Horse Swamp campground

Barrington Tops State Conservation Area

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

Horse Swamp campground offers remote, rustic camping with mountain biking and 4WD trails through sub-alpine terrain in Barrington Tops State Conservation Area, between Scone and Gloucester.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 8
Camping type Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, carpark, toilets
What to bring Drinking water, cooking water, firewood
Group bookings Bookings for up to 5 sites and 20 people can be made online. School groups and commercial tour operators can submit a group booking enquiry form.
Please note
  • There are no marked sites at this campground.
  • Check the weather before you set out as the road to Horse Swamp campground can be affected by snow and ice.

For a change of scenery, visit this remote camping spot high on the plateau of Barrington Tops State Conservation Area; it provides fresh mountain air and refreshing landscape to match. Load up the 4WD with your mountain bikes and head to rustic Horse Swamp campground - a remote natural getaway, between Scone and Gloucester.

Set up camp among the rippled snow plains, dotted with snowgums in this secluded campground near Polblue campground. Your neighbours will most likely include wombats and eastern grey kangaroos. When you’re ready to explore, grab your mountain bike and head for the bike-friendly trails, such as Careys Peak lookout.

At night, stoke up a fire for a barbecue feast and settle back to listen to the nocturnal orchestra, under a thick blanket of stars. Grab a torch for the opportunity to see possums, greater gliders and, perhaps, a powerful owl.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • Aerial view of Polblue Falls in Barrington Tops State Conservation Area. Photo: John Spencer © OEH

    Polblue Falls walk and picnic area

    Polblue Falls walk and picnic area sits on the plateau of World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops State Conservation Area, between Scone and Gloucester. The short walk offers views of the largest waterfall in the park.

Map


Map legend

Map legend

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/horse-swamp-campground/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Horse Swamp campground.

Getting there and parking

Horse Swamp campground is in the state conservation area of Barrington Tops State Conservation Area. To get there: 

From Gloucester:

  • Take Thunderbolts Way; this road becomes Scone Road and Barrington Tops Forest Road.
  • 5km past Polblue campground, turn right into Tubrabucca Road.
  • Travel 2 km to arrive at Horse Swamp campground

From Scone:

  • Take Grundy Road to Moonan Flat and take Moonan Brook Road
  • Turn left into Barrington Tops Forest Road
  • Travel 2km past the Dingo Gate on Barrington Tops Forest Road
  • Turn left onto Tubrabucca Road
  • Travel 2km to arrive at Horse Swamp campground

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • Dry weather only

Parking

There's an informal parking area at the campground and you can also park at to your campsite.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Barrington Tops State Conservation Area. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

Take to the park's walking tracks to make the most of cooler and drier daytime weather.

Spring

Look out for ground orchids and other wildflowers along the Polblue Swamp walking track.

Summer

Look out for the eastern water dragon basking on rocks around the streams.

Facilities

Water is not available at this campground.

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)

Carpark

Step-free access

The campground is step-free and mostly flat, but there are no pathways. You'll need to cross over grass to reach the campground's facilities.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Camping safety

Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

This is a remote campground, please make sure you arrive well prepared.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Accessibility

Disability access level - hard

The campground is mostly flat and step-free, but there are no pathways. You'll need to cross over grass to get to the facilities.

The toilets are located up a set of steps.

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.