Bald Rock Campground – Bald Rock National Park

Prepare for an awe-inspiring adventure at Bald Rock campground, spectacularly situated in the shadow of the largest exposed granite monolith in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in the beautiful, high-country wilderness of Bald Rock National Park, this campground offers a truly unique experience for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers. The campground itself is a spacious and peaceful clearing set amongst towering gums and boulders, providing a serene base from which to explore the park’s dramatic granite landscapes. Waking up to the sight of the colossal rock dome dominating the skyline is an unforgettable experience, and the area is teeming with wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and a rich diversity of birdlife.

The main event, of course, is the climb to the summit of Bald Rock. Two tracks lead from the campground to the top: the steep and challenging Rockface walk, or the more gradual Bungoona walk. Whichever path you choose, the reward is the same—absolutely breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views across the vast expanse of the surrounding Granite Belt country, stretching into both New South Wales and Queensland. This is a classic, self-sufficient national park campground, with facilities including non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and wood barbecues. Campers must book in advance and arrive fully prepared with their own drinking water and firewood, and take all rubbish home. Due to its high altitude, the weather can be unpredictable and much cooler than the surrounding lowlands, with frosty nights common even outside of winter. For a memorable high-country escape that combines incredible hiking with a peaceful bush setting, Bald Rock campground is a top-tier destination.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -28.84556, 152.04606

Site Information

• Location: Bald Rock National Park, north of Tenterfield.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, small campervans.
• Road access: Unsealed road, generally suitable for 2WD vehicles with care in dry weather.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of un-powered sites: 25 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none at the campground. Service is available at the summit.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 25 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood.
• Sturdy, high-grip hiking shoes for the rock climb.
• Warm clothing, as the high altitude makes it cold year-round.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: The summit climb is the main attraction. Other shorter walks are also available.

Local Amenities (in Tenterfield)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Tenterfield Tavern (~30 km)
  • Royal Hotel Tenterfield (~30 km)
  • The Telegraph Hotel Tenterfield (~30 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide variety of pubs, cafes, and bakeries in the historic town of Tenterfield (~30 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Bald Rock summit (on site)
  • Tenterfield Saddler (~30 km)
  • Boonoo Boonoo National Park (~20 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Tenterfield Lodge Caravan Park (~30 km)
  • Craig’s Caravan Park, Tenterfield (~30 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Various rest areas on the New England Highway.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Tenterfield Showground (~31 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Tenterfield (~30 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Tenterfield Visitor Information Centre (~30 km). Arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in Millrace Park, Tenterfield (~30 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: New England High Country / Granite Belt

• Summer (December – February): Warm to hot days with cool nights, often with afternoon thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 15°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Famous for its beautiful autumn colours. Mild, sunny days and crisp, cold nights. Temperatures range from 7°C to 22°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts and occasional snow. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 0°C to 14°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cool to mild days that can be windy. The landscape is covered in wildflowers. Temperatures range from 6°C to 22°C.