Jones Bridge Campground – Free Riverside Camping Near Tumut NSW – Brindabella

Discover the secluded charm of Jones Bridge Campground, a popular free bush camping area nestled on the banks of the Goodradigbee River, deep in the Brindabella region of NSW. This is a true bush camp, offering a tranquil escape for self-sufficient campers, 4WD enthusiasts, and trout fishermen. Located far from the hustle of any town, its primary drawcards are the beautiful riverside setting, the excellent fishing, and the network of forest tracks waiting to be explored.

Access to Jones Bridge is a significant part of the adventure. It is located off the unsealed Brindabella Road (Tumut 2 Rd), a scenic route that connects Tumut with Canberra. This road is often corrugated, steep in sections, and can be treacherous or impassable after heavy rain or snow. While some may attempt it in a 2WD vehicle during very dry conditions, a high-clearance AWD or 4WD is highly recommended for safe and reliable access. This site is **not suitable for large caravans, big motorhomes, or low-clearance vehicles.** It is ideal for tents, swags, rooftop tents, and robust off-road camper trailers.

This is a primitive campground with minimal facilities. There is **one non-flush pit toilet**, but that is the extent of the amenities. Campers must be entirely self-contained. You must bring all your own supplies, especially **drinking water**, as there is none available on-site. There are no rubbish bins, so a strict “leave no trace” policy applies; you must pack out everything you bring in.

The campground itself is a large, open, grassy flat beside the river, with unmarked sites allowing for flexible setups. Campfires are generally permitted in existing fire pits, but this is subject to seasonal fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. Always check the NSW RFS website before lighting a fire. You must bring your own firewood, as collecting it from the surrounding bush is not permitted. The area is pet-friendly, but dogs must be under control at all times. Due to the remote valley location, you should not expect to find any mobile phone reception.

The nearest major town for all fuel, food, and supplies is Tumut, which is approximately 50-60 km away via a slow, unsealed road.

Jones Bridge Campground – NSW Location Map

Site Details

Name: Jones Bridge Campground (Informal Bush Camp)
Address: Brindabella Road, Jones Bridge NSW 2720
GPS Coordinates: -35.37426, 148.25707

Site Features

- Location: Remote bush campground on the Goodradigbee River, off Brindabella Road.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, rooftop tents, off-road camper trailers, small 4WD motorhomes. **Not suitable for large caravans or big rigs.**
- Road Access: **Unsealed (Brindabella Rd). 4WD or AWD strongly recommended.** 2WD is not advised, especially in wet or wintery conditions.
- Site Surface: Grass, dirt, uneven ground.
- Camping Permitted: **Yes,** free, dispersed camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified (standard state forest rules apply).
- Picnic Tables: **No.**
- Potable Water: **No.** You must bring all your own water. River water is not potable (treat before use).
- Mobile Phone Coverage: **No.** Expect zero reception. Carry a PLB or satellite device.
- TV Reception: No.
- Onsite Public Toilets: **Yes,** one non-flush pit toilet is available.
- Ullage (Dump Point): **No.** Nearest public dump point is in Tumut.
- Drive Through: No, this is an open, unmarked grassy area.
- Rubbish Bins: **No.** You must take 100% of your rubbish with you (Leave No Trace).
- Open Fires: **Yes,** permitted in existing pits when fire bans are not in effect. **Bring your own firewood.**
- Generator Use: Permitted (considerate use is expected in this quiet area).
- Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, large open area.
- Essentials to Bring: **Drinking water,** firewood, rubbish bags, portable toilet system (if you prefer), shovel, warm clothing (even in summer), fishing gear, 4WD recovery gear.
- Pet Friendly: **Yes,** dogs are permitted but must be under control at all times.
- Fishing: **Yes,** very popular for trout fishing in the river.

* Short Walks: **Yes,** informal walks along the river and exploring nearby 4WD tracks.

Local Amenities

Note: This is a remote campground. The nearest major service town is **Tumut** (approx. 50-60 km, a slow 1hr+ drive).

Local Pubs:
- The Royal Hotel (Tumut) (approx. 55 km)
- The Commercial Hotel (Tumut) (approx. 55 km)
- The Woolpack Hotel (Tumut) (approx. 55 km)
Places to Eat:
- Tumut (Multiple cafes, bakeries, takeaways, and IGA/Coles) (approx. 55 km)
- Wee Jasper (limited supplies, check opening times) (approx. 45-50 km)
Local Attractions:
- Goodradigbee River (on-site)
- Brindabella National Park (4WD tracks)
- Bago State Forest
- Tumut River
- Blowering Dam (Tumut) (approx. 60 km)
Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Riverglade Caravan Park (Tumut) (approx. 55 km)
- Tumut Valley Caravan Park (Tumut) (approx. 56 km)
- Wee Jasper Reserves (basic, low-cost) (approx. 45-50 km)
Next Free Camps:
- Other dispersed campsites along Brindabella Road
- Doctors Flat Reserve (Wee Jasper) (approx. 48 km)
- Swinging Bridge Reserve (Wee Jasper) (approx. 45 km)
Nearest Dump Points (Sullage):
- Tumut Showgrounds (Public Dump Point) (approx. 56 km)
- Riverglade Caravan Park (for patrons) (approx. 55 km)
Nearest Petrol Station:
- Tumut (Multiple stations – Shell, BP, Caltex) (approx. 55 km)
Drinking Water Resupply:
- Tumut (e.g., at Dump Point or Visitor Centre) (approx. 55 km)
Nearest Public Toilets (off-site):
- Tumut (various, e.g., Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins (en route), parks in town) (approx. 55 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast

This area experiences a high-country climate, which is much colder than coastal regions.

Summer (Dec – Feb): Mild to warm days (average max 25-28°C) but nights can still be cool.
Autumn (Mar – May): Clear, crisp days and cold nights. Beautiful autumn colours in nearby Tumut.
Winter (Jun – Aug): **Cold.** Days are chilly (average max 8-12°C), and nights frequently drop below freezing (0°C). Frost is common, and snow is possible on the Brindabella Road (which may cause road closures).
Spring (Sep – Nov): Cool, becoming mild. Weather can be very changeable with rain, wind, and late-season cold snaps.

Note: Always check Brindabella Road conditions before travelling, especially during winter. This is a self-sufficient camp for experienced bush campers.