Cobar Free Camp Truck Stop – Outback Camping NSW

The Cobar Free Camp, often utilised as a truck stop and overnight rest area, is a vital and much-appreciated facility for travellers exploring the vast outback of New South Wales. Located conveniently on the Nyngan Road on the edge of the historic mining town of Cobar, this large, open area provides a safe, accessible, and budget-friendly place for self-contained campers to pull over for the night. While it lacks the scenic charm of a riverside reserve or national park, its practicality is unmatched. The campground is a huge, flat, open area of red earth, offering an abundance of space for all vehicle sizes, making it particularly popular with those driving big rigs and large caravans.

This is a true no-frills, self-sufficient stopover. There are no facilities such as toilets, showers, or water, so it is strictly for fully self-contained vehicles. Campers must be prepared to bring everything they need and, crucially, to leave no trace by taking all their rubbish with them. The reserve is pet-friendly, providing a good space for dogs to stretch their legs after a long day on the road. Its primary purpose is to provide a safe haven off the highway, and its proximity to the town of Cobar is a major advantage. From the campground, it’s just a two-minute drive to access fuel, supermarkets, pubs, and the town’s excellent visitor services, including a public dump point. It serves as the perfect free base to explore Cobar’s rich mining heritage, from the Fort Bourke Hill Lookout over the open-cut mine to the Great Cobar Heritage Centre. For a functional, safe, and convenient outback stop, the Cobar Free Camp is an essential resource.

• GPS Coordinates: -31.49921, 145.8445

Site Information

• Location: On the eastern edge of Cobar, on the Nyngan Road.
• Site suitable for: Self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road. Easy 2WD access.
• Site surface: Natural red earth and gravel.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge for self-contained vehicles.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally 24-48 hours.
• Facilities: None.
• Picnic tables: No.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Excellent.
• Onsite public toilets: No. You must have your own toilet facilities.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Not permitted.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive open area.

Essentials to Bring

• Your own toilet and shower facilities.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: The main purpose is as a rest stop before exploring the town of Cobar.

Local Amenities (in Cobar)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Great Western Hotel, Cobar (~2 km)
  • The Empire Hotel, Cobar (~2 km)
  • Cobar Bowling & Golf Club (~3 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An excellent selection of pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in Cobar (~2 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The Fort Bourke Hill Lookout (~4 km)
  • Great Cobar Heritage Centre and Museum (~2 km)
  • Mount Grenfell Historic Site (further afield, 4WD needed)
  • Cobar Miners Heritage Park (~2 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Cobar Caravan Park (~3 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Old Reservoir, Cobar (~4 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available at the Cobar Council Depot (~2 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Cobar (~2 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Cobar. It is essential to arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • The nearest public toilets are in Cobar (~2 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Outback NSW (Cobar Region)

• Summer (December – February): Extremely hot. Temperatures consistently exceed 40°C. Travel can be hazardous. Average temperatures from 22°C to 38°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm to mild sunny days and cool nights. This is a prime time to visit. Temperatures range from 12°C to 29°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, clear, and sunny days with very cold nights that can drop to freezing. Temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to hot days with cool nights. The landscape can be spectacular with wildflowers after rain. Temperatures range from 11°C to 29°C.