Lachlan River Campground – Maude NSW

Experience the quintessential Australian outback river camp at the Lachlan River Campground, located by the Maude Weir in the heart of the NSW Riverina. This is a vast, free, and rustic camping area that embodies the spirit of self-sufficient bush travel. Set on the wide, open plains characteristic of the region, the campground offers an almost limitless choice of sites along the riverbank, providing a genuine sense of space and seclusion. It’s a place where you can pull up your caravan or set up your tent, cast a line into the slow-moving waters of the Lachlan, and watch a spectacular sunset paint the sky in brilliant colours. The sheer size of the reserve makes it perfect for all types of vehicles, including the largest of big rigs, with plenty of level ground to be found.

This campground is a paradise for anglers, renowned for its excellent Murray cod and yellowbelly fishing. The easy access to the water also makes it ideal for launching a kayak or canoe to explore the river’s tranquil stretches. The facilities are basic, with a single non-flush toilet block, so campers must be well-prepared and self-contained. This includes bringing all your own drinking water and taking all rubbish with you to leave the beautiful environment pristine. The campground is very pet-friendly, with endless space for dogs to explore. While it feels remote, the iconic Maude Hotel is just a short drive away, offering a classic outback pub experience and a great meal. For travellers exploring the Hay Plains and looking for an authentic, peaceful, and budget-friendly riverside stopover, the Lachlan River Campground at Maude is an unbeatable choice.

• GPS Coordinates: -34.24027, 144.37225

Site Information

• Location: On the Lachlan River, near Maude Weir.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed access road, generally suitable for 2WD and large vehicles in dry weather.
• Site surface: Dirt and sparse grass.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit, but respectful short to medium stays are the norm.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilet.
• Picnic tables: No.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water supplies.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none. Telstra may have a weak signal in some spots.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: No.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted, subject to local fire bans. Be self-sufficient with your own fire pit.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for the vast distances between campers.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive area.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Insect repellent, particularly for the evenings.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, extremely pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for Murray cod and yellowbelly.
• Short walks: Endless opportunities for walks along the riverbank.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Maude Hotel (~5 km)
  • Numerous pubs in Hay (~60 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Maude Hotel (~5 km)
  • A wide selection of pubs, cafes, and bakeries in Hay (~60 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Maude Weir
  • Shear Outback, The Australian Shearers Hall of Fame, Hay (~60 km)
  • Dunera Museum, Hay (~60 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Hay Plains Holiday Park, Hay (~60 km)
  • Discovery Parks – Hay (~60 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Sandy Point, Hay (~60 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Hay Showgrounds (~60 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Hay (~60 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Hay Visitor Information Centre (~60 km)
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Hay (~60 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Riverina Region

• Summer (December – February): Very hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Average temperatures from 20°C to 36°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm to mild sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for camping. Temperatures range from 10°C to 29°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, especially overnight with heavy frosts. Days are typically cool but sunny. Temperatures range from 3°C to 16°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. A beautiful time to visit as the landscape greens. Temperatures range from 9°C to 26°C.