Belanglo State Forest camping guide: Dalys Clearing and everything you need to know

Free camping in a quiet pine forest, roughly 90 minutes from Sydney, no booking required, no fees, and dogs welcome. Belanglo State Forest is one of those spots that stays under the radar while everyone fights over national park bookings along the coast.

The main camping area, Dalys Clearing, sits in a wide open space surrounded by tall radiata pines and pockets of native bush. It's basic, drop toilet, picnic tables, fire rings, but that's part of the appeal. No crowds, no generators humming at midnight, no arguments about who booked which site.

Whether you're a first-timer testing the waters with free camping or a regular looking for a no-fuss weekend escape in the Southern Highlands, this guide covers everything you need to plan your trip to Belanglo State Forest.

What to expect at Dalys Clearing#

Dalys Clearing is the only designated campground in Belanglo State Forest. It's a large, flat, open area with a mix of grass and hard-packed dirt, dotted with mature pine trees that provide shade through the day. Think of it as a big communal clearing rather than marked-out individual sites, you rock up, find a spot that suits, and set up camp.

The clearing has room for plenty of campers, including those with campervans and trailers. Even on busy weekends, it rarely feels packed because the space is generous. During the week, you might have the entire clearing to yourself.

The surrounding forest is a mix of commercial pine plantations and native eucalyptus bush. In the mornings, you'll likely hear kookaburras and magpies. Kangaroos graze on the edges of the clearing at dawn and dusk. At night, the sky opens up, the Southern Highlands has noticeably less light pollution than Sydney, and stargazing from your swag or tent is a genuine highlight.

Sarah and Dave, a couple from Wollongong, stumbled across Dalys Clearing during a road trip to Bowral. "We weren't even planning to camp," Sarah says. "But the forest was so peaceful we pulled in and stayed two nights. The kids still talk about the kangaroos."

Facilities, and what's NOT there#

Let's start with what you will find:

• Drop toilet, a long-drop pit toilet that's generally clean and stocked with toilet paper, though it's worth bringing your own supply
• Picnic tables, a handful scattered around the clearing
• Fire rings, stone fire pits for campfires (subject to seasonal fire bans)
• Space, plenty of room for tents, swags, campervans, and trailers

Now the important part, what you won't find:

• No drinking water. There is no tap water or tank water at Dalys Clearing. You must bring all your own water. Budget at least 4 litres per person per day for drinking and cooking.
• No rubbish bins. Carry in, carry out. Bring bags and take everything with you.
• No showers. Plan for a bush wash or wait until Bowral (about 20 minutes away).
• No powered sites. No electricity available.
• Limited phone reception. Coverage is patchy across most of the forest. Telstra gets occasional signal; Optus and Vodafone are largely dead.

The lack of facilities is actually a feature. It keeps the campground quiet and uncrowded, and it costs nothing to stay.

How to get to Belanglo State Forest#

From Sydney CBD: Head south on the M31 Hume Motorway. About 4 km south of Berrima, turn west onto Belanglo Road. Follow Belanglo Road into the pine forest, then turn onto Dalys Road, which leads to the clearing. Total distance is about 135 km, roughly 1 hour 40 minutes.

From southwest Sydney (Campbelltown): Follow the same M31 south. The drive is shorter, about 60 km, roughly 40 minutes.

From Canberra: Head north on the M31 Hume Motorway. Turn east onto Belanglo Road before Berrima. About 170 km, roughly 2 hours.

GPS coordinates: -34.5276, 150.2413 (Dalys Clearing)

Road conditions: The road into the forest is unsealed but generally well-maintained. Most standard 2WD vehicles, including campervans, handle the road without issues. After heavy rain, some sections can get muddy, exercise caution in a low-clearance vehicle.

Access note: Belanglo State Forest sometimes has partial closures due to logging operations. Check with Forestry Corporation NSW before your trip (phone: 1300 655 687) to confirm Dalys Clearing is accessible.

Camping rules and fire safety#

Belanglo State Forest is managed by Forestry Corporation NSW, not NSW National Parks. The rules differ from national park campgrounds. For details on the latter, see our guide to camping rules in NSW national parks.

Camping rules:

• Free camping, no fees, no booking required
• First-come, first-served
• No designated sites, camp where you find space in the clearing
• Carry in, carry out, leave no trace
• Bush camping is technically permitted elsewhere in the forest, but you must avoid active logging areas. Stick to Dalys Clearing unless you know the forest well.

Fire rules:

• Campfires are permitted in the fire rings at Dalys Clearing when there is no fire ban in effect
• During a Total Fire Ban, all fires are prohibited, including gas stoves and BBQs
• During a Severe or Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating, the forest may close entirely
• Check before you go: Visit the NSW RFS website to check the current fire danger rating for the Wingecarribee local government area
• If fires are permitted, use the existing fire rings only, don't create new ones
• Fully extinguish your fire before you leave or go to sleep

Firewood: You can collect fallen timber from the forest floor for campfires. Don't cut standing trees, living or dead.

