Bents Basin Campground – Family Camping near Sydney

Bents Basin is a spectacular natural amphitheatre and one of Sydney’s most popular destinations for a quick and easy family camping escape. Located in the Bents Basin State Conservation Area near Wallacia, this huge campground is set on the shores of a massive, deep waterhole on the Nepean River, creating a paradise for swimmers, paddlers, and anyone who loves the water. The campground is a vast, open, and beautifully maintained grassy area, offering an enormous number of unpowered and powered sites that can accommodate everything from the smallest tent to the largest caravan, making it a favourite for big groups and family gatherings.

The main attraction is the basin itself. The huge, calm body of water is perfect for a refreshing swim, a leisurely paddle in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard, or for trying your luck fishing for bass. The park is exceptionally well-facilitated, setting it apart from more rustic bush camps. The modern amenity blocks feature the welcome comfort of hot showers and flush toilets, and there are free electric barbecues, a camp kitchen, and even an outdoor cinema in peak season. The campground is also a great starting point for the Caleys lookout track, which offers beautiful views over the basin and surrounding bushland. Due to its incredible facilities and close proximity to Sydney, bookings are absolutely essential, especially on weekends and during school holidays. For an easy, comfortable, and action-packed family camping holiday that feels a world away without the long drive, Bents Basin is a premier choice.

Bents Basin Campground – NSW Map

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -33.93217, 150.63738

Site Information

• Location: Bents Basin State Conservation Area, near Wallacia.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road access: Sealed road. Easy 2WD access.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of powered sites: 24 powered sites are available.
• Number of un-powered sites: Over 100 unpowered sites are available.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, camp kitchen, electric barbecues, picnic tables, rubbish bins.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Not permitted. Use of provided barbecues only.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: Over 120 sites in total.

Essentials to Bring

• Kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or pool floats for the basin.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Sturdy shoes for the lookout walk.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the State Conservation Area.
• Fishing: Yes, bass fishing in the basin is popular.
• Short walks: The Caleys lookout track offers great views of the basin.

Local Amenities (in Wallacia / Penrith)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Wallacia Hotel (~5 km)
  • The Pioneer Tavern, Penrith (~20 km)
  • The Log Cabin, Penrith (~22 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The Wallacia Hotel and local cafes (~5 km).
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in Penrith (~20 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • The swimming and boating basin (on site)
  • Warragamba Dam Lookout (~15 km)
  • Penrith Panthers Entertainment Complex (~20 km)
  • The lower Blue Mountains and Glenbrook (~25 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Nepean River Holiday Village, Emu Plains (~22 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Sydney RV Group, Penrith (check for public access) (~20 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Wallacia (~5 km) or multiple major stations in Penrith (~20 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite at the campground.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Western Sydney

• Summer (December – February): Very hot and often humid, perfect for swimming. High chance of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 20°C to 32°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild, pleasant evenings. Ideal for camping and hiking. Temperatures range from 14°C to 27°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cold nights. Frost is common. Temperatures range from 6°C to 19°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The bush is alive with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 12°C to 26°C.