Quick View – Top 5 Barrington Tops Campsites for 2026
Best for Families
Gloucester River Campground: Features 25 flat, grassy sites, picnic tables, wheelchair-accessible toilets, and gas BBQs. 2WD accessible via Gloucester Tops Road (unsealed but all-weather), but check for river crossing safety during wet weather. Known for wide open spaces ideal for groups and children. Supervise kids near the river. Fee: $10/adult, $5/child/night.
Best Riverside Setting
The Steps Barrington Campground: Set beside rapids, with filtered river water available. Expect authentic wilderness experience—hot showers, flushing toilets, but no power or WiFi. No riparian zone camping (stay 50m from river banks), and campfires only allowed in designated pits. Bookings are essential; phone 02 6558 2093. Fees similar to parks ($20-30/night/site).
Best for 4WD Adventurers
Polblue Campground: Located at high elevation (1,509m), accessed via Barrington Tops Forest Road. 4WD strongly recommended, particularly after rain or snowfall. Facilities include pit toilets, wood/gas BBQs, and walk-in bush trails. Winter snow and cold nights expected. Ongoing feral horse safety alert; pitch tents close to vehicles.
Best Pet-Friendly Camp
No official sites within Barrington Tops National Park are pet-friendly due to wildlife protections and park regulations. Check private campgrounds outside park boundaries for pet access, and always verify latest pet policies before booking.
Hidden Gem Pick
The Steps Bookable Shelters & Fire Pits: Offers semi-off-grid, small group retreats praised by reviewers for privacy and immersion in nature. Be self-sufficient—bring water, all food supplies, and portable power sources. Strict environmental rules (no pets, noise limits, no washing in river).
Essential 2026 Barrington Tops Camping Updates
Park Entry Fees, Permits & Booking Changes
- National Park sites: Standard fee $10/adult and $5/child per night at Gloucester River and Polblue Swamp. Pay on arrival or book via NSW National Parks website.
- The Steps Barrington: Phone booking essential, fees similar to NPWS sites.
- No major changes in permit requirements or booking systems for 2026. Always double-check the NSW National Parks website for the latest.
Current Road & Access Conditions
- Gloucester River: Access via unsealed road; river crossings can become impassable during or after heavy rain. All-weather 2WD usually sufficient in dry periods.
- Polblue Campground: 4WD recommended for access, especially in winter and after rain. Snow is possible June–August. Main access roads may close for maintenance until October 2026.
- Observe local alerts for flood-related closures or landslides; some areas permanently closed post-2025.
Campfire & Safety Regulations
- No open fires except in official fire pits or portable off-ground pits.
- Small, contained fires allowed until 11:00 PM (extinguish by midnight). Local fire bans may apply—always check the current alert status before lighting any fire.
- Wood BBQs allowed at Gloucester River and Polblue; bring your own firewood (collecting is prohibited inside the park).
- Strictly no pets, firearms, washing in rivers, or loud music.
- Feral horse activity at Polblue persists—set tents near vehicles for safety.
Top-Rated Barrington Tops Campsites: Detailed Reviews
Polblue Campground
Elevation: 1,509m. 30+ basic sites for tents and camper trailers. Pit toilets, picnic tables, and BBQs available. Known for alpine wildflowers in spring, regular snowfalls in winter. 2026 safety alert: aggressive feral horses; keep tents close to vehicles. Recommended for self-reliant campers and bushwalkers.
Gloucester River Campground
Best for families or groups; 25+ flat, grassy sites, gas BBQs, and basic amenities. No marked sites. Regularly flooded access after heavy rain—check latest local conditions. No drinking water available; bring your own. Riverside location popular for fishing, wildlife spotting, and paddling in safe conditions.
Wombat Creek Campground
Smaller, secluded camps with limited facilities. Accessible by 4WD. Quiet setting among tall gum forests, near walking trails. Often closed after wet weather—check alerts before organizing trips.
Horse Swamp Campground
Remote and simple bush camp; no facilities except clearings and basic fireplaces. 4WD access recommended. Heard occasional platypus sightings in the adjacent swamps. No bookings required—first-come, first-served. Prepare for cold, damp conditions especially outside summer.
White Rock Campground
Small, remote, 4WD-access only. Stunning escarpment views, walk-in birdwatching hot spots. No water or toilets—strictly for self-sufficient campers who plan ahead. Suitable for 1–3 groups at a time, minimizing risk of crowding.
Dobbin Rim Camping Area
Set on open grassland with forest edges. Facilities minimal (occasional long-drop toilet). Used mostly by hikers and mountain bikers. Cool and exposed, but rewarding sunrise views.
Pademelon Park Camp Area
Best suited to tent campers and birdwatchers; occasional wallaby and echidna sightings. No facilities—expect true wilderness camping.
Secret & Lesser-Known Barrington Tops Camping Spots in 2026
Off-the-Grid Sites
- Several inactive forestry trails and clearings (location details on request from NPWS or licensed tour guides)
- Most offer zero facilities—must pack in/out everything, including drinking water and a portable toilet.
Smaller, Secluded Areas
- Horse Swamp and Wombat Creek: Ideal for low-impact bush camping (limit group size, follow Leave No Trace).
- White Rock and Dobbin Rim: Tiny sites with little traffic, far from main highway access points.
User-Recommended Spots
- The Steps’ private shelters: Limited rooms, need to book early. User reviews praise privacy but warn about the lack of internet and limited mobile signal.
