Woods Reserve Campground ACT - Dog Friendly Camping Canberra

Riverside Camping with Hot Showers in the ACT

Woods Reserve stands out as one of the hidden gems of the Australian Capital Territory's camping network, primarily for one very specific reason: it is one of the few designated campgrounds in the region that allows dogs on a leash. Located on the banks of Gibraltar Creek along Corin Road, this campground offers a fantastic bush setting that is accessible, well-equipped, and welcoming to the whole family, including your four-legged companions.

The campground is situated within a commercial pine forest area that is slowly regenerating with native vegetation, providing a mix of shaded spots and open grassy areas. It is located roughly 45 minutes south-west of Canberra's city centre, making it an easy weekend escape. The site has a reputation for being well-maintained and offers amenities that are surprisingly luxurious for a bush camp. Campers have access to flushing toilets and, notably, gas-powered hot showers—a rare find in ACT Parks reserves. There is also a communal shelter with picnic tables and gas barbecues, ensuring that even if the weather turns, you have a dry place to cook and eat.

Woods Reserve is strategically located for exploring the adventure playground of the Corin Dam road. It is just minutes away from the Corin Forest Mountain Resort, which offers an alpine slide in summer and snow play in winter. Nearby, you will find the trailheads for Gibraltar Falls (check access status as this is often closed for safety upgrades) and the challenging hike up to Gibraltar Peak in the adjacent Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. The campground itself is set beside Gibraltar Creek, providing a soothing background soundtrack of flowing water, although the creek is generally quite small and shallow here.

Accessibility is excellent; the road is sealed all the way from Canberra, and the internal campground loop is suitable for 2WD vehicles. The sites are unpowered and operate on a first-come, first-served basis within the booked allocation. It caters well to tents, camper trailers, and caravans, although very large rigs might find some of the turning circles tight if the campground is busy. Unlike the Cotter or Namadgi sites, Woods Reserve feels slightly more enclosed by the forest, offering good wind protection.

Bookings are mandatory and must be made via the ACT Parks and Conservation Service website. Because of its dog-friendly status and the presence of hot showers, it is a very popular destination, especially during school holidays and long weekends. Campers should be aware that while water is available on tap, it is untreated river water and must be boiled vigorously before drinking. Whether you are looking for a base camp for hiking, a spot to enjoy the snow season nearby, or simply a dog-friendly retreat, Woods Reserve delivers a comfortable and scenic experience.

Campground Details

Name: Woods Reserve
Address: Corin Road, Paddys River, ACT, 2620
Website: Visit Official Website
GPS Coordinates: -35.480830, 148.939751

Site Information

• Location: Paddys River / Corin Road (South-west of Canberra).
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, Caravans.
• Road Access: Sealed road access via Corin Road. Accessible for 2WD vehicles.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt; mixed levels (some sites are slightly sloping).

Facilities Available

• Hot Showers (Gas heated)
• Flushing Toilets
• Communal Shelter / Kitchen Area
• Gas BBQs (Free)
• Wood Fire Pits (BYO Wood)
• Picnic Tables
• Dishwashing Sinks
• Untreated Water Taps (Boil before drinking)

Essentials to Bring

• Drinking Water: Taps are available but water is untreated. Bring your own or boil/treat on site.
• Firewood: Purchase before arrival. Collection in the surrounding forest is generally not permitted.
• Dog waste bags (if bringing pets).
• Warm clothing (high altitude area).

Recreation & Rules

• Pet Friendly: YES. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
• Fishing: Limited opportunities in Gibraltar Creek; better fishing at the Cotter River or Murrumbidgee nearby.
• Short Walks:
  • Gibraltar Falls: (Check if open) Short walk to the viewing platform.
  • Woods Reserve Loop: Exploring the pine and native forest boundaries.

Local Amenities

Local Pubs / Bars

The Banks Bar & Bistro
17-19 Strayleaf Cres, Banks ACT 2906
Approximate Distance: 25 km

Rose Cottage Canberra
Isabella Dr, Gilmore ACT 2905
Approximate Distance: 30 km

Places to Eat

Corin Forest Mountain Resort (Cafe)
1268 Corin Rd, Paddys River ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 5 km (Check opening hours)

Tharwa General Store
North St, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 15 km

Local Attractions

Corin Forest Mountain Resort
1268 Corin Rd, Paddys River ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 5 km (Alpine slide, snow play)

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Paddys River Rd, Paddys River ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 10 km (Entry fees apply)

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
Discovery Dr, Paddys River ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 18 km

Alternate Caravan Parks

Cotter Campground
Cotter Rd, Stromlo ACT 2611
Approximate Distance: 25 km

Honeysuckle Campground
Apollo Rd, Tennent ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 25 km

Alternate Free Camps / Low Cost Camps

Blue Range Hut
Blue Range Rd, Coree ACT 2611
Approximate Distance: 35 km (Bookings required)

Coree Campground
Brindabella Rd, Coree ACT 2611
Approximate Distance: 40 km

Alternate Dump Points

Kambah Pool Recreation Area Dump Point
Kambah Pool Rd, Kambah ACT 2902
Approximate Distance: 25 km

Tuggeranong Archery Club Public Dump Point
Soward Way, Greenway ACT 2900
Approximate Distance: 28 km

Nearest Petrol Station

Shell Coles Express Banks
17-19 Strayleaf Cres, Banks ACT 2906
Approximate Distance: 25 km

Caltex Woolworths Gordon
Lewis Luxton Ave, Gordon ACT 2906
Approximate Distance: 26 km

Alternate Drinking Water Resupply

Namadgi Visitor Centre
Naas Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 15 km

Alternate Public Toilets

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Visitor Centre
Paddys River Rd, Paddys River ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 10 km

Tharwa Bridge Recreation Area
Naas Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 15 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Woods Reserve

Located in the foothills of the Brindabella Ranges, Woods Reserve experiences cool weather year-round. It is often a few degrees colder than Canberra.