Carcoar Dam Campground, Carcoar NSW

Carcoar Dam is a premier recreational destination in the NSW Central Tablelands, offering a spectacular and incredibly popular camping experience for a very modest fee. What makes this campground unique is its stunning tiered layout, with a series of large, flat, grassy terraces carved into the hillside, providing most campsites with breathtaking, elevated views over the vast expanse of the dam. It’s a paradise for families, water sports enthusiasts, and anglers, offering a perfect blend of an action-packed atmosphere and scenic beauty. The campground can accommodate a huge number of campers, with plenty of room for all setups, from tents to large caravans.

Life at Carcoar Dam revolves around the water. The dam is a major hub for boating, with a concrete boat ramp providing easy access for water skiing, wakeboarding, and sailing. The lake is also well-stocked with Murray cod, golden perch, and redfin, making it a top spot for freshwater fishing. The facilities are a major drawcard, with well-maintained amenity blocks offering the comfort of hot showers and flush toilets. The reserve is also proudly pet-friendly. Its location is perfect for exploring the rich history of the region; the beautifully preserved village of Carcoar, one of Australia’s most intact 19th-century towns, is just a short drive away. For an affordable, comfortable, pet-friendly, and activity-filled holiday in a stunning high-country setting, Carcoar Dam is a top-tier choice.

• GPS Coordinates: -33.6113, 149.18163

Site Information

• Location: On the shore of Carcoar Dam, near the village of Carcoar.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road. Easy 2WD access.
• Site surface: Large, tiered grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, low-cost fees apply (payment via honesty box or to ranger).
• Maximum overnight stays: Check with management.
• Facilities: Hot showers (coin-operated), flush toilets, electric barbecues, dump point, boat ramp, playground.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for all major carriers, especially on upper tiers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Ullage: Yes, a dump point is available.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Not permitted.
• Generator use: Permitted in designated areas/times, check with management.
• Number of sites available: Very large park with hundreds of sites.

Essentials to Bring

• Coins for the hot showers.
• Boat, kayak, or water ski gear.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly (on leash).
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in the dam for cod, perch, and redfin.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks around the extensive foreshore.

Local Amenities (in Carcoar / Blayney)

• Local Pubs:
  • Royal Hotel, Carcoar (~7 km)
  • Royal Hotel, Blayney (~15 km)
  • The Exchange Hotel, Blayney (~15 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The village of Carcoar has several excellent cafes and a pub (~7 km)
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in Blayney (~15 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The entire historic village of Carcoar, preserved by the National Trust (~7 km)
  • Carcoar Hospital Museum (~7 km)
  • The charming historic village of Millthorpe (~25 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Blayney Tourist Park (~15 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Lyndhurst Village Primitive Campground (~10 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Onsite at the campground.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Blayney (~15 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Central Tablelands

• Summer (December – February): Hot days with cool evenings, perfect for water sports. Average temperatures from 15°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. The autumn colours in the region are spectacular. Temperatures range from 6°C to 23°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with severe frosts and potentially freezing nights. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 0°C to 13°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and lush. Temperatures range from 6°C to 22°C.