Bethungra Dam – Low-Cost Lakeside Camping NSW

Bethungra Dam is a true gem of the NSW South West Slopes, offering a picturesque and remarkably well-facilitated camping experience for a very modest, donation-based fee. Lovingly maintained by a dedicated local committee, this beautiful reserve provides travellers with a peaceful and scenic spot to unwind by the water’s edge. The campground features a large, open, and grassy area that slopes gently down to the dam, providing plenty of space for caravans, motorhomes, and tents to find a comfortable site with a lovely view. It’s this combination of beautiful scenery and outstanding community-provided amenities that makes Bethungra Dam a highly sought-after destination for budget-conscious travellers.

The facilities here are exceptional for a low-cost camp. The clean and well-kept amenity block includes flush toilets and the welcome luxury of coin-operated hot showers, ensuring a comfortable stay. The dam itself is the main attraction, offering a tranquil setting for a range of activities. It’s a popular spot for fishing, with anglers trying their luck for redfin, yellowbelly, and trout. The calm waters are also perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. The area is a haven for birdlife, and the surrounding bushland invites leisurely walks. The campground is proudly pet-friendly, making it a great option for those travelling with their animal companions. Its convenient location, just a short drive from the Olympic Highway, makes it an easy and rewarding detour. By staying at Bethungra Dam and leaving a donation, campers are directly supporting the local volunteers who work hard to maintain this fantastic community asset for all to enjoy.

• GPS Coordinates: -34.76677, 147.90634

Site Information

• Location: At the Bethungra Dam reserve, south of the village of Bethungra.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes.
• Road access: Unsealed road access from the highway, generally suitable for 2WD vehicles and caravans driven with care.
• Site surface: Grass.
• Camping permitted: Yes, a donation is requested to be left in the onsite honesty box.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally up to 7 days, check local signage.
• Facilities: Toilets, coin-operated hot showers, picnic tables, barbecues.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, a tap with rainwater is available.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good with Telstra, can be patchy with other carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, unless a fire ban is in place.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large area.

Essentials to Bring

• Donation cash for the honesty box.
• Coins ($1) for the hot showers.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Kayak or canoe.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes.
• Fishing: Yes, popular for redfin, yellowbelly, and trout.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks around the dam foreshore.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Hotel Shirley, Bethungra (~10 km)
  • Numerous pubs and hotels in Cootamundra (~25 km)
  • The Junee Hotel, Junee (~40 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The Hotel Shirley, Bethungra (~10 km)
  • A wide variety of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Cootamundra (~25 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Bethungra Rail Spiral (~12 km)
  • Sir Donald Bradman’s Birthplace Museum, Cootamundra (~25 km)
  • Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum (~40 km)
  • The Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory (~40 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Cootamundra Caravan Park (~25 km)
  • Junee Tourist Park (~40 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Billabong Creek Camp, Illabo (~20 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Cootamundra Showground (~25 km)
  • Junee RV Park (~40 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Bethungra (~10 km – may have limited hours)
  • Multiple major service stations in Cootamundra (~25 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite (rainwater).
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: South West Slopes

• Summer (December – February): Hot and often dry. Perfect for water activities. Average temperatures from 17°C to 32°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days with cool, pleasant nights. A popular time for camping. Temperatures range from 8°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with heavy frosts common. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 2°C to 15°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The countryside is green and vibrant. Temperatures range from 7°C to 24°C.