Joseph Wills Park – Free Community Camping Elsmore NSW

Step back into the history of the New England region with a peaceful stay at Joseph Wills Park, a fantastic free campground located in the quiet, historic village of Elsmore. Once a bustling centre of the tin mining boom, Elsmore is now a tranquil hamlet, and this community-provided park offers travellers a wonderful opportunity to rest and explore the area. The campground is a large, open, and level grassy area, offering plenty of space for all types of camping setups, from tents to the largest of big rigs, to find a comfortable spot. Maintained with pride by the local community, the park operates on a donation basis, allowing campers to show their appreciation for the facilities and contribute to the town’s upkeep.

This is a fantastic spot for self-sufficient travellers. The facilities are basic but clean and functional, including a toilet block, rubbish bins, and a children’s playground. The park is very pet-friendly, with lots of room for dogs to have a run around. One of the great charms of staying at Joseph Wills Park is the profound peace and quiet; it’s a place to relax, listen to the birdlife, and enjoy the simple pleasures of a country village. While the camp itself is a destination for tranquility, it also serves as an excellent, budget-friendly base for exploring the nearby ‘Sapphire City’ of Inverell, which is just a short drive away. There you can try your hand at fossicking for gemstones, explore museums, or enjoy the town’s excellent cafes and pubs. For a quiet, convenient, and historically interesting stopover, Joseph Wills Park is a perfect example of country hospitality.

• GPS Coordinates: -29.81349, 151.2931

Site Information

• Location: In the village of Elsmore, 17km east of Inverell.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road. Easy 2WD access.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy area.
• Camping permitted: Yes, a donation is requested.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally 72 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins, children’s playground.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large park.

Essentials to Bring

• Donation cash for the honesty box.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Your own fire pit and firewood if you wish to have a campfire.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks around the historic village of Elsmore.

Local Amenities (in Inverell)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Royal Hotel, Inverell (~18 km)
  • The Australian Hotel, Inverell (~18 km)
  • The Oxford Hotel, Inverell (~18 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in Inverell (~18 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Inverell Pioneer Village (~18 km)
  • Goonoowigall Sound Chapel (~20 km)
  • Sapphire fossicking areas around Inverell.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Inverell Caravan Park (~17 km)
  • Sapphire City Caravan Park, Inverell (~19 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Pindari Dam Camping Ground (~60 km)
  • Wells Crossing Campground (~40 km, 4WD rec)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Inverell Showground (~17 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Inverell (~18 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Inverell Visitor Information Centre (~18 km). Arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: New England / North West Slopes

• Summer (December – February): Hot to very hot and often dry. Average temperatures from 19°C to 33°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for exploring. Temperatures range from 10°C to 27°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with heavy frosts common. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 2°C to 17°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and vibrant. Temperatures range from 10°C to 26°C.