The Blue Mountains National Park is a World Heritage listed area of incredible, steep sandstone ridges and native bushland.
Situated about a two-hour drive from Sydney, it is home to a number of raging waterfalls, jaw dropping vistas, remote swimming spots, dense eucalyptus forests and stunning lookouts – some of which showcases the famous Three Sisters.
A fabulous place to explore via long bushwalks, the best way to really experience the magnificence of the Blue Mountains is to camp there.
Whether you want to do this in a tent within a rustic and primitive campground, or in a caravan site that will provide you with some of your favourite comforts of home, there are lots of great places to camp in the Blue Mountains.
Below is a selection of eight of the best of them we are happy to recommend.
Blackheath Glen Tourist Park
Located near the town of the same name, the Blackheath Glen Tourist Park is perfect for those who want to imbue themselves in nature without totally letting go of the creature comforts they are so fond of in their daily lives.
Offering both powered and unpowered sites, the campground here is suitable for tent camping and large caravan sites. Coming with a choice of slab, grassy or ensuite sites.
A short stroll to the restaurants, parks. galleries, cafes and bookshops of the nearby village, there are also toilets onsite, as well as a handy camp kitchen and a number of very good Wi-Fi hot spots.
Perrys Lookdown
Arguably the campsite which offers the greatest variety of scenic views in the whole of the Blue Mountains, Perrys Lookdown is perched on the western edge of the national park.
Comprising of five different campsites they collectively provide exceptional views of the Blue Gum Forest, Mount Banks and Grose Valley.
A stay at any of them means you will have access to onsite toilets, drinking water, cooking water, a fuel stove and a car park.
It also gives you lots of opportunities for bird spotting, as well as bush walking. While if you are awake early enough you will have the opportunity to check out the beauty of the sunrise at Perrys Lookdown.
Acacia Flat Campground
Another campground in Blackheath, a stay at the Acacia Flat Campground is not for the novice camper.
One of the most secluded spots in the Blue Mountains, it can only be accessed via a pretty challenging hiking trail that will require you to have your camping gear with you.
Those who successfully reach it will revel in sensational sweeping views, tranquil surroundings and 30 unmarked, camp spots that feature an onsite toilet block.
Accessed via a 2 km walk from Perrys Lookout, or a much tougher 8 km walk from Pierces Pass, this rustic campground lies alongside Govetts Creek, at the bottom of the Grose Valley.
On the way to the campsite both walks descend, however when its time to leave they also both incorporate a very tough ascent uphill, so it is worth being mindful of that when weighing up whether or not to stay here.
Old Ford Reserve
Receiving a high number of visitors every year, the Old Ford Reserve is one of the most popular camping spots in the Blue Mountains.
Situated on Katoomba, on the banks of the Megalong Creek, this free campground is very accessible, so it is one of the best options for first time visitors to the area, or those who are relative newcomers to camping.
The campground can be reached by 2WD and features space for campervans and trailers. There are toilets there, but you will need to bring your own water to cook with and drink.
Not far south of the campground you will find the Six Foot Walking Track. Stretching for some 44 km it showcases spectacular views, numerous historical sites of interest, and a splendid suspension bridge.
The full length of the hike extends from the Jenolan Caves to Katoomba. But if you decide to stay at the Old Ford you will be able to manage it as a day hike.
Turon Gates
Providing both camping and glamping facilities, Turon Gates Perks is a tranquil bush hideaway for a wide range of campers.
Set among 6000 acres the camping sites are unassigned, so you can choose whichever one you want on a first come first served basis.
A pet and child-friendly accommodation provider, campers have access to toilets and hot showers. Whilst glampers get to enjoy the likes of open plan living areas, self-contained kitchens, cosy fireplaces, hammocks, campfires, outdoor bbqs and eating areas.
Whichever type of camping option you choose, the campsite is a fantastic base to enjoy a range of activities including mountain biking, bushwalking, kayaking, fishing, swimming, gold panning and star gazing.
Euroka Campground
Looking for a camping experience that provides you with plenty of nature? Well the Euroka campground, just south of Glenbrook is a very good bet.
A renowned spot for kangaroos, who make daily appearances at the site, the well appointed campground accommodates toilets, firewood, bbq facilities, picnic tables and drinking and cooking water.
A stay here also allows you to enjoy the marvellous scenic views at the Tunnel View Lookout. As well as mountain bike along the Oaks Firetrail, or hike on the Red Hands Cave Track.
If you love birdwatching, you will be lavished with plenty of opportunities to spot lots of different species here too.
Lake Lyell Recreation Area
Surprisingly, considering how lovely it is, the Lake Lyell Recreation Area falls a bit under the radar when it comes to places to camp in the Blue Mountains.
Situated in Lithgow, this campsite is well set up for visitors, with both powered and unpowered sites that can accommodate tents, trailers, vans, caravans and those in motorhomes.
Furnished with toilets, including disabled toilets, as well as hot showers, a boat ramp, kiosk and a covered barbecue area, it has a terrific range of amenities.
While the lake itself provides you with a range of opportunities for swimming, fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking or picnicking on its banks.
Murphy’s Glen Campground
The Murphy’s Glen Campground is another remote campground, but for those who have a 4WD and can navigate the unsealed roads to get there, it is well worth the effort.
A very serene location, not far from Glenbrook, this free campground comprises of five campsites that are unmarked, as well as pit toilets and barbecue facilities. There is no running water, so you will need to make sure you bring plenty for drinking, as well as cooking and cleaning.
However this campground does deliver serenity in spades, in addition to a range of activities that include wild swimming, bird watching and hiking.
The campground might be too rustic for some, but at night, once the stars have started twinkling in the sky and the campfire is in full glow, experienced campers will feel like Christmas has come early.