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 Blackheath Glen Reserve
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Blackheath Glen Reserve – Serene Riverside Camping in the Megalong Valley

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.

Blackheath Glen Reserve – NSW Location Map
Name: Blackheath Glen Reserve
Address: 540 Megalong Rd, Megalong Valley NSW 2785
Website: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au
GPS Coordinates: -33.67579, 150.26851

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.

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