Bents Basin Campground
About This Campsite
If you’re looking for a freshwater escape without the five-hour haul, Bents Basin Campground is your best bet in Western Sydney. Located near Greendale on the edge of a deep Nepean River gorge, this is a high-utility spot that works just as well for a quick Saturday night getaway as it does for a week-long school holiday stint.
The setup is flat and grassy, making it a “no-stress” arrival for anyone towing a caravan, motorhome, or camper trailer. With room for up to 300 campers across unmarked sites, you’ve got plenty of space to spread out the gazebo and the cricket set. Sites are unpowered. Hot showers, toilets, BBQs, and a commercial camp kitchen (available for hire) are all on site.
What to Do
The Basin itself is a massive natural swimming hole — essentially a giant playground for kids with kayaks or SUPs. Be aware of strong underwater currents; lifeguards only patrol during the Christmas school holidays. Fishing is popular too, but you’ll need an NSW recreational fishing licence. If you need to dry off, the Caleys Lookout Track is a short, sharp hike that hits the “value-for-effort” sweet spot with solid views over the gorge.
Need to Know
- No pets permitted
- No dump point on site
- No drinking water — bring your own (tank water is non-potable)
- Sites are unpowered
- Park entry: $8 per vehicle per day (Park’nPay app or on-park machines)
- Camping fees apply on top of park entry
- Gate on Wolstenholme Avenue locks at 5pm (May–Sept) and 8pm (Oct–April). Gate code is provided on booking
- Access via Wolstenholme Avenue only — NOT via Bents Basin Road, Silverdale
- Fully wheelchair accessible with MLAK accessible toilets
- Bookings via NSW National Parks website
Getting There
From The Northern Road, take Greendale Road west at Bringelly, then turn left into Wolstenholme Avenue and continue to the park entrance. Approximately 65km from Sydney CBD, around 1 hour drive depending on traffic. Sealed road suitable for 2WD vehicles in all weather.
Camp Comforts
Trip Essentials
In Detail
It’s a long hike to Wallacia, you’ll need the car, there is no direct bus or train.
Forget the train for this one. The closest station is Leppington, but it’s still a 30-minute taxi or Uber from there. This is 100% a "bring the car" destination.
Contact Information
Address and Location
Greendale
New South Wales
2745
Australia
Local Area and Accessibility
What's Available
- Tent
- Camper trailer
- Caravan
- Motorhome
- Unpowered
- Grass
- Shaded
- No
- Basic National Park Camping
Site Capacity and Characteristics
- Riverside
Access Requirements
- Tents or Swags
- Rooftop Tent
- Camper Van
- Camper Trailer
- Caravan
- Motorhome
- Campervans
- Most 2WD Accessible - Some Sites Tent Only
- Motorhomes
Vehicle Specifications
Directions and Access Notes
Entry is via Wolstenholme Avenue only. Don't let your GPS lead you astray, if it tries to send you via Bents Basin Road, you’ll end up at a locked gate on the wrong side of the river (that’s the day-use side).
The road is sealed and 2WD friendly all the way to the grass. The main gate is locked nightly: 8:00 PM (Sept–April) and 6:00 PM (May–Aug). You’ll get a code in your booking email, screenshot it before you leave home because mobile reception at the gate is hit-or-miss. If you’re towing a big rig, there’s heaps of room to turn around, so no need to panic about tight corners.
Bathroom and Sanitation
Kitchen and Cooking
- Electric
- BYO Gas Stove or Use Provided BBQ
Water and Waste
Utilities and Connectivity
- None - BYO All Supplies
On-Site and Nearby Activities
- Swimming (Beach/Lake/River)
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Picnicking
- Bushwalking/Hiking
- Birdwatching
Caleys Lookout Track: Right on your doorstep. A 1.2km return hike that’s a bit of a lung-buster but worth it for the views over the gorge.
Warragamba Dam: About 20 mins away. Massive bit of engineering and great for a look at where Sydney gets its water.
The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan: Roughly 25 mins drive. Huge gardens, great mountain bike tracks, and another solid spot for the kids to run off some steam.
Wallacia & Mulgoa: Close by for a pub feed or to grab those last-minute supplies you forgot (like the tent pegs).
Setting and Environment
- Families
- Groups
- Weekend Getaways
Keep your eyes peeled and your food tubs locked. Bents Basin is a haven for local wildlife. You’re almost guaranteed to see Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Wombats wandering near the treeline at dusk.
Down by the water, look for Azure Kingfishers and the Eastern Snake-necked Turtle. If you're lucky, you might spot a Lace Monitor (goanna) patrolling the picnic area. Birdos should bring the binoculars, the park is home to over 140 species, including the Powerful Owl and Glossy Black Cockatoo. Just a heads-up: the local Brushtail Possums are experts at raiding unzipped bags, so keep the camp kitchen tidy!
Water Safety: The basin is deep (approx. 22m) and the river bed is uneven with sudden potholes. There can be strong currents after rain. Lifeguards are only on-site during Christmas school holidays—otherwise, it’s swim at your own risk.
Gate Lock: Don’t get caught out. The gate is locked nightly (8pm Summer / 6pm Winter). If you aren’t inside by then, you’re stuck until 5am.
Wildlife: Wombats and kangaroos are active at dawn/dusk, watch the roads. Also, keep your food locked up; the local possums are world-class scavengers.
Site Closures: The park can close at short notice due to flood risk or high fire danger. Always check the NSW National Parks "Local Alerts" before you hitch up.
Important Rules and Regulations
Booking and Pricing
$8 per vehicle per day park entry fee is not included in camping fees. This must be paid on-site via the Park’nPay app or at the physical machines (card/coin) unless you have a valid NSW National Parks Annual Pass.
- NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS)
Cancellations made 31 days or more prior to arrival receive a 75% refund. Between 15–30 days, a 50% refund is provided. No refunds are given for cancellations made within 14 days of the arrival date. Note that the 2.5% booking fee is non-refundable.
Status and Season
Current Alert (March 2026): Bents Basin State Conservation Area is currently undergoing ground pest control operations on select nights through to April 2, 2026. During this time, the park is closed to the public from sunset to sunrise. No operations occur on weekends or public holidays.
Additionally, an ongoing ground baiting program is in place until September 14, 2026. While the campground remains open, visitors should be mindful of signage and strictly adhere to the "No Pets" policy to ensure safety. Always check the official NSW National Parks "Local Alerts" page before heading out, as the basin can close to swimmers after heavy rain due to water quality or unsafe currents.
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