Wells Crossing Campground – Free Severn River Camping NSW

For adventurous, self-sufficient campers who love fishing, Wells Crossing Campground is a magnificent free destination in the New England region. This beautiful and spacious reserve is set on the banks of the scenic Severn River, offering a classic Australian bush camping experience that feels wonderfully remote. The journey to the campground is part of the adventure, requiring a river crossing via a concrete causeway. This makes a 4WD or high-clearance 2WD vehicle the recommended mode of transport and ensures the campground remains a peaceful haven for those who make the trip. The reserve itself is a vast, open, and grassy area, providing plenty of room for all camping setups, from tents to caravans, to find a prime spot along the riverbank.

Wells Crossing is an angler’s paradise, renowned for its superb Murray cod and yellowbelly fishing. The easy access to the river makes it perfect for launching a kayak or small boat to explore the beautiful, granite-boulder-strewn waterway. The campground is also proudly pet-friendly, with endless space for dogs to run and enjoy a swim. This is a classic back-to-basics bush camp; facilities are limited to a non-flush toilet, so campers must be fully self-contained. This means arriving with your own drinking water and taking all your rubbish home with you. The freedom to enjoy a campfire under the stars and wake to the sound of the river and the abundant local birdlife makes this a truly special spot. For a rugged, pet-friendly, and free riverside escape, Wells Crossing is a top-tier choice for any keen fisherman or nature lover.

• GPS Coordinates: -29.36248, 151.14378

Site Information

• Location: On the Severn River, between Ashford and Inverell.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes.
• Road access: Unsealed roads with a river causeway crossing. 4WD or high-clearance 2WD recommended. Impassable after heavy rain.
• Site surface: Large, grassy and dirt areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit, but respectful short to medium stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilet.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• 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 your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large area.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Kayak or canoe.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for Murray cod and yellowbelly.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the extensive riverbank.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Ashford Hotel (~25 km)
  • The Royal Hotel, Inverell (~50 km)
  • The Australian Hotel, Inverell (~50 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Ashford’s local club and cafe (~25 km)
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in Inverell (~50 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Kwiambal National Park (~35 km)
  • The town of Inverell, the ‘Sapphire City’ (~50 km)
  • Googoom Aboriginal Place rock art site (~30 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ashford Caravan Park (~25 km)
  • Inverell Caravan Park (~50 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Pindari Dam Camping Ground (~25 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Ashford Caravan Park (~25 km)
  • Inverell Showground (~50 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Ashford (~25 km) or Inverell (~50 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Inverell. It is essential to arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: New England / North West Slopes

• Summer (December – February): Hot to very hot and often dry. Perfect for water activities. Average temperatures from 19°C to 33°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for fishing and camping. Temperatures range from 10°C to 27°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with heavy frosts common. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 2°C to 17°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and vibrant. Temperatures range from 10°C to 26°C.