Mogo Campground – Yengo National Park Camping

For adventurous campers seeking solitude and a deep connection to Australia’s ancient cultural heritage, Mogo Campground in Yengo National Park is a magnificent destination. Tucked away in a remote valley and accessible via unsealed roads that are best suited to 4WD vehicles, this campground guarantees a peaceful escape from the everyday. The campground itself is a beautiful, large grassy flat on the banks of Mogo Creek, surrounded by a stunning forest of eucalypts and towering sandstone ridges. It’s a classic, self-sufficient bush camp, offering a handful of spacious, unmarked sites perfect for tents and off-road camper trailers, where the sounds of the bush and the gentle flow of the creek are your only companions.

What makes Mogo truly special is its proximity to the Finchley Aboriginal Area, one of the most significant Aboriginal rock art sites in New South Wales. A short drive from the campground, this incredible cultural site features an extensive gallery of rock engravings, providing a profound insight into the region’s rich history. The campground also serves as the trailhead for the Mogo Loop walking track, a scenic hike that follows the creek through beautiful bushland. This is a back-to-basics experience; the facilities include non-flush toilets and wood barbecues, but you must bring all your own water and firewood, and pack out all your rubbish. The sense of isolation is immense, with no mobile phone reception to distract from the experience. For those properly equipped for a remote adventure, Mogo Campground offers a memorable stay in the heart of a rugged and culturally significant wilderness.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -33.14514, 151.09133

Site Information

• Location: Yengo National Park, north of the Hawkesbury River.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers.
• Road access: Unsealed roads. 4WD is recommended as roads can be rough and affected by weather.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of un-powered sites: 15 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (pit/long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire rings.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking and washing water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 15 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• A well-prepared vehicle, preferably 4WD.
• All drinking water for your entire stay.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) is recommended for remote hiking.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: The Mogo Loop track starts at the campground. The Finchley track and lookout are nearby.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Great Northern Trading Post, Laguna (~30 km)
  • Wollombi Tavern, Wollombi (~45 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Great Northern Trading Post, Laguna (~30 km)
  • Cafes and the pub in Wollombi (~45 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Finchley Aboriginal Area (viewing platform and engravings) (~10 km)
  • The historic village of Wollombi (~45 km)
  • Hunter Valley Wineries (starting from ~60 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Wollombi Tavern Campground (~45 km)
  • Various caravan parks in Cessnock (~70 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Cessnock Showground (~70 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Laguna (~30 km – check hours) or Cessnock (~70 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Cessnock Visitor Information Centre (~70 km). It is essential to arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Laguna (~30 km) or Wollombi (~45 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Lower Hunter Hinterland

• Summer (December – February): Hot and often humid, with a high risk of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 19°C to 31°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures range from 13°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cold nights. Frost is common in the valley. Temperatures range from 5°C to 18°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The bush is alive with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 11°C to 25°C.