Camping in Barrington Tops: A travellers guide

The road had vanished. Not damaged - but completely submerged under a rushing rapid. A bold 'Road Closed' sign blocked our path - and with no phone reception to find another way, we felt properly stuck.

This was our welcome to the Barrington Tops, a World Heritage-listed wilderness region with tranquil camping just three hours from Sydney. We were on the final leg of our journey to The Steps Campground in a hired Camplify campervan - and our weekend nature getaway had just turned into an unexpected adventure.

For anyone in the Sydney or Newcastle region seeking a tranquil bush camping getaway, the Barrington Tops region is a must-visit. An ancient landscape filled with National Parks, waterfalls, trickling streams, and riverside campgrounds makes it the perfect antidote to city life & family-friendly camping getaway. We decided to stay at a privately-owned gem called The Steps; and here's our guide for first-time travellers to the region.

Getting to Barrington Tops & The Famous River Crossings

In regular conditions, the causeway crossings make for spectacular driving.

Just three hours from Sydney - or two from Newcastle - the drive to go camping in Barrington Tops is an event in itself. Turning off the M1 onto the Bucketts Way, you're treated to a beautiful, winding route through lush countryside. The route is well-signed and suitable for 2WD vehicles and campervans alike.

As you get closer, you'll encounter the famous ‘causeway crossings’ of the region. Here, roads intersect with local streams - and instead of going around them, simply dips down and run through the trickling flow of the creek, meaning you literally drive straight through it.

Although spectacular, a local we spoke to gave us the rule of thumb: in 2WD vehicles, don't drive through water deeper than 30cm, which is marked on depth gauges at each crossing. Under normal conditions, it's a novel thrill. Our first crossing was simple, and we hung our heads out the window, soaking in the spectacular view of the river spilling around our van.

But as we approached the largest crossing, known as ‘the Rocky Crossing’, our jaws dropped. The stream had become a full-blown rapid.

“Even the crossings in the National Parks are running,” we heard one local muse from the riverbank. “That’s pretty rare”.

We learned that while surrounding areas had been relatively dry, the Barrington Tops National Park had been hammered with rain, raising river depths considerably. And without phone reception to readjust your route, closed roads became serious problems. Fortunately, friendly locals guided us to an alternate route, and soon enough, we were back on track.

During rainfall, some of the causeway crossings become unsuitable for 2WD vehicles. 'The Rocky Crossing' on our trip closed for access!

Hot Tip: Although close to Sydney, this is a fairly remote camping area. Before you go, download offline maps and check local weather conditions and any road closure alerts on the National Parks or the Mid-Coast local council website. If there has been heavy rainfall in the area, consider accessing the campground from the North (by Scone or Moonan Flat) - avoiding the causeway crossings.

Review: The Steps Campground

Just a stones through from your campsite is a beautiful trickling creek.

After a scenic 6km drive down a well-maintained dirt road (easily accessible for 2WDs, campervans, motorhomes and caravans), we pulled past the rustic iron sign for ‘The Steps, Barrington Tops’. Helpful staff at the reception hut checked us in and pointed us toward our zone.

Scottish Highland cows are spectacular, but mellow. Just drive past slowly with caution to avoid causing any dramas.

The riverside campground hosts around 15 separate campsite ‘zones’ spread along the bank, each accommodating about 15 campers. This creates a wonderful blend of dispersed and allocated camping . Even at capacity, it would feel spacious, but the perks of our off-peak, mid-week trip meant we had our pick of the spots closest to the river.

The Steps Campground: a beautiful escape for Sydney-siders & NSW travellers!

We stayed over a Saturday and Sunday night in April. The atmosphere was mellow and relaxed, perfect for families and couples. By Sunday afternoon, the weekend crowd had cleared out, and on Monday morning, we woke to the pure tranquility of camping all by ourselves.

Each zone is nestled along a small embankment by the gorgeous flowing river. The therapeutic sound of water rushing over rocks is your constant backdrop. Each zone also has one or two communal fire pits - making it one of the few campgrounds near Sydney which allows campfires.

Hot tip: if you want a private campfire wherever you like, it’s a great idea to bring your own portable fire pit.

River swims in a beautiful bushland setting refreshes like nothing else.

