O’Hares Campground, Kosciuszko NP – 2WD Accessible Lakeside Camping

Discover one of Kosciuszko National Park’s most accessible and scenic lakeside retreats: O’Hares Campground. Nestled on the southern shores of the Talbingo Reservoir, this peaceful, free campground offers a fantastic base for families, anglers, and boating enthusiasts. What sets O’Hares apart is its ease of access; located on the sealed Elliott Way, it is reachable by 2WD vehicles, caravans, and camper trailers, making it a rare and convenient spot for all types of campers to enjoy the Snowy Mountains.

Once a site for the historic Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme, the campground is now a tranquil clearing surrounded by towering eucalypt forests, mountain gums, and peppermint trees, offering beautiful lake views. The facilities are basic but practical, including non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and wood barbecues. A key feature is the onsite boat ramp, providing direct access to the expansive Talbingo Reservoir, which is renowned for its excellent fishing, water skiing, and paddling opportunities.

This is a campground for the self-sufficient. While camping is free (a small $6 booking fee applies online), you must be prepared. There are no rubbish bins, so all waste must be taken with you. Water is available but is not potable and must be boiled or treated before drinking. It’s also wise to bring your own firewood, especially outside of peak periods. Due to its alpine location, the weather can change rapidly. Summers are mild and pleasant, but winters are very cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, so visitors must pack accordingly.

As it is situated within a national park, pets are strictly prohibited to protect the native wildlife. With a 14-day maximum stay, O’Hares Campground is the perfect spot to settle in, disconnect from the grid (mobile reception is very limited), and immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Snowy Mountains.

O’Hares campground – NSW Map

Location & Contact

• Name: O’Hares campground
• Address: Elliott Way, Nurenmerenmong NSW 2649 (located in Kosciuszko National Park)
• GPS Coordinates: -35.82229, 148.36515
• Website: NSW National Parks – O’Hares Campground

Map

Site Features & Facilities

• Location: Lakeside campground on the southern end of Talbingo Reservoir in Kosciuszko National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and camping beside your vehicle.
• Road Access: Sealed roads (Elliott Way). 2WD accessible in all weather (snow chains may be required in winter).
• Site Surface: Natural ground / dirt / grass. Sites are unmarked.
• Camping Permitted: Yes. Camping is free, but a $6 booking fee applies via the NSWNPWS website.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 14 days.
• Picnic Tables: Yes.
• Potable Water: No. Water is available but must be boiled or treated before drinking.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited. Do not rely on it.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes (non-flush pit toilets).
• Ullage (Dump Point): No.
• Drive Through: No (sites are unmarked, but it is not a formal drive-through park).
• Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided wood barbecues (subject to seasonal fire bans). Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Not specified. Be considerate of other campers and wildlife.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked sites in a large clearing.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, warm clothing (alpine environment).
• Pet Friendly: **No.** Pets are strictly prohibited in Kosciuszko National Park.
• Fishing: Yes, popular for trout and cod in Talbingo Reservoir. A NSW fishing licence is required.
• Short Walks: Yes, numerous tracks are accessible in the Tumut and Tumbarumba regions.

Local Amenities (in nearby Tumbarumba, approx. 70km drive)

• Local Pubs:
  • Tumbarumba Hotel (approx. 70km)
  • Union Hotel (approx. 70km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Elms Restaurant (approx. 70km)
  • Courabyra Wines Restaurant (approx. 75km)
  • Nest Cinema Cafe Books (approx. 70km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail (approx. 70km)
  • Paddys River Falls (approx. 85km)
  • Kosciuszko National Park (on-site)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Tumbarumba Caravan Park (approx. 70km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Henry Angel Flat (approx. 78km)
  • Mannus Lake Campsite (approx. 80km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Tumbarumba Rotary Park (8 Bridge St, Tumbarumba, approx. 70km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Ampol or BP stations in Tumbarumba (approx. 70km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Henry Angel Trackhead (7km south of Tumbarumba, approx. 77km)
• Public Toilets (Town):
  • Tumbarumba Rotary Park (13 Bridge St, Tumbarumba, approx. 70km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast (Nurenmerenmong)

• Summer (Dec – Feb): Mild. Average maximums are around 18-21°C, with cool nights averaging 9-11°C.
• Autumn (Mar – May): Cool to cold. Average maximums drop from 17°C in March to 8°C in May. Nights become very cold, averaging 2°C by May.
• Winter (Jun – Aug): Very cold (alpine conditions). Average maximums are only 3-5°C. Nights are freezing, averaging -0.7°C to 0.4°C. Snow is possible.
• Spring (Sep – Nov): Cool and warming. Average maximums rise from 8°C in September to 15°C in November. Nights remain cold, from 1°C to 7°C.