Current-information snapshot — 27 September 2026: Bendeela is managed by WaterNSW, overnight camping requires a booking, and individual sites remain first-in, first-served. Access, fire and water conditions can change, so check the official Bendeela Recreation Area page before travelling.
Bendeela Recreation Area is a grassy riverside campground on the Kangaroo River arm of Lake Yarrunga, about seven kilometres along Bendeela Road from Kangaroo Valley. WaterNSW manages the recreation area, which is used by tents and caravans and is known for swimming, paddling, fishing and frequent wombat sightings.
Booking and choosing a site#
Overnight camping must be booked. Use the Bendeela booking page and carry the booking reference during your stay.
WaterNSW describes Bendeela as a free recreation area, but a booking does not allocate a specific campsite. Available picnic and camping sites are first-in, first-served, and tents or caravans cannot be left unoccupied for more than 24 hours. Groups larger than 50 people should notify WaterNSW at least four weeks in advance; that notification is not a campsite reservation.
Vehicle access and campsite setup#
WaterNSW manages Bendeela as two areas:
- Camping Area 1 is normally open year-round for vehicle-based camping.
- Camping Area 2 has seasonal vehicle access. When its gate is closed, visitors may still walk in to camp, but should confirm the current notice before relying on vehicle access.
Camp only in designated areas, use no more than two vehicles per booking, and avoid pitching under or near trees because branches can fall beyond the canopy. Mobile reception is limited; WaterNSW suggests returning towards Jacks Corner Road or Bendeela Road for a better signal.
Facilities and what to bring#
Bendeela has basic facilities rather than powered caravan-park services. WaterNSW lists treated drinking water, toilets, rubbish bins and dump points for small portable chemical toilets. Those dump points must not be used for caravan blackwater holding tanks.
Bring a self-contained camp setup, a no-cook food option, life jackets for paddling and a way to receive current warnings before losing mobile reception. Generators and music must be turned off between 9pm and 8am.
Fires, pets and Total Fire Bans#
Wood fires, charcoal and other solid-fuel barbecues are prohibited. Gas barbecues may be used outside declared Total Fire Ban periods, subject to current site restrictions. WaterNSW closes its recreation areas on all declared Total Fire Ban days, so do not treat a gas stove as a guaranteed backup.
Dogs, horses and other pets are not permitted. Model aircraft, drones and motorised watercraft are also prohibited.
Water and wildlife safety#
The river is used for swimming, canoeing and fishing, but it is a natural waterway. WaterNSW warns about submerged obstacles, variable depths and fast flows; diving, jumping and rope swings are prohibited. Avoid swimming during and for 72 hours after heavy rain, and follow any algae alerts or onsite signs.
Wombats often move through the camping grounds around dawn and dusk. Secure loose belongings, drive slowly, stay at least five metres away, and do not feed, chase or touch wildlife.
Can't get a booking?#
If Bendeela is unavailable for your dates, set up a free CampWatch alert and we'll notify you when the monitored booking system shows a cancellation. Availability alerts do not replace WaterNSW's live access, closure, fire or water-quality advice.
Location
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book camping at Bendeela Recreation Area?
Yes. WaterNSW requires overnight campers to book and carry their booking reference. The recreation area is free, but the booking does not reserve a particular campsite; available sites are first-in, first-served.
Can I drive into both Bendeela camping areas?
Camping Area 1 is normally open year-round for vehicle-based camping. Vehicle access to Camping Area 2 changes with peak periods, although visitors may walk in to camp there. Check WaterNSW's current notice before travelling.
Are fires allowed at Bendeela?
No wood, charcoal or other solid-fuel fires are allowed. WaterNSW permits gas barbecues outside Total Fire Ban periods, but closes its recreation areas on declared Total Fire Ban days. Check current restrictions before cooking.
Can I bring a dog to Bendeela Recreation Area?
No. WaterNSW does not permit dogs, horses or other pets at Bendeela Recreation Area.
What facilities are available at Bendeela?
WaterNSW lists treated drinking water, toilets, rubbish bins and dump points for small portable chemical toilets. The dump points are not for caravan blackwater holding tanks, and mobile reception is limited.
Is it safe to swim or paddle at Bendeela?
Conditions can change. Wear a life jacket when paddling, supervise children, avoid swimming for 72 hours after heavy rain, and check the WaterNSW page and onsite signs for algae or other water-quality warnings.