Boyd River Campground – Kanangra-Boyd National Park

For those seeking a true wilderness escape into the dramatic, high-altitude landscapes of the Greater Blue Mountains, Boyd River campground is an unparalleled destination. Located deep within the rugged and remote Kanangra-Boyd National Park, this beautiful campground serves as the primary base for exploring the awe-inspiring Kanangra Walls. The journey in is an adventure, with a long stretch of unsealed road that is best suited to 4WDs, ensuring that the campground remains a peaceful sanctuary for serious nature lovers and hikers. The campground itself is a large, open, grassy area set amongst snow gums on the banks of the Boyd River, offering a serene, sub-alpine atmosphere perfect for tents and off-road camper trailers.

The main reason to visit is to experience the magnificent Kanangra Walls, just a short drive from the campground. The lookouts here offer some of the most breathtaking and expansive views in all of Australia, looking out over the colossal Kanangra Deep and across a seemingly endless wilderness of sheer cliffs and forested valleys. The campground is the starting point for a number of world-class hikes, from the easy Plateau walk to the more challenging tracks that descend into the gorge. This is a classic, self-sufficient bush camp with facilities limited to non-flush toilets and fire pits. You must be completely self-reliant, bringing in all your own water and firewood. The high altitude means it is cold year-round, and snow is a common occurrence in winter. For a truly memorable and adventurous escape into one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes, Boyd River campground is a bucket-list destination for the well-prepared camper.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -33.97084, 150.05644

Site Information

• Location: Kanangra-Boyd National Park, south of Oberon.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers.
• Road access: Long, unsealed Kanangra Walls Road. 2WD accessible with great care in dry weather, but 4WD is highly recommended. Often closed in winter due to snow and ice.
• 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: 30 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None at the campground. Some service may be found at Kanangra Walls lookout.
• 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: 30 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• A well-prepared vehicle (4WD recommended) with a full tank of fuel.
• 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, regardless of the season.
• A PLB or satellite phone for emergencies.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Possible for trout in the Boyd River. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: A primary hiking destination with world-class tracks starting from Kanangra Walls lookout.

Local Amenities (in Oberon)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Royal Hotel, Oberon (~60 km)
  • The Oberon Hotel (~60 km)
  • Oberon RSL Club (~60 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A good selection of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Oberon (~60 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Kanangra Walls Lookout and Plateau walk (within the park)
  • Jenolan Caves (~50 km)
  • Mayfield Garden, Oberon (~65 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Jenolan Caravan Park, Oberon (~55 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Oberon Showground (~60 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Oberon (~60 km). It is essential to arrive with a full tank of fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Oberon. You must arrive at the park fully supplied with all the water you will need.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Oberon (~60 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 11°C to 24°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. The autumn colours are spectacular. Temperatures range from 3°C to 18°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts, ice, and frequent heavy snowfall. Road closures are very common. Temperatures range from -4°C to 8°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cold to cool days that can be windy and changeable. Snow is still common. Temperatures range from 3°C to 17°C.