The weather will be cooling down in the coming weeks and months, which means it's the perfect time to get outdoors and go camping.
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However, due to summer bushfires that ravaged regions of the Central West and Blue Mountains, some of the top campgrounds are still currently closed.
Kanangra-Boyd National Park, a popular bushwalking and camping located an almost 40 minute drive south of Oberon, suffered significant damage from the bushfires.
The Boyd River campground, Boyd River loop, Kanangra-Boyd lookout, Kanangra Waterfall walk and Mount Emperor loop have been closed since November 13, with the last update on Tuesday, February 25, still indicating there locations remained a no-go zone to the public.
Sections of the Blue Mountains National Park also remained closed including campgrounds at Kedumba and Ruined Castle, as well as the Six Foot track between Black Range campground to Jenolan Caves due to dangerous conditions caused by recent rainfall.
The Six Foot track is currently open to walkers between the Explorers Tree at Katoomba and Black Range campground (including Coxs River, Alum River and Black Range campground).
The Green Gully (Dunphys) and Acacia Flat campgrounds near Blackheath also remain closed.
Campgrounds that were previously closed but have since reopened following the bushfires include Murphys and Ingar campgrounds (walk in access only), Perrys Lookdown near Blackheath and the Burralow campground near Glenbrook.
Out at the Wollemi National Park, the eastern side of the river at the Newnes campground remains closed but the main campground is open.
The Deep Pass campground and canyons are closed though, but the Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp, Colo Meroo, Newnes (Little Capertee) and Coorongooba campgrounds have all since reopened.
Penalties apply for non-compliance to national park closures.
However, even with all the closures, we've still prepared a few options for you to go check out.
Newnes Campground, Wollemi National Park
Located in the Wollemi National Park roughly 50 kilometres north of Lithgow via the Wolgan Road, Newnes has plenty of sites for keen campers who want to enjoy the comfort of nature's amphitheatre.
It's a beautiful, grassy, flat campground by the Wolgan River and the mighty sandstone cliffs and proud eucalyptus trees make a fantastic backdrop.
There's barbecue facilities and toilets, but water is not available at this campground, so remember to bring your own supply.
Remember to treat or boil all water taken from creeks in the park and to take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
Bookings are not essential, with the campground operating in a first-in, first-served basis. It's a good idea to arrive early, especially if you're camping on public holidays or during school holidays.
Getting there is quite simple - driving towards Mudgee from Lithgow on the Castlereagh Highway, turn right near Wallerawang onto Wolgan Road and follow the road for 35 kilometres until you arrive at the campsite.
- NOTE: Due to the summer bushfires, the Newnes campground is closed on the cricket pitch or eastern side of the river, however the main campground remains open. Check the Wollemi National Park website for more information on closures and updates.
Vittoria State Forest
Vittoria State Forest is located halfway between Bathurst and Orange and is home to one of the premier forest recreation sites in NSW. With both pine plantations and native trees, it's also home a variety of native fauna.
Within the forest in the relatively unknown Macquarie Woods, which offers both picnicking and camping areas, as well as tracks and fantastic viewing places for the Macquarie Valley.
Macquarie Woods covers an area of 600 hectares and was established in 1988 as a demonstration forest.
A large picnic area situated in the middle of the forest with a camping area, toilets and information shelter completes the site.
Getting there is quite easy: heading from Bathurst, follow the Great Western Highway towards Orange for 29 kilometres before turning off to the right at the signs.
Federal Falls, Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area
Head out to Mount Canobolas near Orange, pitch your tent and enjoy science views at the Federal Falls campground.
And make sure you bring warm clothing, as Mount Canobolas is always a few degrees cooler than the surrounding region, especially during winter.
It's also recommended to check weather and road conditions before heading out, as this area is prone during the winter months.
Facilities include picnic tables, barbecue facilities and toilets.
This is the location of an ancient Indigenous campsite, so be sure to check out the interpretive display to find out more about the Wiradjuri people's connection to the area.
The campsite is only a 30 minute drive from the centre of Orange.
- NOTE: Due to spraying operations on March 3, the Federal Falls walking track will be closed. Check the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area website for more information on closures and updates.
Bummaroo Ford campground, Abercrombie River National Park
Located within the Abercrombie River National park south of Oberon, the Bummaroo Ford campground is a family-friendly camping spot that has swimming, hiking and canoeing options.
There's 15 campsites available which are free on a first-in first-served basis, with toilet facilities available too.
Entry is free and bookings are not required at the campground.
During the summer, the water levels are (usually) high, but during the spring golden wattles and bottlebrushes along the river come into flower, bringing feeding birds with them.
- NOTE: A park fire ban has been in operation since October 14 and will remain in place until March 31. Check the Abercrombe River National Park website for more information and updates.
Capertee campground, Capertee National Park
Located over an hour and half drive south-east of Mudgee, the Capertee campground in the Capertee National Park is a place to enjoy birdwatching and camping.
Picnic tables, barbecue facilities and toilets are all available, with campers free to bring their caravans or camper trailers.
Camping at Capertee is not free however and can be booked online, or by calling the National Parks Contract Centre on 1300 072 757.
- NOTE: A park fire ban has been in operation since September 9 and will remain in place until March 31. Check the Capertee National Park website for more information and updates.