Black Range Camping Ground – Free Camping near Jenolan Caves

For a spectacular and budget-friendly base to explore one of Australia’s greatest natural wonders, the Black Range Camping Ground is an unbeatable choice. Located in the beautiful, high-altitude Jenolan State Forest, this fantastic free campground is just a short, scenic drive from the world-famous Jenolan Caves. The campground itself is a vast, open, and grassy area set amongst a magnificent pine plantation, offering a unique and serene alpine atmosphere. Its huge size makes it perfect for all types of self-sufficient campers, from tents and swags to the largest of big rigs, with plenty of room to spread out and find a private spot.

The main drawcard is its proximity to the Jenolan Caves, allowing campers to easily spend a full day exploring the breathtaking limestone caverns without the high cost of local accommodation. Beyond the caves, the campground’s location in a State Forest means it is proudly pet-friendly, a rare treat in the Blue Mountains region. It also serves as a hub for 4WD enthusiasts looking to explore the extensive network of forest trails. This is a classic, back-to-basics bush camp with facilities limited to non-flush toilets, so you must be fully self-reliant with your own water and power. The high altitude means nights are cold year-round, making a campfire an essential and magical part of the experience. For a peaceful, pet-friendly, and perfectly located base for a high-country adventure, Black Range is a top-tier free camp.

• GPS Coordinates: -33.75509, 150.04831

Site Information

• Location: Jenolan State Forest, near Jenolan Caves.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed forest road. Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather, but can be slippery. Check for snow/ice in winter.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas with pine needles.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check Forestry Corporation guidelines, typically up to 4 weeks.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, fire pits.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive area.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood and an axe.
• Alpine-rated warm clothing and sleeping gear, as nights are cold year-round.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes. Dogs are permitted in NSW State Forests.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: Explore the surrounding pine forests and 4WD tracks.

Local Amenities (in Oberon)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Royal Hotel, Oberon (~30 km)
  • The Oberon Hotel (~30 km)
  • Oberon RSL Club (~30 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A cafe and restaurant at Jenolan Caves House (~8 km).
  • A good selection of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Oberon (~30 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • Jenolan Caves (~8 km)
  • Kanangra-Boyd National Park (~40 km, 4WD required)
  • Mayfield Garden, Oberon (~35 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Jenolan Caravan Park, Oberon (~25 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Lake Wallace, Wallerawang (~55 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Oberon Showground (~30 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Oberon (~30 km). It is essential to arrive with a full tank of fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Oberon. You must arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available at Jenolan Caves (~8 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Blue Mountains High Country (Alpine)

• Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days with cool to cold nights. Weather can change rapidly. Average temperatures from 12°C to 25°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. The autumn colours are spectacular. Temperatures range from 4°C to 19°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts, ice, and frequent heavy snowfall. Road closures are common. Temperatures range from -3°C to 9°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cold to cool days that can be windy and changeable. Snow is still possible. Temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C.