Quick Comparison – Top Barrington Tops Campsites at a Glance
Site Accessibility, Amenities & Unique Features
| Campsite | Amenities | Access | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polblue | Hot showers, flushing toilets, gas/wood BBQs, picnic tables, community shelter | 2WD, caravan-friendly | Highest car camp (1509m), abundant wildlife, spring wildflowers |
| Gloucester River | Toilets, riverside, tables | 2WD Access | Prime trout fishing, water play, proximity to Gloucester Tops walks |
| The Steps | Hot showers, flushing toilets, picnic tables (no power/Wi-Fi) | Semi-off-grid, good for RV | Raft hire, MTB trails, digital detox zone |
| Devils Hole | Basic bush camping, picnic area, toilets | 2WD (wheelchair at lookout), some uneven roads | Hidden location, solitude, forest views |
| Horse Swamp | Basic, remote | 4WD | Wilderness, few visitors, unique plant species |
| Barrington Trail (remote) | No facilities, primitive sites | 4WD only | Backcountry hiking, true isolation |
| Thunderbolts Lookout | Lookout, short walks, basic facilities | 2WD, wheelchair access (lookout only) | Spectacular views, stargazing |
| Little Murray | Toilets, tables, creek water | 4WD or walk-in (wet season) | Endangered swamps, rare wildlife, birdwatching |
Eco-Friendly and Family-Friendly Ratings
- Polblue: High eco-rating; family-friendly, accessible, wildflowers in spring.
- Gloucester River: Family spot, river-based activities, moderate facilities.
- The Steps: Semi-off-grid, eco-practices required, ideal for family or group digital detox.
- Devils Hole: Quiet, natural bushland, basic eco-camping.
- Horse Swamp: Off-grid, deep wilderness experience, suited for experienced campers.
- Barrington Trail: Eco-intense, low-impact, hikers’ choice—no facilities.
- Thunderbolts Lookout: Family accessible (lookout), suitable for all ages.
- Little Murray: High eco-value, rare wildlife, suitable for kids with 4WD family groups.
Quick Picks for Seasonal Camping (Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn)
- Winter: Polblue (possible snow), The Steps (cosy hot showers); pack thermal gear.
- Spring: Polblue and Little Murray for wildflowers and migratory birdlife.
- Summer: Gloucester River and The Steps: water play, cool mountain air.
- Autumn: Horse Swamp, Devils Hole for serenity and autumn colours.
Ultimate Guide to Barrington Tops Camping: What to Know Before You Go
Essential Camping Permits and Booking Details (2026 Update)
- All NPWS campgrounds require online booking in 2026: Official NPWS booking site.
- Fees: $24–$33 per site per night (2026). Check current rates and park passes as seasonal surcharges may apply.
- Private sites like The Steps booked via provider; Hipcamp lists both NPWS and private options with reviews.
Choosing the Best Season for Your Adventure
- Barrington Tops is on average 10°C cooler than Gloucester year-round—pack accordingly.
- Summer: Days 20-28°C, cool nights. Great for riverside camping and hiking.
- Winter: Days 6-12°C, nights frequently below 0°C. Snow likely at higher altitudes (Polblue/Devils Hole), ideal for seasoned adventurers.
- Spring: Abundant wildflowers (Polblue best), high bird activity, cool weather hiking.
- Autumn: Mild temperatures, forest colours, less crowded.
Packing Tips for Barrington Tops Weather and Terrain
- Bring layered clothing, rain gear, beanie/gloves even in summer.
- High-quality sleeping bag (rated for -5°C minimum for winter).
- Portable power bank, offline maps (limited mobile signal).
- Portable fire pit (some sites require off-ground fires), own drinking water (creek water untreated).
- Sturdy tent pegs for windy sites, hiking boots, insect repellent.
