Turpentine Camping Area – Watagans Forest Camping NSW

Turpentine Camping Area is another magnificent free campsite nestled within the beautiful and accessible Olney State Forest in the Watagans Mountains. Part of a trio of popular campgrounds in the area, Turpentine offers a wonderfully spacious and serene setting for a classic bush getaway. Surrounded by a beautiful forest of native turpentine trees and other eucalypts, this large, grassy clearing provides a peaceful atmosphere and ample room for all camping styles. It’s an incredibly popular destination for families, groups of friends, and particularly for those who camp with their dogs, as pets are welcome to enjoy the forest environment.

This is a fantastic spot for self-sufficient campers, with basic but functional facilities including non-flush toilets and wood fire pits, perfect for enjoying a campfire under the stars (subject to fire bans). As with all State Forest camping, you must come prepared with your own drinking water and be ready to take all of your rubbish home with you. The campground’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the rich network of trails that crisscross the Watagans. It’s conveniently located near the start of several walking tracks, including the family-friendly Pines track and the more rugged Rock Lily circuit, offering something for hikers of all abilities. The forest roads are also a major drawcard for 4WD and trail bike enthusiasts. For a completely free, pet-friendly, and beautiful forest escape that is easy to get to from Sydney and the Central Coast, Turpentine Camping Area is a top-tier choice.

• Website: Forestry Corporation – Olney State Forest
• GPS Coordinates: -33.06117, 151.33567

Site Information

• Location: Olney State Forest, in the Watagans Mountains.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans.
• Road access: Unsealed forest roads. Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy area.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check Forestry Corporation guidelines, typically up to 4 weeks.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, fire pits.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a very large area.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood.
• Sturdy shoes for walking tracks.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes. Dogs are permitted in NSW State Forests.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: Close to The Pines and Rock Lily walking tracks.

Local Amenities (in Wyee/Morisset)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Wyee Hotel (~20 km)
  • The Bay Hotel, Bonnells Bay (~25 km)
  • Morisset Country Club (~28 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Wyee’s local shops and pub (~20 km)
  • A wide range of restaurants and clubs in Morisset (~28 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The Pines Picnic Area and walking trail (within the State Forest)
  • The Boarding House Dam Picnic Area (within the State Forest)
  • TreeTops Adventure Park, Wyong Creek (~25 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie, Morisset (~28 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • The Pines Campground (within Olney State Forest)
  • Casuarina Camping Area (within Olney State Forest)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Morisset Showground (~28 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Wyee (~20 km) or Morisset (~28 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Service stations or supermarkets in Wyee or Morisset. Arrive fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in the town of Wyee (~20 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Central Coast Hinterland

• Summer (December – February): Warm to hot and humid, with high chance of rain and thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 19°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Mild, sunny days and pleasant evenings. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures range from 13°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool and often damp, with cold nights. The rainforest areas are particularly lush. Temperatures range from 6°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.