Bents Basin campground is a large, open camping area on the Nepean River, within reach of western Sydney. NSW National Parks says the unmarked campground can accommodate up to 300 people and suits tents, camper trailers, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Sites are unpowered, but hot showers, flush toilets and vehicle-side camping make it more comfortable than a basic bush camp.
The two details most likely to disrupt a stay are access and water safety. The campground entrance is only from Wolstenholme Avenue, not Bents Basin Road, and the gates close each evening. The basin is a natural waterway with currents and sudden deep sections, not a swimming pool.
Sites and facilities#
Sites are unmarked across a generally flat, grassy campground. Most bookings allow you to park beside your setup, although some camping positions are less than a 20m carry from marked parking. Two vehicles are permitted per booking.
The official campground page and visitor information list:
- flush toilets and hot showers
- unpowered campsites
- free electric barbecues, wood barbecues and fire rings
- picnic tables and some rubbish bins
- an emergency telephone at the amenities block
- a commercial-style camp kitchen and shelter available as a separate hire
Water is available but is not suitable for drinking. Bring your own drinking water. The ordinary campsites have no power; amenities-block outlets are intended for shavers and hairdryers, while the powered camp kitchen is only for groups that have hired it.
Getting there and the gate code#
Drive to 525 Wolstenholme Avenue, Greendale. NPWS explicitly says there is no campground access from Bents Basin Road at Silverdale. Roads are sealed and suitable for 2WD vehicles in normal conditions.
Save the gate code from your booking email before leaving home. There is no mobile reception in the campground, although limited reception may be available near the Wolstenholme Avenue gate.
NPWS currently publishes conflicting seasonal gate times: the campground overview says 6pm in May–August, while the visitor page says 5pm in May–September. Plan around the earlier time and rely on the current booking email or contact NPWS if your arrival will be late.
Swimming and water safety#
Bents Basin is patrolled by lifeguards during the Christmas school holidays only. At other times, swimming is at your own risk. NPWS warns of an uneven river bed, sudden deep potholes, strong flows and currents. Heavy rain can raise the basin to an unsafe level and close it to water activities.
Check local alerts before travel and supervise children closely around the water regardless of whether a patrol is operating.
Fires, pets and quiet hours#
Campfires are allowed in shared wood barbecues and fire rings when conditions permit. A private gas, charcoal or elevated firepit setup is also allowed, but it must be off the ground. Bring your own firewood and never collect it in the reserve. Total Fire Bans override normal permissions.
Generators, amplified music and pets are prohibited. Quiet hours begin at 10pm. Chemical toilets are allowed, but there is no dump point and they must not be emptied into the campground toilets.
What campers say#
Public review material is patchy and sometimes contradicts the current rules. Two public walk-throughs — a Facebook campground video and a YouTube tour — are most useful for visual planning:
- the campground is open and grassy, so the experience is more communal than a screened bush site
- the amenities and water access are central attractions for family groups
- distance to facilities varies across the large camping area, making site position worth considering
- public posts can contain stale rule information; current NPWS pages control, including the bans on pets and generators
These sources do not establish a reliable consensus about crowds or cleanliness on particular dates.
Booking Bents Basin campground#
Check-in is 2pm and check-out is 10am. Book through NSW National Parks and check the live booking flow for current camping prices. A separate park entry fee applies. Online bookings cover up to 20 people or five sites; larger groups need to enquire.
If your dates are unavailable, CampWatch can monitor supported dates for a cancellation.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I access Bents Basin campground?
Use Wolstenholme Avenue from Greendale. There is no campground entry from Bents Basin Road at Silverdale. Save the gate code from your booking email because mobile reception is unavailable in the campground.
Does Bents Basin campground have hot showers?
Yes. NSW National Parks lists flush toilets and hot showers. Campsites are unpowered, and the small amenities-block power points are only for items such as shavers and hairdryers.
Is the water safe to drink at Bents Basin campground?
No. Water is available but NSW National Parks says it is not suitable for drinking. Bring all drinking water for your stay.
Is swimming at Bents Basin patrolled?
Lifeguards patrol only during the Christmas school holidays. At other times you swim at your own risk; currents, sudden deep holes and rising water after rain are identified hazards.
Are dogs or generators allowed at Bents Basin campground?
No. NSW National Parks lists both pets and generators as prohibited.