I recently spent a weekend at The Diggings Campground in Turon National Park, NSW, with my partner and the 4WD loaded up. It sits on the Turon River and comes with a bit of everything: a rough drive in, quiet river views and some gold rush history. If you don’t mind dirt under your tyres, it’s a great spot.
What we like
- Free, $6 booking fee
- Grassy flats on the Turon River
- Trout fishing and canoeing
- 4WD access keeps crowds away
- Gold rush history
- Kangaroos around camp
What we don’t
- 4WD only: river crossing, steep hill
- No water or power
- No pets
Turon National Park is close to Capertee and popular with 4WD owners, and the campground is right in the middle of it. You need to cross a river and have some off-road skill to get in, so it’s not a pull-up campsite. In return you get grassy flats, kangaroos and the sound of the Turon River.
About The Diggings CampgroundAbout
The Diggings Campground is a riverside campground in Turon National Park that you reach by 4WD. It has 20 unmarked sites that suit tents, camper trailers and vehicle camping, on flats lined with she-oaks. You can fish for trout, canoe, bushwalk and tour the 4WD tracks, and there are kangaroos and old mining relics around. There’s no water or power, so you need to be self-sufficient. A $6 booking fee applies, and pets are not allowed.
Quick facts
- AddressThe Diggings Campground, Turon National Park, Turon River Rd, Capertee, NSW 2846, AustraliaSee on the trip map →
- Phone receptionNo reception
- FacilitiesPit ToiletsFire PitsRiver Access4WD TracksNo waterNo pets
- Good to knowCapertee 10 km4WD onlyBest in spring or autumn
- FeesFree$6 booking fee
- 7.4/10Overall rated
- Book via NSW National Parks
Getting There and AccessibilityGetting there
Getting there is half the adventure. From Capertee I took Lochaber Road, which turned into a gravel track before it met Lochaber Link Road. The last stretch has a river crossing over the Turon, about 40 cm deep when I visited, and then a choice between Steep Hill Track and a two-way track. I took Steep Hill and put the 4WD in low range to ease down the incline. It was steep but manageable, with a few potholes to dodge. The river crossing was easy in dry conditions, but check the weather first, because heavy rain can make it impassable.
The 4WD-only access keeps the crowds away, which I loved. It’s not a hard track, but it’s not for 2WDs or low-clearance vehicles either. My Prado handled it fine, and the 15-minute drive from Capertee felt like a proper bush entry. Book ahead through NSW National Parks. It’s a $6 fee, with no other costs.
The Campground Experience
Once I was across the river, the campground opened up into a grassy arc along the Turon. The main area sits on a raised flat, dotted with fire pits and shaded by she-oaks. I found a spot overlooking the water, an easy walk from the bank. The river is shallow enough for paddling and good for trout fishing or canoeing. We saw kangaroos and wallabies at dusk, and wild pigs had been digging up the banks.
It’s peaceful, with plenty of room to spread out. The 20 sites are unmarked, so you pick your own spot, close to the river or tucked away somewhere quieter. The pit toilets were clean but basic, and they’re a fair walk from some sites, so think about that when you set up. I brought my own water and a portable shower, which made the stay comfortable. At night the stars were unreal, with no light pollution at all.
Don’t expect luxury. Fire pits are scattered around, and I had a campfire each night with firewood I brought along, because collecting wood is discouraged to protect the area. There’s no drinking water, so I packed a 20 L container, which was plenty for cooking and drinking over two days.
Because it’s remote, you need to come prepared. A portable stove, a water filter and extra fuel for longer stays are musts. The grassy sites were flat enough for our setup, but the riverbank can be uneven, so check your spot before you park. Pets are not allowed, and the terrain isn’t wheelchair-friendly because of the crossings and rough ground.
Activities and Surroundings
The campground is a good base for the rest of Turon National Park. I spent a morning on the river by canoe. The water is clear and calm in places, good for a paddle or a dip. The Turon is known for trout, though I didn’t have any luck this time. Bushwalking trails nearby lead through eucalypt forest, and I came across old mining relics from the area’s gold rush days.
If you’re into 4WD touring, the park has plenty of tracks. I tried a few side routes, which were fun and not too hard in dry conditions. Mountain biking is another option, with trails winding through the park. Whether you want adventure or a lazy weekend, there’s enough to do.
Practical Tips when camping at The DiggingsPractical tips
Plan your trip around the weather. Heavy rain can flood the river crossings, so check the forecast before you head out. Book early through NSW National Parks, as the 20 sites can fill up on weekends.
Bring plenty of water (10 L per person per day is a safe bet) and a portable stove so you’re not relying on the fire. A windscreen helps in breezy conditions, and insect repellent is handy at dusk. If you’re new to 4WD tracks, practise river crossings beforehand and keep recovery gear like traction boards in your kit. The nearby tracks are well marked and worth exploring.
Summary: Is The Diggings Campground Worth It?Summary
The Diggings stands out for its mix of easy reach and seclusion. The 4WD requirement keeps it quiet, yet it’s close enough to Capertee for supplies. The river setting is the best part, whether you’re fishing, paddling or just taking in the views. I loved how it felt like a proper escape without being hours from civilisation. The only cost is the $6 booking fee, which makes it a cheap trip. It’s not for everyone, because you need a 4WD and have to be self-sufficient, but if you love off-grid camping, it’s a winner.
The Diggings Campground offers a serene, budget-friendly escape in Turon National Park, accessible only by 4WD due to river crossings.
Its grassy sites along the Turon River are ideal for fishing, canoeing, and bushwalking, with fire pits for cosy nights. Basic facilities (pit toilets, no water) suit self-sufficient campers. The peaceful setting, wildlife, and historic mining relics enhance its charm, though wet weather can limit access.
- 4WD tourers
- Anglers
- Campers
Yes, if you have a 4WD. It’s free with a $6 booking fee, with river views, fishing and canoeing. Access is 4WD only, with river crossings.
Recommended Gear for The Diggings Campground
A trip here needs gear that suits off-grid 4WD camping. A good set of tactical tools and recovery gear like the Maxtrax MK2 Recovery Tracks is a must for the river crossings and muddy tracks. Add a sturdy shovel to clear debris or dig out tyres.
A portable butane stove makes cooking by the Turon River easy. A water container like a 20 L jerry can covers your drinking water, and good camp lighting keeps the evenings bright around the fire.
