Royal Hotel Mount Hope – Outback Pub Camping & Accommodation NSW
Step back in time and experience genuine outback hospitality at the iconic Royal Hotel in Mount Hope. A quintessential Aussie pub located on the historic Kidman Way, the Royal Hotel is more than just a place for a cold beer; it’s a vital community hub and a welcome sanctuary for travellers crossing the vast plains of Central West NSW. For those in caravans, motorhomes, or camper trailers, the hotel offers a classic pub-stay experience, providing a safe and friendly place to pull up for the night. The camping is straightforward and unpretentious – a spacious area where you can find a spot, set up camp, and then wander into the pub to soak up the atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet the publican, chat with local characters, and share stories with fellow travellers.
The charm of staying at the Royal Hotel lies in its simplicity and authenticity. After a long day on the road, there’s nothing better than enjoying a hearty pub meal and a refreshing drink without having to worry about driving anywhere afterwards. The pub itself is brimming with character, from historic memorabilia on the walls to the friendly banter across the bar. While the camping facilities are basic, guests typically have access to the pub’s toilets and sometimes showers, offering a level of convenience not found at remote free camps. It’s a pet-friendly establishment, meaning your four-legged travel companions are welcome too. A stay at the Royal Hotel is not about luxury; it’s about experiencing a core part of Australian outback culture, sleeping under an impossibly vast and starry sky, and waking up refreshed and ready for the next leg of your adventure.
Royal Hotel, Mount Hope3 Scott St, Mount Hope NSW 2877
- Phone number: (02) 6897 7997
- GPS Coordinates: -32.8398, 145.87953
Site Information
- Location: Mount Hope, NSW, on the Kidman Way between Hillston and Cobar.
- Site suitable for: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and big rigs.
- Road access: Sealed highway access (Kidman Way).
- Site surface: Gravel and dirt area, generally level.
- Camping permitted: Yes, typically free or low-cost with a purchase at the pub. Please confirm with publican.
- Maximum overnight stays: Flexible, check with publican.
- Number of powered sites: Limited powered sites may be available; check for availability and cost.
- Number of un-powered sites: Ample unpowered sites available.
- Facilities: Basic facilities.
- Picnic tables: Yes, in the pub’s beer garden.
- Potable water: Yes, available on request.
- Mobile phone coverage: Extremely limited. A Telstra signal may be possible with a booster.
- TV reception: Unlikely.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes, available for patrons inside the hotel.
- Rubbish bins: Yes.
- Open fires: No. Fires are generally not permitted at pub stays.
- Generator use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the publican and other guests.
Essentials to Bring
- Cash, as EFTPOS can be unreliable in remote areas.
- Levelling blocks for your vehicle.
- Your own power and water if you plan to be fully self-sufficient.
Activities
- Pet friendly: Yes, pets are generally welcome. Please confirm with publican.
- Fishing: No.
- Short walks: Explore the historic (and tiny) township of Mount Hope.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- You are at the Royal Hotel.
- The next closest are in Cobar (~160 km north) or Hillston (~115 km south).
- Places to Eat:
- The Royal Hotel offers classic pub meals.
- Local Attractions:
- The historic hotel itself.
- The vast, open landscape of outback NSW.
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Hillston Caravan Park (~115 km)
- Cobar Caravan Park (~160 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Various rest areas along the Kidman Way.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Hillston Showgrounds (~115 km)
- Cobar public dump point (~160 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- There is a fuel stop at Mount Hope (confirm operating hours).
- Next reliable fuel is in Hillston or Cobar.
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at the hotel.
- Public Toilets:
- Available for patrons at the hotel.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mount Hope Region
- Summer (December – February): Very hot and dry. Average temperatures range from 20°C to 36°C, with days frequently exceeding 40°C.
- Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and milder nights. Temperatures range from 12°C to 29°C. A great time to travel.
- Winter (June – August): Mild days with cold nights and frosts. Temperatures range from 4°C to 17°C.
- Spring (September – November): Pleasant and warm as temperatures rise, ranging from 11°C to 27°C.