Ellenborough Reserve Free Camping Area

Ellenborough Reserve is a legendary free camp on the NSW Mid North Coast, holding a special place in the hearts of travellers for its stunning location and incredible community-provided facilities. This magnificent and vast reserve is beautifully situated right at the confluence of the Ellenborough and Hastings Rivers, offering a picturesque setting for a classic Australian bush camping experience. The campground consists of a huge, sprawling, grassy area with an abundance of shady and sunny sites, making it perfect for every type of camper, from those in small tents to the largest of motorhomes. Its combination of natural beauty, excellent amenities, and pet-friendly policy makes it one of the most popular free camps in the state.

The facilities at Ellenborough are what truly set it apart. For a campground that runs on donations, the provision of a clean and well-maintained amenity block with flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers is a remarkable luxury. The rivers themselves are a major drawcard, offering beautiful, clear swimming holes, fantastic bass fishing, and endless opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. The reserve is a paradise for dog owners, with acres of space for pets to run and swim. While the campground itself is a destination, it also serves as a fantastic base for exploring the region’s attractions, most notably the spectacular Ellenborough Falls—one of the longest single-drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere—which is just a scenic drive away. For a comfortable, beautiful, and activity-filled riverside escape that offers unparalleled value, Ellenborough Reserve is an unmissable destination.

• GPS Coordinates: -31.44041, 152.46077

Site Information

• Location: At the junction of the Ellenborough and Hastings Rivers.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road. Easy 2WD access.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, a donation is requested.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally up to 14 days, check local signage.
• Facilities: Hot showers (coin-operated), flush toilets, rubbish bins.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, a tap with town water is available.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• 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

• Donation cash for the honesty box.
• Coins for the hot showers.
• 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 bass fishing in the rivers.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the extensive riverbanks.

Local Amenities (in Wauchope)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Hastings Hotel, Wauchope (~25 km)
  • The Star Hotel, Wauchope (~25 km)
  • Wauchope RSL Club (~25 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in Wauchope (~25 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Ellenborough Falls (~25 km)
  • Timbertown Heritage Theme Park, Wauchope (~25 km)
  • The historic town of Wauchope (~25 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Wauchope Showground (~25 km)
  • Wauchope Riverside Holiday Park (~25 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • The Bluff Campground, Mount Boss State Forest (~50 km, 4WD only)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Wauchope Showground (~25 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Wauchope (~25 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite at the campground.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

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.