The campsite is accessible by sealed roads
53.8 km W of Sydney
GPS: Latitude 33° 55′ 58.872"S Longitude 150° 38′ 14.46"E
Campsite is signposted and accessed via Wolstenholme Avenue entrance only. Wolstenholme Avenue is off Greendale Road from Wallacia in the north or Liverpool in the east.
General Information
You can park a caravan, trailer, or a tent in this campground This deep waterhole forms part of a gorge on the Nepean River between Camden and Penrith, and is a popular spot for people escaping Sydney. Enjoy water-based activities such as swimming, fishing & canoeing. There are fireplaces and accessible toilet facilities (though the Basin is not easily accessible by wheelchair). There is bushwalking through Gulguer Nature Reserve to Caley's Lookout. Car-based and caravan camping (no powered sites) is available in the camping area (bookings essential, fees apply).
Facilities for hire include Campground Shelter & Kitchen, Picnic Areas & Hall with Commercial Kitchen - further information and bookings at Bents Basin Office
Free Hot showers are provided on site
Free Electric BBQs are also
Bring your own firewood, or purchase at campground for $9.50 20kg hardwood. It is an offence to take firewood from the bush.
Campers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Park Hours:
9:00 am to 4:30 pm Eastern Standard Time
9:00 am to 7:00 pm Daylight Saving
Office Hours:
9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday to Friday
Bookings and contact information
You can book a campsite by phoning the Campsite contactFor more information contact the NPWS Bents Basin State Conservation Area local office office on:Phone:02 4774 8662
(more contact details)
Fees
Camping fees applyAdult=$14 Per NightChildren=$7 Per Night
Car entry fees applyVehicle=$7 Per Day
Kitchen: $55 per day. Shelter: $55 per day. Children under 5 free Children rates apply to people aged 5-15 years (children under 5 are free)
Facilities
Toilets Flush toilets available
Showers Hot showers are provided on site
Water Drinking water is provided on site
Picnic Tables Picnic tables are provided on site
Pit fire BBQs Wood fired Pit BBQ's are provided - bring your own wood
Electric of Gas BBQs Gas or electric BBQ's are provided
Rubbish Bins There are rubbish bins provided on site
Fuel Stove only area This is not a Fuel stove only area.
ActivitiesSwimmingThere are places to swimNearest know Camping Stores
Bents Basin is a nice park in western Sydney. The part straddles a deep section of the Nepean River gorge. There are some nice walks in the area and the large water hole is a defining feature.
My worst camping experience ever, the camping ground is full of drunk redneck bogans. I was jumped and bashed by a bunch of wankas for no reason what so ever... Please do not visit this area, it is honestly a joke. Michael.
I have enquired with officers at NPWS. No formal report was made about the incident described by Michael. NPWS staff are aware of an occasion in February when a couple of groups camping at Bents Basin became rowdy. They did speak to individuals in the groups who declined to make any formal report or to be identified.
National Parks staff take campers’ safety seriously. They told me that at this campsite staff patrol the campground and picnic grounds during the day. At closing time the park has a final inspection by a professional security guard, who escorts all non-campers from the park to ensure the safety of those that remain within the park to camp.
It seems that most people have a great time camping here, and that Michael's experience is an unfortunate but isolated event.
I would encourage anybody who sees anything like this, to report it to a National Parks staff. Formal reports make it easier for NPWS staff to address security issues and ensure enjoyable camping for everyone
has anyone been camping here since as I want to go the June long weekend but not if there is trouble.
thanks
Hi Rachel
I spoke to people at NPWS about this issue, and I got the impression that this was an isolated incident. They take comfort or their visitors seriously. I have heard of people camping there since with no problems (it is a very popular campsite).
enjoy your camping trip.
I went out this site last weekend. it was really pleasurable time with beautiful weather as well.
enough space for the privacy, good view and kind staffs.
I love this place!