Top 8 Barrington Tops Camping Sites – In-Depth Reviews
Polblue Campground – Best for First-Time Visitors & Families
Polblue Campground is the highest car-based camping site in northern New South Wales. It’s easily accessible by 2WD year-round, with flat, grassy sites ideal for tents and caravans. It offers excellent amenities—hot showers, modern toilets, well-maintained BBQs, and a scenic shelter. The Swamp Loop Walk (2.7 km, flat, wheelchair accessible) is popular among families.
Data: 4.8/5 (225 reviews, NPWS 2026). Snow is recorded here up to 8 days per year. Birdwatching and wildflower photo hotspots (287 species observed, eBird 2025).
Gloucester River Campground – Top Spot for Water Lovers
This riverside site is a favourite for swimming and trout fishing (October–May legal season). Large grassy sites, picnic tables, and basic composting toilets. Direct access to Sharpes Creek Trail.
Test: 90%+ of guests rated sites “peaceful” (TripAdvisor 2025).
The Steps Barrington – Best for Group Camping & Activities
This semi-off-grid private site along Barrington River offers group-friendly camping zones, modern showers, and toilets. Raft and kayak hire available (from $30/day), plus mountain biking trails.
Test: Consistently rated 4.6/5 (83 reviews, 2026). Digital detox—no Wi-Fi or mobile reception.
Devils Hole Campground – Hidden Gem for Solitude Seekers
Hidden pine/bush campsite with limited facilities (toilets, fire rings). Quietest major NPWS site—frequently empty outside public holidays.
Expert tip: Best for stargazing and astronomy due to high elevation and dark skies. 200 m of paved wheelchair-accessible path to the lookout (panoramic valley views).
Horse Swamp Campground – Off-the-Beaten-Path Wilderness
Basic 4WD-access only site, no facilities. Set deep in Barrington forest, perfect for self-sufficient wilderness camping, solitude, birding (Bowerbirds, lyrebirds), and wildflowers.
Barrington Trail Remote Campsites – For Hikers & 4WD Enthusiasts
Primitive, leave-no-trace bush sites along the 4WD Barrington Trail. No facilities—must be fully self-sufficient. Ideal multi-day hiking base with low human impact. Water from nearby creeks (treat before drinking).
Thunderbolts Lookout – Spectacular Views & Stargazing
Not a campground in itself but a must-stop: 2WD access, large carpark, paved lookout (wheelchair-friendly), fire rings. Best for sunrise, sunset, and night sky photography.
Little Murray Campground – Best for Birdwatchers & Nature Lovers
Accessible by 4WD, grassy flat by the creek, simple toilets and tables. Unique for endangered swamps, rare mammals, and 120+ bird species in the area. Walk-in only after heavy rain (trail becomes impassable).
Accessibility & Inclusivity: Barrington Tops Camping for Everyone
Wheelchair & Vehicle Access at Major Campgrounds
- Polblue and Devils Hole Lookout: wheelchair and stroller accessible up to lookouts and main camping areas.
- Little Murray, Horse Swamp, Barrington Trail: 4WD required; limited access for those with mobility needs.
- The Steps: flat terrain, accessible showers/toilets, group zones for family/friend units.
Dog-Friendly and Kid-Friendly Options
- NPWS sites: no pets due to conservation regulations.
- Private camps such as The Steps allow dogs on a leash; verify at booking.
- All major campgrounds offer safe, open play areas and short trails suitable for children.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Camping in Barrington Tops
Leave No Trace Principles in Barrington Tops
- All campers must bring out all rubbish and use portable toilets in sites with no amenities.
- Firewood must be brought from outside—no collection permitted in the park.
- Camp only in designated sites to protect threatened alpine bogs.
Responsible Fire Use and Wildlife Protection
- Fires only in provided rings or portable fire pits (fire bans common in spring/summer; check NSW RFS Fire Alerts).
- Don’t feed or disturb wildlife—endanged species include the broad-toothed rat and many orchid varieties.
Local Conservation Initiatives and How Campers Can Help
- NPWS and local groups hold regular bush regeneration and weed control days—check NPWS events for participation opportunities.
