Root Hog Road Reserve, Gowan NSW
Continuing the legacy of rugged, historic camping along the famous Bridle Track, the Root Hog Road Reserve is another spectacular free camp for the dedicated 4WD adventurer. This beautiful, remote site is nestled in a secluded clearing on the banks of the Turon River, offering a complete escape into the wild and scenic gold rush country of NSW. Like the other camps along this route, getting here is a major part of the experience, requiring a high-clearance 4WD to traverse the challenging, steep, and narrow sections of the historic track. This demanding access ensures that the reserve remains a peaceful and pristine sanctuary for those who are well-equipped for an authentic off-road adventure.
This is the epitome of primitive, self-sufficient bush camping. Root Hog Road Reserve offers a stunning natural setting but has absolutely no facilities—no toilets, no water, no bins. It is a destination exclusively for campers who are fully self-contained, carrying a portable toilet, and who are committed to the ‘leave no trace’ philosophy. The reserve is wonderfully pet-friendly, providing a fantastic opportunity for dog owners to share the riverside freedom with their companions. The Turon River itself is the main attraction, offering refreshing swimming holes, excellent trout fishing, and the chance to find a speck of gold with a fossicking pan.
The campground is steeped in the history of the 1850s, surrounded by the remnants of a bygone gold rush era. It serves as an excellent stopover for those undertaking the full Bridle Track journey between Bathurst and Hill End. Evenings are made for a campfire, with the sounds of the flowing river and a breathtaking canopy of stars creating an unforgettable outback atmosphere. For a free, rugged, and historically rich adventure, Root Hog Road Reserve is an exceptional choice for the experienced explorer.
Site Information
- Location: In a remote valley on the Turon River, accessed via the Bridle Track.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained Tents, Swags, and rugged Off-road Camper Trailers.
- Road Access: High-clearance 4WD access only via the steep, narrow, and challenging Bridle Track. Not suitable for caravans. Roads are impassable in the wet. Multiple river crossings required.
- Site Surface: Natural grass and dirt clearings.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free, informal camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but short stays are standard practice.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: A number of small, undefined spots.
Facilities
- Facilities: None. This is a completely primitive bush camp.
- Picnic Tables: No.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None. An emergency communication device is essential.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have your own toilet and take all waste with you.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to seasonal fire restrictions and total fire bans.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be very considerate of the quiet environment.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Absolutely everything, including water, toilet, shower, power, food, rubbish bags, firewood, and 4WD recovery gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be under control.
- Fishing: Good fishing for trout and other species in the Turon River.
- Short Walks: Excellent for unmarked bushwalking and exploring along the river and old gold mining areas.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Royal Hotel, Hill End (approx. 18 km via 4WD track)
- The Royal Hotel, Sofala (approx. 30 km via 4WD track)
- Places to Eat: The nearest reliable options are the pubs in Hill End or Sofala. Major supermarkets are in Bathurst.
- Local Attractions:
- The historic, living museum town of Hill End
- The Bridle Track 4WD route
- Gold fossicking in the Turon River
- The extensive gold rush history of the region
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Hill End Ranch (Glendora)
- Village campground, Hill End (NPWS)
- Next Free Camps: Other remote sites along the Bridle Track such as Mary Flynn and Turon Crossing.
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Bathurst.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Hill End (check hours). The nearest reliable fuel is in Bathurst. Essential to carry spare fuel.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Bathurst.
- Public Toilets: The nearest are in Hill End.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot. The river is perfect for cooling off. High fire danger period. Temperatures average 12°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to visit, with stunning autumn colours. Days are mild and sunny, nights are cool. Ideal for 4WDing. Temperatures average 5°C to 21°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold. Days are often crisp and sunny, but nights are very cold with heavy frosts. Snow is possible on the higher peaks. Tracks can be very slippery and dangerous. Temperatures range from -1°C to 12°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season as the countryside is green and vibrant. Weather can be variable. River levels can be high. Temperatures average 4°C to 21°C.