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We planned a long weekend away from Brisbane to camp in the Northern Tablelands, with hiking Bald Rock National Park at the top of our list. If you’re planning a Bald Rock camping trip, here’s more about our experience to help you prepare – from where to stay and what to bring, to nearby national parks that are just as stunning but often overlooked. Whether you’re on a road trip between Brisbane and Sydney or escaping the city for a few days, you’ll find peaceful campsites, granite landscapes, and cool mountain air to enjoy.
We spent three days exploring the area, and it felt like just enough time – though I would’ve happily stayed another day!
Camping in and around Bald Rock National Park
Bald Rock National Park campground
The Bald Rock campground is the most obvious option, located near the base of Australia’s largest granite rock. It’s ideal if you want to hike to the summit or Little Bald Rock for sunset. Access is via an unsealed road that’s in good condition and suitable for 2WD vehicles.
The 14 campsites are surrounded by bushland and within walking distance of the main trails. While you can see your neighbours, there’s still enough space for a comfortable stay, and the online map shows which sites are more secluded. The ground is flat but hard with gravel, so a good mattress and a tarp to protect the bottom of your tent are useful.
Facilities are basic but practical – drop toilets, fireplaces, picnic tables, covered barbecues and untreated water suitable for boiling or washing. When we visited, the campground had a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere during the last weekend of school holidays. Outside busy periods, it’s likely much quieter, the kind of place where you wake to birdsong and the sound of wind through the trees. We had no phone reception.
You’ll need to book online through NSW National Parks ($24.60 per night, plus a daily park entry fee of $8 per vehicle). The sites can fill quickly on weekends and holidays (that’s why we had to look for an alternative on a long weekend), so book early.
Boonoo Boonoo National Park campground (Cypress-pine campground)
About 20 km from Bald Rock, Boonoo Boonoo National Park is another excellent option. The Cypress-pine campground is a peaceful alternative, with 13 shaded sites set beside a quiet river – some even have direct access to a path to the water.
Facilities are similar to Bald Rock: drop toilets, fireplaces, covered barbecue and picnic tables. You’ll also be camping on hard, flat ground, so the same setup tips apply. We had no phone reception.
This campground is perfect for those wanting to slow down and spot wildlife – you might even see a platypus early in the morning or late in the afternoon from the nearby viewing platform. It’s also a great base to visit Boonoo Boonoo Falls and Morgan’s Gully, two must-see natural spots in the Northern Tablelands.
The gravel road leading to the campground was in excellent condition when we visited, but the national park website indicates to “check the weather before you set out as the road to Boonoo Boonoo Falls can become inaccessible during and after heavy rain”.
Bookings are made online through NSW National Parks ($24.60 per night, plus the same $8 daily park fee, which also covers entry to Bald Rock National Park).
Bald Rock Station (private property)
As the national park campgrounds were full, we stayed at Bald Rock Station, a private property about 20 km away, which we found on Hipcamp.
If you’re new to Hipcamp, here’s a coupon code that will give you (and me!) $10 credit for your first stay: ELOISET668EFD.
It’s simple but perfectly located to explore Bald Rock, Boonoo Boonoo, and Basket Swamp National Parks. Facilities include drop toilets, a dishwashing sink, and untreated rainwater. There are no marked sites, so you can spread out and choose your spot – sunny or shaded, depending on what you prefer. If you want more privacy, arrive early to claim the spot near the pond at the back of the property. The ground is grassy (much softer than the national park sites), though not entirely levelled.
The atmosphere felt different from a national park campground – noisier with larger groups (multiple families together and groups of friends). There was laughter and a bit of music after dinner, but everyone settled down early, and it was peaceful by 9 pm.
It’s also dog-friendly, making it a good choice for travellers with pets (though pets cannot go to nearby national parks). We also had mobile reception here, which wasn’t the case in the nearby parks.
We paid around $40 per night, with firewood available for an extra cost (purchased in advance). It’s quite a bit pricier than national park campgrounds, especially considering there aren’t any additional facilities. I’d recommend it only as a backup option unless you’re travelling with a pet or a large group.
Other camping options
The Basket Swamp visitor area in Boonoo State Forest offers very basic, rustic facilities suitable for picnics or short stays. I haven’t camped there myself, but from our experience driving to the Basket Swamp Falls, I know it’s better to have a 4WD or a vehicle with good clearance (our RAV4 wasn’t quite enough).
You’ll also find several private campgrounds on Hipcamp, such as Aloomba Lavender Farm (about 30 km north of Bald Rock).
If you prefer better facilities and a less remote option, Tenterfield Caravan Park could be a convenient base close to town.
And for a more comfortable stay, check out Mirumiru, a unique glamping option with beautiful countryside views.
