Nyngan Weir – Free Bogan River Camping

The Nyngan Weir is a legendary free camping destination in the heart of outback New South Wales, offering travellers a beautiful and relaxing stopover on the banks of the mighty Bogan River. This huge, council-provided reserve is a testament to the welcoming spirit of the ‘Town on the Bogan’, providing a fantastic facility for self-sufficient campers. The campground is a massive, sprawling grassy area that stretches along the river, offering an abundance of both sunny and shady sites. Its vast, flat expanse makes it perfect for all types of setups, from small tents to the largest of motorhomes and big rigs, ensuring everyone can find a prime spot with a lovely view of the water.

The main attraction is the river itself, made wide and deep by the weir. It’s a hive of activity, especially on weekends and during warmer months, with a boat ramp providing easy access for water skiers, wakeboarders, and anglers. The river is renowned for its excellent fishing, with many campers trying their luck for Murray cod and yellowbelly right from the bank. The reserve is also exceptionally pet-friendly, with endless space for dogs to run and swim. For a free camp, the facilities are excellent, with clean toilets and rubbish bins provided. While there is no potable water, its close proximity to the town of Nyngan makes it easy to stock up on all supplies. For a classic, budget-friendly, and action-packed Aussie bush camp, the Nyngan Weir is an unmissable outback destination.

• GPS Coordinates: -31.58241, 147.1721

Site Information

• Location: On the Bogan River, just outside Nyngan.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed access road, generally suitable for 2WD vehicles with care.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy and dirt areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit, but respectful short to medium stays are the norm.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, rubbish bins, boat ramp.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers due to the large space.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Boat, kayak, or water ski gear.
• Insect repellent.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for Murray cod and yellowbelly.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the extensive riverbank.

Local Amenities (in Nyngan)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Australian Hotel, Nyngan (~4 km)
  • The Barrett Hotel, Nyngan (~4 km)
  • Nyngan RSL Club (~4 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide selection of pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in Nyngan (~4 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The “Big Bogan” statue (~4 km)
  • Mid-State Shearing Shed Museum (~4 km)
  • Nyngan Museum (~4 km)
  • The historic town of Nyngan.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Nyngan Riverside Caravan Park (~4 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Other rest areas along the Mitchell and Barrier Highways.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available at the Nyngan showground (~5 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Nyngan (~4 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Nyngan Visitor Information Centre (~4 km). Arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in the town parks of Nyngan.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Outback NSW (Nyngan Region)

• Summer (December – February): Very hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm to mild sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for camping and fishing. Temperatures range from 13°C to 30°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.