Blackheath Glen Reserve: Serene Riverside Camping in the Megalong Valley

Nestled deep in the heart of the magnificent Megalong Valley, Blackheath Glen Reserve is a charming and secluded spot that offers a true escape into nature. As you descend from the main Blue Mountains plateau, the landscape opens up into a vast, picturesque valley floor, and it’s here, beside the gently flowing Megalong Creek, that you’ll find this delightful reserve. It’s a beautifully maintained, grassy area that serves as both a popular day-use picnic spot and a welcoming, free campground for those wishing to extend their stay. Surrounded by lush farmland and the towering sandstone escarpments that define the region, the reserve provides a profound sense of peace and isolation, despite being relatively close to the town of Blackheath.

The reserve is a haven for simple pleasures. The crystal-clear, shallow waters of the creek are perfect for a refreshing paddle on a warm day, and the sprawling lawns are ideal for a family picnic or simply relaxing with a book. The back-to-basics camping experience encourages a slower pace of life, where evenings are spent gathered around a crackling campfire under an immense, starry sky, far from the glow of city lights. While facilities are minimal, this only adds to the authentic bush camping atmosphere. It’s a fantastic base for exploring the valley’s attractions, including nearby horse-riding ranches and the famous Six Foot Track. For anyone seeking a free, pet-friendly, and stunningly scenic campsite, Blackheath Glen Reserve is one of the Blue Mountains’ best-kept secrets.

Site Information

• Location: Megalong Valley, at the base of the Blue Mountains escarpment.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, campervans, and small camper trailers.
• Road Access: Sealed, narrow, and winding road (Megalong Road) from Blackheath. Suitable for 2WD vehicles. Not recommended for large caravans or big rigs.
• Site Surface: Flat, grassy areas.
• 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: Numerous unmarked, unpowered sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (pit/composting) toilets.
• Picnic Tables: Yes.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water or be prepared to treat water from the creek.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent in the valley.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Ullage / Dump Point: No.
• Drive Through Sites: No.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, but taking your rubbish home is encouraged.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Not recommended due to the peaceful nature of the reserve.
• Number of Sites Available: First come, first served. Can get busy on long weekends.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, food supplies, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Possible for trout in Megalong Creek (NSW fishing licence required).
• Short Walks: Yes, along the creek and surrounding roads. Close to the Six Foot Track.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs: Gardners Inn Hotel, Blackheath (~15km), New Ivanhoe Hotel, Blackheath (~15km), The Family Hotel, Katoomba (~25km).
• Places to Eat: Numerous cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Blackheath (~15km). Megalong Valley Tea Rooms are also nearby.
• Local Attractions: Megalong Valley Tea Rooms, Six Foot Track, horse riding ranches, numerous lookouts at the top of the escarpment (e.g., Govetts Leap).
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Blackheath Glen Tourist Park (~15km).
• Next Free Camps: This is a prime free camp. Other options include remote sites in nearby state forests (e.g., towards Oberon).
• Nearest Dump Points: Katoomba Public Dump Point (~25km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Blackheath (~15km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Blackheath (~15km).
• Nearest Public Toilets: Blackheath town centre (~15km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, perfect for enjoying the cool creek. Evenings are pleasant. High chance of afternoon thunderstorms rolling in over the escarpment.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Often considered the best season. Calm, sunny days and cool nights. The valley is beautiful with autumn colours.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold. Days are often crisp and sunny, but nights are very cold with heavy frosts common in the valley.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant weather as the valley comes to life. A great time for walking and enjoying the green scenery.