Barrington Tops National Park offers two very different camping experiences: straightforward drive-in camping around Gloucester River and Polblue, and remote plateau camping where seasonal 4WD closures matter as much as campground availability.
The biggest current issue in August 2026 is the winter closure of several 4WD trails. NPWS says vehicle access to Junction Pools, Little Murray and Gummi Falls campgrounds is closed until the afternoon of 25 September 2026, although those campgrounds remain accessible on foot or by bicycle.
Before travelling, check the Barrington Tops National Park local alerts.
Current access alerts: August 2026#
Winter seasonal 4WD closure#
From 1 June to the afternoon of 25 September 2026, NPWS has closed the following trails to public vehicles:
- Barrington trail south
- Barrington trail central
- Paddys Ridge trail
- Butchers Swamp trail
- Bullock Brush trail
- Thunderbolts trail between Barrington Tops Forest Road and Pheasants Creek Road
- Tugalow trail
This closes vehicle access to Junction Pools, Little Murray and Gummi Falls campgrounds and associated tracks and facilities. NPWS says walkers and cyclists can still access those campgrounds during the seasonal vehicle closure.
Gloucester Tops overnight management closures#
The Gloucester Tops section of the park is intermittently closed from 5pm to 5am through 16 October 2026 for feral-animal ground shooting. NPWS specifically says this does not directly affect Gloucester River campground, and the affected Gloucester Tops walking tracks and picnic facilities remain open during daylight hours when operations are occurring.
Follow closure signs and don't enter a signed management area after hours.
Polblue feral-horse safety alert#
NPWS has a current feral-horse safety alert at Polblue campground through 2 October 2026. Feral horses move through the campground day and night and can behave aggressively.
NPWS advises campers to set up tents as close to vehicles as possible, avoid the animals, retreat to a vehicle if needed, make noise to discourage an approach and report aggressive behaviour to the Gloucester or Scone NPWS offices.
Main drive-in campgrounds#
Gloucester River campground#
Gloucester River is one of the easiest Barrington Tops campgrounds for families and touring campers.
NPWS currently lists:
- 30 campsites
- tents, camper trailers, caravans and camping beside a vehicle
- toilets, unpowered sites, barbecues and picnic tables
- 2WD access via unsealed roads
- river crossings that can be affected by rain
The old version of this guide quoted an approximate per-adult camping price. That is not reliable enough to use for current trip budgeting, so check the NPWS Gloucester River page and live booking calendar for the current charge shown for your stay.
The current feral-control closure in the Gloucester Tops section does not directly affect the campground, but it can affect surrounding recreation after dark.
Polblue campground#
Polblue sits high on the plateau and NPWS currently lists 40 campsites, suitable for tents, camper trailers and caravans, with toilets, unpowered sites, barbecues and picnic tables.
The old article described the feral-horse alert as an early-2026 notice. It remains current: NPWS now lists it through 2 October 2026.
Check the NPWS Polblue page for current availability, booking terms and any new alerts.
Remote campground access#
Gummi Falls#
Gummi Falls is in Barrington Tops State Conservation Area and is affected by the same winter 4WD closure. Vehicle access is closed through the afternoon of 25 September 2026, while foot and bicycle access remains available under the current alert.
Outside the closure period, the Barrington Trail is a seasonal 4WD route and conditions can still change after rain.
Junction Pools and Little Murray#
These campgrounds are also within the current winter vehicle-access closure through 25 September 2026. Do not interpret a campsite appearing in a booking system as confirmation that the road is open to your vehicle; always check the live park alert as a separate step.
Black Swamp, Wombat Creek and other remote sites#
Remote camps have limited facilities and their approach trails can be affected by seasonal closures, wet weather and quarantine controls. For example, NPWS continues to maintain a Phytophthora quarantine area with no visitor access in part of the plateau.
Check the individual campground page and the park alert before each trip.
Booking Barrington Tops campgrounds#
NPWS requires bookings for its bookable campgrounds before arrival. The general booking system and availability can change, so this guide no longer gives fixed claims about how many months or weeks ahead a site must be booked.
For Gloucester River, Polblue or a remote campground:
- open the official NPWS campground page
- check the live availability calendar for your dates
- check the park-wide local alerts separately for road and management closures
- if your preferred dates are full, monitor for cancellations
The NSW campground booking guide covers the booking process and current NPWS booking terms.
Dogs and nearby alternatives#
Pets are not permitted in Barrington Tops National Park except certified assistance animals.
Nearby state forests and private campgrounds can have different rules, but don't assume a historical dog-friendly recommendation is still current. Forestry access rules and 1080 baiting programs can change, and 1080 is dangerous to dogs. Check the current land manager's rules before taking a dog to any alternative campsite.
For broader options, see dog-friendly camping in NSW.
Road conditions and weather#
Barrington Tops roads can deteriorate quickly after rain. NPWS specifically warns that the river crossings on the Gloucester River approach can be affected by rainfall.
Other current park notices include:
- Williams Top Road has reopened, but NPWS recommends 4WD in wet conditions because of slippery surfaces.
- Burraga Swamp walking track is inaccessible to vehicles because Mt Allyn Road is closed at a failed bridge; no reopening date is currently published.
Check NPWS and current weather before travelling, and don't drive through floodwater.
Firewood, water and communication#
Facilities differ by campground. Don't rely on a general statement that every Barrington Tops site has water, firewood or mobile service.
Use the individual NPWS campground page for what to bring. Where fires are allowed, fire restrictions can change with conditions and Total Fire Bans, so check NSW RFS information before lighting one.
Mobile coverage is limited in parts of the park. Download maps and save key booking and alert information before entering remote areas.
Best time to camp#
Summer and autumn generally provide broader vehicle access to the plateau, although storms and wet roads can still cause short-notice problems.
Winter has predictable seasonal closures on upper-plateau 4WD trails and can bring snow, ice and wet conditions.
Spring is when seasonal trails reopen, but reopening dates and road condition should still be confirmed rather than assumed.
If Gloucester River or Polblue are full on your dates, CampWatch can monitor supported availability and send an SMS when a matching campsite opens.
This guide was refreshed against current NPWS information on 16 August 2026.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are the main campgrounds at Barrington Tops?
Gloucester River and Polblue are the main drive-in options for most visitors. The park also has remote campgrounds including Junction Pools, Little Murray, Black Swamp and Wombat Creek, while Gummi Falls is in the adjoining Barrington Tops State Conservation Area. Access varies by season.
Can I bring my dog camping at Barrington Tops?
Pets are not permitted in Barrington Tops National Park except certified assistance animals. If you use nearby state forest or private camping instead, check that property's current pet rules and any 1080 baiting notices before taking a dog.
Gloucester River campground: how do you book it?
Use the official NSW National Parks Gloucester River campground page and its live availability calendar. NPWS requires bookings for bookable campgrounds before arrival.
Are remote Barrington Tops campgrounds open in winter?
Vehicle access to Junction Pools, Little Murray and Gummi Falls is closed for the 2026 winter seasonal closure from 1 June to the afternoon of 25 September. NPWS says visitors can still reach those campgrounds on foot or by bicycle during the closure.
Is there a current safety alert at Polblue?
Yes. NPWS has a feral-horse safety alert at Polblue through 2 October 2026. Campers are advised to set tents close to vehicles, avoid approaching horses and retreat to a vehicle if aggressive behaviour occurs.
What's the best time to camp at Barrington Tops?
Summer and autumn offer broader road access than winter. Winter closes many upper-plateau 4WD trails, while spring access reopens progressively. Always check the current NPWS local alerts because weather and management works can change access outside the normal seasonal pattern.