I've been coming to this campsite since i was only a baby, my dad used to bring me. I LOVE IT ! . i love just coming to spend the odd weekend. and all the people saying it is trouble and there are drunk idiots everywhere is a load of crap because only once had i seed any people walking around drunk, and it was New Years Eve. But yeah, it's a great place to be.. :D :wink:
i have been here over and over again and have never had a problem its easy to get to and great for a frenids getaway, its the best place to go see the trees away from the city there is nothing like it its a place you must see in your life time!!!!
I'll be a study abroad student next semester and my girlfriend and I were hoping to visit around New Years. I was also curious if anyone had any creative ideas for getting to the park and back if we don't have a car. We're thinking of renting a car, or taking a taxi, or even a bus if that's an option. We've never been to Australia before so does anyone have any suggestions?
We're thinking of renting a car, or taking a taxi, or even a bus if that's an option.
Hi Steve. Public transport is not easy to here, no bus or train. You could catch a taxi from Glenfield Station (about 30km ride) will cost about $60-90 depending on traffic. There are plenty of car rental places - just Google them.
Enjoy your stay
Matt :)
We're planning to go camping there with our 3 kids. Is it a clean and safe place to go with young children? How far is the closest shop/convenience store? Thanks. Caroline
How far is the closest shop/convenience store? Thanks. Caroline
Hi Caroline
It is a popular spot for family camping. There are a few natural hazards (as you might expect when camping) such as unfenced water etc. There are well maintained facilities. The nearest main shopping area is about 20min drive north to Wallacia.
Happy camping
Matt :)
Are there any bushwalking trails? If so, how long are they?
Thanks,
Dani
Hi Dani,
I spoke with a ranger, there are three walks in the area. One that loops around the 'lake' Bents Basin from the picnic area. About 20mins
Another walk about 45min from the top of the picnic area that goes to Caleys lookout. (signposted)
Another walk follows the ridge south from the picnic area (on the south eastern side of the the Nepean River).
hope you have fun
Happy camping
Matt :)
Yeh. I wouldnt mind giving this place a go for camping. Just wondering- How close can you get your veihcle to where you actually camp. Its just that my veihcle is set up with car fridges that cant be removed and it is a must to have the car close by. Thanks
Just been lookin at the fees... By the time I pay for two adults, two children and one car, I've been robbed harder than any bank could dream of rollin me for.
We don't need a powered site or commercial kitchen, can you simply camp [roughing it :-)..] without spending what you would staying in a cabin?
Quite surprised by expense or did I get the deal wrong?
Quite surprised by expense or did I get the deal wrong?
Hi Roger, 2 adults and a car would be $35. This campsite is not for everyone, esp for people who prefer to 'rough it'. Here you will find hot showers, BBQ's and a very well maintained campground. If you prefer to rough it, then there are other sites that are better set up for that.
Just thinking of camping here for the long weekend in Jan. Are the sites spread out as will be celebrating a birthday so don't want to disturb other people camping? Also what is the swimming like there - is it too cold to swim?
Are the sites spread out as will be celebrating a birthday so don't want to disturb other people camping?
Hi Clarie, what a great way to celebrate a birthday. There are a few sites away from the main area. No site is is completely isolated, so there will still be a need to respect a reasonable quiet time. There is a large shelter that can be booked (for a fee), great for a larger party. Bents Basin is a large water hole great for swimming and fishing. There are several small sandy beaches providing good access. Signs there remind you that you swim at your own risk. It is a popular swimming spot. The water is about a 5min walk from the campsite.
Hope that helps
Happy camping
Matt :)
hi i was just wondering how much notice i need to give for a basic camp ground
Hi Shelley. During school holidays (and long weekends) best to book as far in advanced as possible. But other times of the year there are plenty of spaces. The rangers are friendly, give them a call and let them know when you are thinking of going and they will give you a better idea.
Enjoy
Matt :)
SwimmingThere are places to swimNearest know Camping Stores
You can book a campsite by phoning the Campsite contactFor more information contact the NPWS Bents Basin State Conservation Area local office office on:Phone:02 4774 8662
1 km
not too much longer now :)