There’s an abundance of beautiful camping spots in and around Canberra that are both hidden gems and classic local spots for the avid camper and traveller to choose from.

To save you the hassle of researching which spot would suit you best, Canberra Daily has put together our top five campsites with a range of breathtaking nature parks, caves, and rivers for you to enjoy.

As there’s many types of places you can pitch your tent or park your campervan, we’ve included both well-known campgrounds in reserves and national parks, along with off-the-beaten-track campsites in some of the most picturesque locations around the ACT region.

Bendethera Valley Campground

Remote and almost completely untouched, the Bendethera Valley Campground is the ideal place for keen cavers and explorers, or campers simply wanting to relax in peace. There are plenty of swimming spots scattered along the Deua River that flows through this open valley, and a plethora of walking tracks including the Bendethera Cave track.

things to see

• Kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats
• Bendethera wattle blooming in spring
• Bendethera Cave
• Deua River

things to do

• Swimming
• Birdwatching
• Bushwalking
• Picnic on the riverbank
• Caving
• Sightseeing

things to love

• Barbecue facilities
• Picnic tables
• Toilets
• Parking available

Price: Free with only a $6 booking fee

Location: Bendethera Valley Campground, NSW 2537

Maps: google.com/maps

Wee Jasper Reserves

A perfect piece of paradise right along the Goodradigbee River, Wee Jasper Reserves offers four primitive camping reserves where you can stop, unwind and enjoy the serenity. Sitting alongside the famous Hume and Hovell Walking Track, immerse yourself in stunning natural beauty of the area at either the Billy Grace Reserve, Fitzpatrick Trackhead Reserve, Swinging Bridge Reserve, or the Micalong Creek Reserve. If you’re wanting to have a more adventurous holiday, why not explore the spectacular Wee Jasper Caves with a guided outdoor adventure wild cave tour and learn about the rich cultural history of the land.

things to see

• 56 species of native birds and readily spotted mammals and reptiles
• Goodradigbee River
• Hume and Hovel Walking Track starting at the Fitzpatrick Trackhead
• Wee Jasper Caves

things to do

• Stand-up paddle boarding
• Bird watching
• Bushwalking
• Wild caving
• Swimming
• Kayaking
• Fishing
• Cricket
• Caving
• Cheese making class

things to love

• Suitable access for all vehicle types including coaches and large RVs
• Small kiosk with groceries, ice, and gas refills at the Billy Grace Reserve Office
• Rubbish compound

Prices:

Adult (over age of 16) – $17 per person, per night.

Child (4-15 years) – $4 per person, per night.

Infant (under 4 years) – Free, but must be registered on the booking.

Dog (any size or age) – Free, but must be register on the booking.

Day visitor & cave user (all types) – $2 per person, must be registered at Billy Grace Office.

Location: 5 Nottingham Road, Wee Jasper NSW 2582

Maps: google.com/maps

Rural Views

North-east of Tarago NSW, the Rural Views property comes highly rated on HipCamp with 96 per cent of people recommending this rural camping spot. Featuring native vegetation and spacious campsites, it is located in an ideal place for you to explore the surrounding national parks. With ultimate privacy, so many activities and places to explore, this expansive and beautiful piece of land is well worth a visit.

things to see

• Sheep and horses on the property
• An abundance of wildlife including kangaroos, wombats, possums, lizards, turtles, birds (including Wedgetail Eagles) and snakes
• Bungonia National Park
• Dam
• Historic Loaded Dog Hotel
• Goulburn’s Big Merino
• Swimming spots within a 45-minute drive
• Morton National Park
• Oallen Ford
• Shoalhaven River
• Bomaderry Creek
• Meroo National Park
• Jervis Bay National Park

things to do

• Swim in the dam or at one of the nearby swimming spots
• Explore the surrounding national parks
• Go gold prospecting at Oallen Ford
• Visit the nearby historic buildings
• Wildlife watching

things to love

• 8 sites to choose from
• Up to 12 people on allowed on each site
• Provided firepits and firewood
• Pets allowed

Price: $15 per person per night, children under 16 free

Location: given after booking

Maps: hipcamp.com/en-AU/discover/new-south-wales/

Goolabri, The Hidden Fairway

This regenerated golf course is one of the Best of 2022 Tent or Caravan Site Finalists on HipCamp, with an incredible 99 per cent recommend rate, so there’s no guessing whether The Hidden Fairway is a beautiful site for you to visit. Dan’s property includes a dam which you can swim in, an abundance of wildlife to observe, and stunning wetlands. Feel the tranquility for yourself and wake up alongside the grazing kangaroos and singing birds, and end the day basking under the sky full of stars.

things to see

• Forest
• Dam
• Field
• Wetlands
• Farm
• Nearby Brindabella National Park
• Nearby Burrinjuck Waters State Park
• Kangaroos

things to do

• Wildlife watching
• Swimming

things to love

• Available for tents, vans, trucks, campers, trailers, and RVs
• Wheelchair access
• Up to 6 guests per site
• 20 sites to choose from
• Generators allowed
• Flat surface levels
• Located on old golf course

Price: Price: $28 per night (for two guests)

Location: Goolabri Property, NSW 2620

Maps: google.com/maps

Brooklyn Springs Farm Escape

There’s an array of beautiful and secluded camping spots available at the Brooklyn Springs Farm Escape, just outside of Tumut and Gundagai. A working property with many different animals that will come and say hello, this pocket of perfection is a great sanctuary to relax, reset, and enjoy pristine views of the surrounding valleys and bright night sky.

things to see

• Brooklyn Springs
• Nestled between Tumut and Gundagai
• Sheep
• Cattle
• Horses
• Alpaca
• Goats
• Various dams
• Surrounding valleys
• Brindabella National Park
• Burrinjuck Waters State Park

things to do

• Hang out with the abundance of animals located on the property
• Take a dip in one of the various dams on the farm
• Head into one of the surrounding local towns
• Talk a walk across the farm and on the hills with stunning views
• Take a trip to the nearby Brindabella National Park
• Take a trip to the nearby Burrinjuck Waters State Park

things to love

• Campfires permitted within the designated areas (with firewood available)
• Drinking and cooking water available
• Dogs permitted (but must be controlled due to the livestock)
• Toilets available

Price: From $30 per night, per person

Location: Near Hillview Trail, Brungle Creek NSW

Maps: google.com/maps

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