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best free camping in the Blue Mountains below.

Let’s get exploring!

Before we get into the details of each of these sites, we should note that the best way to enjoy free camping in the Blue Mountains is by campervan. Contact us today to discuss your campervan hire needs, and we’ll help get you on the road to adventure.

Old Ford Reserve

Megalong Creek, Blue Mountains National Park

One of the free camping sites in the Blue Mountains National Park that is managed by the city council, Old Ford Reserve runs along Megalong Creek and is suitable for campervans, camper trailers, and 4WDs. It’s also dog friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it one of the most popular free camping sites in New South Wales.

However, this popularity does mean that spaces here can go pretty quickly, so it’s worth getting here in good time to guarantee a spot. Amenities here are good, too, and include a toilet block, picnic tables, and fire pits, although you are limited to a 10-day stay.

You’ll also be surrounded by beautiful scenery at Old Ford Reserve, and the creek allows fishing and swimming. So, whether you want to try catching your own dinner or simply cooling off on a hot day, it’s definitely a great place to stay.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Toilets
Fire Pits
Picnic Tables

Burralow Reserve

Lower Grose Valley Area, Blue Mountains National Park

One of the best free camping sites in the Blue Mountains for those looking for a quiet, secluded spot, Burralow Reserve is located within the nature-filled Lower Grose Valley area. Campervans and 4WDs can access this site easily, and generators are also allowed here, but you are limited to a 7-day stay.

In this area, you’ll find a natural sandstone amphitheatre that is accessible by a walking track surrounded by gum trees. When you’re done exploring for the day, you can take advantage of some excellent amenities at this spot, too, including toilets, fire pits (bring your own firewood), BBQ facilities and picnic tables.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Toilets
Fire Pits
BBQ Facilities
Picnic Tables

Warragamba Reserve

Warragamba, NSW

You can stay at Warragamba Reserve for a limit of up to 48 hours free of charge, but it is only suitable for self contained vehicles as facilities are limited to toilets that are locked after dark. There are, however, some great non-essential amenities that are ideal for family trips, including BBQs, picnic tables, and a playground.

You can also find drinking water here, and there is a booking system in place, which takes the stress away from finding a spot. This site is close to Warragamaba town centre, too, so it’s perfect if you want to stock up on supplies or grab a meal in a restaurant.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Toilets
BBQs
Picnic Tables
Playground

Blackheath Glen Reserve

Blackheath Area, Blue Mountains National Park

A dog friendly free campsite set in the Blue Mountain National Park, Blackheath Glen Reserve is conveniently located close to the road and is easily accessible for campervans. There isn’t a booking system in place, and you can stay for up to 10 days, but it is one of the more popular sites, so it is worth getting here in good time to increase your chances of guaranteeing a space.

Once you’re set up, you’ll find yourself surrounded by rainforest filled with native wildlife, which is perfect for birdwatching, walking, and mountain bike rides. There’s also a small creek close to the site that provides non-drinking water and a place to swim.

The amenities at Blackheath Glen Reserve are pretty good and include toilets and showers. You can also dine at the picnic tables and enjoy a night around the provided open fire rings.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Toilets
Non-Drinking Water
Showers
BBQs
Fire Rings
Picnic Tables

Londonderry Reserve

Londonderry Area, Blue Mountains National Park

One for those who are confident with self-sufficient camping, Londonderry Reserve is a bush camp with no essential facilities. As such, it’s really only suitable for self contained vehicles. There are, however, some good non-essential amenities to enjoy, including open fire pits and a picnic area.

This site is purposefully wild, and this makes it a fantastic place to set up without having to worry about camping fees if you’re a wildlife lover. Not only do the surrounding trees offer excellent birdwatching opportunities, but the small creek is home to platypi and many different fish species.

This remote campground is also ideal for anyone looking for a peaceful break, and it’s tucked away from the road. There are usually few fellow campers to worry about, too, and there is no time limit on how long you can stay.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Non-Drinking Water
Picnic Tables
Fire Pits

Lockyer’s Track Campground

Lockyer’s Head Area, Blue Mountains National Park

This is one of the most accessible free camping sites in the Blue Mountains and is suitable for campervans, camper trailers, and tents. However, it is also one of the smallest and only has room for three setups, which means you’ll need to get here early to get a space.

There are some good amenities here, including drop toilets and picnic tables, and the entire site is dog friendly. The surrounding walking track is ideal for hiking (whether you’re taking your canine companion with you or not), and there are also flat, shaded areas to sit back and relax in when you’re done exploring.

