Wild Bull Campground – Mount Boss State Forest

Wild Bull Campground is a legendary free camp on the NSW Mid North Coast, offering an incredible blend of stunning natural beauty and outstanding facilities for a bush campground. Nestled in a beautiful, open valley on the banks of the pristine Wilson River within Mount Boss State Forest, this spacious reserve is a paradise for families, couples, and groups of friends. The campground is a vast, grassy expanse, providing plenty of shady and sunny sites suitable for all types of setups, from tents to caravans. Its accessibility and amenities make it one of the most popular forest camps in the state.

The main drawcard is the magnificent Wilson River, which features a series of crystal-clear swimming holes and gentle rapids right next to the campground. It’s the perfect place to cool off, float on a lilo, or launch a kayak to explore the serene waterway. What truly sets Wild Bull apart is the quality of its facilities. For a free, self-sufficient campground, the provision of a clean amenity block with flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers is a remarkable luxury. The campground is also proudly pet-friendly, with endless space for dogs to run and swim. The freedom to have a campfire, the beautiful riverside setting, and the comfortable amenities make this a fantastic destination for an extended stay. For a budget-friendly, pet-friendly, and comfortable bush escape with one of the best swimming holes around, Wild Bull is a top-tier choice.

• Website: Forestry Corporation – Mount Boss State Forest
• GPS Coordinates: -31.24596, 152.51295

Site Information

• Location: Mount Boss State Forest, west of Wauchope.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans.
• Road access: Unsealed forest roads. Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check Forestry Corporation guidelines.
• Facilities: Hot showers (coin-operated), flush toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large area.

Essentials to Bring

• Coins for the hot showers.
• All drinking water.
• Your own firewood.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Kayak, canoe, or pool floats.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes. Dogs are permitted in NSW State Forests.
• Fishing: Excellent bass fishing in the Wilson River.
• Short walks: Explore the beautiful riverbanks and nearby forest tracks, including a short walk to a lookout.

Local Amenities (in Wauchope)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Hastings Hotel, Wauchope (~60 km)
  • The Star Hotel, Wauchope (~60 km)
  • Wauchope RSL Club (~60 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in Wauchope (~60 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Cobrabald Recreation Area (in the same State Forest)
  • Timbertown Heritage Theme Park, Wauchope (~60 km)
  • The historic town of Wauchope (~60 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Wauchope Showground (~60 km)
  • Wauchope Riverside Holiday Park (~60 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • The Bluff Campground (in the same State Forest, 4WD only) (~2 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Wauchope Showground (~60 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Wauchope (~60 km). It is essential to have a full tank of fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Wauchope. Arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Wauchope (~60 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mid North Coast Hinterland

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, perfect for swimming. High chance of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 19°C to 30°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Ideal for hiking and camping. Temperatures range from 13°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cold nights. Frost is possible. Great for campfires. Temperatures range from 5°C to 19°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The landscape is lush and green. Temperatures range from 11°C to 25°C.