Barcoo Swamp Campground: A 4WD Escape on the Newnes Plateau

For those who believe the best campsites are earned, not found, Barcoo Swamp Campground is a rewarding destination. Hidden away in the rugged Newnes State Forest, this is a genuinely remote bush camp for the self-sufficient adventurer. Access is strictly for high-clearance 4WD vehicles, traversing a network of forest trails that can be challenging, particularly after rain. The journey itself is part of the experience, winding through towering eucalypts and rocky landscapes. The campground is a simple, cleared area nestled amongst the trees, offering a handful of informal sites that provide a palpable sense of seclusion and peace.

This is classic, back-to-basics camping. There are no facilities here beyond a fire pit or two left by previous visitors. You are completely off-grid, with no mobile reception, no running water, and no bins. The reward for this self-reliance is an unparalleled connection to the Australian bush. The air is crisp and clean, the silence is broken only by the crackle of a campfire and the calls of native birdlife, and the night sky, free from any light pollution, is simply breathtaking. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Newnes Plateau, famous for its labyrinth of 4WD tracks, stunning lookout points, and proximity to attractions like the historic Glow Worm Tunnel. If you’re equipped to leave no trace and embrace the wild, Barcoo Swamp offers an authentic and unforgettable camping experience.

Site Information

• Location: Newnes State Forest, on the Newnes Plateau, west of the Blue Mountains.
• Site Suitable For: Tents and off-road camper trailers only. Not suitable for caravans or 2WD vehicles.
• Road Access: 4WD access only via unsealed forest trails. Tracks can be rutted and challenging.
• Site Surface: Dirt / grass / leaf litter.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but intended for short-term stays.
• Number of Powered Sites: 0
• Number of Un-powered Sites: A small number of informal, unmarked sites.
• Facilities: None. This is a complete bush camp.
• Picnic Tables: No.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: No.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must be fully self-contained and bring a portable toilet.
• Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
• Drive Through Sites: No.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken out with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted, subject to local fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the peaceful environment.
• Number of Sites Available: First come, first served.
• Essentials to Bring: All water, food, firewood, portable toilet, first-aid kit, recovery gear, and offline maps.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted in NSW State Forests but must be under your control at all times.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: Yes, explore the surrounding forest trails and tracks.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs: The Zig Zag Brewery (~25km), The Grand Hotel Lithgow (~30km), Commercial Hotel Lithgow (~30km).
• Places to Eat: A wide range of pubs, cafes, and restaurants in Lithgow (~30km).
• Local Attractions: Glow Worm Tunnel, The Lost City rock formations, extensive 4WD trails, Hassans Walls Lookout (in Lithgow).
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Lithgow Tourist and Van Park (~30km).
• Next Free Camps: Other informal sites within Newnes State Forest, Lake Lyell (low-cost camping).
• Nearest Dump Points: Lithgow Showground (~30km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple major service stations in Lithgow (~30km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Supermarkets and service stations in Lithgow (~30km).
• Nearest Public Toilets: Queen Elizabeth Park, Lithgow (~30km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, but temperatures are cooler than in Sydney due to the altitude. High chance of thunderstorms.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. Generally stable weather, ideal for hiking and 4WDing.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold. Days are often sunny but chilly, while nights frequently drop below freezing. Sleet and snowfall are possible.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days with warming temperatures. A great time for wildflowers and exploring the trails as they dry out.