Horton Falls campground and picnic area

Horton Falls National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Tucked away in the rugged foothills of the Nendewar Range is Horton Falls campground and picnic area. With just 2 campsites, nature lovers can explore the waterfalls, swimming holes and gorges of Horton Falls National Park, near Barraba.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 2
Camping type Tent, Camper trailer site, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, toilets
What to bring Drinking water, fuel stove, ice, torch, food supplies, first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen
Price There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies.
Bookings Bookings for up to 2 sites and 12 people can be made online.
Group bookings This campground is not suitable for group bookings.
Please note
  • Sites are unmarked.
  • Horton Falls and Upper Falls can dry up during extended dry periods.

The rustic Horton Falls campground and picnic area will suit anyone who enjoys staying in natural bushland with just the basic necessities. Drive right into your campsite, set up your tent or camper trailer next to your vehicle, then get ready to explore.

Photographers will be keen to make the short 100m stroll to Horton Falls lookout, the perfect vantage point to see Horton River cascade into the deep valley below in a beautiful 83m plume. Your best chance to view these majestic falls in all their beauty is spring through autumn, when the weather is warmer and the river flowing after local rainfall.

If the sight of all this water makes you keen for a cool, refreshing dip, head past Upper Falls picnic area and walk 250m along a scenic walking track to a magical spot upstream of the main falls. This is Upper Falls, where water cascades over small rocky cliffs into a delightful swimming hole. 

If you’ve worked up an appetite, head back to the campground to cook up a tasty evening meal on one of the barbecues. As you and your crew relax and tuck in, keep an eye out for the flash of colourful birds like turquoise parrots and flame robins in the bush around you. 

Hunker down for a peaceful night under the stars, the silence broken only by the rustle and squeak of squirrel gliders and other night-time creatures.

 

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • View of Horton Falls through trees at Horton Falls lookout in Horton Falls National Park. Photo: Leah Pippos © DPIE

    Horton Falls lookout

    Horton Falls lookout is in Horton Falls National Park near Horton Falls campground and picnic area. The lookout is a great vantage point for viewing the waterfall and rock pools.

  • Water cascades over rocky ledges into a pool surrounded by bushland in Horton Falls National Park. Photo: Lauren Sparrow © DPIE

    Upper Falls picnic area

    Upper Falls picnic area is in Horton Falls National Park near Horton Falls campground and picnic area. It’s a great spot to stop for a snack when you visit the park’s waterfalls, walks and lookouts. 

Map


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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/horton-falls-campground-picnic-area/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Horton Falls campground and picnic area.

Getting there and parking

Horton Falls is in Horton Falls National Park. To get there from Tamworth:

  • Take Manilla Road north to Barraba for about 90km.
  • Turn left onto Alice Street, continuing onto Trevallyn Road for about 20km.
  • Turn right onto Horton Falls Road and continue for 7.4km.
  • The campground and picnic area is at the end of Horton Falls Road.

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available next to the 2 campsites.

Facilities

There are no bins so you’ll need to take rubbish with you.

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Wood barbecues (firewood supplied)

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.

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.

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.

Waterfall safety

Waterfalls are beautiful destinations but please be safe when visiting these natural wonders. Read these waterfall safety tips before exploring waterfalls on your next walk.

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Permitted

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Prohibited

Please don’t play amplified music.

Gathering firewood

Generators

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.

Environments in this park