The Pines Campground – Blowering Dam, Kosciuszko National Park

The Pines Campground is a quintessential Australian lakeside camping destination, beautifully located on the western foreshore of the mighty Blowering Dam in Kosciuszko National Park. As its name suggests, this hugely popular campground is set within a magnificent grove of pine trees, providing a wonderfully sheltered and scenic atmosphere that sets it apart from other sites on the lake. It’s a paradise for families, boaties, and anyone who loves water sports. The spacious, unpowered sites are spread throughout the forest, offering a sense of privacy and direct access down to the water’s edge, making it perfect for tents, caravans, and camper trailers.

Life at The Pines revolves around the vast expanse of Blowering Dam. A boat ramp makes it an ideal launch point for a day of water skiing, wakeboarding, or simply cruising the spectacular reservoir. The dam is also a renowned fishery, attracting anglers from far and wide who come in search of its legendary Murray cod and golden perch. The campground itself offers a fantastic, back-to-basics bush experience with well-maintained facilities, including non-flush toilets and wood barbecues perfect for a campfire cook-up. As a self-sufficient national park site, campers must book in advance and arrive with their own drinking water and firewood, and are required to take all rubbish out with them. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Snowy Mountains foothills and teeming with wildlife, The Pines offers an action-packed yet peaceful escape in a truly stunning location.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -35.44776, 148.28443

Site Information

• Location: Kosciuszko National Park, on the western shore of Blowering Dam.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes.
• Road access: Unsealed road, generally 2WD accessible with care.
• Site surface: Grass, dirt, and pine needles.
• 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: 40 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables, boat ramp.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Patchy. Telstra service is most likely.
• 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. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Permitted in designated areas and times. Check with NPWS.
• Number of sites available: 40 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood.
• Boat, kayak, or water ski gear.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Kosciuszko National Park.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in Blowering Dam for cod, perch, and redfin.
• Short walks: Explore the foreshore and nearby bushland. Close to the Hume and Hovell Walking Track.

Local Amenities (in Tumut)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Oriental Hotel, Tumut (~35 km)
  • The Woolpack Hotel, Tumut (~35 km)
  • The Commercial Hotel, Tumut (~35 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in the town of Tumut (~35 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Blowering Dam wall (~20 km)
  • Tumut River Brewing Co (~35 km)
  • Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins (~55 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Humes Crossing campground (on Blowering Dam)
  • Riverglade Caravan Park, Tumut (~35 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Numerous other campgrounds within Kosciuszko NP (fees apply).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Tumut Showground (~35 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Tumut (~35 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Tumut Visitor Information Centre (~35 km). Arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in Bila Park, Tumut (~35 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Snowy Mountains Foothills

• Summer (December – February): Hot and often dry, perfect for water sports. Average temperatures from 16°C to 31°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. The autumn colours in nearby Tumut are spectacular. Temperatures range from 7°C to 25°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with severe frosts and potentially freezing nights. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Snow is possible on higher peaks. Temperatures range from 1°C to 14°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and lush. Temperatures range from 6°C to 24°C.