Northern Border Campground

Northern Border Campground is a walk-in only bush camp on the Canberra Centenary Trail, sitting right at the ACT’s northern boundary near the suburb of Forde. It is one of the few campgrounds in the territory that may allow dogs, though you should always check current rules before booking.

The campground has 15 sites with pit toilets and BBQ facilities, but no showers or drinking water. You will need to carry everything in on foot, which keeps the crowds down and the atmosphere quiet. The surrounding bushland is home to kangaroos, wombats, and echidnas, with gang-gang cockatoos often spotted in the treetops.

This is a solid option for Canberra locals looking for an overnight hike without driving hours out of the city. Nights can be bitterly cold from autumn through spring, with frost common and occasional snow possible. At $6.88 per adult per night (kids under 15 free), it is an affordable entry point to trail camping in the ACT.