Free camping in a quiet pine forest, roughly 90 minutes from Sydney, no booking required, no fees, and dogs welcome. Belanglo State Forest is one of those spots that stays under the radar while everyone fights over national park bookings along the coast.
The main camping area, Dalys Clearing, sits in a broad clearing surrounded by radiata pines and native bush. Forestry Corporation lists it as Belanglo's camping area and recommends checking current forest notices before travelling because State Forests are working forests and temporary closures can occur.
Whether you're a first-timer testing the waters with free camping or a regular looking for a no-fuss weekend escape in the Southern Highlands, this guide covers the practical details to check before you go.
What to expect at Dalys Clearing#
Dalys Clearing is the designated camping area in Belanglo State Forest. Forestry Corporation describes it as a level camp spot surrounded by exotic pines and a good year-round picnic location.
State Forest camping is generally free and cannot be pre-booked or reserved. That means you should arrive prepared to choose a suitable available spot and follow any on-site signs or directions from Forestry Corporation staff.
The surrounding forest is a mix of commercial pine plantations and native eucalyptus bush. Because Belanglo is an active working forest, logging operations, hazard-reduction work, pesticide programs or other operations can affect roads and recreation areas at short notice.
Facilities, and what's NOT there#
Forestry Corporation's Belanglo visitor information identifies Dalys Clearing as a camping area and directs visitors to current forest notices for up-to-date conditions. Facilities are basic, so plan to be self-sufficient.
Bring:
- Drinking water. Forestry Corporation does not list potable water at Dalys Clearing.
- Rubbish bags. State Forest guidance is carry-in, carry-out.
- Cooking equipment. Bring a gas appliance rather than relying on a wood fire, and check current fire restrictions before use.
- Toilet paper and basic camp supplies. Facilities can be limited and conditions change.
How to get to Belanglo State Forest#
From Sydney CBD: Head south on the M31 Hume Motorway. Forestry Corporation's current directions say to turn west into Bunnygalore Road and follow the signs to Dalys Clearing. Total driving time is roughly 1 hour 40 minutes depending on traffic.
From southwest Sydney: Follow the M31 south toward the Southern Highlands and use the signed Belanglo/Dalys Clearing access.
From Canberra: Head north on the M31 Hume Motorway and follow the signed access into Belanglo State Forest.
Road conditions: State Forest roads can change quickly after rain, storms, harvesting or maintenance. Forestry Corporation says visitors should check current closures and notices before setting out and follow all signs and staff directions once inside the forest.
Access note: Belanglo is a working forest. Temporary closures can occur for forestry operations, fire management, pesticide use or unsafe road conditions. Check the Forestry Corporation State Forest notices and closures immediately before your trip.
Camping rules and fire safety#
Belanglo State Forest is managed by Forestry Corporation NSW, not NSW National Parks. State Forest camping rules therefore differ from NPWS campground rules.
Camping rules:
- NSW State Forest camping is generally free
- Camping sites cannot be pre-booked or reserved
- Camping in State Forests is generally limited to a maximum of four weeks, although site signage may impose a shorter limit
- Follow signs and authorised officer directions
- Carry out your rubbish
- Camping is permitted across most State Forests, but not in every picnic area or operational area
Fire rules:
- Use established fireplaces where possible
- Check Forestry Corporation's current Solid Fuel Fire Bans and forest notices before lighting any wood or charcoal fire
- Check the NSW RFS for any Total Fire Ban
- During a Total Fire Ban, solid-fuel fires are prohibited
- A gas barbecue or cooking appliance is only permitted during a Total Fire Ban when the NSW RFS conditions are met and, on State Forest land away from a private dwelling, the appliance and site are approved by Forestry Corporation
- Fully extinguish any permitted fire before leaving or sleeping
Firewood: Current Forestry Corporation camping guidance advises visitors to bring their own firewood or a gas barbecue rather than relying on wood being available on site.
Things to do at Belanglo State Forest#
Walking and forest roads#
Belanglo has a network of forest roads and trails through pine plantation and native forest. Conditions can change around active operations, so follow closure signs and avoid work areas.
