Glen Davis Park: Camping Amongst History and Nature’s Grandeur

Tucked deep within the majestic Capertee Valley—the world’s second-widest canyon—lies Glen Davis Park, a campground that offers a unique blend of industrial history and breathtaking natural beauty. This spacious, grassy park sits on the banks of the Capertee River, overshadowed by dramatic sandstone escarpments that glow with fiery hues at sunrise and sunset. It’s a place that invites you to slow down and soak in the immense scale and tranquillity of the landscape. The park provides a relaxed, old-school camping experience, with ample room for caravans, campers, and tents to spread out and find their own quiet corner.

The main drawcard is the campground’s proximity to the haunting ruins of the Glen Davis Shale Oil Works. A short walk from your campsite, you can explore the skeletons of this once-thriving industrial complex, which operated from the 1930s to the 1950s. The silent, crumbling structures stand as a powerful monument to a bygone era. Beyond the history, the Capertee Valley is a world-renowned birdwatching hotspot, recognised as a Key Biodiversity Area for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater. Birders flock here to spot this elusive species, along with hundreds of others that inhabit the woodlands and riverbanks. Whether you spend your days exploring the ruins, looking for rare birds, or simply relaxing by the river under the magnificent cliffs, Glen Davis Park offers a peaceful and fascinating escape.

Site Information

• Location: Capertee Valley, Central Tablelands of NSW.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed road for most of the way, with a final short section of good-quality unsealed road to the park. 2WD accessible.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat, grassy areas.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, typically by donation or a small fee collected on site.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but intended for short-term stays.
• Number of Powered Sites: 0
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous unmarked sites available.
• Facilities: Public toilets.
• Picnic Tables: Yes.
• Potable Water: Not guaranteed. Advised to bring your own drinking water or be prepared to treat river water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent. A Telstra signal may be found in elevated spots.
• TV Reception: Not available.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
• Drive Through Sites: Yes, the large open area accommodates drive-through setups.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are generally provided but taking your rubbish is preferred.
• Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers regarding noise and hours of operation.
• Number of Sites Available: First come, first served. No bookings taken.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, insect repellent, birdwatching guide and binoculars.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are generally permitted but must be kept under control.
• Fishing: Possible in the Capertee River.
• Short Walks: Yes, around the historic shale oil ruins, along the river, and into the surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs: Royal Hotel, Capertee (~50km), Kandos Hotel (~50km).
• Places to Eat: Pubs and cafes in Kandos (~50km) and Rylstone (~65km).
• Local Attractions: Glen Davis Shale Oil Works Ruins, Capertee Valley birdwatching trails, Gardens of Stone National Park (nearby), Dunn’s Swamp (further afield).
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Kandos Holiday Park (~50km).
• Next Free Camps: Newnes Campground (Wolgan Valley) is a popular alternative, though requires a significant detour.
• Nearest Dump Points: Kandos (~50km) or Lithgow (~90km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Capertee (~50km, may have limited hours) or Kandos (~50km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Kandos (~50km) or Lithgow (~90km).
• Nearest Public Toilets: Kandos (~50km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot during the day with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. Evenings are generally pleasant. High chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Widely considered the best time to visit. Warm, sunny days and cool, comfortable nights.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Days are typically crisp, clear, and sunny, but nights are very cold, with heavy frosts common.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant weather. An excellent time for birdwatching and seeing the valley’s flora come to life.