Millionth Acre Recreation Area – Free Camping near Jenolan

The Millionth Acre Recreation Area offers a magical and serene camping experience, immersing visitors in the cool, alpine atmosphere of the Hampton State Forest. This beautiful and spacious free campground is set within a magnificent plantation of towering radiata pines, creating a unique, almost cathedral-like environment that feels a world away from the everyday. It’s a very popular destination for self-sufficient campers seeking a peaceful, high-country escape. The reserve is a large, open area with numerous clearings amongst the pines, providing plenty of spots for tents, camper trailers, and caravans to find a sense of seclusion.

This is a classic, back-to-basics bush camp where the focus is on the simple pleasures of nature. The facilities are limited to non-flush toilets, so campers must be fully self-reliant with their own water and power. Being a State Forest, the campground is proudly pet-friendly, a huge drawcard in the Blue Mountains region. The high altitude means that even in summer, the nights are cool, making it a perfect place to enjoy a campfire under a brilliant, star-filled sky. The campground’s location is a fantastic base for adventure; it’s just a short drive to the world-famous Jenolan Caves, and it provides access to a section of the historic Six Foot Track for keen hikers. For 4WD enthusiasts, the surrounding state forest is crisscrossed with trails waiting to be explored. For a beautiful, pet-friendly, and perfectly located free camp to explore the wonders of the high country, the Millionth Acre is a top-tier destination.

• GPS Coordinates: -33.67685, 150.05041

Site Information

• Location: Hampton State Forest, between Hampton and Oberon.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes.
• Road access: Unsealed forest road. Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather. Can be slippery. Check for snow/ice in winter.
• Site surface: Large, grassy areas with pine needles.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check Forestry Corporation guidelines, typically up to 4 weeks.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, fire pits.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited to none.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• 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

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood and an axe.
• Alpine-rated warm clothing and sleeping gear, as nights are cold year-round.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes. Dogs are permitted in NSW State Forests.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: Explore the surrounding pine forests and access a section of the Six Foot Track.

Local Amenities (in Hampton / Oberon)

• Local Pubs:
  • Hampton Halfway Hotel (~5 km)
  • The Royal Hotel, Oberon (~25 km)
  • The Oberon Hotel (~25 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Hampton Halfway Hotel (~5 km)
  • A good selection of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Oberon (~25 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • Jenolan Caves (~20 km)
  • The Six Foot Track (access nearby)
  • Mayfield Garden, Oberon (~30 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Jenolan Caravan Park, Oberon (~20 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Black Range Camping Ground, Jenolan State Forest (~10 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Oberon Showground (~25 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Hampton (~5 km, limited) or multiple service stations in Oberon (~25 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Oberon. You must arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Oberon (~25 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Blue Mountains High Country (Alpine)

• Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days with cool to cold nights. Weather can change rapidly. Average temperatures from 12°C to 25°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. The autumn colours are spectacular. Temperatures range from 4°C to 19°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts, ice, and frequent heavy snowfall. Road closures are common. Temperatures range from -3°C to 9°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cold to cool days that can be windy and changeable. Snow is still possible. Temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C.