Bells Bay Camp Ground – Toonumbar Dam Camping NSW

Bells Bay Camp Ground is a stunning recreational hub nestled on the shores of Toonumbar Dam, deep within the lush rainforests of Toonumbar National Park. This beautiful and spacious campground is a paradise for families, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts, offering a fantastic blend of natural beauty and excellent facilities. The campground is set on a large, grassy peninsula that juts into the dam, providing many campsites with wonderful water views. The spacious, unpowered sites are suitable for all types of camping, from tents and swags to caravans and camper trailers, with plenty of room to spread out and relax.

The main attraction is the magnificent Toonumbar Dam, which is renowned throughout Australia for its world-class Australian bass fishing. A concrete boat ramp makes launching a vessel easy, and the vast, tranquil waters are perfect for a day of fishing, water skiing, or leisurely exploration by kayak or canoe. For those who prefer to stay on land, the campground is a fantastic base for discovering the park’s rich biodiversity. It’s the starting point for the Murray Scrub walking track, an incredible trail that winds through one of the state’s most significant old-growth subtropical rainforests. The area is also teeming with wildlife. What truly elevates the camping experience at Bells Bay is the quality of the facilities. For a national park campground, the provision of modern amenity blocks with hot showers and flush toilets is a welcome luxury. For a well-facilitated, activity-rich, and scenically beautiful escape in the Northern Rivers hinterland, Bells Bay Camp Ground is a top-tier destination.

• GPS Coordinates: -28.60664, 152.78222

Site Information

• Location: Toonumbar National Park, on Toonumbar Dam.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes.
• Road access: Unsealed road, generally suitable for 2WD vehicles and caravans with care in dry weather.
• Site surface: Grass.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of un-powered sites: 45 marked sites.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, wood and gas barbecues, picnic tables, boat ramp.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available but it’s recommended to boil before drinking.
• 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/barbecues, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Permitted in designated areas and times. Check with NPWS.
• Number of sites available: 45 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood.
• Boat, kayak, or canoe.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Sturdy shoes for the rainforest walks.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Excellent bass fishing in Toonumbar Dam.
• Short walks: The Murray Scrub walking track is a highlight.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Dog ‘n’ Bull Hotel, Bonalbo (~35 km)
  • The Exchange Hotel, Kyogle (~50 km)
  • The Commercial Hotel, Kyogle (~50 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Bonalbo’s local cafe and pub (~35 km)
  • A wide range of pubs, cafes, clubs, and bakeries in Kyogle (~50 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Toonumbar Dam (on site)
  • Murray Scrub walking track (on site)
  • The Border Ranges National Park (~70 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Bonalbo Caravan Park (~35 km)
  • Kyogle Gardens Caravan Park (~50 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Peacock Creek Campground, Bonalbo State Forest (~20 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Kyogle Showground (~50 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Bonalbo (~35 km) or Kyogle (~50 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite (boil first). Otherwise, Kyogle. Arrive with full tanks.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Bonalbo (~35 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Northern Rivers Hinterland

• Summer (December – February): Hot and very humid, with a high chance of rainfall and thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 20°C to 32°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Ideal for hiking and boating. Temperatures range from 14°C to 28°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cold nights. Frost is possible. Great for campfires. Temperatures range from 6°C to 20°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The rainforest is at its most vibrant. Temperatures range from 12°C to 27°C.