The river itself is divine for a swim. In April, the icy, fresh water was a real rush that left us feeling invigorated! On a hot summer's day, it would be the perfect respite from the heat. While the main flow is steady and fun to drift in, there are calmer pockets and lagoon-style areas where small kids can safely dip - just another reason why The Steps would be perfect for family-friendly camping trips.

Tranquil lagoon pools are suitable for adults & kids alike.

Take a wander along the banks of the stream - and find the famous ‘Steps’ - a collection of small ledges that the river drops down in a mini-waterfall. Or even better - hire an inflatable raft from reception - and take them on in a true adventure-camping experience to remember.

Setting up our Camplify van was a breeze. We simply parked up, rolled out the awning, and had the kettle on in minutes. It’s moments like these you truly appreciate the comfort of an RV - no fussing with tents in the fading light, just instant relaxation.

Nothing beats curling up by a campfire. Hot tip: consider bringing your own fire pit for a guaranteed private fire.

All things considered, I would describe the campground as suitable for first-time campers that are seeking an authentic wilderness camping experience - and are able to prepare & bring enough gear (such as BBQ’s, cooking utensils,  portable water, eskies & power banks) to make their stay comfortable. 

The campground would also be an absolute delight, however, for caravan, campervan & motorhome travellers which are well-equipped with the comforts of an RV - & would love to unwind in a semi-off-grid setting. 

Read: 14 Incredibly tranquil campsites less than 3 hours from Sydney

What to Pack vs. What Our Camplify Van Had

While The Steps offers an authentic wilderness experience, it's semi-off-grid. Preparing properly is key. This is where RV travel is a game-changer.

For a Comfortable Stay, You'll Need to Bring:

• A portable BBQ or gas cooker and utensils

• An esky with plenty of ice

• Drinking water containers

• Power banks for your devices

• Firewood and a portable fire pit (if you want your own)

What Our Camplify Van Already Included:

• A built-in fridge to keep food fresh

• A gas cooktop and grill

• Portable, running water

• Built-in power for charging devices

• A comfortable, warm bed & linen supplied

• A portable fire pit

• Camping chairs

• A panoramic, 270-degree awning with built-in lighting - protecting us from the elements

Our hired campervan - picked up from a local through Camplify.

Wondering how we have the perfect off-grid van for our Barrington Tops adventure?

The secret is: we don’t own it.

We hired it through Camplify - Australia’s favourite van hire platform. Where you can find thousands of custom caravans, campervans, and motorhomes available to pickup from friendly locals right across the country - many of them in your area.

Whether you need a cosy campervan for two, a spacious caravan for family adventures, or a fully equipped motorhome perfect for a long-haul trip, there are options galore.

You can join a thriving community of outdoor enthusiasts who understand that the perfect trip starts with the perfect van.

Learn more about how it works today. Or book a van - and get ready for a holiday to remember.

Caravans, campervans & motorhomes - there's thousands of RV's available to hire right across the country on Camplify.

Things to Do in the Barrington Tops Region

While at The Steps, you can hire an inflatable raft from reception and take on the mini-waterfall the campground is named after. The site also has an extensive network of popular mountain bike trails.

Though there are plenty of walking trails surrounding the campground, just a short drive away is the magnificent Barrington Tops National Park - home to an incredible amount of waterfalls, swimming holes, hiking trails & natural wonders. We took a misty Sunday drive up to the Gloucester Tops precinct to hike the stunning waterfall walk. It’s an approachable 3km loop that rewards you with a beautiful, roaring cascade. Although it's physically close, the drive from The Steps takes about 60 minutes around the mountain range, but the scenery is worth every second.

On your way in or out, a stop in the charming country town of Gloucester (30 minutes from the campground) is also a treat - where coffee & a pub lunch await.

FAQs about Camping at The Steps

• Is The Steps Campground 2WD accessible?Yes, the 6km access road is a well-maintained dirt road suitable for 2WD cars, campervans, and caravans in normal weather conditions.

• Are campfires allowed?Yes, but only in the designated fire pits provided in each zone or in your own portable, off-ground fire pit.

• Is there phone reception or power?No, it's a semi-off-grid experience. There is no mobile reception, Wi-Fi, or powered sites. Download maps beforehand and bring power banks or enjoy the digital detox!

• What facilities are available?The campground has an impressive modern amenities block with hot showers and flushing toilets, plus picnic tables scattered throughout. There is no camp kitchen or BBQs.