Things to do at Belanglo State Forest#

Hiking the Belanglo trails#

The standout walk is the Belanglo Loop, a 30 km circuit rated moderate on AllTrails. With around 790 metres of elevation gain, it's a full-day commitment, expect 7-8 hours. The trail passes through a mix of pine plantation and native forest, with quiet sections along creek lines.

For something shorter, there are several fire trails that make good half-day out-and-back walks. The network of forestry roads is easy to follow, and you're unlikely to see many other walkers.

Mountain biking#

Belanglo has developed a reputation among mountain bikers in the Southern Highlands. Trailforks lists several trails in the forest ranging from beginner to intermediate. The pine forest floor provides a smooth, fast surface, and the fire trails offer long rides with rolling terrain. Bring your own bike, there's no hire available.

4WD tracks and fire trails#

The forest has an extensive network of dirt roads and fire trails. Most are suitable for standard 4WD vehicles and make for a good day of exploring. Some trails get rougher after wet weather, so check conditions if you're heading off the main roads.

Dogs at Belanglo#

Dogs are welcome at Belanglo State Forest, which makes it a standout compared to most NSW national park campgrounds where dogs are banned. Keep your dog under control around other campers and wildlife, and clean up after them. The open clearing at Dalys is great for a run-around, and the forest trails make for excellent dog walks.

If you're looking for more dog-friendly camping options in NSW, we've put together a dedicated guide.

Best time to visit Belanglo State Forest#

Autumn (March–May): The pick of the seasons. Mild days, cool nights, and the pine forest takes on a golden quality. Mushroom foragers head to Belanglo in autumn, the pine forests produce several edible species, though you need to know what you're picking. If you're not experienced, stick to admiring them.

Spring (September–November): Comfortable temperatures and native wildflowers along the forest edges. The trails are in good condition and the days are long enough for evening campfires.

Summer (December–February): Hot days and a high chance of total fire bans. You may not be able to have a campfire, which removes a big part of the Belanglo experience. The forest can also close entirely during extreme fire danger. If you camp in summer, check fire bans daily and bring a gas stove as backup.

Winter (June–August): Cold. The Southern Highlands regularly drops below freezing overnight, and Belanglo can be several degrees cooler than nearby towns. If you're prepared for it, proper sleeping bag, warm layers, thermals, winter camping at Belanglo is peaceful and you'll often have the clearing to yourself. Campfires are usually permitted, which helps.

Is Belanglo State Forest safe?#

Yes. But it's fair to address the question that comes up when anyone mentions Belanglo.

The forest was the site of the backpacker murders in the 1990s, a horrific chapter in Australian history. It's natural to wonder about safety when the name carries that weight.

Today, Belanglo State Forest is a busy recreation area used by families, dog walkers, mountain bikers, hikers, and campers year-round. Forestry Corporation NSW manages the forest and it receives regular maintenance. On any given weekend, you'll share the clearing with other campers and pass mountain bikers on the trails.

The history is real, and a memorial exists in the forest. But Belanglo in 2026 is a pine forest used for camping and recreation, the same as Olney State Forest, Watagan State Forest, or any other NSW state forest. Don't let the history stop you from enjoying a beautiful spot.

What to pack for Belanglo camping#

Since there are no facilities beyond a drop toilet, you need to be self-sufficient. Here's the essentials:

• Water, 4+ litres per person per day. This is the most important thing on the list.
• Firewood or fire-starting supplies, if fires are permitted, you can collect fallen timber, but bring kindling and a lighter
• Warm clothing, even in summer, Southern Highlands nights are cool. In winter, pack thermals, a beanie, and a sleeping bag rated to -5°C or below
• Torch or headlamp, no lighting at the campground
• Cooking gear, gas stove as backup if fire bans are in place, plus pots, utensils, and food
• Rubbish bags, carry out everything you bring in
• Toilet paper, the drop toilet sometimes runs out
• First aid kit, you're 20+ minutes from the nearest town

For a more complete packing list, check our first-time camping guide.

Nearby attractions in the Southern Highlands#

One of the best things about Belanglo's location is what's nearby. The Southern Highlands is packed with day-trip options:

• Berrima, a heritage village 15 minutes from the forest, with sandstone buildings, antique shops, and the Berrima General Store for a coffee
• Bowral, the main town of the Southern Highlands, 20 minutes away. Stock up on supplies, grab a meal, or visit the International Cricket Hall of Fame
• Fitzroy Falls, a stunning 81-metre waterfall in Morton National Park, about 40 minutes south. Short walks to several lookouts
• Bundanoon, a quiet town on the edge of Morton National Park with bushwalks into the Gully. About 30 minutes from Belanglo

If you're planning to explore national park campgrounds in the area, many of them book out weeks in advance. You can set up a free CampWatch alert to catch cancellations when they open up.

Make Belanglo your next free camping trip#

Belanglo State Forest won't win any awards for facilities or Instagram aesthetics. What it offers is more valuable: free camping in a quiet forest, space to breathe, no booking stress, and a solid base for exploring one of NSW's most underrated regions.

Pack your water, check the fire bans, and head south. The clearing will be there when you arrive, no refresh button required.

For conditions and access updates, contact Forestry Corporation NSW on 1300 655 687.