Little Creek Reserve – Free Camping near Barraba, NSW

For travellers seeking a peaceful and authentic bush camp in the beautiful New England North West region, Little Creek Reserve is a delightful discovery. This charming, free campground is situated in a quiet valley on the banks of a seasonal creek, offering a serene escape for self-sufficient campers. Located a scenic drive from the town of Barraba, the reserve is a spacious, flat, grassy area surrounded by rolling hills and native woodland, providing plenty of room for all types of setups, from tents to large caravans. It’s a place to unwind, enjoy the simple pleasures of the Australian bush, and listen to the incredible chorus of local birdlife.

The campground is proudly pet-friendly, with endless space for dogs to run and explore. It’s a classic, back-to-basics experience, with the only facility being a non-flush toilet, so campers must be fully self-contained with their own water and power supplies. The freedom to find your own private spot, enjoy a campfire under the vast country sky, and simply relax in nature is the main appeal here. The reserve also serves as a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding area. It’s just a short drive to the village of Barraba, which is famous for being a birdwatching hotspot and is the gateway to the rugged beauty of the Mount Kaputar National Park. This campground operates on a donation basis, allowing visitors to show their appreciation and support the local community that maintains this wonderful, peaceful haven. For a quiet, pet-friendly, and truly relaxing stopover, Little Creek Reserve is a top choice.

• GPS Coordinates: -30.31021, 150.43489

Site Information

• Location: On Little Creek, south-west of Barraba.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed road, generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, a donation is requested.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilet.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited. Telstra service is patchy.
• TV reception: Possible with a good setup.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• 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 reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• Donation cash for the honesty box.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Your own toilet and shower facilities are recommended.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Binoculars for birdwatching.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Possible in the creek when it has water.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks through the reserve and surrounding farmland.

Local Amenities (in Barraba)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Commercial Hotel, Barraba (~20 km)
  • The Central Hotel, Barraba (~20 km)
  • Barraba RSL & Recreation Club (~20 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A good selection of pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in Barraba (~20 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The town of Barraba, a renowned birdwatching destination (~20 km)
  • Barraba Silo Art (~20 km)
  • Horton Falls National Park (~60 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Barraba Caravan Park (~20 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Rocky River Fossicking Area, near Bingara (~60 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Barraba Caravan Park (~20 km, a fee may apply for non-guests).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Barraba (~20 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Barraba. It is essential to arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in the main street of Barraba (~20 km).

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 frequent frosts. 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 with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 10°C to 26°C.