Rocks Crossing Reserve: Free Riverside Camping on the Manning River

Located directly on the scenic Nowendoc Road, Rocks Crossing Reserve is a well-loved free camping spot that offers campers direct access to the beautiful Manning River. This spacious, grassy reserve is a fantastic destination for self-sufficient travellers seeking a tranquil bush setting without the fees of a formal caravan park. The area is large and relatively flat, making it suitable for a wide range of setups, from simple tents to large motorhomes and caravans. The ease of access from the main road, combined with the stunning riverside location, makes it a popular stopover for those travelling between Gloucester and Walcha, as well as a destination in its own right.

The primary attraction is undoubtedly the Manning River. The reserve provides several easy entry points to the water, which is often clear and inviting. It’s an idyllic spot for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The gentle flow of the river in this section makes it safe for families, while the deeper pools can be rewarding for anglers trying their luck for bass. The surrounding landscape is classic Australian bushland, with rolling hills and native trees providing a peaceful backdrop. Wildlife is abundant, and visitors can expect to see kangaroos, wallabies, and a wide variety of native bird species during their stay.

As a primitive campsite, facilities at Rocks Crossing Reserve are minimal, which is part of its charm. Visitors must be fully self-contained, bringing their own water, power, and cooking facilities. While there are basic toilets, campers are expected to take all rubbish with them to preserve the natural beauty of the site for everyone to enjoy. This back-to-basics approach fosters a respectful community of campers who appreciate the opportunity to connect with nature. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a simple overnight stop, Rocks Crossing Reserve provides a peaceful and picturesque slice of the Australian outdoors.

Rocks Crossing Reserve

3646 Nowendoc Rd, Number One NSW 2424
GPS Coordinates: -31.76886, 152.07516

Campground Details

• Location: Rocks Crossing Reserve, 3646 Nowendoc Rd, Number One NSW 2424
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed road (Nowendoc Road). Easy access.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt. Can get boggy after heavy rain.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free camping reserve.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but short stays (e.g., 72 hours) are standard practice at such reserves.
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous un-marked sites available.

Facilities & Features

• Facilities: Basic pit toilets. No other facilities.
• Picnic Tables: No.
• Potable Water: No, you must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited. Telstra may have weak signal in some spots.
• TV Reception: Poor to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes (pit toilets).
• Rubbish Bins: No, you must take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to local fire bans. Use existing fire scars where possible.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers regarding noise and fumes.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, toilet paper, cooking equipment, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent.

Activities

• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are generally permitted but must be kept under control.
• Fishing: Yes, excellent fishing in the Manning River (NSW fishing license required).
• Short Walks: Yes, informal walks along the river bank.

Local Amenities (Distances from Campground)

The nearest towns for supplies are Gloucester to the south and Walcha to the north.

• Local Pubs: The Roundabout Inn (Gloucester, approx. 45km), Walcha Road Hotel (Walcha Road, approx. 65km), New England Hotel (Walcha, approx. 70km).
• Places to Eat: Options available in Gloucester (approx. 45km) and Walcha (approx. 70km).
• Local Attractions: Bretti Reserve (approx. 15km), Barrington Tops National Park (via Gloucester), Apsley Falls (near Walcha, approx. 85km).
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Gloucester Holiday Park (approx. 45km).
• Next Free Camps: Bretti Reserve (approx. 15km south).
• Nearest Dump Points: Gloucester Holiday Park (fee may apply for non-guests) (approx. 45km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Gloucester (approx. 45km) or Walcha (approx. 70km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Billabong Park in Gloucester (approx. 45km).
• Nearest Public Toilets (offsite): Bretti Reserve (approx. 15km), Billabong Park in Gloucester (approx. 45km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Rocks Crossing Reserve is in a high-altitude area and can experience significant temperature variations. Always check the forecast for Nowendoc or Gloucester before your trip.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, but generally cooler than coastal areas. Evenings are pleasant. High chance of thunderstorms.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. Often calm and clear weather, ideal for camping.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold. Days can be clear and sunny but cool. Nights are very cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Frost is common.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days with increasing warmth. A beautiful time with green landscapes, but weather can be changeable.