Jounama Creek Campground – Free 4WD Camping Talbingo – Kosciuszko National Park

Escape to the remote tranquillity of Jounama Creek Campground, a free, secluded bush camp located in the northern reaches of Kosciuszko National Park, near the town of Talbingo. This campground is a true wilderness retreat, ideal for self-sufficient campers, 4WD enthusiasts, and hikers looking to explore the beautiful Jounama Creek area. It offers a unique opportunity to camp in a stunning, natural setting with basic facilities, far from crowds and noise.

Access to Jounama Creek Campground is an adventure in itself. It is reached via the unsealed Jounama Creek Trail, which is accessible off the Snowy Mountains Highway. This trail is **strictly 4WD recommended**, particularly after rain when the track can become slippery and challenging. The campground is **not suitable for caravans, large motorhomes, or 2WD vehicles**. After reaching the small car park, the campsites are a **short walk-in** (approx. 100-200m), making it perfect for tent-based camping or swags.

This is a **free campground** managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and **no bookings are required**. As it is located inside a national park, **pets are strictly prohibited**. Facilities are basic, consisting of picnic tables, wood barbecue fire pits, and a single non-flush pit toilet.

Campers must be completely self-sufficient. There is **no potable (drinking) water** available, so you must bring all your own, or be prepared to treat water from the creek. There are **no rubbish bins**, and all rubbish must be taken with you under the “leave no trace” policy. Campfires are generally permitted in the provided pits (check NPWS for seasonal fire bans), but you must **bring your own firewood**, as collecting wood within the park is forbidden. Due to the remote valley location, there is **no mobile phone reception**.

The campground is a fantastic base for exploring the Jounama Creek Trail, which offers beautiful walks and wildlife viewing. It’s also a short drive from the main attractions of Talbingo, including Jounama Dam, Talbingo Reservoir, and the incredible Yarrangobilly Caves.

Jounama Creek campground – NSW Map

Site Details

Name: Jounama Creek campground
Address: Jounama Creek Trail, Talbingo NSW 2720 (within Kosciuszko National Park)
GPS Coordinates: -35.56585, 148.33185
Website: NSW National Parks (NPWS) Website

Site Features

• Location: Kosciuszko National Park, remote creek-side setting.
• Site Suitable For: **Tents and swags only.** This is a walk-in site (short walk from 4WD car park).
• Road Access: **Unsealed 4WD track** (Jounama Creek Trail). **Not suitable for 2WD or caravans.**
• Site Surface: Grass/dirt, flat areas.
• Camping Permitted: **Yes,** free, no bookings required.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check NPWS guidelines.
• Picnic Tables: **Yes.**
• Potable Water: **No.** Bring your own or treat creek water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: **No.**
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: **Yes,** one non-flush pit toilet.
• Ullage (Dump Point): **No.** Nearest is in Talbingo or Tumut.
• Drive Through: No. Park and walk in.
• Rubbish Bins: **No.** All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: **Yes,** in provided pits, subject to NPWS fire bans. **Bring your own firewood.**
• Generator Use: **No.** Not permitted in this national park campground.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, small number of sites.
• Essentials to Bring: **Drinking water,** firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, warm clothing (alpine area).
• Pet Friendly: **No.** Pets are strictly prohibited in Kosciuszko National Park.
• Fishing: **Yes,** possible in Jounama Creek (NSW licence required).
• Short Walks: **Yes,** Jounama Creek Trail starts at the campground.

Local Amenities

Note: The nearest town with services is **Talbingo** (approx. 10-15 km drive).

• Local Pubs:
  • Talbingo Country Club (approx. 10 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Talbingo Country Club (approx. 10 km)
  • Talbingo Supermarket & Cafe (approx. 10 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Jounama Creek (on-site)
  • Jounama Dam (approx. 8 km)
  • Talbingo Reservoir (approx. 12 km)
  • Yarrangobilly Caves (approx. 30 km)
  • Buddong Falls (4WD access) (approx. 20 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Reflections Holiday Parks Talbingo (approx. 10 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Log Bridge campground (Kosciuszko NP, 4WD) (approx. 15 km)
  • Buddong Falls campground (Kosciuszko NP, 4WD) (approx. 20 km)
• Nearest Dump Points (Sullage):
  • Reflections Holiday Parks Talbingo (for patrons, check public use) (approx. 10 km)
  • Tumut Showgrounds (Public Dump Point) (approx. 55 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Talbingo Service Station (approx. 10 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Talbingo (check local availability) (approx. 10 km)
  • Tumut (approx. 55 km)
• Nearest Public Toilets (off-site):
  • Talbingo (town centre/shops) (approx. 10 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast

This is an alpine region. Weather can change rapidly.

• Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm days, but nights can remain cool. Average maximums around 26-28°C.
• Autumn (Mar – May): Mild, crisp days and cool to cold nights.
• Winter (Jun – Aug): **Cold.** Days are chilly (average max 8-11°C), and nights frequently drop below freezing. Frost is common, and snow is possible on higher tracks (road access may be affected).
• Spring (Sep – Nov): Cool, becoming mild. Weather is highly variable with potential for rain, wind, and late snow.