The best camping near Bald Rock National Park

Named for the massive dome that looms above its woodlands, Bald Rock National Park near Tenterfield lays claim to the largest granite rock in Australia. Scaling the rock’s summit is the prized activity here, with several walking tracks that traverse around the base and up to the top, where views stretch all the way into neighboring Queensland. The Bald Rock Campground makes a convenient base camp and is within walking distance of the summit tracks and other bushwalks around granite gardens and gum forests.

1. Reservations are required and can be booked online at the NSW National Parks website.
2. Summer holidays and Easter weekend are generally the busiest times, and spots book up quickly. For a quieter visit, aim for spring or fall, or visit on a weekday.

Bald Rock National Park’s temperate climate makes it suited for camping almost any time of year, though temperatures occasionally dip below freezing in winter. Enjoy banksia, boronia, and other wildflowers dotting the landscape in spring, or take in the clearest views from the top of the dome during autumn’s crisp days. 

• Roads leading to Bald Rock Campground are paved and suitable for all types of vehicles.
• A good level of fitness is required to scale the summit, as all tracks include a vigorous uphill climb and some steep sections.
• Visitors must pay an park entry fee in addition to campsite booking fees.
• Pack in all the fuel and food you’ll need, and pack out all rubbish. Water may be available but should be boiled or treated before drinking.
• The park has been affected by wildfires, so some areas may be restricted to allow for regrowth.