Berlang campground

Berlang campground is a small tent campground beside the Shoalhaven River in the north-west of Deua National Park. Its 10 unpowered, unmarked sites suit campers who are comfortable carrying gear a short distance from the carpark and bringing almost everything they need.

The campground is best understood as a simple base for the river and The Big Hole walking track, not as a caravan stop. The current NSW National Parks listing allows tents only, correcting older CampWatch metadata that also showed caravans and camper trailers.

Sites and setup#

Sites are unmarked and parking is in the campground carpark rather than beside each tent. Use the official Berlang map to understand the relationship between the parking area, campground, river and walking track before arriving.

Because there are only 10 sites and the carpark can be busy during long weekends and school holidays, pack so you can move equipment efficiently. A compact tent or swag is a much better match than bulky vehicle-based gear.

Facilities and what to bring#

Berlang has one non-flush toilet, picnic tables, wood barbecues, fire rings and a carpark. There is no listed drinking-water supply and no rubbish collection. Bring drinking and cooking water, food, lighting, rubbish bags and a backup fuel stove.

You may use the provided wood barbecues and fire rings when restrictions allow, but firewood is not supplied and collecting it from the park is prohibited. Bring your own clean firewood and check total fire bans immediately before travel. Pets are prohibited except certified assistance animals, and NSW national parks are smoke-free.

NPWS warns that mobile reception is limited. Download the booking, map, weather and alert information before leaving reliable coverage.

Getting there#

From Braidwood, drive south on Cooma Road for about 30 minutes, turn left at the Berlang/The Big Hole sign, then follow the final 700m to the carpark. The access road is unsealed but officially suitable for 2WD vehicles in all weather.

Conditions at a river campground can still change after heavy rain. The Berlang local-alert page had no campground-specific closure when checked on 10 September 2026, but nearby walking access is subject to river levels and park management decisions.

The Big Hole and river safety#

Berlang is the trailhead for The Big Hole walking track, a 4km return, Grade 4 walk that NPWS suggests allowing one to two hours. The route crosses the Shoalhaven River before climbing to the viewing platform.

This crossing is the critical trip-planning detail. NPWS warns that rain can make the river too deep and fast to cross safely. Never enter floodwater or assume that a crossing used earlier in the day will remain safe. Check weather, current river information and local alerts, and be prepared to abandon the walk.

Swimming and paddling are possible in warm weather, but the river is unpatrolled. Supervise children and assess depth, current, submerged hazards and recent rainfall each time.

What campers say#

Detailed public reviews are sparse. A family camping video documents a return visit but also shows how a flooded river can stop the planned walk. A separate public hiking report similarly treats the river crossing as part of the experience rather than a minor footbridge. Together they support a few cautious takeaways:

• Campers come primarily for the river setting and access to The Big Hole, not extensive amenities.
• The short walk from the carpark favours compact gear and a deliberate unloading plan.
• The river crossing is a real decision point; a wet-weather trip may become a campground stay without the walk.
• There is not enough public evidence to make reliable claims about site-by-site shade, toilet condition or mobile service beyond the official warning of limited reception.

These are limited traveller reports, not a broad consensus.

Booking Berlang campground#

Book through NSW National Parks. Online group bookings cover up to 40 people or nine sites; larger groups need to enquire directly. Check the forecast and river warning before the cancellation deadline rather than waiting until arrival. If your dates are unavailable, CampWatch can monitor supported dates for a cancellation.