If you're planning a Blue Mountains camping trip in 2026, check before you pack. Several campgrounds, walking tracks, and access roads are closed right now, some for months, and turning up without checking could wreck your weekend.
Here's a full rundown of the current Blue Mountains national park closures, what's affected, and where you can camp instead.
Campground closures in the Blue Mountains right now#
Two major camping areas are off-limits as of March 2026:
Dunphys Campground, closed until at least 11 May 2026. Green Gully Road upgrade works have cut vehicle access from multiple trailheads. The only way out is via Narrowneck Trail, and you can't drive in at all. This is a significant loss for bushwalkers who use Dunphys as a base for the Wild Dog Mountains and Kanangra-Boyd crossing.
Galong Cabins, closed through 2026 for maintenance upgrades. If you had a cabin booking in mind, you'll need to look elsewhere. Contact NPWS on (02) 4787 8877 for updates on the reopening timeline.
The entire Green Gully precinct is affected by these road upgrades, so even if you were planning to walk in, access is restricted.
Road and infrastructure closures#
Getting to some parts of the Blue Mountains has become harder in 2026:
Red Hill Road to Glow Worm Tunnel Road, roadworks started 27 January 2026 and are expected to wrap up by 7 April 2026. If you're heading to the Glow Worm Tunnel area, expect delays or detours.
West of Glowworm Tunnel Road, the area from Western Boundary Road to Fire Trail No. 1 is closed for at least 12 months while NPWS builds new visitor infrastructure. This includes plans for a new 50-site Forest Campground at the old Newnes Afforestation Camp Ruins, which will be a welcome addition when it eventually opens.
Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve, closed until 31 December 2026. The caves and surrounding reserve have been shut for an extended period, ruling out any camping plans that included Jenolan as part of the trip.
Multiple fire trails are also closed for maintenance through June 2026.
Walking track closures that affect camping access#
Even if a campground is technically open, you might not be able to reach it, or enjoy the walks that make it worth visiting. Here are the major track closures as of March 2026:
Katoomba and Leura#
- Round Walk sections closed for council upgrades
- Amphitheatre Walking Track closed between Leura Falls and Fern Bower
- Honeymoon Bridge closed due to rockfall hazards
- Six Foot Track closed at the boundary to Jenolan Caves reserve
Wentworth Falls and Woodford#
- National Pass (west section) closed after a major landslide, and based on forum discussions, there are currently no plans to reopen this section. Locals fear it may be a permanent loss.
- Wentworth Pass and Slack Stairs closed for elevated boardwalk repairs
- Valley of the Waters closed below Silvia Falls due to rockfall hazards
Blackheath area#
- Govetts Descent closed due to rockfalls and landslides
- Green Gully precinct closed for road upgrade works until 11 May 2026
If you're camping at Euroka or Murphys Glen and planning walks in the Katoomba or Blackheath areas, check the NPWS alerts page before you go.
Fire restrictions#
A park fire ban runs from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026. During this period, all campfires and solid fuel barbecues are prohibited across the park. Gas stoves and BBQs are still fine, just no wood fires.
If you're camping in April 2026 or later, fire restrictions may be lifted, but always check current conditions. The Blue Mountains is prone to total fire bans during dry spells regardless of the seasonal ban period.
Campgrounds still open in the Blue Mountains#
Not everything is closed. These Blue Mountains campgrounds are open and taking bookings:
- Euroka campground, the most popular option, set in open woodland near Glenbrook with resident kangaroos. Bookings fill fast, especially on weekends.
- Murphys Glen campground, a quieter alternative near Woodford, surrounded by tall eucalypts. No vehicle access (walk-in only), which keeps crowds down.
- Ingar campground, a small, peaceful spot near the Ingar picnic area. Limited sites, so check availability early.
For campers willing to drive a bit further, Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp in Wollemi National Park is a spectacular alternative, sandstone pagodas, calm water for kayaking, and generally easier to book than Blue Mountains sites.
If popular Blue Mountains campgrounds are booked out, set up a free CampWatch alert and we'll text you when a cancellation opens up a spot.
How to check Blue Mountains closures before your trip#
The best source for current closures is the NPWS Blue Mountains local alerts page. It's updated regularly and covers campgrounds, tracks, roads, and facilities.
A few tips for staying on top of changes:
- Check the alerts page the day before you leave, conditions can change quickly after rain or storms
- Call the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877 if you need specifics about a campground or trail
- Plan backup options, with this many closures active, having a Plan B campground saves the trip if your first choice is shut
- Watch for helicopter operations, scheduled for 31 March and 1 April 2026, causing temporary closures in some areas
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Dunphys Campground open in 2026?
No. Dunphys Campground is closed until at least 11 May 2026 due to Green Gully Road upgrade works. Vehicle access has been cut, and the campground is not accepting bookings during this period.
Are campfires allowed in the Blue Mountains?
A seasonal fire ban runs from 1 October to 31 March each year, during which all campfires and solid fuel stoves are prohibited. Outside this period, campfires may be permitted at designated campgrounds, check the NPWS alerts page for current fire restrictions before your trip.
What Blue Mountains campgrounds are open right now?
As of March 2026, Euroka, Murphys Glen, and Ingar campgrounds are open and taking bookings. Dunphys and Galong Cabins are closed for maintenance and upgrades.
When will Jenolan Caves reopen?
Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve is closed until 31 December 2026. Check the NPWS website for updates on the reopening timeline. --- Closures and conditions change frequently. This article reflects information available as of 27 March 2026. Always check the official NPWS alerts page before visiting.