Stewarts Crossing Campground – Free Shoalhaven River Camping

For those who believe a little adventure makes a campsite all the more rewarding, Stewarts Crossing is a legendary destination. This fantastic free campground, spread across vast, grassy flats on both sides of the beautiful Shoalhaven River, is a mecca for self-sufficient campers who love a classic bush setting. The defining feature of this campground is the journey to get there, which involves crossing the river itself via a concrete causeway. This, along with other more challenging crossings to access different parts of the reserve, makes it a particular favourite for 4WD enthusiasts. When the river is low, it’s generally accessible to 2WD vehicles with care, but its variable nature adds to the thrill and sense of remoteness.

The campground itself is enormous, offering an almost endless supply of prime, level campsites, from sunny open spots to shady sites under the casuarinas. This huge area is perfect for all setups and is exceptionally pet-friendly, with acres of space for dogs to run and swim. The river is the heart of the experience, offering beautiful, clear water perfect for a cooling swim, a leisurely kayak, or casting a line for fish. This is a true ‘back-to-basics’ free camp with no facilities—no toilets, no bins, no water. This means you must be completely self-reliant, with your own toilet setup, and you must strictly adhere to the ‘leave no trace’ principle by taking all your rubbish with you. The freedom to find your own secluded spot, enjoy a campfire under the stars, and wake up to the sound of the river makes Stewarts Crossing one of the best bush camping experiences in the Southern Tablelands.

• GPS Coordinates: -35.24648, 149.89165

Site Information

• Location: On the Shoalhaven River, near Oallen.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed roads with concrete river crossings. 2WD accessible with caution when the river is low, but 4WD is highly recommended. Impassable after heavy rain.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy and sandy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit, but respectful short to medium stays are the norm.
• Facilities: None.
• Picnic tables: No.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: No. You must have your own toilet.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for others due to the large space.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• Your own toilet and shower facilities.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• A fire pit and your own firewood.
• Vehicle recovery gear is recommended.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Yes, fishing in the Shoalhaven River is popular.
• Short walks: Explore the extensive riverbanks and surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities (in Braidwood)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Royal Mail Hotel, Braidwood (~50 km)
  • The Braidwood Hotel (The National) (~50 km)
  • The Braidwood Services Club (~50 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An excellent selection of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in the historic main street of Braidwood (~50 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The historic, heritage-listed town of Braidwood (~50 km)
  • Morton National Park (access via Braidwood)
  • Nerriga Pub (~50 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Braidwood Showground (low cost) (~50 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Berlang Campground, Deua National Park (~80 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Braidwood Showground (~50 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Braidwood (~50 km). It is essential to arrive with plenty of fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Braidwood. Arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • The nearest public toilets are in Braidwood (~50 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Southern Tablelands

• Summer (December – February): Hot and often dry, perfect for swimming. Average temperatures from 16°C to 30°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. An ideal time for camping. Temperatures range from 7°C to 24°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with severe frosts and potentially freezing nights. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 0°C to 14°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. Can be windy. The landscape is green and lush. Temperatures range from 6°C to 23°C.