While most venture into Mudgee’s undulating countryside to sip wines or bathe in a luxurious outdoor bathtub, I discovered a different side to New South Wales’ picturesque wine region: one that brings Australia’s natural surroundings to your doorstep. If you’re looking for a scenic campsite in the countryside, set your GPS west to these four off-the-beaten-path camping spots in Mudgee.
Rylstone Caravan Park
Highlights: proximity to Rylstone’s town centre and Wollemi National Park’s wonders.
The country town of Rylstone lies in the Mudgee Region, just 40 minutes east of the region’s main wine hub. While it’s easy enough to take the detour from Sydney, many make a beeline straight to Mudgee’s family-run wineries and entirely miss this charming town – a mistake I’d made too many times before. On my last trip to the region, I ventured into Rylstone and Kandos, known as the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park, the largest declared wilderness area in New South Wales.
The latter makes Rylstone Caravan Park an epic place to set up camp in the Mudgee region. The campsite is only a 10-minute walk from the town’s independent cafes (Yum Cha 99 Tea House is a must), pubs and shops, and a stone’s throw from the region’s surrounding wilderness areas. The campsite is perched next to a large sprawling green golf course, and the nearby Cudgegong River River makes an idyllic fishing spot.
Need to know: Rylstone Caravan Park offers both powered and non-powered camping sites in the Mudgee region next to a brand-new amenities block, complete with a camp kitchen, showers, toilets and a laundromat, which opened in August 2023. Bookings are recommended via the caravan park’s website.
Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground
Highlights: Sleeping in Wollemi National Park.
If you’d rather be in the heart of the wilderness itself, then Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground could be your perfect place to camp in the Mudgee region. The off-the-beaten-track campsite is located on Wollemi National Park’s west side, on the banks of the snaking Cudgegong River. Some describe Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground as the “Mini Bungle Bungles”, and you can see why when you look up at the unique swirling striated rock formations that tower over eucalyptus, native pines and Dunns Swamp, a significant place to the local Wiradjuri Aboriginal people.
Local Mudgee business, Southern Cross Kayaking, takes visitors across the river to experience the oasis’ enchanting scenery and abundant wildlife. Expect to see birdlife, purple swamp hens, and if you’ve got a keen eye (or you’re just lucky!), shy, long-necked turtles and platypuses. The nearby 2.5km Pagoda Rock Walking track is on the campsite’s doorstep and offers a 360-degree view of the park.
Local Mudgee resident, Bec Quilty says, “Morgan and I have both camped at Ganguddy. The last time I was there, we saw a lyrebird and spotted quoll”.
“As a family of five with three boys, we have done a lot of camping, and this is one of the most picturesque spots we have been to. Incredible kayaking, bush walking and swimming – and of course, animal spotting!”
Need to know: Non-powered camping sites are only available at this Mudgee gem, and you’ll need to bring your own drinking water. Bookings are also required via National Parks.
Pleasant View
Highlights: Peaceful countryside camping near the heart of Mudgee.
Forget Airbnb; you’ll need to jump on HipCamp to book this remote, ‘leave no trace’ style camping spots in the Mudgee region. Located 5km north of Mudgee’s town centre on a privately owned farm, this is the place to soak in the region’s gorgeous countryside in all of its glory. The campground hosts a minimum number of sites on a 28-hectare property, giving campers the feeling of solitude among nature. Spend your evenings watching the sun kiss the landscape and rise to ‘roos hopping peacefully around your tent. It sounds like a fairytale, right? Who needs fancy glamping!
On arrival, you’ll be greeted by your friendly host, Graham, usually with a handful of fresh farm eggs and, if it’s safe at the time, firewood.
Need to know: This is a fully self-sufficient campground; guests will be expected to bring everything they need and clean up after themselves. Dogs are welcome, but due to the farm’s sheep, they will need to remain on a lead. As mentioned, bookings for this Mudgee camp are required via HipCamp.
Old Bara Campground
Highlights: Spacious camping and abundant wildlife.
Last but not least, Mudgee’s Old Bara Campground (known as Mudgee’s best-kept secret) is all about the authentic Aussie camping experience. Owners, Richard and Sally Nagel, bought the 449-hectare cattle property in 2006 and began inviting campers to stay and enjoy the natural serenity that brought them to Mudgee. Campers can explore the region’s nearby walking tracks, paddle along the creek or catch a couple of yabbies. Wildlife is prolific here too, from birdlife to kangaroos, wombats and echidnas.
It’s not just one camp site; the Mudgee property has a whopping 19 sites dotted around Old Bara, suitable for tents, campervans and trailers. Even on a busy weekend, it’ll never feel packed.
Need to know: Bookings are essential at Old Bara. All sites are non-powered. However, there are three (remarkably clean and deodorised) double-long drop amenity blocks located around the campgrounds, with sinks, soap, and running water fresh from the creek. Drinking water is not available.
