Bark Hut Campground – Mount Kaputar National Park

Escape to a spectacular, high-altitude wilderness at Bark Hut campground, a stunning destination nestled amongst the ancient volcanic peaks of Mount Kaputar National Park. This beautiful and peaceful campground offers an immersive experience in a unique alpine environment, a world away from the vast agricultural plains below. Set in a sheltered clearing surrounded by towering snow gums and giant grass trees, Bark Hut provides a serene and scenic base for exploring the park’s dramatic landscapes. The unpowered sites are perfect for self-sufficient campers with tents and camper trailers who are looking to connect with nature and tackle some of the state’s most rewarding hikes.

The main attraction of a stay here is the incredible walking. Bark Hut is the primary trailhead for the strenuous but breathtaking hike to the summit of Mount Kaputar, which at 1,508 metres offers sensational 360-degree views across a huge portion of New South Wales. Other nearby walks lead to lookouts with equally dramatic views of the park’s iconic volcanic plugs and the vast plains. The campground is a classic self-sufficient national park experience, with basic but well-maintained facilities including non-flush toilets and wood barbecues. You must book your site in advance and arrive fully prepared with your own drinking water and firewood. Due to the high altitude, the nights are cold year-round, making a campfire under the brilliant, star-filled sky a magical experience. For a memorable high-country adventure that combines challenging hikes with profound peace and world-class views, Bark Hut is an exceptional choice.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -30.29018, 150.1432

Site Information

• Location: Mount Kaputar National Park, east of Narrabri.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, small campervans.
• Road access: Long, steep, and winding unsealed road. 2WD accessible with extreme care in dry weather, but not suitable for caravans. 4WD is recommended.
• 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: 15 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited to none at the campground. Good service 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: 15 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood.
• Sturdy hiking shoes for the summit walk.
• Alpine-rated warm clothing and sleeping gear, regardless of the season.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: A primary hiking destination with the Mount Kaputar summit walk starting here.

Local Amenities (in Narrabri)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Tattersalls Hotel, Narrabri (~55 km)
  • The Crossroads Hotel, Narrabri (~55 km)
  • Narrabri RSL Club (~55 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in Narrabri (~55 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Mount Kaputar Summit Lookout (within the park)
  • Sawn Rocks (within the park, different access)
  • CSIRO Australia Telescope Compact Array, Narrabri (~75 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Narrabri Big Sky Caravan Park (~55 km)
  • Narrabri Motel and Caravan Park (~55 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Narrabri Showground (~55 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Narrabri (~55 km). It is essential to have a full tank of fuel before entering the park.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Narrabri Visitor Information Centre (~55 km). Arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in parks throughout Narrabri.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Nandewar Ranges (High Altitude)

• Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days with cool nights. High chance of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 14°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures range from 5°C to 22°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts, ice, and frequent snow. Road closures are common. Temperatures range from -3°C to 12°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cold to cool days that can be windy and changeable. The park is vibrant with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 5°C to 21°C.