Olney State Forest is a popular free camping area in the Watagan Mountains west of Lake Macquarie. It is managed by Forestry Corporation NSW, so camping is free and sites are not reservable, but it is also a working forest where road conditions and temporary closures can change quickly.
Before treating any camping area or access road as open, check the Forestry Corporation State Forest notices and closures. Forestry Corporation's 2026 storm-recovery advice for the Hunter and Central Coast specifically warned that roads and trails could remain damaged even where forests had reopened.
Camping areas at Olney State Forest#
Forestry Corporation currently lists several camping and recreation areas in Olney.
The Basin#
The Basin is an open grassy camping area with a creek nearby and is suitable for large groups. Forestry Corporation lists picnic tables, wood barbecues and a covered shelter among the facilities in this area.
Important access note: Forestry Corporation's June 2026 recovery update said Olney State Forest was open but Basin Forest Road was closed, and warned that many State Forest roads in the affected region were suitable only for 4WD while recovery continued. Because this status can change, check the current closure map rather than relying on an old access description.
The Pines#
Forestry Corporation lists The Pines Camping Area beneath mature pine trees, with walking trails accessible via the nearby Pines Picnic Area.
Turpentine and Casuarina#
Casuarina is an established camping area that Forestry Corporation says can accommodate caravans, trailers and individual campers. Turpentine provides sheltered sites among turpentine trees, with toilets available nearby at The Pines or Casuarina.
Olney Headquarters#
Olney HQ is also an official camping area. Forestry Corporation lists barbecues, picnic tables, toilets and an accessible toilet.
What it costs#
Camping in NSW State Forests is free. Forestry Corporation also says State Forest camping sites cannot be pre-booked or reserved.
Camping is generally limited to a maximum of four weeks, although signs at individual camping areas can impose shorter limits. Follow any current signs and authorised officer directions.
Getting there#
Olney is accessed through the Watagan Mountains road network. Conditions can vary significantly after heavy rain, flooding, forestry operations or road maintenance.
Do not assume a standard car will always be suitable simply because a road has historically been 2WD-accessible. Forestry Corporation's 2026 recovery messaging advised visitors to reduce speed, follow closure signs and use 4WD vehicles on many damaged forest roads.
Check the Olney State Forest page and the current closure notices immediately before departure.
Mobile reception: Forest coverage can be unreliable. Download maps and important information before entering the Watagans.
What to bring#
Olney has basic State Forest facilities, so come prepared:
- Drinking water. Do not rely on natural creek water or assume potable water is available.
- Firewood or a gas cooking appliance. Forestry Corporation's current guidance advises campers to bring their own firewood rather than relying on collection.
- Rubbish bags. Carry out what you bring in.
- Warm layers and wet-weather gear. Conditions in the Watagan Mountains can differ from the coast.
- Offline maps. Road closures or detours can make navigation more important than usual.
Rules and tips#
Fire rules#
Fire rules are not a simple year-round yes/no rule. Forestry Corporation can impose Solid Fuel Fire Bans in State Forests, and the NSW RFS can declare a Total Fire Ban.
- Use established fireplaces where possible when solid-fuel fires are permitted.
- Check Forestry Corporation's current solid-fuel restrictions and forest notices before lighting a wood or charcoal fire.
- 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 satisfied and, on State Forest land away from a private dwelling, the appliance and site have Forestry Corporation approval.
- Fully extinguish any permitted fire before leaving or sleeping.
Dogs#
Dogs are welcome in NSW State Forests. Forestry Corporation's rule is that your dog must be under your control at all times; it does not impose a blanket on-lead rule for every State Forest visit.
Pick up after your dog and check forest notices before travelling. Forestry Corporation conducts 1080 baiting intermittently in State Forests for wild dog and fox control, with treated areas signposted.
If you're looking for more pet-friendly camping, check our dog-friendly camping in NSW guide.
Staying safe#
- Check current road and camping-area closures immediately before your trip.
- Follow signs and Forestry Corporation staff directions.
- Avoid active harvesting, recently burnt or closed areas.
- Do not camp under damaged or unstable trees.
- Be alert for authorised forest operations and recreational hunting zones away from camping areas.
Weekend crowds#
Olney is popular, particularly on weekends and holidays. Because sites cannot be reserved, there is no guarantee a particular camping area will have space when you arrive.
If your preferred area is full or inaccessible, consider another open Olney camping area or another State Forest only after checking its own current notices. For bookable national park alternatives, CampWatch can alert you when a cancellation creates an opening.
For the latest conditions, use the Forestry Corporation Olney page and State Forest notices and closures.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Olney State Forest free to camp at?
Yes. Forestry Corporation says camping in NSW State Forests is free and camping sites cannot be pre-booked or reserved. Follow any site-specific signage and current closure notices.
Can you swim at Olney State Forest?
Forestry Corporation says creeks near The Basin are used for recreation in warmer months. Conditions are natural and unpatrolled, so assess conditions on the day and supervise children closely around water.
Are dogs allowed at Olney State Forest?
Yes. Dogs are welcome in NSW State Forests and must be under your control at all times. Pick up after them and check current forest notices because 1080 baiting can occur in State Forests.
Do you need a 4WD for Olney State Forest?
Do not rely on a fixed 2WD-access rule. Forestry Corporation has warned that storm and flood damage can affect Watagan-area forest roads and has recommended 4WD access during recovery periods. Check current Olney notices and road closures immediately before travelling.