Lions Park, Kelso – Free Camping Bathurst

Lions Park in Kelso is a fantastic and incredibly popular free campground that offers travellers the perfect combination of a peaceful riverside setting and the ultimate convenience of being on the doorstep of Australia’s oldest inland city, Bathurst. This large, sprawling reserve is set on the beautiful, grassy banks of the Macquarie River, providing a huge number of sites for all types of campers. Whether you have a tent, a caravan, or a large motorhome, you can find a prime spot with lovely river views or a more shaded position back under the magnificent, mature trees that dot the parkland.

The campground is a classic, self-sufficient bush camp, with facilities limited to non-flush toilets, so campers must be self-contained with their own water and power. The Macquarie River provides a beautiful backdrop for relaxing, fishing, or launching a kayak for a gentle paddle. The reserve is also very pet-friendly, with plenty of open space for dogs to have a run. The major drawcard for Lions Park is its unbeatable location. While enjoying the tranquility of a bush camp, you are just a two-minute drive across the bridge from the heart of Bathurst. This makes it an incredibly convenient and budget-friendly base for exploring the region’s famous attractions, including the National Motor Racing Museum and the iconic Mount Panorama circuit. The park operates on the goodwill of the local community, and campers are encouraged to support the nearby city’s businesses in return for the excellent free facility. For a convenient, pet-friendly, and scenic stopover, Lions Park is a top-tier choice.

• GPS Coordinates: -33.41689, 149.59455

Site Information

• Location: On the Macquarie River in Kelso, opposite Bathurst.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road. Easy 2WD access.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy and dirt areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally 48 hours. Check local signage.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Excellent.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• 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: Numerous unmarked sites in a large reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Yes, fishing in the Macquarie River is popular.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the riverbank and across the bridge into Bathurst.

Local Amenities (in Bathurst)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Dudley Hotel, Bathurst (~2 km)
  • The George Hotel, Bathurst (~2 km)
  • The Oxford Hotel, Bathurst (~2 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in Bathurst (~2 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Mount Panorama Racing Circuit (~6 km)
  • National Motor Racing Museum (~6 km)
  • Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum (~2 km)
  • Bathurst’s historic city centre (~2 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park (~3 km)
  • Bathurst Goldfields Caravan Park (~7 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Flat Rock Picnic Area, O’Connell (~20 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bathurst Showground (~3 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Kelso and Bathurst (~1-2 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Bathurst. It is best to arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Numerous public toilets are also available in parks throughout Bathurst.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Central Tablelands

• Summer (December – February): Hot days with cool evenings. Average temperatures from 16°C to 30°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. The autumn colours in the region are spectacular. Temperatures range from 7°C to 24°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with severe frosts and potentially freezing nights. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 1°C to 14°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and lush. Temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C.