Olney State Forest is one of the most popular free camping spots in NSW. Located in the Watagan Mountains between the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie, it's close enough to Sydney for a weekend trip (about 90 minutes north) but feels properly remote once you're under the tree canopy. No bookings, no fees, and dogs are welcome on lead.
If you've been camping at paid campgrounds on the Central Coast and wondering where the locals go for a quieter, free alternative, Olney is the answer.
Camping areas at Olney State Forest#
Olney has several designated camping areas, each with a different feel. Camping is first come, first served at all of them. No assigned sites, so you pick your spot within the designated area.
The Basin#
The most popular area and the first to fill on weekends. The Basin is open and grassy with easy vehicle access and a flowing creek that's perfect for a swim in warmer months. Families love it because the kids can splash in the creek while camp is being set up.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, fire pits. Best for: Families, groups, first-timers. Tip: Arrive before 10am on Saturday mornings during school holidays. The Basin fills fast.
The Pines#
Sheltered campsites among tall trees with a peaceful atmosphere. The Pines has a large all-weather picnic shelter, which is a lifesaver if it rains. Sites are more spread out than The Basin, giving you some privacy.
Facilities: Picnic shelter, picnic tables, fire pits, toilets. Best for: Couples and small groups wanting a quieter camp.
Turpentine and Casuarina#
Two adjacent areas set in native forest. Sheltered and shady, with a similar feel to The Pines. These areas tend to have more space available when The Basin and The Pines are full.
Facilities: Basic, with picnic tables and fire pits. Best for: Experienced campers who don't need much infrastructure.
Olney HQ#
Located near the old forestry headquarters, this area has a large all-weather picnic shelter and is a good backup option if other areas are full. More open than the forest sites but still pleasant.
Facilities: Large picnic shelter, tables, fire pits, toilets. Best for: Large groups and rainy weather camping.
What it costs#
Nothing. Olney State Forest camping is completely free. No booking fees, no camping fees, no entry fees. Just turn up and find a spot.
This makes it one of the best free camping options within easy reach of Sydney and the Central Coast. For more free camping options around NSW, check our free camping Australia guide.
Getting there#
Olney State Forest is accessed via unsealed forest roads off the M1 Pacific Motorway or via Watagan Forest Road from Cooranbong.
From Sydney (Central): Take the M1 north, exit at Morisset, and follow signs to Watagan State Forest/Olney State Forest. Total drive is about 90 minutes.
From Newcastle: Head south on the M1, exit at Morisset. About 40 minutes.
Road conditions: Forest roads are unsealed but generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions. After heavy rain, some sections can get muddy and slippery. A vehicle with some clearance is ideal, but a standard car will manage the main routes in dry weather.
Mobile reception: Patchy to non-existent. Download maps and any information you need before you arrive.
What to bring#
Since Olney is a state forest with basic facilities, come prepared:
- Drinking water. There's no treated water at any of the camping areas. Bring all the water you'll need.
- Firewood. You can collect fallen timber from the forest floor (but you can't cut standing timber, alive or dead). Alternatively, bring firewood from home.
- Rubbish bags. Take everything out with you. There are no bins.
- Camp stove or cooking gear. Fire pits are available at all areas, but during fire bans you'll need a gas stove.
- Warm layers. The Watagan Mountains sit at elevation and get noticeably cooler than the coast, especially overnight. Expect temperatures 5-10 degrees below coastal readings.
- Insect repellent. The forest has plenty of mosquitoes, particularly near the creek at The Basin.
Rules and tips#
Fire rules#
Campfires are allowed in the provided fire pits when there's no fire ban in place. During total fire bans, all fires including gas stoves and BBQs may be banned. Check the NSW Rural Fire Service for current fire danger ratings and bans.
You can collect fallen timber from the forest floor for firewood, but don't cut or damage any standing trees, dead or alive.
Dogs#
Dogs are welcome at Olney State Forest, which sets it apart from NSW national parks where pets aren't allowed. Keep your dog on a lead at all times and pick up after them. This is a shared space with wildlife, so responsible dog ownership matters.
If you're looking for more pet-friendly camping, check our dog-friendly camping in NSW guide.
Staying safe#
- Camp at least 20 metres from creeks and waterways
- Don't camp under dead branches or damaged trees (widowmakers are real)
- Check for forest and road closures on the Forestry Corporation NSW website before heading out
- Let someone know where you're going, since mobile reception is limited
Weekend crowds#
Olney gets busy. The Basin fills up by mid-morning on popular weekends, especially during school holidays and warm weather. If you arrive late and everything's taken, you have a few options:
- Try Turpentine or Casuarina first, as they're less well-known
- Head to nearby Watagan State Forest, which has similar free camping
- Book a paid campground on the Central Coast or at nearby national park campgrounds
If the paid campgrounds are also booked out, set up a CampWatch alert and we'll text you when a cancellation creates an opening.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Olney State Forest free to camp at?
Yes. Camping at Olney State Forest is completely free. No bookings, no fees, no entry charges. It's first come, first served at all camping areas.
Can you swim at Olney State Forest?
The creek at The Basin camping area is popular for swimming in warmer months. It's a natural creek, so water levels vary with rainfall. Always supervise children around water.
Are dogs allowed at Olney State Forest?
Yes. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. Clean up after your dog and keep them away from wildlife.
Do you need a 4WD for Olney State Forest?
Not in dry conditions. The main access roads are unsealed but manageable in a standard car. After heavy rain, higher clearance vehicles are recommended as some sections can get muddy. --- Looking for more camping on the Central Coast? Check our guide to camping on the Central Coast NSW for both free and paid options.