Ferny Creek Campground – Free Forest Camping Bulahdelah

Escape into a lush, green wonderland at Ferny Creek campground, a beautiful and tranquil free camp nestled deep within the magnificent Bulahdelah State Forest. As its name suggests, this campground is set in a stunning rainforest gully, surrounded by a breathtaking canopy of towering flooded gums, cabbage tree palms, and a dense undergrowth of giant ferns. It’s a magical, almost prehistoric-feeling environment that offers a genuine escape for self-sufficient campers. The journey in along unsealed forest roads is an adventure in itself, making a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle the recommended choice and ensuring the campground remains a peaceful sanctuary.

The campground itself is a small, intimate clearing, offering a handful of secluded sites perfect for tents and rugged camper trailers. This is a classic, back-to-basics State Forest experience; facilities are limited to a non-flush toilet and fire pits. You must be completely self-reliant, bringing in all your own water and supplies, and taking all your rubbish with you when you leave. Being a State Forest, it’s also a fantastic destination for campers with dogs, who are welcome to explore the forest tracks with you. The real luxury here is the profound peace and the immersion in nature—falling asleep to the sounds of the forest and waking to the chorus of bellbirds and whipbirds. For a rugged, beautiful, and pet-friendly adventure into a stunning rainforest environment, Ferny Creek is a top-tier choice for the well-prepared camper.

• Website: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• GPS Coordinates: -32.28824, 152.39088

Site Information

• Location: Bulahdelah State Forest, west of Smiths Lake.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers.
• Road access: Unsealed forest roads. 4WD is recommended as tracks can be steep, rough, and slippery after rain.
• Site surface: Natural grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check Forestry Corporation guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilet, fire pits.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None. A PLB is recommended.
• TV reception: None.
• 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 the peaceful environment.
• Number of sites available: A small number of unmarked sites.

Essentials to Bring

• A well-prepared 4WD with recovery gear.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood and an axe.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) is recommended for this remote area.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes. Dogs are permitted in NSW State Forests.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: Explore the beautiful rainforest gully and surrounding 4WD tracks.

Local Amenities (in Bulahdelah / Forster)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Plough Inn Hotel, Bulahdelah (~25 km)
  • Pacific Palms Recreation Club (“The Recky”) (~25 km)
  • The Bellevue Hotel, Forster (~35 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A range of cafes, bakeries, and takeaways in Bulahdelah (~25 km)
  • Extensive dining options in Forster (~35 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Bulahdelah Mountain Aboriginal Place (The Alum Mountain) (~25 km)
  • The Grandis, the tallest tree in NSW (~20 km)
  • The beautiful beaches of the Great Lakes region, like Blueys Beach and Seal Rocks.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Bulahdelah Showground (~25 km)
  • The Ruins Campground, Booti Booti NP (~20 km, fees apply)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Other informal sites within the State Forest network.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bulahdelah Showground (~25 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Bulahdelah (~25 km). It is essential to arrive with a full tank of fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Bulahdelah or Forster. You must arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Bulahdelah (~25 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mid North Coast Hinterland

• Summer (December – February): Hot and very humid, with a high chance of rainfall and thunderstorms. The rainforest is at its most vibrant. Average temperatures from 20°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures range from 15°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often damp. The forest can be misty and atmospheric. Temperatures range from 8°C to 19°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The landscape is lush and green. Temperatures range from 13°C to 25°C.