Island Bend campground

Island Bend campground is a large, low-service alpine campground near Perisher in Kosciuszko National Park. Its 70 unpowered, unmarked sites are spread between flatter ground up the hill and a lower camping area beside the Snowy River. It works best for tents and camper trailers; NSW National Parks specifically says long vehicles cannot access the campground.

The setting is the main attraction. You can paddle or fish in the river, use Island Bend as a base for mountain biking and walking, or drive towards Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Guthega. In exchange, you need to arrive prepared for fast-changing mountain weather, limited phone reception and no treated water.

Sites and choosing where to camp#

The official campground page describes two distinct choices. The upper area offers flatter ground, while the lower camp puts you closer to the Snowy River. The lower road can require a 4WD in extreme wet weather, so the river position is not always the practical choice.

Sites are unmarked rather than individual formal bays. That gives campers flexibility, but it also makes considerate spacing important. Check the official campground map before arrival and avoid blocking access tracks or squeezing into unsuitable ground.

Facilities and what to bring#

Facilities are limited to non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues and fire rings. Bring all drinking and cooking water. Water taken from the nearby Snowy River must be treated before drinking.

Bring warm and waterproof layers even outside winter, plus a fuel stove, rubbish bags and offline maps. Firewood is not supplied, although NPWS permits collection of deadwood within the campground. Chainsaws are prohibited. Wood barbecues cannot be used during a total fire ban, and a gas or fuel stove is the more reliable summer option.

Pets, generators, recreational drones and smoking are prohibited. An active local alert, reviewed in August 2026, also covers ongoing 1080 baiting around Island Bend. Check alerts again immediately before travel because alpine access can change quickly.

Getting there and winter access#

From Jindabyne, follow Kosciuszko Road towards Perisher for about 23km, turn right onto Guthega Road, then continue about 6km to the campground access. The route combines sealed and unsealed sections and is generally suitable for 2WD vehicles, subject to weather.

Between the June and October long weekends, every 2WD vehicle must carry snow chains on Kosciuszko Road and Guthega Road. NPWS recommends chains for all vehicles, including AWD and 4WD, during extreme weather. Park entry fees apply on Kosciuszko Road, separately from the campground booking fee.

What campers say#

Public traveller material is limited, so these are useful observations rather than a broad consensus. A walk-through video, a recent camper post and a public Camps Australia Wide post reinforce a few practical themes:

• Campers distinguish sharply between the more open upper area and the lower river area; choose for level ground versus waterside atmosphere.
• The campground feels spacious, but an unmarked site is not a guarantee of a perfectly level tent pad.
• The Snowy River setting is repeatedly the highlight, while cold nights and rapid weather changes shape the experience.
• Travellers using the campground for Perisher value the location, but winter preparation matters more here than at a conventional holiday park.

These reports cannot predict surface condition, river level or weather for a particular stay.

Booking Island Bend campground#

Book through NSW National Parks. There is no nightly camping fee, but a $6 booking fee currently applies, and vehicle entry to Kosciuszko National Park is charged separately. Online bookings cover up to 20 people or five sites; larger groups need to enquire directly. The campground limit is 14 days, with a 21-day maximum across the national park.

Christmas and New Year can be busy. If your dates are unavailable, CampWatch can monitor supported dates for a cancellation.