Located just a short drive from Western Sydney, Bents Basin Campground offers a surprising and delightful natural escape without the need for hours of travel. Nestled within the Bents Basin State Conservation Area, this campground is a popular destination for families, groups, and solo travellers seeking a quick weekend getaway or a convenient base to explore the Nepean River region. The campground itself is positioned on a grassy floodplain, surrounded by towering eucalypts and the dramatic sandstone escarpments that define this unique geological basin.
One of the key draws of Bents Basin is the deep waterhole that forms the centrepiece of the reserve. This large, natural basin is part of a gorge on the Nepean River and serves as a hub for water-based activities. During the warmer months, campers and day-trippers alike flock to the water for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The calm waters make it an excellent spot for paddling, while the surrounding bushland provides a scenic backdrop that feels worlds away from the hustle of the nearby suburbs. For those who prefer to stay dry, the banks of the basin offer ample space for picnicking, relaxing with a book, or simply watching the water flow by.
The camping area is spacious and open, featuring unmarked sites that allow for a relaxed and flexible setup. Whether you are pitching a tent, setting up a camper trailer, or parking a caravan, there is plenty of room to spread out. The grassy surface is well-maintained, making it comfortable for tent campers, while the level ground ensures a hassle-free setup for larger recreational vehicles. The facilities here are excellent for a national park campground, featuring a modern amenities block with hot showers and flush toilets, which adds a layer of comfort to the bush camping experience.
Beyond the campsite, the State Conservation Area offers several walking tracks for those eager to explore the local flora and fauna. The Caleys Lookout track is a highlight, offering a moderately steep climb that rewards hikers with panoramic views over the basin and the Gooluchu gorge. It is a fantastic spot for photography, particularly in the soft light of the early morning or late afternoon. Wildlife enthusiasts should keep an eye out for wallabies, wombats, and a variety of native birdlife that call this protected area home.
Bents Basin Campground strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and nature. It provides a genuine bush camping experience with the convenience of sealed road access and proximity to local towns like Wallacia and Greendale. Whether you are planning a family reunion, a fishing trip, or just a quiet night under the stars, this campground delivers a refreshing outdoor experience in the heart of Western Sydney.
Bents Basin Campground
Bents Loop Road (Access via Wolstenholme Avenue), Greendale, NSW 2745
Located within the Bents Basin State Conservation Area, approximately 68km west of the Sydney CBD and 24km south of Penrith.
Sealed road access via Wolstenholme Avenue. Suitable for 2WD vehicles, caravans, and motorhomes.
Grass and dirt (Unmarked sites).
No. Pets and domestic animals are not permitted in Bents Basin State Conservation Area.
Yes. Fishing is permitted in the basin and Nepean River. A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required.
Wallacia Hotel
1590 Mulgoa Road, Wallacia NSW 2745
Approximate Distance: 6km
Wallacia Hotel Bistro
1590 Mulgoa Road, Wallacia NSW 2745
Approximate Distance: 6km
Various Cafes & Takeaway
Mulgoa Road, Wallacia NSW 2745
Approximate Distance: 6km
The Basin (Swimming Hole)
On-site within the Conservation Area
Approximate Distance: 0km
Warragamba Dam
Production Avenue, Warragamba NSW 2752
Approximate Distance: 15km
Wallacia Caravan Park
Alwyn Avenue, Wallacia NSW 2745
Approximate Distance: 6km
None in immediate vicinity.
There are no designated free camping areas in Greendale or Wallacia. Travellers may need to look towards the Blue Mountains or designated rest areas further afield (e.g., Picton Road Rest Area, approx 40km).
Wallacia Caravan Park (Enquire for public use/fee)
Alwyn Avenue, Wallacia NSW 2745
Approximate Distance: 6km
Camden Caravan Park
30 Fergusons Road, Camden South NSW 2570
Approximate Distance: 20km
BP Wallacia
1595 Mulgoa Road, Wallacia NSW 2745
Approximate Distance: 6km
Wallacia Public Amenities / Shops
Mulgoa Road, Wallacia NSW 2745
Approximate Distance: 6km
Wallacia Park Public Toilets
Mulgoa Road, Wallacia NSW 2745
Approximate Distance: 6km