Mendooran Free Camp, Mendooran NSW
The Mendooran Free Camp is a shining beacon of country hospitality, widely regarded as one of the best donation-based campgrounds in New South Wales. Located on the spacious grounds of the town’s showground and on the banks of the Castlereagh River, this community-supported initiative offers travellers a wonderfully welcoming, comfortable, and well-equipped place to stay. The campground features vast, open, and level grassy areas, providing an abundance of room for even the largest rigs to find a perfect spot, either in the sun or under the shade of a mature tree. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, embodying the generous spirit of a small country town.
What makes this camp truly exceptional is the quality of the facilities provided for a simple donation. The community has invested in a clean and well-maintained amenity block that includes flushing toilets and the highly-prized luxury of hot showers (often requiring a key from a local business). Furthermore, the site includes a convenient dump point and access to potable water, covering all the essential needs of the modern traveller. It is also an incredibly pet-friendly camp, with the wide-open spaces of the showground providing a perfect playground for dogs to run and play.
The location is ideal for those exploring the Central West Slopes of NSW. It’s a perfect stopover on the journey between Dubbo and the Warrumbungle region. The historic “pub with the mural” is just a short walk away, offering hearty meals and a chance to meet the friendly locals. The campground also serves as a great base for exploring the unique landscape of the Goonoo National Park and is within a reasonable drive of the star-gazing capital, Coonabarabran, and the magnificent Warrumbungle National Park. For its combination of excellent facilities, space, and community spirit, the Mendooran Free Camp is an absolute must-visit.
Site Information
- Location: At the town showgrounds, on the banks of the Castlereagh River.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed roads.
- Site Surface: Large, level grass areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, donation-based camping with a 72-hour limit.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 72 hours.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Very large, open, undefined area.
Facilities
- Facilities: Toilets, hot showers (key required), dump point.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: Yes, a dump point is available on site.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to seasonal fire restrictions.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding timing and neighbours.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Cash for donation and key deposit, walking shoes, fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly location.
- Fishing: Fishing opportunities for Murray Cod and Yellowbelly in the Castlereagh River.
- Short Walks: A pleasant walk through the town and along the river.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Royal Hotel, Mendooran (approx. 1 km)
- The Royal Hotel, Merrygoen (approx. 25 km)
- The Commercial Hotel, Dunedoo (approx. 40 km)
- Places to Eat: The local pub and a cafe/general store in Mendooran.
- Local Attractions:
- The “Pub with the Mural”
- Goonoo National Park
- Warrumbungle National Park (approx. 1.5 hour drive)
- The city of Dubbo and the Taronga Western Plains Zoo (approx. 1 hour drive)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Dunedoo Caravan Park
- Multiple parks in Gilgandra and Dubbo.
- Next Free Camps: Breelong Rest Area, various rest areas on the Castlereagh Highway.
- Nearest Dump Points: Onsite.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Mendooran.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Hot, with daytime temperatures often in the mid-to-high 30s. High chance of thunderstorms.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime travel season, with warm, sunny days and milder nights. Temperatures average 10°C to 26°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold. Days are often crisp and sunny, but nights are very cold with heavy frosts. Temperatures range from 2°C to 16°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming days and the countryside green and vibrant. Temperatures average 9°C to 25°C.