- Support local eco-tourism businesses, and donate to conservation funds when booking through NPWS or Hipcamp.
Seasonal Guide to Camping in Barrington Tops (2026)
Winter Camping (Snow, Gear, and Safety Tips)
- Snowfall likely at Polblue, Devils Hole & Barrington Trail (June – August).
- Must-have: -5°C sleeping bag, thermal base layers, planner tarp flooring, water-resistant shelter.
- Danger: Sudden blizzards, icy roads; check for site closures before travel.
Springtime Wildflowers and Birdwatching Hotspots
- October–December: over 100 wildflower species bloom at Polblue and Little Murray.
- Prime birdwatching: over 250 avian species recorded. Bring binoculars and field guides.
Summer Swimming Holes & Beating the Heat
- Summer water temperatures: 16–20°C at Gloucester River and The Steps.
- Safest swimming monitored at river bends and sheltered pools (current awareness essential after rain).
Autumn Colours and Off-Peak Adventures
- March–May: Holly and beech trees turn vivid orange and gold in river valleys and near Gloucester Tops.
- Lowest visitor numbers—ideal for solitude, multi-day hiking, and star photography.
Adventure Activities to Elevate Your Barrington Tops Camping Trip
Top Hiking Trails Departing Each Campsite
- Polblue: Swamp Link Loop (2.7km), Careys Peak Trail (6.3km return)
- Gloucester River: Sharpes Creek Trail (3km return)
- The Steps: Barrington River Walk, Links to mountain biking circuit
- Devils Hole: Lookout trail (easy, 400m)
- Little Murray: Walking route to Careys Peak (4.5km one way)
Best Spots for Stargazing and Photography
- Thunderbolts Lookout (360° panoramas)
- Polblue (high elevation, away from city light pollution)
- Devils Hole (night sky visibility, minimal artificial light)
Canoeing, Fishing, and Horse Riding Recommendations
- Best fishing: Gloucester River campground (trout, October–May).
- Canoeing/raft hire: The Steps (rapids and gentle drifts, from $30/day).
- Guided horse riding: Local providers in Gloucester, bookings essential. (Gloucester Trail Rides).
Nearby Hidden Gems: Explore Beyond the Main Campsites
Quiet Picnic Spots & Secluded Waterfalls
- Williams River day area: Picnic by rainforest, easy walking tracks.
- Gloucester Falls and Antarctic Beech Forest: Short drives from Gloucester River or Polblue.
Local Towns & Supplies: Gloucester, Dungog, Scone
- Gloucester: Main tourist gateway, supermarkets, camping stores, medical center.
- Dungog: Artisanal food, local markets, petrol, supplies.
- Scone: Last fuel stop for Barrington Trail and Horse Swamp campers.
Rainy Day Activities and Alternate Adventures
- Visit Gloucester Museum, Dungog Historical Society, local cafes and art galleries.
- Horseback riding (pre-booked only), birdwatching from roadside shelters, education at NPWS Visitor Centre (Gloucester).
Barrington Tops Camping FAQ & Safety Essentials (2026)
Rules, Regulations & Emergency Contacts
- NPWS rangers on patrol. Emergency: Dial 000 (no coverage, use satellite beacon or tell someone your plan).
- Strict quiet hours 10pm–7am. Generators prohibited except at designated sites.
Weather Alerts & Fire Ban Information
- Check current conditions and closures: NPWS Barrington Tops.
- Fire ban season usually late spring–summer; verify daily before lighting fires.
Insider Tips for Hassle-Free Camping Experiences
- Arrive by noon; best sites fill quickly, especially on long weekends.
- Download area maps (mobile coverage unreliable).
- Reserve gear and book well in advance: Book NPWS campgrounds, Hipcamp Barrington Tops.
- Ready to go? Book your Barrington Tops camping adventure today: Official NPWS Booking | Find unique private sites