Pindari Dam Camping Ground – Free Lakeside Camping Inverell

Pindari Dam, often referred to as ‘Pindari Waters’, is a legendary destination for freshwater anglers and a true gem of the New England region, offering an incredible camping experience for free. This vast recreational park is set on the scenic, rugged shores of Pindari Dam on the Severn River, providing a stunning backdrop for an action-packed or wonderfully relaxing holiday. The campground is a massive, sprawling area with a huge number of unpowered sites, allowing campers to spread out and find their perfect spot, whether it’s a prime waterfront position or a more sheltered site back from the water. Its size and open nature make it suitable for all setups, from tents to the largest of big rigs.

The main drawcard here is undoubtedly the fishing. Pindari Dam is famously stocked with Murray cod, golden perch (yellowbelly), and silver perch, making it a top-tier destination for serious anglers. The concrete boat ramp provides excellent access for all types of vessels, and the vast expanse of the dam offers endless coves and corners to explore. Beyond fishing, the dam is a playground for water sports, with plenty of room for water skiing, kayaking, and swimming. What makes Pindari truly exceptional is the quality of its facilities for a free camp. The well-maintained amenity blocks offer the rare and welcome luxury of hot showers and flush toilets. The campground is also proudly pet-friendly. For a budget-friendly, pet-friendly, and action-packed lakeside adventure in a spectacular setting, Pindari Dam is one of the best free camps in the state.

• GPS Coordinates: -29.39609, 151.25854

Site Information

• Location: On the shores of Pindari Dam, north-east of Inverell.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road access almost to the campground. Easy for 2WD vehicles.
• Site surface: Large, grassy and dirt areas. Can be sloped in places.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit, but respectful stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, wood barbecues, boat ramp, fish cleaning tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available but boiling is recommended.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited. Telstra service is most likely, especially at higher points.
• TV reception: Possible with a good setup.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive area.

Essentials to Bring

• Your own firewood.
• Levelling ramps, as many sites are on a slope.
• Boat, kayak, or canoe.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for Murray cod and golden perch.
• Short walks: Explore the extensive foreshore and surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Ashford Hotel (~50 km)
  • The Royal Hotel, Inverell (~70 km)
  • The Australian Hotel, Inverell (~70 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Ashford’s local club and cafe (~50 km)
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in Inverell (~70 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Pindari Dam wall and lookout
  • Kwiambal National Park (~60 km)
  • The town of Inverell, the ‘Sapphire City’ (~70 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ashford Caravan Park (~50 km)
  • Inverell Caravan Park (~70 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Various rest areas on the Gwydir Highway.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Ashford Caravan Park (~50 km)
  • Inverell Showground (~70 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Ashford (~50 km) or Inverell (~70 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite (boil first). Otherwise, Inverell.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: New England / North West Slopes

• Summer (December – February): Hot to very hot and often dry. Perfect for water sports. Average temperatures from 19°C to 33°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for fishing and camping. Temperatures range from 10°C to 27°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with heavy frosts common. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 2°C to 17°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and vibrant. Temperatures range from 10°C to 26°C.