Swans Crossing Campground, Kerewong NSW
Swans Crossing is a legendary free campground and one of the most beautiful and popular bush camping destinations on the NSW Mid North Coast. Nestled in a picturesque valley within the Kerewong State Forest, this magnificent spot is set on the banks of the crystal-clear Upsalls Creek. It’s a true paradise for families, nature lovers, and self-sufficient campers seeking a serene escape. The campground is a vast, open, and well-maintained grassy area, providing an enormous amount of space for all types of camping setups, from big rigs to swags, to find their own perfect spot amongst the towering eucalypt and tallowwood trees.
This is a classic State Forest camp that offers a fantastic back-to-nature experience with the convenience of basic facilities. The campground is equipped with non-flushing toilets, picnic tables, and wood-fired barbecues. Its biggest drawcards are its pet-friendly policy and the beautiful creek itself. The creek features a number of large, sandy swimming holes that are an absolute delight on a warm day, providing a natural playground for kids and adults alike. The atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed and social, especially on weekends and holidays when it becomes a vibrant hub of family fun.
The location is superb, feeling wonderfully remote and peaceful while being just a short, scenic drive from the charming hinterland village of Kendall. The surrounding forest offers a network of trails perfect for bushwalking, mountain biking, and 4WD touring. While it’s a free campground, its popularity means it can get busy, so arriving early is always a good idea. For an unbeatable combination of natural beauty, excellent swimming and a friendly, family atmosphere, Swans Crossing is one of the best free camps you will find anywhere.
Site Information
- Location: In the Kerewong State Forest, near the town of Kendall.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, and Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest road (Upsalls Creek Rd). Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather, but can be slippery after rain.
- Site Surface: Large, level grass and dirt areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free, informal camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but short to medium stays are common.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Very large, open, undefined camping area.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets, wood-fired BBQs/fire pits. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water or be prepared to treat creek water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to none.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All water and food, rubbish bags, firewood, toilet paper, swimming gear, and kayaks/lilos.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Limited opportunities for small fish in the creek.
- Short Walks: Excellent for bushwalking, with access to the Longworths Tramway walking track.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Royal Hotel, Kew (approx. 20 km)
- Laurieton Hotel (approx. 25 km)
- The Loggers Rest, Kendall (Services Club) (approx. 15 km)
- Places to Eat: The charming village of Kendall has a general store and cafes. A full range of supermarkets and pubs in Laurieton.
- Local Attractions:
- The historic village of Kendall
- North Brother Mountain Lookout (near Laurieton)
- The coastal towns of Laurieton and North Haven
- Crowdy Bay National Park
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Kew Caravan Park
- Lakeside Holiday Park, Dunbogan
- Next Free Camps: Coopernook Forest Camping Ground, various highway rest areas.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available in Laurieton.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Kew and Laurieton.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Laurieton or Kendall.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot and can be humid. The creek is the perfect place to cool off. This is the busiest season. Temperatures average 18°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to visit, with warm, sunny days and lower humidity. Ideal for hiking and campfires. Temperatures average 13°C to 25°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Mild days and cool nights. It’s generally drier, making it great for camping, though be prepared for cold evenings. Temperatures range from 6°C to 19°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming temperatures and the forest is vibrant with new growth and wildflowers. Temperatures average 11°C to 24°C.