Kings Plains Creek Campground – Kings Plains National Park

For adventurous campers who love their destinations remote, rugged, and rich with history, Kings Plains Creek campground is a true hidden treasure. Tucked away in the beautiful and seldom-visited Kings Plains National Park, this campground offers an authentic bush experience for the self-sufficient 4WD enthusiast. The journey in is part of the appeal, with unsealed tracks and a creek crossing that guarantee a peaceful and uncrowded stay. The campground itself is a beautiful, grassy flat set on the banks of the seasonal Kings Plains Creek, surrounded by a stunning forest of cypress pine and angophora. It’s a classic, back-to-basics camp perfect for tents and rugged off-road camper trailers.

What makes this campground truly unique is its proximity to a fascinating piece of local history. Just a short walk from the campsites lie the stone ruins of the original Kings Plains Castle, a grand pastoralist homestead from the 1880s, offering a poignant glimpse into the region’s pioneering past. The creek, when flowing, provides beautiful rock pools perfect for a cooling dip on a hot day. The surrounding park is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of birdlife being common sights. This is a genuinely remote experience; facilities are limited to a non-flush toilet and fire rings. Campers must be completely self-reliant, bringing in all their own water and firewood, and packing out every scrap of rubbish. For a memorable adventure that combines challenging driving, fascinating history, and profound peace, Kings Plains Creek is an exceptional high-country destination.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -29.58401, 151.38953

Site Information

• Location: Kings Plains National Park, south-east of Glen Innes.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers.
• Road access: 4WD with high clearance is required. The track is unsealed and includes a creek crossing which can be impassable after rain.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• 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: 5 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own 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: 5 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• A well-prepared 4WD with recovery gear.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood and an axe/saw.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) is highly recommended.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Possible in the creek when flowing.
• Short walks: The main attraction is the walk to the historic Kings Plains Castle ruins.

Local Amenities (in Glen Innes)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Great Central Hotel, Glen Innes (~45 km)
  • The New England Club Hotel, Glen Innes (~45 km)
  • Royal Hotel, Glen Innes (~45 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide selection of pubs, cafes, clubs, and bakeries in the historic town of Glen Innes (~45 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Kings Plains Castle ruins (on site)
  • Australian Standing Stones, Glen Innes (~45 km)
  • Land of the Beardies History House Museum, Glen Innes (~45 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Fossicker Caravan Park, Glen Innes (~45 km)
  • Glen Rest Tourist Park, Glen Innes (~45 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Various rest areas on the New England Highway.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Glen Innes Showground (~46 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Glen Innes (~45 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre (~45 km). Arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in the parks in Glen Innes (~45 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: New England High Country

• Summer (December – February): Warm to hot days with cool nights, often with afternoon thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 16°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Famous for its beautiful autumn colours. Mild, sunny days and crisp, cold nights. Temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts and occasional snow. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 0°C to 15°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cool to mild days that can be windy. The landscape is covered in wildflowers. Temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C.