Bingara Free Camping Area – Gwydir River Camping NSW

The Bingara Free Camping Area is widely celebrated as one of the best free camps in all of Australia, and it’s easy to see why. This magnificent and enormous reserve is beautifully situated on the lush, grassy banks of the Gwydir River, offering a perfect blend of serene natural beauty and incredible town convenience. Maintained with pride by the local council, the campground provides a huge number of sites, allowing all types of campers—from those in tents to the largest big rigs—to find their ideal spot. You can choose a prime waterfront position to watch the river flow by, or a shady spot back under the trees. The atmosphere is famously friendly and relaxed, embodying the welcoming spirit of this ‘RV Friendly’ town.

The Gwydir River is the star attraction, providing fantastic opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The campground is exceptionally pet-friendly, with acres of space for dogs to run and play. For a free camp, the facilities are outstanding, with several clean toilet blocks and a dedicated dump point available for self-contained travellers. The campground’s greatest asset is its location; a beautiful riverside walking path leads you directly into the heart of the charming and historic town of Bingara. This encourages campers to support the local businesses that make this wonderful facility possible, from the classic country pubs and cafes to the beautifully restored Roxy Theatre. For a budget-friendly, pet-friendly, and scenically stunning stay with all the conveniences of a town at your fingertips, the Bingara Free Camping Area is an unmissable Australian travel experience.

• GPS Coordinates: -29.85879, 150.59708

Site Information

• Location: On the Gwydir River, adjacent to the town of Bingara.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road access. Easy for all 2WD vehicles.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally up to 14 days, check local signage.
• Facilities: Toilets, dump point, rubbish bins.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available.
• Mobile phone coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Excellent.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Ullage: Yes, a dump point is available.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• 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

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

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in the Gwydir River.
• Short walks: A beautiful riverside walk leads directly into the town of Bingara.

Local Amenities (in Bingara)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Sportsmans Hotel (~2 km)
  • The Imperial Hotel (~2 km)
  • Bingara RSL Club (~2 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A fantastic selection of cafes, bakeries, pubs, and clubs in Bingara’s main street (~2 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The Roxy Theatre & Greek Museum (~2 km)
  • The Living Classroom (~3 km)
  • Bingara Historical Museum (~2 km)
  • Fossicking for gemstones in the area.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Bingara Riverside Caravan Park (adjacent, for powered sites)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Cranky Rock Nature Reserve (~45 km, fees apply)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Onsite at the campground.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Bingara (~2 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite at the campground.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: North West Slopes

• Summer (December – February): Hot to very hot and often dry. Perfect for river activities. Average temperatures from 20°C to 34°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for exploring. Temperatures range from 11°C to 28°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with frequent frosts. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 3°C to 18°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and vibrant. Temperatures range from 11°C to 27°C.