Dawsons Spring Campground – Mount Kaputar National Park

Perched high amongst the clouds near the summit of Mount Kaputar, Dawsons Spring offers the most comfortable and accessible camping experience in this spectacular national park. This beautiful campground is a haven for families, hikers, and nature lovers, providing a fantastic base from which to explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Nandewar Ranges. Set in a beautiful clearing surrounded by magnificent snow gums, the campground offers a serene alpine atmosphere and is frequented by friendly kangaroos, wallabies, and colourful birds. The unpowered sites are spacious and suitable for tents, camper trailers, and small caravans, making it a versatile choice for a high-country adventure.

What sets Dawsons Spring apart is its exceptional facilities. For a remote mountain campground, the provision of modern amenity blocks with hot showers and flush toilets is a remarkable luxury, ensuring a comfortable stay even when the mountain weather turns cold. The campground is the starting point for the beautiful Dawsons Spring Nature Trail, an easy and informative walk through the unique sub-alpine environment. It’s also just a very short drive from the Mount Kaputar summit lookout, which offers truly breathtaking 360-degree views that can stretch for over 100 kilometres on a clear day, covering a vast portion of NSW. While comfortable, this is still a self-sufficient camping experience, requiring visitors to book in advance and bring their own firewood for the wood barbecues. For an unforgettable family holiday that combines incredible comfort with world-class hiking and some of the best views in the state, Dawsons Spring campground is a premier destination.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -30.2807, 150.16524

Site Information

• Location: Mount Kaputar National Park, near the summit.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, small caravans (under 5m).
• Road access: Long, steep, and winding road, partially unsealed. 2WD accessible with care in dry weather, but not suitable for large caravans.
• 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: 25 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, gas/electric barbecues, wood barbecues, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available but boiling is recommended.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good Telstra service is often available due to the high altitude.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated wood barbecues, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 25 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• Your own firewood.
• Sturdy hiking shoes.
• Alpine-rated warm clothing and sleeping gear, regardless of the season.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: The Dawsons Spring Nature Trail starts here. It’s a short drive to the summit lookout and other major trailheads.

Local Amenities (in Narrabri)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Tattersalls Hotel, Narrabri (~58 km)
  • The Crossroads Hotel, Narrabri (~58 km)
  • Narrabri RSL Club (~58 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in Narrabri (~58 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Mount Kaputar Summit Lookout (within the park)
  • Sawn Rocks (within the park, different access)
  • CSIRO Australia Telescope Compact Array, Narrabri (~78 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Narrabri Big Sky Caravan Park (~58 km)
  • Narrabri Motel and Caravan Park (~58 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Narrabri Showground (~58 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Narrabri (~58 km). It is essential to have a full tank of fuel before entering the park.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite (boil first). Otherwise, Narrabri.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in parks throughout Narrabri.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Nandewar Ranges (High Altitude)

• Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days with cool nights. High chance of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 14°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures range from 5°C to 22°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts, ice, and frequent snow. Road closures are common. Temperatures range from -3°C to 12°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cold to cool days that can be windy and changeable. The park is vibrant with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 5°C to 21°C.