Camping in the Snowy Mountains is one of the best ways to enjoy what nature has to offer! Camping spots around Jindabyne and The Snowy Mountains are abundant. From lakeside camping in one of the many caravan parks in the area to remote national park camping, there’s something for every camper here!

Here’s our guide to the best places to camp around Jindabyne.

Thredbo Diggings Campsite

Thredbo diggings campsite would have to be one of the prettiest campsites in the Snowy Mountains. A short 20-minute drive from Jindabyne town along the Alpine way makes this Jindabyne camping spot secluded but not too out of the way. With mountain views, perched on the Thredbo River and surrounded by gum trees, this campsite is postcard-worthy. Also, this campsite is completely free! (Please note you must pre-book these campsites as part of a covid safe plan. A $6 booking fee will be charged and National Park Fees apply. Find the details here)

During summer, this Kosciuszko campground is perfect for those outdoorsy families who don’t mind a bit of fishing or mountain biking. The site is perfectly placed on the river so you can catch your dinner for the fire. It is also situated among a number of mountain bike trails and bushwalking tracks that the whole family can enjoy.

During Winter, this campground is convenient for hardcore campers and skiers. The campground is a short drive to Thredbo ski fields or to the Perisher ski tube. Please remember- camping in Winter is not for the faint of heart. Temperatures can get extremely low and the weather can turn extreme, so make sure you are well prepared for anything mother nature might throw at you!

CAMPGROUND FACILITIES: BBQ facilities, picnic tables, toilets

WHAT TO BRING: Drinking water, firewood, Tent and appropriate sleeping gear in Winter.

NRMA Camping and Caravan Park

If you want lakefront Jindabyne camping, while still being in the middle of town and close to shops and restaurants, this is the spot for you! The Jindabyne NRMA Caravan park offers grassy, lakefront campsites (powered or non-powered) with amazing views of the area.

During summer, enjoy lake Jindabyne being a stone’s throw away by swimming, fishing, or sunbaking just in front of your campsite. These campsites offer easy access to the town bike path and also a private boat ramp for guests to enjoy.

Bringing your dog along on your Jindabyne trip? No worries! This park offers dog-friendly camping in Jindabyne and has a number of dog-friendly sites. Find their pet policy here

The best perk of this campsite is you are right in town! No need to worry about forgetting your favourite snacks, as it is a very short walk to all the shops, grocery stores, and restaurants. The sites are spacious and perfect for a few tents or a campervan. Be sure to make use of the camp kitchen on-site for that perfect camp dinner.

PARK FACILITIES: Boat ramp, full amenities, boat ramp, camp kitchen, BBQ areas, communal fire pit, laundry, children’s playground, mountain bike washing area, drying room, pizza oven, tennis courts.

WHAT TO BRING: This park offers so many facilities that there are not many must brings to note. Just your usual camping needs, such as tents, sleeping bags etc.

Please check out their website here for bookings and further info

The Pinch River Campground

Pinch River campground, in the southern precinct of Kosciuszko National Park, offers a large, peaceful camping area nestled by the river, surrounded by tall eucalypts, cypress pines and flowering wattles in spring and summer.

This beautiful Kosciuszko National Park camping spot is free (a $6 booking fee applies) and is perfect for those who don’t mind a short walk from the car to their tent.

Enjoy swimming, fishing and paddling from dawn to dusk, or set out on bushwalking, mountain biking or horse riding adventures on some of the many great trails in this section of Kosciuszko National Park.

Autumn and spring are warm enough to enjoy the water, without the extreme heat that summer can bring. During winter, this area also provides a place to escape the cold and ski resort crowds in Jindabyne.

Resident kangaroos, wallabies and emus can be seen around the campground during the day, while wombats and quolls can be spotted in the evening.

To book – visit the NSW National Park Website

Alpine Camping in the Kosciuszko National Park

Camping in the Kosciuszko National Park is truly an experience you will never forget. You will experience unmatched sunsets and sunrises immersed in the park’s beautiful landscapes – all to yourself!

Remote alpine camping (Summer or Winter) is not for the faint of heart. This type of experience is exclusive to the adventurous who are willing to put in the work for their camping. Long hikes with heavy packs are a requirement for this type of camping, so if you are after a quick pull-up in your car with your esky full of beer overnighter- this is not for you.

Camping in the national park allows you to find your perfect spot and set up home for the night. However, there are a few places off-limits when it comes to overnight trips.

Camping restrictions apply in a number of alpine areas within Kosciuszko National Park. Camping is not permitted within the catchments of the following alpine lakes and drinking water catchments for ski resorts:

• Lake Albina, Blue Lake, Club Lake, Lake Cootapatamba, and Hedley Tarn
• Rock Creek (Perisher/Porcupine Area)
• Pipers Creek catchment (Prussian Flat)
• Stilwell Creek (Stillwell/Charlotte Pass)
• Blue Cow Creek (New and Old Farm Creeks)
• Also within 30m of rivers, streams and lakes

There are also restrictions within 200m of the following:

• Charlotte Pass, Crackenback Chairlift, Guthega Village and Guthega Power Station track heads.
• Crackenback Chairlift to Mount Kosciuszko walkway
• Summit of Mount Kosciuszko and Rawson Pass
• Where the Main Range walk crosses the Snowy River at Foremans Crossing (immediately below Charlotte Pass)
• Any road open to public vehicle access except designated walk-in campsites

It is crucial that you are well prepared for your overnight Snowy Mountains remote camping trip. It goes without saying, but you will need to carry enough water to last you for your entire trip – plus more to be safe. There are numerous streams in the park that you are able to source water from – however, these might not always be reliable. Remember, if you are sourcing water from these streams it is advised that you boil this water for at least 5 minutes before consuming it.

Along with water and food, you will need to carry your gear to your spot. Before setting out on our adventure, ensure your tent, sleeping bag and clothing is up to scratch. Temps even in Summer can get extremely cold in the National Park – and there is a strict NO fire policy in the park – be ready to rug up in the circumstance that temps drop during your stay.

It is also important to note that huts in the Kosciuszko National Park are for temporary day use or emergency situations only. These are not accommodations for visitors to sleep in.

Camping in the Kosciuszko National Park is an amazing experience and something we would highly recommend to anyone who is willing to give it a go. Before setting out on your journey it is extremely important to take a look at the National Parks Website and read their need-to-know information for a safe and enjoyable experience.