Mount Clear Campground Namadgi National Park - Remote Camping ACT

Experience Solitude in the Southern Namadgi Wilderness

Mount Clear Campground represents the most remote established vehicle-based camping opportunity within the Australian Capital Territory. Located in the southern reaches of Namadgi National Park, near the NSW border, this site offers a true escape from the bustle of city life. It is an area defined by its rugged beauty, clear starry nights, and a sense of isolation that is becoming increasingly rare. The campground is situated in a frost hollow, surrounded by open grassland and native forest, making it a haven for wildlife including eastern grey kangaroos and wombats.

Access to Mount Clear is via Boboyan Road, which is unsealed and can be rough. While it is often passable by 2WD vehicles during dry weather, a 4WD or SUV with good clearance is highly recommended, especially after rain or in winter when snow is possible. The drive itself is part of the adventure, taking you past historic homesteads and through the expansive valleys of the national park. Because of its remote nature and the layout of the camping bays, ACT Parks explicitly advises that this campground is unsuitable for caravans and large campervans. It is best suited for tent camping and small, robust camper trailers.

Facilities are basic, aligning with the remote "bush" experience. There are drop toilets and communal wood-fired barbecues (fire pits), but campers must be entirely self-sufficient. There is no drinking water available on-site, and no rubbish bins—you must carry all your trash out with you. The absence of modern distractions makes it an exceptional location for connecting with nature. Nights here are incredibly dark, offering some of the best stargazing opportunities in the region.

For those who love to walk, Mount Clear is the trailhead for the "Naas Valley to Horse Gully Hut" walk. This track takes you through the beautiful Naas Valley, following the creek and offering a glimpse into the pastoral history of the high country. It is also close to the Settlers Track, which features historic huts and homesteads. Whether you are there to hike, watch the wildlife, or simply sit by a fire in the crisp mountain air, Mount Clear offers a memorable back-to-basics camping experience.

Campground Details

Name: Mount Clear Campground
Address: Boboyan Road (Unsealed), Namadgi National Park, ACT, 2620
Website: Visit Official Website
GPS Coordinates: -35.865271, 149.010506

Site Information

• Location: Southern Namadgi National Park (approx. 45km south of Tharwa).
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags. (Official advice states: Unsuitable for Caravans and Campervans due to tight turning circles and parking bay sizes).
• Road Access: Unsealed road (Boboyan Road). 2WD accessible in dry conditions; 4WD recommended. Road may close in winter due to snow.
• Site Surface: Grass and earth.

Facilities Available

• Drop Toilets (Long drop style)
• Communal Fire Pits (Wood fired BBQs)
• Picnic Tables
• No Drinking Water (You must bring all your own water)
• No Bins (Take all rubbish with you)
• No Power
• No Mobile Phone Reception (reliable reception is approx. 30km away).

Essentials to Bring

• Drinking Water: Critical—bring at least 5-10L per person per day.
• Firewood: Purchase at Namadgi Visitor Centre or bringing your own from outside the park (collection illegal in park).
• Rubbish bags.
• Emergency communications (PLB or Sat Phone recommended due to no mobile signal).
• Warm clothing (sub-zero nights common in winter/autumn).

Recreation & Rules

• Pet Friendly: NO. Pets are strictly prohibited in Namadgi National Park.
• Fishing: Not permitted in the immediate campground area; check regulations for Naas Creek.
• Short Walks:
  • Naas Valley to Horse Gully Hut: 16km return (can do shorter sections). Flat, easy walking along the valley floor.
  • Demandering Hut: Located along the Naas Valley trail.

Local Amenities

Note: Mount Clear is very remote. "Local" amenities are a significant drive away.

Local Pubs / Bars

The Banks Bar & Bistro
17-19 Strayleaf Cres, Banks ACT 2906
Approximate Distance: 55 km

Calwell Club
1 Were St, Calwell ACT 2905
Approximate Distance: 58 km

Places to Eat

Tharwa General Store
North St, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 44 km (Coffee, snacks, limited supplies)

Lanyon Marketplace (Supermarkets/Cafes)
Box Hill Ave, Conder ACT 2906
Approximate Distance: 55 km

Local Attractions

Settlers Track (Historic Huts Walk)
Boboyan Rd, Namadgi National Park ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 8 km (North on Boboyan Rd)

Namadgi Visitor Information Centre
Naas Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 42 km

Yankee Hat Rock Art Site
Old Boboyan Rd, Namadgi National Park ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 25 km

Alternate Caravan Parks

Orroral Campground (Namadgi NP)
Orroral Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 50 km (Suitable for Caravans)

Honeysuckle Campground
Apollo Rd, Tennent ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 55 km

Alternate Free Camps / Low Cost Camps

Bredbo Rest Area (NSW)
Monaro Hwy, Bredbo NSW 2626
Approximate Distance: 45 km (Via unsealed roads through to NSW - Check conditions)

Bunyan Reserve (NSW)
Rose Valley Rd, Bunyan NSW 2630
Approximate Distance: 60 km (South via Boboyan Rd/Adaminaby - Check conditions)

Alternate Dump Points

Cooma Dump Point (NSW)
Boundary St, Cooma NSW 2630
Approximate Distance: 70 km (South)

Tuggeranong Archery Club Public Dump Point
Soward Way, Greenway ACT 2900
Approximate Distance: 60 km (North)

Nearest Petrol Station

Shell Coles Express Banks
17-19 Strayleaf Cres, Banks ACT 2906
Approximate Distance: 55 km

Alternate Drinking Water Resupply

Namadgi Visitor Centre
Naas Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 42 km

Alternate Public Toilets

Glendale Depot / Brandy Flat Hut Carpark
Boboyan Rd, Namadgi National Park
Approximate Distance: 15 km (North)

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mount Clear Campground

Mount Clear is high altitude (approx. 1000m+) and located in a valley that traps cold air. Nights are significantly colder than Canberra.