The Pines Campground – Watagans State Forest Camping NSW

Nestled in a beautiful clearing within Olney State Forest, The Pines Campground is one of the jewels of the Watagans Mountains. This fantastic, free campground offers a serene and spacious setting for a classic Australian bush camping trip. Famous for its magnificent stand of pine trees that line one side of the large, open, grassy area, it provides a stunning backdrop for campers. Its accessibility and size make it a huge favourite with families, groups, and anyone with a dog, as State Forests are proudly pet-friendly. The campground is suitable for all setups, from tents and swags to caravans and camper trailers, with plenty of room to spread out and find your own space.

The Pines is not just a place to camp; it’s a base for adventure. It’s the starting point for the beautiful Pines walking track, a family-friendly loop that takes you through towering pine forests and beautiful native bush, complete with a swinging bridge over a small creek. The area is also the gateway to a huge network of 4WD trails and other forest camps. This is a self-sufficient camping destination, with basic facilities including non-flush toilets and wood fire pits. This means you must bring all your own supplies, especially drinking water, and take all your rubbish with you when you leave. The freedom to have a campfire under the stars and the peaceful forest atmosphere make this a truly special place. For an easy, beautiful, and pet-friendly forest escape within easy reach of the Central Coast and Sydney, The Pines Campground is an outstanding choice.

• Website: Forestry Corporation – Olney State Forest
• GPS Coordinates: -33.06275, 151.3364

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.
• 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 Wyee/Morisset)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Wyee Hotel (~20 km)
  • The Bay Hotel, Bonnells Bay (~25 km)
  • Morisset Country Club (~28 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Wyee’s local shops and pub (~20 km)
  • A wide range of restaurants and clubs in Morisset (~28 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The Pines Picnic Area and walking trail (on site)
  • The Boarding House Dam Picnic Area (within the State Forest)
  • TreeTops Adventure Park, Wyong Creek (~25 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie, Morisset (~28 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Casuarina Camping Area (within Olney State Forest)
  • Turpentine Camping Area (within Olney State Forest)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Morisset Showground (~28 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Wyee (~20 km) or Morisset (~28 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Service stations or supermarkets in Wyee or Morisset. Arrive fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in the town of Wyee (~20 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.