I recently camped at Mount York Campground in the Blue Mountains, and it feels like a secret worth sharing. It’s a free, no-frills campground near Mount Victoria with history, big views and enough seclusion to feel like you’re properly in the bush. It works for a quiet night away and as a base for the nearby walks and climbs.
What we like
- Free, no booking needed
- Sealed road, 2WD-friendly
- Big views over the Hartley Valley
- Walks, climbing and 1813 history
- 5 km from Mount Victoria
- Wallabies and birds around camp
What we don’t
- Pit toilet only, no water or power
- Exposed to wind, little shade
- First come, first served
The campground sits at the top of Mount York in Blue Mountains National Park, close to where the explorers Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson marked their crossing of the mountains in 1813. There are sweeping views over the Hartley Valley and walking tracks like the historic Cox’s Road. I arrived on a crisp autumn afternoon, and the simplicity won me over straight away: no crowds, just open space.
About Mount York CampgroundAbout
Mount York Campground is a free, basic campground in Blue Mountains National Park, near Mount Victoria. It sits on top of Mount York, with views over the Hartley Valley and access to historic tracks like Cox’s Road, built in 1815. There are flat tent sites and a basic pit toilet, but no water or power, so it suits self-sufficient campers. It’s first come, first served: you can’t book.
Bardens Lookout nearby has bolted sport routes for climbers, and walkers can follow tracks tied to the 1813 crossing by Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson. You’ll see wallabies and birds around camp. It’s 5 km from Mount Victoria and 2 hours from Sydney, which makes it a cheap weekend away. The open site suits tents and small campervans, though it’s exposed to wind, and it’s best in spring or autumn.
Quick facts
- AddressMount York Campground, Blue Mountains National Park, Mt York Road, Mount Victoria, New South Wales 2790, AustraliaSee on the trip map →
- Phone receptionGood
- FacilitiesPit ToiletFlat Camping AreasFire Pits (Seasonal)Nearby Walking TracksNearby Climbing AreasNo waterNo powerNo pets
- Good to knowMount Victoria 5 kmSealed road, 2WD fineBest in spring or autumn
- FeesFreeNo booking needed
- 8.1/10Overall rated
Getting There and Setting UpGetting there
Getting to Mount York Campground is easy. From the Great Western Highway at Mount Victoria, follow Mount York Road for about 4 km. The road is sealed all the way and fine for 2WD cars. The campground is a flat, open area with a gravel car park and a few scattered spots to pitch a tent or park a campervan. I pulled in on a Friday afternoon and found plenty of space. Only a couple of other campers were there, which made it feel peaceful.
Setting up was simple. The ground is mostly flat but a bit rocky, so bring a sturdy groundsheet if you’re pitching a tent. There’s a basic pit toilet tucked away, but no water or power, so you need to be self-sufficient. I filled my water container in Mount Victoria beforehand and it lasted the weekend. The open layout means you can spread out, but there isn’t much shade, so a tarp or awning is handy on sunny days.
Camping Experience at mt york campgroundThe camping experience
What I like about Mount York Campground is how unpolished it is. You’re surrounded by eucalypts, wallabies hop through at dusk and there’s birdsong all day. I spent my first evening by a small campfire (bring your own wood, as none is provided), watching the stars come out over the valley. The lookout is a short walk away and has wide views of the Hartley Valley, good at sunrise or sunset. I caught the golden hour, with the light over the distant farmland.
The history adds another layer. Mount York is tied to the 1813 crossing of the Blue Mountains, and you can walk the nearby Cox’s Road, a steep but rewarding track built in 1815. I did a short section, about an hour down and back, and enjoyed the mix of history and rough terrain. The path is rocky, so wear good hiking boots. For climbers, the crag at Bardens Lookout has bolted sport routes like Karinya (grade 16) that suit beginners and experienced climbers. I didn’t climb this trip, but I had a look at the cliffs and chatted with a local who raved about the sunny sandstone walls.
The campground is quiet but not isolated. You’re only 5 km from Mount Victoria, where you can get coffee or supplies, yet it feels a long way from the tourist bustle of Katoomba. I spent two nights here, and the lack of facilities wasn’t a problem. It’s simple bush camping. My only gripe was the wind, which can pick up in the afternoons, so secure your camp well. Check for seasonal fire bans before you light a campfire.
Activities and Surroundings
Mount York Campground is a good base for exploring. The short walk to Bardens Lookout is a must for the views, and the Cox’s Road track is a 2 to 3 hour hike if you go the full distance. For a longer day you can link up with trails to Lockleys Pylon or Berghofers Pass, though these are more strenuous. I stuck to the shorter walks and spent time on the area’s history. Plaques near the lookout tell the story of the early explorers.
If you’re into wildlife, look out for wallabies, lyrebirds and the occasional echidna. I saw a pair of crimson rosellas in the trees, which was a highlight. For climbers, camping this close to the Bardens Lookout crag is ideal. Routes range from beginner-friendly to challenging, and the sunny aspect means you can climb most of the year, though spring and autumn are best.
Practical Tips when camping at Mount YorkPractical tips
This is a no-frills campground, so come prepared. Bring all your water, food and cooking gear. I used a compact stove for meals and a Titanium Mug for coffee. The pit toilet is basic but clean, and there’s no rubbish collection, so take out what you bring in. Camping is free and you can’t book: it’s first come, first served. Don’t expect showers or power. A solar charger or another power solution is handy for keeping devices charged.
Spring and autumn are the best times to go. I visited in April, and the days were warm but not hot, with cool nights that suited a campfire. Summer can be hot and exposed, and winter nights are cold. Check the forecast for wind, because the open site catches it. Pets are not allowed under national park rules, and fires are subject to seasonal restrictions, so check with NSW National Parks before you go.
Mount York Campground is about 2 hours from Sydney, so it’s an easy weekend trip. I combined my stay with a morning in Mount Victoria, where the cafés are surprisingly good. If you’re staying longer, nearby Blackheath has more places to eat and access to other Blue Mountains trails.
Summary: Is Mount York Campground Worth It?Summary
Mount York Campground isn’t flashy, and that’s its charm. It’s for campers who like things simple and don’t mind roughing it a bit. The views, the history and the access to walks and climbing make it work for a quiet night under the stars or an active weekend. Compared with busier spots like Euroka Clearing, it has fewer people and feels closer to the landscape. It’s also free, so you get a lot for nothing, as long as you come prepared.
I camped at Mount York Campground for a weekend and loved how raw and peaceful it is.
The sealed road from Mount Victoria makes access easy, and the sites are flat, though the ground is rocky. The Hartley Valley views are stunning, especially at sunset, and the nearby Cox’s Road track adds some history to the walks. I saw wallabies and rosellas. The pit toilet is basic but works, and with no water or power you bring your own supplies. A small campfire (check restrictions) made the evenings cosy under a starry sky.
- Campers
- Hikers
- Weekend trips
Yes. Camping is free, and you get Hartley Valley views and historic walking tracks from camp. There’s only a pit toilet, with no water or power, so come prepared.
Recommended Gear for Mount York Campground
The right gear makes a big difference at Mount York Campground. With almost no facilities and an open, sunny site, you want compact, reliable kit.
For a morning brew with a view, see our camp coffee gear, and pair it with a pot from our titanium cookware reviews for boiling water.
To take in the scenery or spot wallabies and birds in the valley, a good pair of binoculars is worth packing. For sitting by the campfire or at the lookout, a comfortable seat matters: our camp chair reviews cover comfortable and lightweight options.
