Ingar campground

Ingar campground is now a walk-in or cycle-in Blue Mountains camp, not a drive-in base. Its eight tent sites sit near Ingar Creek and a popular swimming hole, but reaching them means carrying camping gear at least 5km over a route with steep sections. That access reality is the first thing to understand before booking.

Choose Ingar for a small, self-supported overnight built around walking or mountain biking and a natural waterhole. Do not choose it for a casual car-camping arrival, heavy family gear, a tow setup, treated water, reliable reception or anyone unable to manage the loaded return climb.

Current access to Ingar campground#

The official NSW National Parks page lists two approaches:

• From Woodford, drive 4km south on Bedford Road, park at the Bedford Creek trail intersection and walk 5km along Bedford Creek trail and Ingar Road.
• From Wentworth Falls, drive about 9km south on Tableland Road, park at the Andersons trail intersection, then walk or cycle 13km via Andersons trail, Bedford Creek trail and Ingar Road.

There is no public vehicle access to the campground. The roads near the parking points are unsealed, wet weather can require 4WD, and creek crossings can flood after rain. Confirm the route and local alerts immediately before leaving; older driving directions and reviews no longer describe the current trip.

Allow enough daylight for both the inward walk and campsite setup. The return is not simply the same effort in reverse: either approach contains climbing, and a wet creek or damaged trail can materially slow a loaded group.

Arrival is a walk, not a check-in#

There is no staffed reception at camp. At the parking intersection, save the vehicle location, leave the locked gate and fire trail clear, shoulder all equipment and confirm the route before committing downhill. If Bedford Creek is flooded, the surface is deteriorating or the group is already behind time, turn back at the safe side of the crossing.

On arrival, identify the toilet and waterhole, then walk the clearing before pitching on firm, previously used ground. Keep clear of drainage lines and allow space for other booked parties. With no phone service, the first facility check and any decision to retreat have to happen before gear is spread out.

Sites and facilities#

Ingar has eight unmarked, unpowered sites for tents and remote or backpack camping. With no vehicle access, caravan and camper-trailer tags are misleading and have been removed from this guide. There are non-flush toilets, picnic tables, a carpark at the access point and wood barbecues at camp.

There is no treated drinking water and no mobile phone reception. Bring enough water for the walk and stay, or properly treat or boil water taken from the dam or creek. Bring your own firewood rather than collecting it in the park, and check total fire bans before relying on the wood barbecues.

The live alert checked on 1 October 2026 bans campfires and every solid-fuel stove at Ingar through 31 March 2027 unless removed or extended. Gas and electric cookers are permitted only under the stated controls, including adult supervision, a 2m cleared area and at least a bucket of water. Recheck because a total fire ban can be stricter.

The nearby dam is used for swimming and paddling, but it is a natural waterway without lifeguards. Pets are prohibited except certified assistance animals. Complete a trip intention, download offline maps and make sure someone knows your route and return time.

What campers say#

Recent public opinion is sparse because access has changed. The most useful evidence is a 2025 Google review excerpt displayed by Wanderlog, a 2023 CamperMate review, and a detailed February 2026 Walk My World route report. Together they suggest:

• The Bedford Creek approach is substantially shorter than the old Wentworth Falls walk, but still includes a steep descent to the creek and a steep climb toward camp.
• The campground and swimming hole feel peaceful once the walking effort is behind you.
• The waterhole is described as deep; a few older comments mention yabbies, so water shoes and close supervision of children are sensible.
• Old reports of driving to camp are obsolete and should not influence packing or vehicle choice.

This is not a large or fully recent review sample. The official access page is the authority if a traveller report conflicts with current conditions.

A worthwhile day and alternatives#

For an overnight, make the waterhole the destination rather than adding an unsupported side trip. Swim or paddle only if conditions suit, keep children within reach around the deep natural water, and leave enough daylight and water for the loaded 5km return. Strong cyclists can instead link the 13km approach into the official Wentworth Falls–Woodford route, but must plan the complete distance and return transport.

Murphys Glen is the better comparison if you want another Blue Mountains bush camp and can meet its current access rules. Euroka suits a vehicle-based family stay with more open space, trading away Ingar's walk-in seclusion.

Booking and trip fit#

NSW National Parks currently lists no camping charge, with a $6 booking fee, and allows up to 12 people or 2 sites in one online booking. Book before setting out: an empty-looking clearing is not permission to camp without a reservation.

Ingar best suits walkers or capable family groups who can carry a remote-camping load and manage the return climb. If the effort, lack of reception or water supply is a concern, choose a vehicle-access campground instead. When dates are unavailable, CampWatch can monitor Ingar for a cancellation while you plan around the current trail access.

Immediately before leaving, recheck the campground alert, creek conditions, parking access, fire ban and booking. The official map is a regional approach map, not a campsite layout; for current crossing or access uncertainty call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757.