Nimmitabel Campground (Showground), Nimmitabel NSW
Embracing the hardy spirit of the Monaro High Country, the Nimmitabel Showground offers travellers a fantastic, value-for-money camping experience with a generous dose of country charm. This classic showground is a favourite stop for those exploring the Snowy Mountains Highway, providing a spacious, friendly, and well-equipped base right on the edge of the historic town. The campground features vast, open, and level grassy areas, ensuring there’s always plenty of room to find a comfortable spot, even for the biggest rigs. It’s a wonderfully relaxed and unpretentious place where you can unwind, breathe in the crisp high-country air, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding plains.
Managed with pride by the local community, the showground is renowned for its excellent amenities and affordability. For a very reasonable fee, campers have access to powered sites, clean toilet and shower blocks with piping hot water, and a convenient dump point. It’s an exceptionally pet-friendly location, with the huge open spaces of the showground providing a perfect area for dogs to stretch their legs. The friendly welcome from the on-site caretaker and the quiet, safe atmosphere make it a place travellers return to time and again.
The campground’s location is a major asset. It’s an easy, pleasant walk into the main street of Nimmitabel, a town rich in history and character. You can explore its historic buildings, visit the German Cuckoo Clock Centre, or enjoy a hearty meal at one of the classic country pubs. Strategically, Nimmitabel is the perfect crossroads; it serves as an ideal launchpad for trips up into the Snowy Mountains ski fields, down the escarpment to the beautiful Sapphire Coast, or for exploring the rich pastoral heritage of the Monaro. For a comfortable, convenient, and authentically Australian country stay, the Nimmitabel Showground is an outstanding choice.
Site Information
- Location: At the town showgrounds, on the edge of Nimmitabel township.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed roads.
- Site Surface: Large, level grass areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with powered and unpowered options.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with the caretaker, but multi-day stays are common.
- Number of Powered Sites: Yes, a good number of powered sites are available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, an extensive unpowered area.
Facilities
- Facilities: Toilets, hot showers, dump point, laundry facilities may be available.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, some are available.
- 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: Generally not permitted. Please confirm with the caretaker.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding timing and neighbours.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Cash for fees, warm clothing (it gets very cold), walking shoes to explore the town.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly location.
- Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the nearby rivers and streams of the Monaro.
- Short Walks: A great historic walk around the town of Nimmitabel is a must-do.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Federal Hotel, Nimmitabel (approx. 1 km)
- The Royal Arms Hotel, Nimmitabel (approx. 1 km)
- Places to Eat: Pubs, a famous bakery, and cafes are all within walking distance in town.
- Local Attractions:
- Nimmitabel’s historic streetscape and heritage buildings
- The German Cuckoo Clock Centre
- The Big Windmill
- Wadbilliga National Park (4WD access)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Cooma has multiple caravan parks (approx. 40 km)
- Bombala Caravan Park (approx. 50 km)
- Next Free Camps: Various rest areas on the Snowy Mountains and Monaro Highways.
- Nearest Dump Points: Onsite.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Nimmitabel.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Mild to warm days which can be very pleasant, but weather can change quickly. Nights are cool. Temperatures average 10°C to 24°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful time to visit, with crisp, clear air and beautiful autumn colours. Days are cool, and nights are cold. Temperatures average 4°C to 18°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Very cold. Days are often sunny but frigid. Nights are well below freezing with heavy frosts. Snowfall in the town is common. Alpine conditions prevail. Temperatures range from -3°C to 9°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A lovely season as the high plains come to life. Weather can be very variable, with cold snaps and even late snow still possible. Temperatures average 3°C to 17°C.