Chaffey Dam Recreation Reserve Camping | New England Water Sports & Nature Retreat

Nestled in the picturesque hills of the New England region, the Chaffey Dam Recreation Reserve is a premier destination for water lovers, families, and anyone seeking a scenic and well-equipped camping getaway. Located near the historic gold rush village of Nundle, this expansive reserve is set on the shores of the beautiful Chaffey Dam, offering stunning water views from almost every campsite. The camping area is vast and open, with sprawling, terraced grassy sites that provide ample space for all types of setups, from large caravans and motorhomes to tents and camper trailers. It’s a hugely popular spot for weekend escapes and longer holidays, renowned for its fantastic facilities and abundance of recreational activities.

The main attraction at Chaffey Dam is, without a doubt, the water. The dam is a paradise for water sports, with a dedicated boat ramp providing easy access for water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and power boating. For those seeking a quieter pace, it’s also perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and sailing. The dam is famously well-stocked with Murray Cod, Golden Perch (Yellowbelly), Silver Perch, and Catfish, making it a hotspot for freshwater anglers. Beyond the water, the reserve is a haven for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. The modern, well-maintained amenities, including hot showers and flushing toilets, elevate the camping experience. Its proximity to Nundle allows for easy exploration of the town’s gold rush history, boutique shops, and classic country pub. For a fun-filled, scenic, and comfortable camping holiday, Chaffey Dam is one of the best in the region.

Campground Details

Chaffey Dam Recreation Reserve – NSW Map

• Name: Chaffey Dam Recreation Reserve
• Address: Bowling Alley Point, NSW 2340
• Website: Managed by Tamworth Regional Council.
• GPS Coordinates: -31.35802, 151.13267

• Location: On the western shore of Chaffey Dam, a short drive from the village of Nundle.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs, caravans, motorhomes, and tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road access to the reserve entrance.
• Site Surface: Mostly level, terraced grass sites.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, paid camping is available. Fees are usually collected by a ranger or via an honesty box.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check for signage, but generally suitable for extended stays.
• Number of Powered Sites: None. This is an unpowered campground.
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Hundreds of informal sites are available across the reserve.

Facilities

• Picnic Tables: Yes, numerous tables and shelters are available.
• Potable Water: Yes, tap water is available but is often recommended to be boiled or treated before drinking.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Can be patchy. Telstra generally offers the best chance of a signal.
• TV Reception: Unreliable due to the hilly terrain.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, modern amenity blocks with flushing toilets and hot showers are available.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to local fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted during respectful hours (e.g., 8 am – 8 pm), away from other campers.

Activities & Important Information

• Essentials to Bring: Firewood, drinking water (or treatment method), cash for fees, and all your water sports gear.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be on a leash and cleaned up after at all times.
• Fishing: Excellent freshwater fishing. A NSW fishing licence is required.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space to walk along the foreshore and explore the reserve.

Local Amenities (in Nundle, approx. 15-20 km away)

Pubs & Places to Eat

• The Peel Inn Nundle: An iconic, historic, and incredibly charming country pub with a great beer garden and restaurant.
• Nundle Bowling Club: Offers bistro meals and a friendly atmosphere.
• Mount Misery Gold Mine Cafe: A popular spot for coffee, cake, and light meals.

Local Attractions

• Historic Nundle Village: Explore the beautifully preserved gold rush era buildings, antique shops, and boutiques.
• Nundle Woollen Mill: One of Australia’s last working woollen mills, offering tours and a huge range of products.
• Hanging Rock Lookout: Offers spectacular views over the Peel Valley.
• Fossicking: Try your luck fossicking for gold, sapphires, and other gems in the local fossicking areas.

Camping & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks: A commercial caravan park is located in Nundle.
• Next Free Camps: Some free camping is available in nearby state forests (e.g., Hanging Rock State Forest).
• Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available in Nundle.
• Nearest Petrol Station: Fuel is available in Nundle.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the reserve (treatment recommended) or in Nundle.
• Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Available on-site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Note: Chaffey Dam is in the New England region and experiences four distinct seasons with very cold winters.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot, perfect for water sports. Nights are generally pleasant.
• Autumn (Mar-May): A beautiful time to visit, with mild, sunny days and crisp, cool nights. The autumn colours in the region are a highlight.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold. Days are often chilly but sunny, while nights are very frosty, with temperatures regularly dropping well below zero.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): The countryside is green and vibrant. Weather is typically mild and sunny.