The best camping near Cotter Dam

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cotter Dam adventure.

Cotter Dam: A Sanctuary of Serenity and Natural Splendour.

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Community favorites near Cotter Dam

Top-rated campgrounds near Cotter Dam

98%

(1923)

Bahwidgee on Tumut River

176 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Bombowlee, NSW

Located on the stunning Tumut River, where cool groves of black wattle line the riverbank, offering shade, privacy, and comfort. Here you have clear Snowy River water at your doorstep. It's so fresh we drink it! Each camping site is by the river, prime position for fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Based on availability, you are welcome to choose your spot on arrival. All options are grassed and level. You will have access to a pit toilet, otherwise, please BYO facilities. Small campfires are welcome in the fire pits provided, or BYO firepit (permitting there are no restrictions in place at the time). Firewood can be purchased at the time of booking. We're pet-friendly, so you're welcome to bring your four-legged friends along! Please note, however, that we are a working farm and as such farm activities are going on, and we have resident animals, so please keep your pets under control at all times. Also, please ensure kids are supervised at all times, particularly around the river. Lifejackets are recommended. During your time here, visit the local farm gates in Tumut, Batlow, Tumbarumba, and Adelong for their delicious high-country produce. There are also some beautiful swimming spots and walks to discover in the region, as well as good facilities in town, including the local swimming pool and shopping centre. Enjoy a local brew and bite to eat at the Tumut brewery. Bahwidgee is just 3km from the Tumut town centre - so close you could ride in, or even walk.

* Before taxes and fees

95%

(511)

Goolabri Estate

57 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · NSW

You are invited to camp on what was once a golf course, and always has been surrounded by natural bushland. Situated only 20 minutes from Canberra, we offer you the opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in a peaceful country experience. There are dams to camp near, and a beautiful nature reserve where you can take a peaceful walk. If you would like to have a wander and experience some untouched bushland, please ask and we can provide simple directions. Bird watching and wildlife observation is unavoidable, and we recommend downloading the ACT Field Guide app. Enjoy your morning coffee surrounded by kangaroos and cockatoos. Suitable for Tents, Campers, Vans and Caravans, with good access for 2WD and caravans. Small campfires are permitted in designated areas, when restrictions aren't in place. You may use dead wood that you find on the golf course area as firewood. Please do not gather firewood from the nature reserve, for wildlife's sake. Pets are not permitted.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(327)

Jarabin on the Murrumbidgee

11 sites · RVs, Tents1000 acres · Berremangra, NSW

Follow us on Facebook and Insta - Jarabin.au Located along a 2km stretch of the Murrumbidgee River with a mountain backdrop, Riverview is a working Angus cattle farm, it does not get more breathtaking than this! Little over an hour from Canberra and three from Sydney, you can enjoy large campsites right on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. Swimming, floating down rapids, fishing, bike riding, and hiking! So many activities to keep you entertained or just sit back and listen to the rapids from the front of your tent. We are pet friendly, bring your four-legged family members with you - they'll love it just as much as you! We also have secure yards with water for horses, with plenty of walking and riding trails on the farm, you'll have an unforgettable time! Please note, no mobile reception at sites. You will receive a notification 2 days before arrival with the gate code, please note this down as you will not be able to access the Hipcamp app on site (due to no mobile reception). All campers must be self-contained with their own camp toilet, and we kindly ask you take all waste with you when you leave.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(222)

Country Journey, Boxgrove farm

42 sites · RVs, Tents600 acres · Jerrawa, NSW

With over 600 acres of Australian bush, our property is ideal for campers that want their own space. We are completely off-grid (no wifi to distract you) and we run off tank water (for this reason showers are only available for two hours in the evening). There are multiple camp sites on the property - some are close to hot showers and toilets, others are within a short walking distance. Some sites are perfect for our self sufficient campers who might want a nice private location and don't need access to amenities. There are two shared camp kitchen areas (with pizza ovens and bbqs). We have two amenities blocks with toilets and hot showers and two further compost toilets located at other sites. Campfires are permitted in designated areas (check with us when booking) and firewood can be added to your booking - we do require at least 24 hours notice if you want wood. There are lots of old-style games for the kids such as cricket, tennis, playground, bikes available, a swim in the dam and general country running around fun! Unfortunately we no longer have our flying fox, but there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. We have some great bush walking areas where you might be lucky enough to see our resident wombats or our breeding pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles. You might also be lucky enough to be there when our two kelpies, Finn and Tori, are moving sheep through the property (they like to put on a show!!). The property dates back to the early 1900s and there are numerous historic buildings on the property. The earliest is a wooden slab hut that was built around the beginning of the 19th century - the Goulburn Penny Post newspaper, dated 3 December 1904 lines the walls of the hut. It also has a two shearing stand wooden shed built by Marcus Dawe in 1922. We try to make sure all of our guests have a great experience - so if you have any special requests reach out to us and have a chat!