Comparison of campgrounds around Bald Rock
| Campground | Atmosphere | Number of sites | Facilities | 2WD access | Best for | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bald Rock NP | National park setting surrounded by trees | 14 | Drop toilets, fireplaces, picnic tables, untreated water, free firewood, barbecues | Yes, unsealed road | Families, hikers | NSW Parks website – $24.60 per night |
| Boonoo Boonoo NP | National park: nature-focused, surrounded by trees with a nearby river | 13 | Drop toilets, fireplaces, picnic tables, untreated water, free firewood, barbecues | Yes, unsealed road (check the weather) | Groups or those looking for space, a backup option for us | NSW Parks website – $24.60 per night |
| Bald Rock Station | Relaxed, on a large private property with a few trees and boulders | Undefined | Drop toilets, dish sink, untreated rainwater | Yes, (unsealed on the property) | Groups or those looking for space, backup option for us | Hipcamp – $40 per night |
Things to do when camping in Bald Rock
Many visitors focus solely on the main granite dome, but other nearby parks offer surprisingly different landscapes. Here are some favourite spots and walks:
- Bald Rock Summit and Bungoona Walk – The loop is worth it for the different views and terrain.
- Little Bald Rock – Don’t skip it; it’s a completely different perspective even after doing the summit.
- Morgan’s Gully (Boonoo Boonoo NP) – We did a short 15-minute loop where two rivers meet among granite boulders.
- Boonoo Boonoo Falls and Rockpools – More of a lookout than a hike, but absolutely worth a visit.
- Basket Swamp Falls – Harder to access with a 2WD but worth the effort for the scenic waterfall.
- Bookookoorara Lookout – If you have extra time, it offers stunning views and rock orchids in spring, though the firetrail walk felt a bit long.
And to take a break from hiking:
- Quoll Headquarters – A wildlife reserve nestled between all the national parks and an inspiring spot to learn about local wildlife and conservation work. We absolutely loved it. 100% of entry fees fund their efforts. Booking is essential.
- Stonefruit Café and Wine Bar – Perfect for picking up a local bottle or enjoying local food in Tenterfield. It was on our list to buy a nice bottle of local wine, but we ran out of time!
- Aloomba Lavender Farm – The fields are in bloom in late November or early December. It takes less than 30 minutes to drive there from Bald Rock (it’s another option for camping).
- Fishing – There are a few spots around Tenterfield, and fishing is permitted in Boonoo Boonoo National Park.
- Wineries – It takes around 40 minutes to drive to Stanthorpe to visit wineries in the Granite Belt region (Ridgemill Estate or Balancing Heart Vineyard might be some of the closest).
- Mount Mackenzie Scenic Drive – This one-hour drive (38km) around Tenterfield includes the Mount Mackenzie Scenic Lookout, almost 1,300 metres above sea level.
Practical camping tips for Bald Rock
Best time to visit
Bald Rock sits at about 1,100 metres altitude, so keep this in mind when planning your Bald Rock camping trip.
- Spring was ideal for hiking with sunny days around 20–25 °C, cool nights (under 10°C), and plenty of wildflowers. We even spotted rock orchids along the trails. While it was 30–35 °C in Brisbane, we enjoyed mild days and chilly evenings, perfect for campfires. Remember to check for fire bans on the NSW Rural Fire website before lighting one. There was a total fire ban in Queensland (including Girraween National Park) when we visited, so we felt lucky we could warm up and enjoy our rotisserie chicken!
- Summer has the highest risk of rain. It rarely exceeds 30 °C but can feel hot on the exposed granite slopes. Inland destinations are always a good option during the Christmas break if you’re after a quiet spot, as most people prefer holidaying on the coast.
- Winter wouldn’t be my pick as it brings frost and sometimes sub-zero temperatures, so camping at that time is only for the well-prepared. Expect beautiful blue skies and quiet campgrounds.
- Autumn offers pleasant weather and more flowing rivers in Boonoo Boonoo and Basket Swamp national parks. We camped in nearby Girraween at this time, and it was lovely with the colours changing.
What to pack for camping in Bald Rock
- Warm clothes for evenings – a ski jacket wasn’t overkill for 8 °C nights with chilly wind in Spring!
- Thermal sleeping bags and a beanie if you camp there outside of summer.
- Drinking water (rainwater is untreated).
- Firewood (or plan to buy some locally) – they ran low on the free firewood when we visited.
- Portable shower – none of the campgrounds have showers, and it’s nice to feel clean after hiking!
- Toilet paper (usually stocked, but can run out).
- Always have a backup cooking option in case of a fire ban.
Other practical notes
- Book campsites online before arrival (no onsite payments).
- Download maps and confirmations in advance – mobile coverage is patchy.
- Daily park fees apply for Bald Rock and Boonoo Boonoo (not Basket Swamp).
- NSW Parks offers a multi-park pass if you plan to visit several.
- When planning your camping trip, keep in mind there are no rubbish bins.
- Always check for fire bans.
Responsible travel tip: Always camp in designated spots, respect local rules and leave no trace. Be mindful of noise and campfire restrictions (make sure you’re familiar with these tips to minimise your campfire impacts), and take all rubbish with you. Responsible camping keeps these beautiful places open for everyone.
Where is Bald Rock National Park?
Bald Rock National Park is about a four-hour drive from Brisbane, with good sealed roads up until the last few kilometres. It’s one of the national parks close to Tenterfield, only 30 km away. We saw plenty of wildlife while driving so take extra care, especially at dusk and dawn.
