Darling River campground

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Outback camping beside the Darling River in Kinchega National Park offers excellent birdwatching, barbecue facilities and swimming.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 34
Camping type Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Toilets, unpowered sites, unmarked sites, barbecue facilities, picnic tables, carpark
What to bring Drinking water, cooking water, firewood
Entry fees Park entry fees apply
Bookings Book up to 12 people or 2 sites online.
Group bookings School groups and Park Eco Pass holders can make a group booking enquiry.
Please note
  • This is a remote campground, please arrive well prepared and make sure you travel with ample food and water.
  • Be aware of the weather conditions. If it rains, you might need to move your camp to Emu Lake campground or you may have to stay at your campsite for several days while the road dries out. 

If you like to wake up to water views, then pitch your tent at Darling River campground. The picturesque Darling River, on the eastern edge of Kinchega National Park, is famous for birdwatching, wildlife and stunning wildflower displays.

As you set up camp, take a moment to soak in the tranquil vibe of this idyllic riverside campground but don’t be fooled; it’s bursting with life. Flocks of pink and black cockatoos nest in tree hollows whilst egrets and black kites patrol the waters. Not to be outdone, cheeky little finches hop through the scrub.

After a day exploring, cool off with a swim in the river before preparing a barbecue feast. On a warm night you might hear the mocking call of a perons tree frog, which sounds like laughter or a creaky door. Tumble into your sleeping bag to be soothed to sleep by the sound of the river flowing past.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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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/darling-river-campground/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Darling River campground.

Getting there and parking

Darling River campground is along River Drive in Kinchega National Park.

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Darling River campground may be closed during heavy rain.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

Parking is available along River Drive.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Kinchega National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

Spring

It's a great time for a camping trip when the weather is a bit cooler and the park is springing to life after the sleepy winter.

Summer

Cool off after a hot day of exploring in the park's rivers or lakes.

Winter

Throw in your line below Weir 32 on the Darling river – you might catch a golden perch. You'll need a current NSW recreational fishing licence though, and you must abide by bag limits and protected species fishing laws.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

18°C and 34°C

Highest recorded

49.7°C

Winter temperature

Average

5°C and 19°C

Lowest recorded

-3.5°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

May and October

Driest month

April

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

150.6mm

Facilities

  • Drinking and cooking water is not available at this campground.
  • Hot showers and bore water are available at the Shearers' Quarters at the Historic Woolshed by gold coin donation.

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Types of sites

  • Unpowered sites
  • Unmarked sites

Barbecue facilities

  • Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)

Picnic tables

Carpark

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

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.

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).

Outback safety

Safety is of high priority in outback areas. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 50°C in some places. Food, water and fuel supplies can be scarce. Before you head off, check for road closures and use our contacts to stay safe in the outback.

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

Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty

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.