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(288)

Coots Creek Campground

14 sites · RVs, Tents240 acres · Murrumbateman, NSW

Beautiful 240acre cattle property for campers to enjoy the beauty of the land and its flora and fauna in a pieceful environment. Campers have enjoyed the easy accessibility, stunning sunset views and the peace and quiet of feeling like they are a million miles away from civilization. All sites in the Campground area are fenced and sited to give maximum privacy and safety from any fire threat, with plenty of room to place tents/vans/motorhomes for best viewing position. Campground Sites x 8 Beautiful private sites that feel like you are away from the rest of the world. Watch kangaroos, wallaroos and wedge tail eagles. Drive through comfort for large Caravans/RV. Toilets for your comfort nearby and potable water available for refill of tanks. Campfires are allowed unless there is a fireban. Why not hire a van if you have no equipment- they will set the van up on your site https://www.camplify.com.au/rv/caravan-rental-murrumbateman-nsw-viv-the-viscount/33909

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(11)

Butmaroo Station

1 site · RV, Tent3000 acres · Bungendore, NSW

Butmaroo Station is situated in its own sheltered picturesque valley with Butmaroo Creek running through the entire property with Tallaganda National Park on the southern boundary. Butmaroo is perfect for guests who love to connect to nature or just need a place to relax and unwind. It is an ideal venue for family get togethers, groups of friends, or a couple that wants a very special place to connect.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(74)

Shepherds Rest

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Mount Fairy, NSW

Beautiful open views across rolling hills and paddocks. Sit by the dam and enjoy the views. Meet the goats, llama and chickens. Walk the farm paddocks with the goats. Mountain bike on country roads. Various sites to choose from. Only 45 mins from Canberra.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(289)

Michelago Farm Camping

8 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Michelago, NSW

Large open paddock with easy access from Monaro Highway, great for camping with amazing views of the mountains. The access road is dirt road. Ok for caravans. Dog friendly (must be well behaved around our animals and not chase them). We have Alpacas & Donkeys in our paddock near the camp area so your dog must be kept under control at all times (Donkeys hate dogs!). We have a composting toilet available for campers to use. Mobile phone reception in the area is around 3-4 bars 4G on Optus and 3-4 bars 3G on Telstra. There is no access to the rivers or creeks near our property in Michelago as all land along the waterways in Michelago is private property. The closest public access to the river is at Angle Crossing or Bredbo (just ask and I can give you a map) Please bring your own wood for camp fires or you can purchase a barrow of bush wood from us in the extras. We prefer you not to collect your own wood (other than starter sticks/branches) as we are trying to maintain logs, branches, ground cover on the ground for native birds, lizards, etc. All camp fees are being used to rehabilitate our property with plants that are native to our area and restore the land.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(37)

Spring Creek Valley Farm

1 site · RV, Tent2000 acres · Warri, NSW

Spring Creek Valley Farm is a 2200-acre farm located in the beautiful southern tablelands, 1 hour to the Canberra CBD and just 1 hour to Batemans Bay on the coast. With over 3km of creek frontage and 100+ acres of untouched native bushland, there are ample options for campsites to suit just about anyone. All campers must be completely self-contained, with their own camp toilet, and take all waste when they go. The original name of this property is Wooraba which is an aboriginal word for 'hidden' which describes it very well. Here, you will immerse yourself in the Australian bush and enjoy a truly peaceful retreat. Enjoy fantastic bushwalks amongst the native flora and fauna, or take your mountain bike to the high open hilly area to check out the expansive views. Or lay in some of the creek's rock pools and sunbathe. Whilst we can accept dogs, this absolutely must be discussed with us prior to booking. We are a working farm, with sheep, and it is important that any visiting pets do not hassle our sheep, and are kept on a lead at all times. Campfires are permitted in the designated fire pit when conditions allow and no local fire bans are in play.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(117)

