Maxwells Flat Camping Area | Free Camping in Bulga Forest, NSW
The campground is perfectly suited for a wide range of setups, from simple tents and camper trailers to larger caravans and big rigs, with plenty of flat ground to choose from. While facilities are basic, they are well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable stay. The real appeal of Maxwells Flat lies in its simplicity and seclusion. Here, you can disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. Spend your days listening to the chorus of native birdlife, exploring nearby walking tracks, or simply relaxing by a crackling campfire under a brilliant starry sky. It’s a place where the rhythm of the forest dictates the pace of your day.
Conveniently located, Maxwells Flat serves as an excellent launchpad for discovering nearby attractions. The magnificent Ellenborough Falls, one of the longest single-drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere, is just a short drive away. The surrounding Bulga State Forest and adjacent Tapin Tops National Park are crisscrossed with trails for hiking and 4WD touring. While beautifully isolated, the service town of Wingham is within a reasonable distance for resupplying essentials like fuel, water, and groceries. For those seeking an authentic, peaceful, and budget-friendly bush camp, Maxwells Flat is a true hidden gem.
Maxwells Flat Camping Area
Causeway Rd, Bulga Forest NSW 2429
GPS Coordinates: -31.48661, 152.18691
Site Details
- Location: Bulga State Forest, New South Wales
- Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
- Road access: Unsealed gravel road (Causeway Rd). Can be slippery when wet; caution is advised. 2WD accessible in dry conditions, 4WD recommended in the wet.
- Site surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
- Maximum overnight stays: Up to 4 weeks.
- Number of powered sites: 0
- Number of un-powered sites: Unspecified; large open area with numerous spots.
Facilities & Rules
- Facilities: Basic, but functional.
- Picnic tables: Yes, scattered throughout the area.
- Potable water: No, you must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none. Telstra may have intermittent service in some spots.
- TV reception: Poor to none.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes, non-flushing (long-drop) toilets.
- Ullage / Dump Point: No. The nearest public dump point is in Wingham.
- Drive through sites: Not designated, but the area is large enough for easy manoeuvring.
- Rubbish bins: No. This is a take-in, take-out site. Please leave no trace.
- Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator use: Permitted between reasonable hours (e.g., 8 am – 8 pm). Be considerate of other campers.
- Number of sites available: Multiple, not individually marked.
Activities & Notes
- Essentials to bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, and all other necessary supplies.
- Pet friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept under control at all times.
- Fishing: Limited opportunities in nearby creeks for freshwater species.
- Short walks: Explore the surrounding forest on informal tracks.
Local Amenities
- Nearest Pubs:
- Comboyne Community Club (approx. 38 km)
- Australian Hotel, Wingham (approx. 43 km)
- Wingham Hotel Motel (approx. 43 km)
- Places to Eat: A variety of cafes, bakeries, and takeaways are located in Wingham (approx. 43 km).
- Local Attractions:
- Ellenborough Falls (approx. 22 km)
- Tapin Tops National Park (adjacent to Bulga SF)
- Wingham Brush Nature Reserve (approx. 43 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Wingham Showground Camping (approx. 43 km)
- BIG4 Wingham Riverside Holiday Park (approx. 44 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Ellenborough Reserve (Wauchope) (approx. 22 km)
- Swans Crossing, Kerewong State Forest (approx. 55 km)
- Nearest Dump Points: Wingham Showground, Isabella St, Wingham (approx. 43 km).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Wingham has multiple service stations (approx. 43 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps and service stations in Wingham (approx. 43 km).
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite): Central Park, Wingham (approx. 43 km).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
The weather in Bulga State Forest can vary due to its altitude and dense tree cover. Always be prepared for cooler temperatures than the coast, especially overnight.
- Summer (December – February): Days are typically warm to hot and can be humid, with average maximums of 27-30°C. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Nights are mild.
- Autumn (March – May): Characterised by pleasant, mild days with plenty of sunshine and average maximums around 22-26°C. Nights become cooler as the season progresses.
- Winter (June – August): Days are cool and crisp, with average maximums of 17-19°C. Nights are cold and can drop close to freezing, so warm gear is essential. This is generally the driest time of year.
- Spring (September – November): Weather is mild and warming, with average maximums from 21-25°C. A beautiful time to visit as the forest comes to life, but be prepared for occasional rain showers.