Mount York Campground – Free Historic Camping, Blue Mountains

Camping at Mount York offers one of the most historically significant and scenically spectacular experiences in the Blue Mountains. This fantastic free campground is perched right on the edge of the escarpment at the very point where Blaxland, Wentworth, and Lawson first looked out over the western plains in 1813. It’s a place of profound national importance, offering breathtaking panoramic views that stretch for miles across the Hartley Valley below. The campground is a spacious, rustic area set amongst the gums and boulders of the high country, providing a beautiful and dramatic setting for self-sufficient campers. It’s a favourite for hikers, rock climbers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a rugged, high-altitude escape.

The main attraction is the incredible history and the jaw-dropping views. A series of lookouts and monuments commemorate the achievements of the early explorers, and you can even see sections of the original, convict-built Coxs Road that descended the mountain pass. The area is also a major hub for adventure, with the surrounding cliffs offering some of the best rock climbing and abseiling in the Blue Mountains. This is a classic, back-to-basics bush camp with facilities limited to non-flush toilets, so you must be fully self-reliant with your own water and supplies. Being a council reserve, it is also wonderfully pet-friendly. The high altitude means nights are always cold, making a campfire an essential part of the experience as you watch the sun set over the valley. For a free, pet-friendly, and truly awe-inspiring stay, Mount York is an unmissable destination.

• GPS Coordinates: -33.5542, 150.21914

Site Information

• Location: Atop Mount York, in the upper Blue Mountains.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, small to medium caravans/motorhomes. Access road is narrow.
• Road access: Narrow, winding, but sealed road. Drive with extreme caution, especially with larger vehicles.
• Site surface: Natural, sloping dirt and grass clearings.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit, but short stays are the norm.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Excellent for all major carriers due to the altitude.
• TV reception: Excellent.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large area.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood.
• Levelling ramps are essential as most sites are on a slope.
• Alpine-rated warm clothing, as nights are cold year-round.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: A primary destination for historical walks and lookouts. It’s also a major rock climbing and abseiling area.

Local Amenities (in Mount Victoria / Blackheath)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Imperial Hotel, Mount Victoria (~5 km)
  • The Gardners Inn Hotel, Blackheath (~10 km)
  • The New Ivanhoe Hotel, Blackheath (~10 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A good selection of cafes, bakeries, and the pub in Mount Victoria (~5 km).
  • Extensive dining options in Blackheath (~10 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • The historic explorers’ monuments and lookouts (on site)
  • The village of Mount Victoria and its cinema, Mount Vic Flicks (~5 km)
  • Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout, Blackheath (~12 km).
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Blackheath Glen Tourist Park (~10 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Cathedral Reserve, Mount Wilson (~25 km)
  • Old Ford Reserve, Megalong Valley (~30 km).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • At Katoomba Waste Management Facility (~25 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Mount Victoria (~5 km) or Blackheath (~10 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Mount Victoria or Blackheath. It is essential to arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in Mount Victoria (~5 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Blue Mountains (High Altitude)

• Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days with cool nights. Weather can change rapidly. Average temperatures from 14°C to 26°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. The autumn colours in the region are spectacular. Temperatures range from 6°C to 20°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts, ice, and frequent snow. Road closures are possible. Temperatures range from 0°C to 11°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cold to cool days that can be windy and changeable. Snow is still possible. Temperatures range from 6°C to 20°C.