Maddara.Organic.Farm.and.Art

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Yass River, NSW

Once a much larger property, we purchased our 120-acre (50-hectare) in 1984 as a means to live sustainably and raise a family. Living in our shed whilst we prepared the garden, put in watering infrastructure and built our house which we finally moved in when our daughter was 6 months old in 1990. Over the ensuing years we have continued to increase biodiversity on the property and set it up so we can live sustainably, harvesting our own water, electricity and food. If your lucky you could get a hamper of our product when there is sufficient in season. With the increased biodiversity you will find that in the mornings and evenings kangaroos and wallabies will visit with the occasional echidna, rabbit and hare; and to forget the large array of bird life - that may wake you early in the morning with the songs. This campsite is set on lovely grassy open areas interspersed with gum trees. The sunrise looks spectacular near the dam, when the trees give off a lovely glow. The main paddock has a Geodome, a shared space for relaxing in. With all that space you can park and set up camp anywhere in the paddock. There is access to drinking water, toilets, and a hot shower. Around the dome is a firepit, drinking water and a camp kitchen. The firepit features an Argentinian BBQ and a plate for cooking. The kitchen has plates, cups, cutlery, and other bits and pieces for you to use. We also allow for your pets to stay onsite, this also includes horses. If you want exclusive use of the paddocks - refer to Group Bush Retreat.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(98)

Tin Can Ridge

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Tinderry, NSW

Bush camping on 100 acres in the Tinderry Range at about 1400 metres altitude. Seclusion and adventure all within an hour of Canberra and twenty minutes from Michelago and the Monaro highway. Big skies and dark nights for star-gazing are likely; or perhaps you'll be nestled in cloud; or hidden by falling snow. There are some beautiful bushwalks surrounded by sub-alpine flora and fauna on the property and nearby in the Tinderry Nature Reserve. Tinderry Range is a rugged range east of the Monaro highway accessed mostly through Michelago or an hour and a half from Braidwood (when dirt roads are reasonable). The range is only around 70km away from the coast, thus enabling a sea mist to often roll over us in the late afternoon. Summer temperatures are a pleasant 6 degrees or so cooler than nearby Canberra. You may choose between a number of options for camping depending on your camping desires and set up. There are numerous tracks around our property or nearby Tinderry Nature Reserve. You may go exploring to find the springs or choose to stick to easy walking tracks that follow the contours. We will provide a map. Tracks are also great for mountain bike riding and exploring the unusual mix of sub-alpine, montane and coastal flora and fauna. This area has fascinating history with the largest eucalyptus distillery in Australia until the late 1950's and very popular with a number of bushrangers such as the Clarke Brothers who had numerous hideouts. No amenities. BYO camping toilet and leave no trace. Campfires (except on fire ban days or when we advise otherwise) are okay--usually recommended. Normally dry firewood is easy to find, or purchase some from us if you prefer. The exception is the bell tent glamping option,' Tin Can Ridge Glamping' which has a toilet included as well as firewood and shortly its own wood stove! Some campsites are best accessed by 4WD, or on foot. or gain access to the glamping tent with us escorting you. Camp lightly. No hunting. Do nothing illegal. Take all waste with you. Respect the land, the wildlife and people. Keep the peace. Enjoy.

* Before taxes and fees

93%

(38)

Miranda Springs Farm Stay

6 sites · RVs280 acres · Springrange, NSW

Private and very easy to access caravan sites available just 20 minutes from Canberra City Centre and 10 mins to fuel, Aldi, takeaway etc. Plenty of room to turn around and sites are nice and level. Guests can enjoy our peaceful and scenic paddock away from it all. Plenty of wildlife to see, Birds, Kangaroos, Reptiles and Wallabies, the occasional Wombat and lovely easy walks. Try some yabbying in the nearby dam too if you like. We are just 7km from the Barton Highway and provide a very secure property that allows you to go off exploring with confidence. DOGS are permitted on LEAD only. Self contained vehicles. (toilet) required. Fires permitted when no fire ban, fire pits provided. Wood provided at cost on request.

* Before taxes and fees

The best camping near Cotter Dam guide

Overview

About

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Cotter Dam, where the rush of water and whisper of wind through native vegetation beckon adventurers and nature lovers alike. Here, the Cotter River's journey culminates in a stunning display of pristine waterways, offering scenic drives, bushwalking, mountain biking, and bird watching. While camping is not available within the reserve, the surrounding areas provide ample opportunities for overnight stays amid the wilderness.

When to go

The best time to visit Cotter Dam is during the milder months of spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Summer can be quite warm, making it less ideal for strenuous activities. Winter, while cooler, offers a unique beauty, though some tracks may be less accessible.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and plan your visit when conditions are favourable for outdoor activities.
Be aware that 1080 poison is used in the area for fox control, so keep pets on a leash and on designated paths.
Respect the prohibition of swimming in the catchment to protect water quality.
Remember that boating and fishing are restricted to certain areas; always follow local regulations.
Take care to leave no trace, ensuring trash is properly disposed of and the natural environment is preserved.