Chifley Dam Camping Ground, Bathurst

Chifley Dam is the premier aquatic playground for the Bathurst region, offering a fantastic and comfortable camping experience for families, water sports enthusiasts, and keen anglers. This huge recreational park, managed by the local council, is set on the scenic shores of the dam, providing a perfect base for an action-packed holiday or a relaxing weekend escape. The campground is a massive, sprawling area with a vast number of powered and unpowered sites, catering to every type of camper, from tents and swags to the largest of motorhomes. The spacious, grassy sites, many with beautiful water views, ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Life at Chifley Dam revolves around the water. The dam is a hive of activity, especially in summer, with designated areas for water skiing, sailing, and swimming. Multiple concrete boat ramps provide easy access for all types of vessels, and the lake is renowned for its excellent trout and redfin fishing. Beyond the water, the park is incredibly family-friendly, featuring playgrounds, extensive picnic areas, and electric barbecues. The facilities are a major drawcard, with well-maintained amenity blocks offering hot showers and flush toilets, a camp kitchen, and a laundry. The campground is also proudly pet-friendly, making it a perfect destination for the whole family. Its location, just a short drive from the historic city of Bathurst, makes it an ideal base for exploring famous attractions like Mount Panorama and the National Motor Racing Museum. For a comfortable, affordable, and activity-filled lakeside holiday, Chifley Dam is a top-tier choice in the Central Tablelands.

• GPS Coordinates: -33.56143, 149.63161

Site Information

• Location: On the shore of Chifley Dam, south of Bathurst.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road. Easy 2WD access.
• Site surface: Large, grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, fees apply. Bookings are recommended.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check with park management.
• Number of powered sites: A large number of powered sites are available.
• Number of un-powered sites: Hundreds of unpowered sites are available.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, camp kitchen, laundry, electric barbecues, dump point, boat ramps, playground.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Ullage: Yes, a dump point is available.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Not permitted.
• Generator use: Permitted in designated areas/times, check with management.
• Number of sites available: Very large park with hundreds of sites.

Essentials to Bring

• Boat, kayak, or water ski gear.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly (on leash).
• Fishing: Excellent trout and redfin fishing in the dam.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks around the extensive foreshore.

Local Amenities (in Bathurst)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Dudley Hotel, Bathurst (~22 km)
  • The George Hotel, Bathurst (~22 km)
  • The Oxford Hotel, Bathurst (~22 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in Bathurst (~22 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Mount Panorama Racing Circuit (~25 km)
  • National Motor Racing Museum (~25 km)
  • Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum (~22 km)
  • The historic village of O’Connell (~20 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park (~22 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Flat Rock Picnic Area, O’Connell (~20 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Onsite at the campground.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Bathurst (~22 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Central Tablelands

• Summer (December – February): Hot days with cool evenings, perfect for water sports. Average temperatures from 15°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. The autumn colours in the region are spectacular. Temperatures range from 6°C to 23°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with severe frosts and potentially freezing nights. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 0°C to 13°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and lush. Temperatures range from 6°C to 22°C.