Warri Reserve Campgrounds – Braidwood

Warri Reserve is one of the most beloved and popular free campgrounds in the NSW Southern Tablelands, offering a classic Aussie bush camping experience on the beautiful banks of the Shoalhaven River. Just a ten-minute drive from the historic town of Braidwood, this spacious reserve strikes the perfect balance between a peaceful, natural setting and convenient access to town amenities. The campground is a sprawling, grassy area dotted with shady gum trees, providing a huge number of sites suitable for all types of setups, from tents and swags to large caravans and motorhomes. Its popularity means it can get busy, especially on long weekends, but its size ensures there’s usually a good spot to be found.

The main attraction is the magnificent Shoalhaven River, which features a large, sandy beach and deep, clear swimming holes, making it an absolute paradise for families, swimmers, and paddlers during the warmer months. The calm waters are perfect for launching a kayak or canoe to explore the picturesque river valley. The campground is exceptionally pet-friendly, and you’ll always see happy dogs enjoying a swim and the wide-open spaces. This is a council-run reserve with basic but essential facilities, including non-flush toilets and rubbish bins. Campers need to be self-sufficient with their own drinking water and are welcome to enjoy a campfire in their own off-the-ground fire pit when restrictions aren’t in place. For a fantastic, free, and family-friendly riverside escape, Warri Reserve is a top-tier destination.

• GPS Coordinates: -35.3444, 149.73774

Site Information

• Location: On the Shoalhaven River, near Braidwood.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road access almost to the campsite entrance. Easy for 2WD vehicles.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy and sandy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally up to 2 weeks, check local signage.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, rubbish bins.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes, but taking your own is appreciated, especially when busy.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Kayak, canoe, or swimming gear.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Yes, fishing in the Shoalhaven River is popular.
• Short walks: Explore the extensive riverbanks and surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities (in Braidwood)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Royal Mail Hotel, Braidwood (~10 km)
  • The Braidwood Hotel (The National) (~10 km)
  • The Braidwood Services Club (~10 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An excellent selection of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in the historic main street of Braidwood (~10 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The historic, heritage-listed town of Braidwood (~10 km)
  • Braidwood Museum (~10 km)
  • Morton National Park (access via Braidwood)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Braidwood Showground (low cost) (~10 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Stewarts Crossing Campground (~40 km, 4WD rec)
  • Berlang Campground, Deua National Park (~45 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Braidwood Showground (~10 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Braidwood (~10 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Braidwood. Arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets also available in Ryrie Park, Braidwood (~10 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Southern Tablelands

• Summer (December – February): Hot and often dry, perfect for swimming. Average temperatures from 16°C to 30°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. An ideal time for camping. Temperatures range from 7°C to 24°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with severe frosts and potentially freezing nights. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 0°C to 14°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. Can be windy. The landscape is green and lush. Temperatures range from 6°C to 23°C.