Sandy Point Beach Reserve – Free Murrumbidgee River Camping Hay

Discover a slice of riverside paradise at Sandy Point Beach Reserve, one of the most popular and scenic free camps in the NSW Riverina. Uniquely for the region, this beautiful campground boasts a large, genuine sandy beach that slopes gently into the cool, clear waters of the Murrumbidgee River, making it an absolute haven for swimmers, families, and water lovers during the warmer months. The reserve offers a spacious, shaded, and grassy area for camping, with numerous spots available for everything from tents and camper trailers to large caravans and motorhomes. Waking up to the sound of kookaburras and the sight of the majestic river flowing past is a truly special experience.

Maintained by the local council, Sandy Point provides a comfortable and convenient stay. The facilities are basic but well-kept, including a toilet block and rubbish bins. The pet-friendly policy makes it a perfect destination for those travelling with their furry friends, who will love the water and the space to run. The river is the main attraction, offering excellent opportunities for fishing for Murray cod and yellowbelly, as well as being the perfect spot to launch a kayak or paddleboard. Despite its serene, natural feel, the campground is just minutes from the centre of Hay, making it incredibly easy to pop into town for supplies, a pub meal, or to visit the town’s fascinating attractions like the Shear Outback museum. It’s this perfect combination of a beautiful natural setting, great recreational activities, and close proximity to town services that makes Sandy Point Beach Reserve a top-tier free camping destination.

• Website: www.visithay.com.au
• GPS Coordinates: -34.51401, 144.84178

Site Information

• Location: On the Murrumbidgee River, in the town of Hay.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road access, easy for 2WD vehicles.
• Site surface: Grass, dirt, and sand.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally 72 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Excellent.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Dozens of unmarked sites in a large area.

Essentials to Bring

• Your own drinking water.
• A fire pit if you wish to have a campfire.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Swimmers and a kayak or paddleboard.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in the Murrumbidgee River.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the riverbank and into town.

Local Amenities (in Hay)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Crown Hotel, Hay (~2 km)
  • Riverina Hotel, Hay (~2 km)
  • New Crown Hotel, Hay (~2 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide selection of pubs, cafes, clubs and bakeries in Hay (~2 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Shear Outback, The Australian Shearers Hall of Fame (~2 km)
  • Dunera Museum (~2 km)
  • Bishop’s Lodge Historic House and Heritage Rose Garden (~2 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Hay Plains Holiday Park, Hay (~2 km)
  • Discovery Parks – Hay (~2 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Wooloondool Campground (~12 km)
  • Lachlan River Campground, Maude (~60 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Hay Showgrounds (~3 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Hay (~2 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Hay Visitor Information Centre (~2 km)
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the reserve.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Riverina Region

• Summer (December – February): Very hot and dry, perfect for swimming. Average temperatures from 20°C to 36°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm to mild sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for camping. Temperatures range from 10°C to 29°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, especially overnight with heavy frosts. Days are typically cool but sunny. Temperatures range from 3°C to 16°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. A beautiful time to visit as the landscape greens. Temperatures range from 9°C to 26°C.