Budds Mare campground and picnic area

Budds Mare campground and picnic area has just three unmarked sites on the tableland edge above Apsley River Gorge. It is a remote, low-facility base in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, reached by unsealed roads that NSW National Parks classifies as 4WD.

The payoff is immediate access to a gorge lookout and the demanding Budds Mare to Riverside walk. The site suits prepared tent and camper-trailer travellers who value isolation and scenery more than convenience. It is a place to arrive early, settle in before dark and avoid depending on last-minute supplies.

Sites and gorge setting#

The three sites are unpowered and unmarked, with camping beside your vehicle. NPWS lists tents and camper trailers, but not caravans. With so little capacity, a booking matters even though there is no nightly camping fee.

Budds Mare sits close to a lookout over the Apsley River Gorge. That makes sunset and early-morning views easy without committing to the longer walk. The official campground page also positions the site as a short rugged getaway, not a large touring campground.

The 7km track to Riverside campground drops from the tablelands to swimming holes on the Apsley River. NPWS rates it as strenuous and suitable for experienced bushwalkers. A descent is only half the trip; allow energy, daylight and water for the climb back.

Facilities and what to bring#

Facilities are non-flush toilets, picnic tables and wood barbecues. Firewood is supplied, but its presence does not override restrictions or a total fire ban. Carry a fuel stove as a reliable alternative.

No drinking-water facility is listed. Bring all water for drinking, cooking and washing, along with food, first aid, rubbish bags and offline navigation. There are no powered sites, showers or bins.

Mobile reception is limited in the park. Save the official visitor information and local-alert details before leaving Walcha.

Getting there and current alert#

Access is from Walcha via Moona Plains Road, followed by unsealed roads into the Budds Mare area. NSW National Parks says all roads to the campground require 4WD. Do not reinterpret “all-weather” as ordinary-car access; it means the road is not subject to a listed seasonal closure, not that every vehicle is suitable.

The local-alerts page, reviewed on 11 September 2026, lists an upcoming 1080 aerial baiting program across Oxley Wild Rivers National Park from 21 September to 5 October 2026. Pets are already prohibited in the national park, and working dogs must not enter baiting locations. Check the alert again immediately before travel because dates and affected areas can change.

What campers say#

Public campground-specific opinion is sparse, so these are individual impressions rather than review consensus. Two public traveller posts—one focused on the Walcha camping trip and another highlighting the open views and isolation—plus a Visit Walcha community video reinforce a few useful themes:

• The gorge-edge view, not campground infrastructure, is the defining reason to stay.
• The small, open camping area can feel remarkably isolated; it also offers limited choice if wind or ground conditions are unfavourable.
• Campers pair the site with lookout time and walking rather than expecting facilities or organised activities.
• The 4WD approach and remote location are part of the commitment, not a minor final-road inconvenience.

These posts cannot verify access, fire rules or alert status. NPWS remains the source of truth for trip-day decisions.

Booking Budds Mare campground#

Book through NSW National Parks. The official listing currently shows no nightly camping fee and a $6 booking fee. One online booking can cover up to 12 people or two sites; eligible larger groups need to enquire separately.

If your preferred dates are unavailable, CampWatch can monitor supported dates for a cancellation.