Bush Camp on the Bogan River | Free Camping Bourke NSW

For travellers seeking a straightforward, no-cost overnight stop in the NSW outback, the bush camp on the dry Bogan River offers the ultimate in convenience and simplicity. Located approximately 20 kilometres east of Bourke, this unofficial campsite is situated directly off the Kamilaroi Highway, making it exceptionally easy to access for all types of vehicles, from standard cars with tents to the largest caravans and big rigs. The site is a large, flat, open area of cleared dirt and sparse scrub, set on the high bank of what is usually a dry Bogan River bed. This is true back-to-basics bush camping; there are absolutely no facilities, so campers must be fully self-sufficient with their own toilet, water, and power supplies. The key appeal of this spot lies in its practicality as a transit stop. Its vastness ensures you can always find a private spot well away from the highway and other campers. It’s a place to pull in, set up quickly, and rest for the night under an expansive outback sky. Being pet-friendly, it’s a great option for those travelling with four-legged friends, offering plenty of space for them to stretch their legs. While there are no formal activities, you can explore the interesting landscape of the dry riverbed, gather some fallen timber for a campfire (subject to fire bans), and enjoy the profound peace and quiet of the bush. As the sun sets, the area transforms with brilliant colours, leading into a night sky filled with a dazzling display of stars, far from any light pollution. If you are a self-contained traveller who doesn’t require amenities and appreciates the freedom of a classic Aussie bush camp, this spot on the Bogan River is an ideal and practical choice.

Campsite Information

• Location: Approximately 20km east of Bourke on the Kamilaroi Highway.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road Access: Directly off the sealed highway. Easy access for all vehicles.
• Site Surface: Dirt, dust, natural ground.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, informal free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified. Best suited for short stays (24-48 hours).
• Number of Powered Sites: None.
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous undefined sites in a very large, open area.
• Facilities: None. This is a self-sufficient bush camp.
• Picnic Tables: No.
• Potable Water: No. Must bring your own.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra service is most likely.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have your own toilet.
• Ullage / Dump Point: No.
• Drive Through Sites: Yes, the area is large, flat, and open.
• Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all rubbish with you (Leave No Trace).
• Open Fires: Permitted, subject to local fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, please be considerate of any neighbours.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large area with no set number of sites.
• Essentials to Bring: All your own water, toilet, power, food, and firewood.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome.
• Fishing: No, the river is typically dry.
• Short Walks: Yes, along the dry riverbed and surrounding bush.