Dam Behind Cemetery Campground | Free Camping White Cliffs NSW
Discover the perfect base for your outback adventure at the Dam Behind Cemetery Campground, a well-known free camping spot on the outskirts of the fascinating opal town of White Cliffs. This no-frills bush camp offers travellers the ultimate in convenience and freedom, providing a spacious, open area to set up camp just a stone’s throw from the town’s unique attractions. As the name suggests, the campground is located in a large, flat clearing near the local dam and cemetery, offering panoramic views of the surrounding arid landscape. This is a quintessential Aussie bush camp, meaning there are no facilities on site. Campers must be fully self-contained and self-sufficient, carrying their own water, toilet facilities, and power. The site’s generous size makes it suitable for all setups, from swags and tents to large caravans and motorhomes, with plenty of room to spread out and find your own private corner. Being pet-friendly, it’s an excellent choice for those travelling with their canine companions. The real magic of this campsite is its location. It allows you to immerse yourself in the outback experience—enjoying spectacular sunsets that set the sky ablaze, followed by a breathtaking display of stars in the clear night sky—while being just a few minutes’ drive from the heart of White Cliffs. Spend your days exploring the town’s famous underground ‘dugouts’, including motels, cafes, and homes carved into the white sandstone. Try your luck fossicking for opals, take a guided tour of a working mine, or simply soak up the quirky, resilient atmosphere of this iconic outback community. After a day of exploring, the campground provides a peaceful and secure place to relax, light a campfire (fire restrictions permitting), and share stories with fellow travellers.
Dam Behind Cemetery Campground
White Cliffs NSW 2836
- GPS Coordinates: -30.85257, 143.10952
Campsite Information
- Location: On the edge of White Cliffs township, behind the local cemetery.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
- Road Access: Unsealed road, generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry weather.
- Site Surface: Dirt, gravel, natural ground. Can get muddy after rain.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, informal free camping. Please respect the area.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified. Short stays of 2-3 nights are typical.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Large, open area with numerous undefined sites.
- Facilities: None. You must be fully self-contained.
- Picnic Tables: No.
- Potable Water: No. Must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited. Telstra is the most reliable carrier in town.
- TV Reception: Possible with a good antenna and booster.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. Must have your own toilet.
- Ullage / Dump Point: No. Nearest is in White Cliffs township.
- Drive Through Sites: Yes, the area is large 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 other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Large area, no set number.
- Essentials to Bring: All your own water, toilet, power, food, and firewood.
- Pet Friendly: Yes.
- Fishing: No.
- Short Walks: Yes, around the dam and into the township.
Local Amenities (All located in White Cliffs, ~1-2km)
- Local Pubs:
- White Cliffs Hotel: Approx. 2km
- Places to Eat:
- White Cliffs Hotel (pub meals): Approx. 2km
- White Cliffs General Store (takeaway): Approx. 2km
- Local Attractions:
- White Cliffs Underground Motel (tours & viewing): Approx. 2km
- Red Earth Opal Cafe & Showroom (underground): Approx. 2km
- Public fossicking area: Approx. 3km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- White Cliffs Caravan Park: Approx. 1.5km
- Next Free Camps:
- Coach and Horses Campground (Paroo-Darling NP): Approx. 75km
- Little Topar Hotel Rest Area (towards Broken Hill): Approx. 110km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Located at the public toilets/amenities block in town: Approx. 1.5km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- White Cliffs General Store (Diesel & ULP): Approx. 2km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available for a small fee/donation at the amenities block in town.
- Public Toilets:
- Located in the centre of White Cliffs township: Approx. 1.5km
Seasonal Weather Forecast: White Cliffs, NSW
White Cliffs has a hot, semi-arid climate. Summers are extremely hot and winters are mild and sunny. The best time to visit is during the cooler months.
- Summer (December – February): Very hot, with average maximums well over 35°C, often exceeding 40°C. High chance of thunderstorms.
- Autumn (March – May): Warm and pleasant days with cooler nights. An ideal time for visiting.
- Winter (June – August): Mild and sunny days with cold nights that can drop close to freezing. Perfect weather for exploring.
- Spring (September – November): Temperatures warm up, with beautiful clear days. Can become very hot by late spring.