Orange Showground RV Camping | Central West Food & Wine Hub
For travellers seeking the perfect base to explore one of Australia’s premier food and wine destinations, the Orange Showground provides an exceptional and affordable camping option. Located in the vibrant heart of the NSW Central West, this well-equipped showground offers a spacious and convenient stay for all types of campers. The grounds feature expansive, level, grassy areas suitable for the largest motorhomes and big rigs, as well as caravans, camper trailers, and tents. As a gateway to the region’s cool-climate wineries, acclaimed restaurants, and stunning natural beauty, the showground is a popular choice for visitors year-round.
The main advantage of camping at the Orange Showground is its superb location. It’s situated within the city, providing easy access to all of Orange’s services, including major supermarkets, boutique shops, and a thriving cafe scene. This makes it an incredibly practical launchpad for your adventures. Spend your days touring the cellar doors of award-winning wineries, picking fresh produce at local orchards, or driving to the summit of Mount Canobolas for breathtaking panoramic views. Orange is famous for its distinct four seasons, and the showground allows you to immerse yourself in the experience, from the vibrant colours of autumn to the crisp, frosty mornings of winter. The facilities are clean and comprehensive, ensuring a comfortable stay with powered sites, hot showers, and a dump point. For a value-for-money and perfectly positioned base in this renowned high-country city, the Orange Showground is an excellent choice.
Campground Details
Orange Showground Camping – NSW Map
- Name: Orange Showground
- Address: Leeds Parade, Orange NSW 2800
- Website: www.orange.nsw.gov.au
- GPS Coordinates: -33.27089, 149.10924
- Location: In the regional city of Orange, close to the city centre and all attractions.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large motorhomes, caravans.
- Road Access: Sealed road access directly to the showground entrance.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass with some gravel areas, generally level.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, Fully Self Contained Only.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, ample unpowered camping space is available.
Facilities
- Picnic Tables: Limited. Self-sufficiency is recommended.
- Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
- Drive Through: Yes, many sites can be used as drive-through sites.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided for campers.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Permitted during respectful hours, but check with the caretaker.
Activities & Important Information
- Essentials to Bring: Warm clothing is essential year-round, especially for nights. Long power lead and water hose.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are generally welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Fishing: Fishing for trout and other species is popular at nearby Lake Canobolas and other local dams.
- Short Walks: Easy walks around the showgrounds and into the city to explore beautiful parks like Cook Park.
Local Amenities (in Orange)
Pubs & Places to Eat
- The Union Bank: An upscale wine bar and restaurant in a historic building, approx. 3 km.
- The Lord Anson: A popular, modern pub with a great bistro and family-friendly atmosphere, approx. 4 km.
- Orange Ex-Services’ Club: A very large club with multiple restaurants, cafes, and bars, approx. 3 km.
Local Attractions
- Mount Canobolas: The highest peak in the region, offering stunning views, walking trails, and picnic areas.
- Orange Region Wineries: Explore the many cellar doors famous for cool-climate wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Cook Park: A beautiful, historic park in the centre of town, famous for its seasonal garden displays.
- Orange Regional Museum & Gallery: Showcases the history and art of the region.
Camping & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks: This is a major camping ground. Several other commercial caravan parks are located in Orange.
- Next Free Camps: Some options are available in nearby state forests (e.g., Canobolas State Forest) and at rest areas on the highways.
- Nearest Dump Points: A dump point is available on-site for registered campers.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous 24/7 service stations are located throughout the city.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available on-site.
- Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Available on-site.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Note: Orange’s high altitude (around 860m) gives it a cool, temperate climate with four distinct seasons.
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and pleasant, with average temperatures in the mid-20s (°C), and cool nights.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Famous for its spectacular autumn foliage. Days are mild and sunny, nights are crisp and cool.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold. Days are chilly, and nights are frosty, with temperatures often dropping below zero. Occasional snowfalls occur, especially on Mount Canobolas.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): The city’s parks and gardens burst into colour. Weather is mild, perfect for touring.