Daly’s Clearing Camping Area – Belanglo State Forest Camping, NSW

Set amidst the vast pine plantations of Belanglo State Forest, Daly’s Clearing Camping Area offers a rustic and spacious retreat for self-sufficient campers. As the primary designated campground in the forest, it provides a simple, no-frills experience that is perfect for those looking to escape into a unique woodland environment. Its strategic location in the Southern Highlands, roughly halfway between Sydney and Canberra and just a short detour from the Hume Highway, makes it an exceptionally convenient stopover for travellers. The clearing itself is a vast, open grassy area surrounded by towering radiata pines, offering ample space for all types of setups, from tents and swags to large caravans and big rigs. This makes it a popular choice for large groups or those who simply appreciate having plenty of room to spread out.The atmosphere at Daly’s Clearing is one of quiet seclusion. The dense pine forest muffles sound, creating a peaceful and sometimes eerie stillness, especially during the misty mornings for which the Highlands are famous. It’s a back-to-basics campground where visitors must be entirely self-reliant. While a basic pit toilet is provided, there is no drinking water, no power, and no rubbish collection service. This encourages a ‘leave no trace’ ethos, preserving the raw beauty of the forest setting. Campfires are a central part of the experience here, with visitors permitted to gather fallen pine for their fires, which cast a welcoming glow on chilly evenings.Activities within Belanglo State Forest are centred on exploring the extensive network of forest trails. These roads are popular for 4WD touring, trail bike riding, and mountain biking. The forest is a working pine plantation, and visitors can observe the lifecycle of the timber industry firsthand. For a change of scenery, the charming historic towns of the Southern Highlands, such as Berrima, Moss Vale, and Mittagong, are only a short drive away, offering cafes, pubs, and supplies. Daly’s Clearing provides a functional and free base for those who value space, simplicity, and easy access to both wilderness and civilisation.

Site Details

• Location: Belanglo State Forest, Southern Highlands, NSW.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, campervans, caravans, big rigs. Suitable for large groups.
• Road access: Unsealed forest roads. Generally 2WD accessible in dry conditions, but can become slippery and boggy after rain. 4WD is recommended in the wet.
• Site surface: Grass, dirt, and pine needles. Can be uneven in places.
• Camping permitted: Yes. Camping is free and no bookings are required.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check with Forestry Corporation for specific stay limits (typically up to 4 weeks).
• Number of powered sites: 0
• Number of un-powered sites: Large, open, unmarked area.

Facilities & Rules

• Facilities: One non-flushing (pit) toilet.
• Picnic tables: No.
• Potable water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Patchy. Telstra generally has the best reception, but it can be unreliable.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes, one pit toilet.
• Ullage / Dump Point: No. Nearest public dump point is in Moss Vale or Goulburn.
• Drive through sites: Yes, the area is large and open.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be taken out with you.
• Open fires: Permitted, subject to local fire bans. Use existing fire pits where possible. You may collect fallen firewood.
• Generator use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers.
• Number of sites available: Large unmarked area.

Activities & Notes

• Essentials to bring: All drinking water, firewood (or a saw to collect it), toilet paper, rubbish bags, camp chairs, and a table.
• Pet friendly: Yes, pets are permitted in NSW State Forests but must be kept under control at all times.
• Fishing: No.
• Short walks: Explore the extensive network of forest roads and trails on foot.

Local Amenities

The nearest towns with services are in the Southern Highlands, such as Berrima, Moss Vale, and Mittagong.

• Nearest Pubs:
  • The Surveyor General Inn, Berrima (Australia’s oldest continuously licensed pub) (approx. 15 km)
  • Moss Vale Hotel, Moss Vale (approx. 20 km)
  • The Sutton Forest Inn (approx. 15 km)
• Places to Eat: A wide variety of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Berrima, Moss Vale, and Mittagong.
• Local Attractions:
  • Historic village of Berrima
  • Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame, Bowral
  • Numerous wineries and cellar doors in the Southern Highlands.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Moss Vale Village Park (approx. 20 km)
  • Mittagong Caravan Park (approx. 25 km)
• Next Free Camps: Other smaller clearings within State Forests, or rest areas along the Hume Highway.
• Nearest Dump Points: Moss Vale Showground (check for public access) or the Goulburn Visitor Information Centre.
• Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Sutton Forest, Berrima, and Moss Vale.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available at service stations or public parks in nearby towns.
• Nearest Public Toilets (offsite): Public parks in Berrima or Moss Vale.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Located in the elevated Southern Highlands, the weather can be distinct across seasons and change rapidly.
Summer (December – February): Days are generally warm to hot, but nights can still be cool. Thunderstorms are common.
Autumn (March – May): Clear, crisp days and cold nights. A beautiful time with autumn colours in the nearby towns.
Winter (June – August): Cold to very cold. Days are often clear but cool, and nights frequently drop below freezing with heavy frosts. Occasional light snowfall is possible.

Spring (September – November): Cool to mild. Weather can be unpredictable with wind and rain, but it’s a lovely time as the region comes to life.