Peacock Creek Campground – Free Forest Camping Bonalbo NSW

Deep within the beautiful and rugged Bonalbo State Forest, Peacock Creek campground offers a fantastic free escape for those who love remote bush camping. Situated on a large, open, grassy flat alongside the gentle Peacock Creek, this spacious campground is a haven for self-sufficient travellers. Surrounded by a stunning forest of tall gums and ironbarks, it provides a truly peaceful atmosphere where the sounds of the bush and the trickle of the creek are the dominant soundtrack. Its location in a State Forest makes it a hugely popular choice for campers with dogs, who are welcome to enjoy the wide-open spaces and forest tracks.

The campground is a central point for exploring the Richmond Range and is particularly favoured by 4WD enthusiasts and trail bike riders, who use it as a base to explore the extensive network of forest trails, including the scenic Cambridge Plateau Forest Drive. For those who prefer a slower pace, there are opportunities for pleasant walks along the creek and through the surrounding forest, with plenty of wildlife and birds to spot. This is a classic, back-to-basics free camp with essential facilities like non-flush toilets and wood fire pits. Campers must arrive fully self-contained, bringing their own drinking water and taking all their rubbish with them when they leave. The freedom to find your own spot, gather around a campfire at night, and enjoy the tranquility of the forest makes Peacock Creek a top-tier destination for a genuine bush camping adventure in the Northern Rivers hinterland.

• Website: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• GPS Coordinates: -28.66006, 152.71583

Site Information

• Location: Bonalbo State Forest, Richmond Range.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes.
• Road access: Unsealed forest roads. 2WD accessible with care in dry weather, but 4WD is recommended as roads can be rough.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy area.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check Forestry Corporation guidelines, typically up to 4 weeks.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, fire pits.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• 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.
• Sturdy shoes for exploring.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes. Dogs are permitted in NSW State Forests.
• Fishing: Possible in the creek, though it can be shallow.
• Short walks: Explore the surrounding forest and creek beds. Central to many 4WD trails.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Dog ‘n’ Bull Hotel, Bonalbo (~25 km)
  • Numerous pubs and hotels in Casino (~55 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Bonalbo’s local cafe and pub (~25 km)
  • A wide range of options in Casino (~55 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Cambridge Plateau Forest Drive
  • The village of Bonalbo (~25 km)
  • Toonumbar National Park (~45 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Bonalbo Caravan Park (~25 km)
  • Casino Holiday Park (~55 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Other informal sites within the State Forest network.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Casino Showgrounds (~55 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Bonalbo (~25 km) or Casino (~55 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Casino. It is essential to arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The nearest public toilets are in Bonalbo (~25 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Northern Rivers Hinterland

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, with a high chance of thunderstorms. The creek is great for cooling off. Average temperatures from 20°C to 32°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Ideal for camping and exploring. Temperatures range from 14°C to 28°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cold nights. Frost is possible. Great for campfires. Temperatures range from 6°C to 20°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The landscape is lush and green. Temperatures range from 12°C to 27°C.