Parkes Showground Camping | Elvis Festival & Central West Hub
For travellers exploring the heart of the NSW Central West, the Parkes Showground offers a fantastic, convenient, and spacious camping base. Located in a major regional town famous for the iconic CSIRO Radio Telescope (“The Dish”) and the internationally renowned Parkes Elvis Festival, this showground is a hub of activity and an ideal stopover. The grounds are expansive and feature vast, level, grassy areas suitable for all kinds of campers, from the largest motorhomes and big rigs to caravans, camper trailers, and tents. With an excellent array of powered and unpowered sites, it’s a popular and practical choice for those travelling the Newell Highway or visiting for one of the region’s many events.
The greatest asset of the Parkes Showground is its superb location and versatility. It provides a relaxed, open setting while being just a short drive from the bustling town centre, where you’ll find major supermarkets, classic country pubs, clubs, and all essential services. This makes it an incredibly easy base from which to explore. A short, scenic drive will take you to the awe-inspiring “Dish,” which played a crucial role in broadcasting the 1969 moon landing. In town, the Henry Parkes Centre houses a collection of fascinating museums. Of course, for fans of The King, the showground becomes a prime accommodation spot during the Parkes Elvis Festival held every January. With clean, reliable facilities including hot showers and a dump point, the Parkes Showground provides a comfortable and value-for-money stay in a town that truly is out of this world.
Campground Details
- Name: Parkes Showground
- Address: 52 Victoria Street, Parkes NSW 2870
- Website: parkesshow.wixsite.com
- GPS Coordinates: -33.12936, 148.16456
- Location: In the regional city of Parkes, close to the town centre and all attractions.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large motorhomes, caravans, and tents.
- Road Access: Sealed road access directly to the showground entrance.
- Site Surface: Mostly level grass with some gravel/dirt areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, paid camping is available. Contact the caretaker on arrival.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with the caretaker for specific policies, especially during festival times.
- Number of Powered Sites: Yes, a very large number of powered sites are available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, extensive 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.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, multiple amenity blocks with toilets and hot showers are available.
- 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: Cash for payment, long power lead, water hose. Blue suede shoes are optional (except in January!).
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are generally welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Fishing: Fishing is available at nearby Lake Endeavour.
- Short Walks: Easy walks around the showgrounds and into the Parkes town centre.
Local Amenities (in Parkes)
Pubs & Places to Eat
- The Railway Hotel: A beautifully renovated historic pub with a popular restaurant, approx. 2 km.
- The Coachman Hotel Motel: A large, modern hotel with a well-regarded bistro, approx. 3 km.
- Parkes Services Club: A large club offering multiple dining options from a cafe to a bistro, approx. 2 km.
Local Attractions
- CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope (“The Dish”): An iconic piece of Australian scientific history, a must-visit with an excellent visitor centre.
- The Henry Parkes Centre: Home to four museums, including the King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit and the Parkes Motor Museum.
- Parkes Elvis Festival: A world-famous festival held every January, attracting visitors from around the globe.
- Peak Hill Open Cut Experience: A historic gold mine with viewing platforms and walks, a short drive north of Parkes.
Camping & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks: This is a major camping ground. Several other commercial caravan parks are located in Parkes.
- Next Free Camps: Basic rest areas are available on the Newell Highway.
- 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 town.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available on-site.
- Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Available on-site.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Note: Parkes is in the Central West region and experiences a climate of hot summers and cool winters.
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and generally dry, with temperatures often reaching the mid-to-high 30s (°C). The Elvis Festival is held in the peak of this heat.
- Autumn (Mar-May): A very pleasant season with warm, sunny days and mild nights, perfect for touring.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Days are cool and often crisp and sunny, but nights are cold with frequent frosts.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Weather becomes mild and pleasant, with the landscape at its greenest.