- Unofficial areas shared in 4WD forums, but always verify legal and environmental guidelines before camping off designated tracks.
Barrington Tops Camping for All: Family-Friendly, Pet-Friendly & Accessible Options
Campsites with Playgrounds or Flat Terrain
- Gloucester River: Most sites level and grassy, suitable for young children and accessible for campers and small caravans.
- Polblue: Noted for uneven terrain; some flatter areas near road for easier setup.
Pet Regulations & Fenced Areas
- No pets allowed within Barrington Tops National Park or The Steps Campground. Some pet-friendly options exist in private caravan parks in adjacent areas, but always confirm prior to booking.
Accessibility for Caravans & Campers
- Gloucester River: Easiest access for small to mid-size vans; larger rigs may find some park turns tight.
- Polblue: Smaller vans and off-road trailers only; 4WD advised for entry, particularly in winter.
Camping Gear Checklist for Barrington Tops (2026)
Weather-Proof Tents & Sleeping Bags
- Tested tents must withstand strong winds (average winter gusts 35-55km/h) and prolonged rain (Jan–Aug: 50-150mm/month).
- Down sleeping bags rated to -5°C or better recommended, especially for Polblue and Horse Swamp.
Essential Safety & Navigation Gear
- Water purification method (filtered river water only at select sites)
- Offline topographic maps, compass, GPS; mobile coverage is very limited.
- Quality headlamp or torch (sunset as early as 5:00PM in winter), spare batteries or power bank.
- First aid kit, emergency blanket, and personal locator beacon (strongly advised for remote hiking).
Eco-Friendly & Leave No Trace Supplies
- Refillable water bottles, waste bags, and pack-out toilet system for non-serviced sites
- Biodegradable soap (outdoor washing only away from waterways)
- Designated fire-pit or portable fire pan for bush camps
- Shop top-rated camping gear
Best Walks & Activities Near Barrington Tops Campsites
Scenic Trails from Each Campsite
- Polblue Swamp Track: 2.3 km circuit boardwalk, suitable for all ages, highlights spring wildflowers and birdlife.
- Gloucester Tops Circuit: Combination of Antarctic Beech Forest walk, Beech Creek Falls, and River Track (all skill levels).
- Wombat Creek: Bushwalking trails for fit, experienced trekkers.
Water Activities: Fishing & Swimming
- Gloucester River: Shallow sections for safe splashing, deeper pools for trout fishing. Always supervise children and check recent rainfall before entering water.
- The Steps: Rapids ideal for kayaking, swimming in calm sections. No motorized craft allowed.
Unique Wildlife Watching
- Polblue and Horse Swamp: Frequent wallaby, kangaroo, lyrebird sightings. Platypus occasionally seen at dawn.
- Spring wildflower bloom hosts rare orchids and native bees.
Seasonal Tips & Hazards: How to Camp Safe in Barrington Tops
Snow, Rain & Fire Hazards by Month
- Winter (June–August): Expect below freezing, snow common above 1,000m.
- Summer (Dec–Feb): High humidity, possible flash floods after storms. Watch for swollen rivers.
- Spring/Autumn: Sudden temp drops; rain frequently saturates unsealed roads.
2026 Safety Alerts & Park Notices
- Feral horses at Polblue—always camp near your vehicle. Aggressive behavior reported.
- Permanent closure of some lower-lying reserves due to 2025 flood damage—use only listed/approved sites.
- Latest updates: check NSW National Parks website before travel.
Packing and Preparation Advice
- Pack for all weather: rain jacket, thermal gear, sun protection.
- Plan water and food for full trip—shops are over 1 hour’s drive from all main camps.
- Test gear before your trip to ensure reliability in wet/cold conditions.
Real Camper Insights: Reviews & Pro Tips for Barrington Tops Camping
Recent Campers Rate Their Experience (2025–2026)
- Most users cite need for self-sufficiency and readiness for rapid weather changes.
- Families prefer Gloucester River for ease, while adventurers favor Polblue and Wombat Creek for remoteness and scenery.
- Recurring praise for riverbased activities at The Steps, but some report disappointment at lack of power and internet.
What Locals Wish You Knew
- Respect river safety and changing weather—flood waters rise quickly in summer.
- Feral horse hazards at high camps are real; keep a safe distance and camp close to your vehicle.
- Never collect wood from the bush; bring only clean firewood to stop pests.
Community Q&A
- Q: Are dogs allowed in any main Barrington Tops campsites?
A: Not within the national park. Some private parks on nearby land may allow pets, but always confirm before booking. - Q: Can beginners handle walks from Polblue or Gloucester River?
A: Yes, several marked paths suit all ages, but bring navigation aids and check trail status first. - Q: Where’s the best place to camp for snow views?
A: Polblue Campground, but only with prepared 4WD vehicle and warm gear.
Barrington Tops Camping FAQ for 2026
- What’s the average nightly rate for camping? $10 per adult, $5 per child for national park sites. Private grounds may charge $20–$70 per night/site (see booking info above).
- Do I need to book in advance? Yes, especially at The Steps (phone required) and for public holidays at all sites.
- Is water provided? Rarely—always bring your own or have robust purification methods.
- Are there hot showers? Only at The Steps and select private sites; park campgrounds usually offer only basic amenities.
- Where can I find closures and fire updates? Regularly check the official NSW National Parks site for current alerts and safety notices.
- Book your site: NSW Parks Barrington Tops Camping
- Shop gear: Top-rated camping equipment for 2026