Mountain biking#
The forest road and trail network is used for recreation, including cycling. Check current operational notices before riding because working-forest activity can temporarily change access.
4WD tracks and fire trails#
Four-wheel driving is permitted on formed roads and fire trails in NSW State Forests when those routes are open. Vehicles and drivers must comply with normal registration/licensing requirements, and closed operational areas remain off limits.
Dogs at Belanglo#
Dogs are welcome in NSW State Forests, including Belanglo. Forestry Corporation's current rule is that dogs must be under your control at all times and owners must pick up after them.
State Forest notices also warn that 1080 baiting is conducted intermittently for wild dog and fox control. Treated areas are signposted, and companion-dog owners should take precautions.
If you're looking for more dog-friendly camping options in NSW, we've put together a dedicated guide.
Best time to visit Belanglo State Forest#
Autumn (March–May): Mild days and cool nights make this a comfortable period for camping.
Spring (September–November): Comfortable temperatures are common, but fire restrictions can change as conditions dry out.
Summer (December–February): Check solid-fuel restrictions, Total Fire Bans and forest closures carefully. Do not assume a gas appliance is automatically permitted during a Total Fire Ban; the RFS conditions and State Forest approval requirements still apply.
Winter (June–August): Nights can be very cold in the Southern Highlands. Pack for low overnight temperatures and check road conditions after heavy rain or storms.
Is Belanglo State Forest safe?#
Belanglo was the site of the backpacker murders in the 1990s, a horrific chapter in Australian history. Today it is also an active State Forest recreation and forestry area. The practical safety issues for a camping trip are the same ones Forestry Corporation highlights across working forests: changing road conditions, active operations, fire risk, falling branches, hunting exclusions and temporary closures.
Check official notices before you leave, follow signs in the forest, and avoid any closed or operational area.
What to pack for Belanglo camping#
Since facilities are basic, be self-sufficient:
- Water for drinking, cooking and washing
- Cooking gear, ideally a gas appliance that you can use when legally permitted
- Rubbish bags
- Warm clothing for Southern Highlands nights
- Torch or headlamp
- First aid kit
- Offline maps in case phone reception is limited
For a more complete packing list, check our first-time camping guide.
Nearby attractions in the Southern Highlands#
Belanglo is close to Berrima, Bowral, Bundanoon and Morton National Park, making it a practical base for exploring the Southern Highlands.
If Dalys Clearing is busy or access is affected, Wingello State Forest is another free State Forest camping option to the south. Always check its current Forestry Corporation notices separately before diverting.
If you're planning to explore national park campgrounds in the area, many book out well ahead. You can set up a CampWatch alert to catch cancellations when they open up.
Make Belanglo your next free camping trip#
Belanglo's appeal is straightforward: free State Forest camping close to the Southern Highlands, no reservation system, dogs permitted under control, and a working-forest setting.
Before you leave, check the Belanglo State Forest page, the State Forest notices and closures, and current NSW RFS fire restrictions.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to book camping at Belanglo State Forest?
No. Forestry Corporation says NSW State Forest camping is free and cannot be pre-booked or reserved. Dalys Clearing is Belanglo's designated camping area. Check current forest notices before travelling because working-forest operations can affect access.
Is there water at Dalys Clearing?
Forestry Corporation does not list drinking water at Dalys Clearing, so bring all the water you need for your stay.
Can you bring dogs to Belanglo State Forest?
Yes. Forestry Corporation allows dogs in NSW State Forests, including Belanglo, but they must remain under your control. Pick up after your dog and check current forest notices for hazards such as 1080 baiting.
Are campfires allowed at Belanglo?
Fire rules depend on current Forestry Corporation solid-fuel restrictions and NSW RFS Total Fire Bans. Use established fireplaces where available and check both authorities before lighting a fire. During a Total Fire Ban, solid-fuel fires are prohibited; gas appliances are only allowed when the RFS conditions and State Forest approval requirements are met.
How far is Belanglo State Forest from Sydney?
About 135 km from Sydney CBD, roughly 1 hour 40 minutes via the Hume Motorway, depending on traffic.