Old Snowy Campground, Kosciuszko NP – High Plains Camping

Experience a quiet, high-country escape at Old Snowy campground, a remote and charming site nestled in the High Plains area of Kosciuszko National Park. Located beside the Gurrangorambla Creek and sheltered by black sallee gums, this campground offers a genuine back-to-basics bush experience with invigorating valley views. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to disconnect, with the nearest services over 40km away in Adaminaby.

This campground is a particular favourite for horse riders, as it’s one of the few in the park that permits camping with horses and provides horse yards. It serves as a perfect starting point for the heritage-packed Pocket Ride. Bushwalkers and mountain bikers are also well-catered for, with numerous trails exploring the northern end of Currango Plain and historic alpine huts. The nearby creeks and the expansive Tantangara Dam offer excellent opportunities for trout fishing.

Access is via unsealed roads (Tantangara Road and Pocket Saddle Road), which are generally 2WD accessible in dry conditions but require a 4WD in wet weather. These roads are closed during winter (June to October long weekends). The campground is free, but a $6 booking fee applies and bookings are essential.

Visitors must be fully self-sufficient. The site has basic non-flush toilets, but no potable water (creek water must be boiled/treated) and no rubbish bins. Open fires are permitted in designated fireplaces, and firewood collection is allowed, though bringing your own is recommended. Unlike many remote parks, generators are permitted here between 9am and 9pm. With no mobile reception, it’s a true digital detox for those prepared for the alpine environment.

Old Snowy campground – NSW Map

Location & Contact

• Name: Old Snowy campground
• Address: Pockets Saddle Rd, Tantangara NSW 2629 (Kosciuszko National Park)
• GPS Coordinates: -35.69947, 148.72804
• Website: NSW National Parks – Old Snowy Campground

Map

Site Features & Facilities

• Location: Remote, high-plains campground beside Gurrangorambla Creek.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, camping beside vehicle, and camping with horses (yards provided).
• Road Access: Unsealed roads (Tantangara Rd & Pockets Saddle Rd). 2WD accessible in dry weather, 4WD required in wet weather. Roads closed in winter (June-Oct).
• Site Surface: Natural ground / grass. Sites are unmarked.
• Camping Permitted: Yes. Free, but bookings are essential (a $6 booking fee applies).
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 14 days.
• Picnic Tables: No.
• Potable Water: No. Creek water is available but must be treated or boiled before drinking.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: No. Limited service 5km away at the radio tower.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes (non-flush pit toilets).
• Ullage (Dump Point): No.
• Drive Through: No.
• Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces (subject to fire bans). Firewood collection is permitted, but bringing your own is recommended.
• Generator Use: Yes, generators are permitted from 9am to 9pm.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, cooking water, firewood, rubbish bags, warm/alpine clothing, toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: **No.** Pets are strictly prohibited in Kosciuszko National Park.
• Fishing: Yes, trout fishing in nearby creeks and Tantangara Dam. A NSW fishing licence is required.
• Short Walks: Yes, access to bushwalking and mountain bike trails (e.g., Pocket Ride).

Local Amenities (in nearby Adaminaby, approx. 44km drive)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Snow Goose Hotel (approx. 44km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Adaminaby Bakehouse (approx. 44km)
  • Small Fry Take-Away (approx. 44km)
  • Adaminaby Bowling Club (approx. 44km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Tantangara Dam (approx. 14km)
  • The Big Trout (Adaminaby, approx. 44km)
  • Yarrangobilly Caves (approx. 50km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Alpine Tourist Park (Adaminaby, approx. 44km)
  • Rainbow Pines Tourist Park (Old Adaminaby, approx. 50km)
• Next Free Camps: (Note: NP camps require booking fee)
  • Tantangara Dam (informal camping, approx. 14km)
  • Wares Yards Campground (booking fee, approx. 20km)
  • Long Plain Hut Campground (booking fee, approx. 25km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Cooma Motorhome Dump Point (Polo Flat Rd, Cooma, approx. 95km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Ampol Adaminaby (approx. 44km)
  • Wisda Petroleum Adaminaby (approx. 44km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Cooma Motorhome Dump Point (Polo Flat Rd, Cooma, approx. 95km)
  • Best to be self-sufficient.
• Public Toilets (Town):
  • Big Trout Picnic Area (Adaminaby, approx. 44km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast (Based on Adaminaby Averages)

• Summer (Dec – Feb): Mild to warm. Average maximums are around 24-26°C, with cool nights averaging 8-11°C.
• Autumn (Mar – May): Cool. Average maximums drop from 22°C in March to 14°C in May. Nights become very cold, with May averaging 0.5°C.
• Winter (Jun – Aug): Very cold. Average maximums are 10-12°C. Nights are freezing, averaging -2°C to -1°C. Frosts are heavy. **Access roads are closed.**
• Spring (Sep – Nov): Cool and warming. Average maximums rise from 15°C in September to 21°C in November. Nights remain cold, averaging 1-6°C.