Another great thing about this site is that there isn’t a time limit on your stay. So, if you’re lucky enough to get a space, it’s a wonderful place to set up home for a few days.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Drop Toilets
Picnic Tables
Fire Pits

Dunphy’s Camping Area

Megalong Valley, Blue Mountains National Park

Another free site located within Megalong Valley, Dunphy’s Camping Area is a perfect mix of remote scenery and family-friendly amenities. Here, you’ll find drinking and cooking water, picnic tables, BBQ facilities, and toilets. You’re also able to book a space here, so there’s less need to worry about getting in.

You’ll find plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities at this site, and there are kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats living freely in the surrounding rainforest. You’re also close to the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre when you stay here, so it’s perfect if you want to get expert advice on what walking tracks to take and what plants and animals you can discover while you’re camping.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Toilets
Drinking Water
Picnic Tables
BBQ Facilities
Fire Pits

Mount York Lookout

Mount York, Blue Mountains National Park

There are 15 spaces at Mount York Lookout, and it is suitable for campervans and camper trailers but not for tent camping. This is also one of the most secluded free camping spots on our list, making it a great choice for anyone who is looking for a little more privacy or who simply wants to unwind in the sound of the surrounding wildlife.

You’ll find some excellent walking tracks around here, too, and with a 10-day time limit, you’re given the opportunity to enjoy them all before moving on to your next destination. They are also some of the most popular walking tracks in the Blue Mountains, including Coxs Road and Lawsons Long Alley.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Toilets
Picnic Tables
Fire Pits

Explore other popular free camping spots in New South Wales

Check out some of our other popular free camping spots in New South Wales below:

Check out Free Camping Spots in Coffs Harbour
Check out Free Camping Spots in Batemans Bay
Check out Free Camping Spots on the Central Coast
Check out Free Camping Spots in Byron Bay
Check out Free Camping Spots in Broken Hill
Check out Free Camping Spots in the Blue Mountains

Looking for more inspiration? Check out the best places for free camping in Australia.

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FAQs about free camping in the Blue Mountains

Yes, free camping is allowed in designated areas throughout the Blue Mountains National Park. There are quite a few scenic spots like Old Ford Reserve, Dunphy’s Camping Area, and Burralow Reserve where you can legally stay without paying a cent. Just make sure you’re camping in an approved location — roadside camping or pitching a tent outside these zones isn’t allowed.

No, street camping isn’t allowed in towns like Katoomba, Blackheath, or Leura. Councils are strict, and you risk being fined if you park overnight in areas that don’t allow it. Stick to recognised sites like Mount York Lookout or Blackheath Glen Reserve — they’re free, legal, and far more relaxing.

In general, campgrounds near Blue Mountain offer a 24 to 72-hour stay-over limit.

Facilities vary from basic to fairly well-equipped. Some sites, like Dunphy’s Camping Area and Blackheath Glen Reserve, have toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables — even showers or drinking water in some cases. Others, like Londonderry Reserve, are more suited to self-contained vehicles, with no essential amenities beyond a fire ring and a picnic area.

Blue Mountain campground rules differ from each other, so we recommend researching the rules beforehand.

Fires are allowed at many sites, but only in the provided fire pits. Firewood is usually BYO. Note that total fire bans are typically in place during the hotter months — from October through March — so check local fire restrictions before lighting up. Burralow Reserve, Old Ford Reserve, and Dunphy’s Camping Area all offer fire pits.

Absolutely. Sites like Warragamba Reserve and Bulga Recreation Ground (near the lower Blue Mountains) are especially good for families, with BBQs, picnic tables, playgrounds, and plenty of open space. Dunphy’s Camping Area also has good amenities and wildlife to spot, which makes it a fun and low-cost way to keep the kids entertained outdoors.

Some campsites do provide drinking water — Dunphy’s Camping Area and Branxton Park are good examples. Others may only have creek water that’s not suitable for drinking, like at Blackheath Glen Reserve or Lockyer’s Track Campground. Always bring your own supply, just in case.

Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and don’t require a booking. That said, a few places like Dunphy’s Camping Area and Warragamba Reserve use a booking system to manage numbers. It’s free to reserve and helps avoid disappointment — worth doing if you’re travelling during busy weekends or holidays.

You’ll want to come prepared. Essentials include water, food, cooking gear, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, and warm bedding (nights get chilly even in summer). If you’re staying somewhere without firewood provided, bring your own. Also, pack a torch or lantern — most sites have no lighting. A printed map or downloaded offline version of local trails is also a handy backup, as the signal can be patchy.

Spring and autumn are ideal. Summer can be hot and brings a higher fire risk, while winter gets cold, especially overnight. But if you’ve got the right gear, even winter is doable. April and May are beautiful for bushwalks and cooler nights around a fire (if permitted), and you’ll avoid the worst of the crowds.

DISCLAIMER: Any prices displayed are correct at the time of publishing. We highly recommend contacting any campsite or caravan parks prior to booking to confirm prices.

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About the Author

Bastian Graf

Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.

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