Federal Falls Campground – Mount Canobolas Camping near Orange

Perched high on the slopes of the ancient volcano of Mount Canobolas, the Federal Falls Campground offers a unique and immersive camping experience for hikers and nature lovers. Located within the stunning Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area, this secluded spot feels a world away from the bustle of nearby Orange, providing a true mountain escape. The campground itself is a small, rustic clearing nestled amongst towering snow gums, a characteristic feature of this sub-alpine environment. It’s the primary starting point for the popular Federal Falls walking track, making it the perfect base for those wanting an early start to explore one of the region’s most beautiful natural attractions.

This is a campground for the self-sufficient camper who values tranquility over extensive facilities. The sites are best suited for tents and small camper trailers, with basic amenities including non-flush toilets and wood barbecues. You will need to bring all your own supplies, most importantly drinking water and firewood. The highlight of any stay is the 4km return walk to Federal Falls. The track winds its way down through lush gullies of tree ferns before arriving at a viewing platform overlooking the picturesque waterfall. The climb back up is steep, but the rewarding scenery makes it well worth the effort. Due to its high altitude (over 1100m), the weather here can change rapidly and is significantly cooler than in Orange, with snow being a regular occurrence in winter. For a peaceful, back-to-basics camping adventure with an incredible hike right on your doorstep, Federal Falls Campground is a magnificent choice.

• Website: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• GPS Coordinates: -33.34901, 148.97753

Site Information

• Location: Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area, near Orange.
• Site suitable for: Tents, small off-road camper trailers.
• Road access: Unsealed road, 2WD accessible with care. Roads may close in snowy or icy conditions.
• Site surface: Dirt and grass.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings on the NPWS website may be required.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check NPWS guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited to none at the campground. Good reception at the summit of Mt Canobolas.
• 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: A small number of unmarked sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take everything with you.
• Your own firewood.
• Warm clothing and wet weather gear, regardless of the season.
• Sturdy hiking shoes for the falls walk.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the State Conservation Area.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: The Federal Falls walking track is the main activity. Other tracks are available on Mount Canobolas.

Local Amenities (in Orange)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Parkview Hotel Orange (~20 km)
  • The Royal Hotel Orange (~20 km)
  • The Robin Hood Hotel (~21 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive and highly-rated food and wine scene with numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs in Orange (~20 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Mount Canobolas Summit Lookout (~5 km)
  • Lake Canobolas Reserve (~12 km)
  • Orange Wine Region Cellar Doors (many within a 15-25 km radius)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Colour City Caravan Park, Orange (~20 km)
  • Canobolas Caravan Park, Orange (~20 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Macquarie Woods Forestry Reserve (~45 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Orange Showground (~22 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Orange (~20 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Orange Visitor Information Centre (~20 km)
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Also at the summit of Mount Canobolas (~5 km) and throughout Orange.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mount Canobolas (High Altitude)

• Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days with cool to cold nights. Temperatures are significantly cooler than in Orange. Average temperatures from 10°C to 24°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. A beautiful time for hiking. Temperatures range from 2°C to 17°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with frequent heavy frosts, ice, and regular snowfall. Road closures are common. Temperatures range from -4°C to 7°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cold to cool days that can be very windy. Snow is still possible in early spring. Temperatures range from 1°C to 16°C.