Pines Forest Park – Watagans State Forest Camping NSW

The Pines Forest Park, located in the heart of Olney State Forest, is one of the most popular and picturesque free campgrounds in the Watagans. This expansive, grassy campground is renowned for the beautiful contrast between the native eucalypt forest and the magnificent stand of towering pine trees that gives the area its name. It’s a quintessential Australian bush camp that is incredibly popular with a wide range of visitors, from families making their first foray into camping to seasoned groups of 4WD enthusiasts. A major highlight for many is that, being in a State Forest, the campground is completely pet-friendly, so your dogs can come along for the adventure.

The campground offers a back-to-basics, self-sufficient experience. While there are non-flush toilets and wood fire pits available, campers must bring in their own drinking water and take all rubbish out with them. The large, open space makes it suitable for all camping setups, including tents, camper trailers, and caravans. The Pines serves as an excellent base for exploring the area’s natural attractions. The family-friendly Pines walking trail, complete with its fun suspension bridge, starts right from the campground, offering a delightful stroll through the forest. The site is also a central point for accessing the many 4WD and trail bike tracks that weave through the Watagan Mountains. With its beautiful setting, easy access, and welcoming atmosphere for pets and people alike, the Pines Forest Park is a fantastic choice for a memorable and budget-friendly forest escape.

• Website: Forestry Corporation – Olney State Forest
• GPS Coordinates: -33.06638, 151.33722

Site Information

• Location: Olney State Forest, in the Watagans Mountains.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans.
• Road access: Unsealed forest roads. Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather. Access from the Laguna side can be rougher.
• 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 very large area.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood.
• Sturdy shoes for the walking track.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes. Dogs are permitted in NSW State Forests.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: The Pines walking track and Rock Lily walking track start here.

Local Amenities (in Laguna/Wollombi)

• Local Pubs:
  • Great Northern Trading Post, Laguna (~15 km)
  • Wollombi Tavern, Wollombi (~30 km)
  • The Wyee Hotel (~35 km via western access)
• Places to Eat:
  • Great Northern Trading Post, Laguna (~15 km)
  • Cafes and the pub in the historic village of Wollombi (~30 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The Boarding House Dam Picnic Area (within the State Forest)
  • The historic village of Wollombi (~30 km)
  • Hunter Valley Wineries (starting from ~45 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Wollombi Tavern Campground (~30 km)
  • Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie, Morisset (~40 km via western access)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Casuarina Camping Area (within Olney State Forest)
  • Turpentine Camping Area (within Olney State Forest)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Cessnock Showground (~45 km)
  • Morisset Showground (~40 km via western access)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Laguna (~15 km – check hours) or Cessnock (~45 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Service stations or supermarkets in Cessnock or Wyong. Arrive fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Laguna (~15 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Central Coast Hinterland

• Summer (December – February): Warm to hot and humid, with high chance of rain and thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 19°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Mild, sunny days and pleasant evenings. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures range from 13°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool and often damp, with cold nights. The rainforest areas are particularly lush. Temperatures range from 6°C to 18°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The bush is alive with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 11°C to 25°C.