Turpentine is the quiet one of the Watagans camps. It has no toilets and no bins, and that’s what keeps the crowds down. If you’re set up to look after yourself, it’s a lovely place to disappear into the forest for a weekend.
The good
- Free, first come, first served
- Sheltered sites under tall turpentine trees
- Quieter and more tucked away than The Pines
- Good for small groups and families
- Fire rings in the clearings
- Dogs are allowed
The not-so-good
- No toilets: the nearest are at Casuarina or The Pines
- No drinking water or bins
- No booking, so no guaranteed spot
I had a look around on the trip where we camped at The Pines Campground, a few minutes away.
About Turpentine Camping Area
Turpentine Camping Area is a free camping area in Olney State Forest, part of the Watagan Mountains west of Lake Macquarie and less than two hours from Sydney. It’s run by Forestry Corporation of NSW, and it’s first come, first served: you can’t book.
The sites are sheltered clearings among tall turpentine trees, which give the camping area its name. It suits smaller groups and families. There are fire rings but no toilets. The nearest are at the Casuarina and Pines camping areas.
Quick facts
- AddressTurpentine Camping Area, Olney State Forest, Watagan Mountains, NSW 2259, Australia
- Phone reception:No reception
- Facilities:Pet FriendlyFire RingsWalking TrailsNo ToiletsNo Drinking WaterNo Bins
- 8.8/10Overall rated
- Good to know:Sydney under 2 hrsFirst come, first servedToilets at Casuarina
- Fees:FreeNo booking needed
- Visitor info: Forestry Corporation
Turpentine Camping Area and Surroundings
The camping area is a string of clearings along a gravel track, each one tucked in among the trees. The turpentines are tall and straight with thick, stringy bark, and under them there’s a layer of green understorey that screens the sites from each other. It feels more enclosed and private than The Pines.
The sites aren’t marked. The clearings are flat and covered in leaf litter, and most have a fire ring. When I was there, a few groups were camped in the trees with plenty of space between them, including vehicles with rooftop tents.
Like the other camps here, it’s close to The Pines picnic area, where three walking tracks start: the Pines Walking Track along Dora Creek to a rock pool, the Abbotts Falls Walking Track and the Wildflower track. Heaton Lookout is a drive away along the forest roads.
Getting There and Accessibility
Turpentine Camping Area shares its turn-off with Casuarina, signposted from the gravel forest road. A little further in, the track splits and a sign points 400 m to the right for Turpentine.
The roads are unsealed. In dry weather a 2WD with decent clearance can manage them, but a 4WD is more comfortable. Check the Forestry Corporation notices before you go, because forest roads can be closed after rain or during forestry work.
Practical Tips and Facilities
No booking, no fees. Camping is free and first come, first served. It’s usually easier to find a spot here than at The Pines, but arrive early on long weekends.
No toilets. This is the main thing to plan for. The nearest toilets are at Casuarina, a few hundred metres back along the track, and at The Pines. A portable camping toilet makes a stay here much easier.
No water, no bins. Bring all your water and take all your rubbish home.
Phone reception. There’s no phone reception here, so download your maps and tell someone your plans before you drive in.
Dogs. Dogs are allowed here and throughout Olney State Forest, which is a big plus over the national park campgrounds nearby.
Fires. There are no built fire pits, but the clearings have simple fire rings made of rocks. You can gather fallen timber from the ground for your campfire while you’re camped here, but collecting firewood to take away needs a permit. It’s still worth bringing some dry wood in case it has rained. Check for fire bans before you light up.
Shade. The canopy is dense, which is great in summer. It also means solar panels won’t get much sun, so arrive with a full battery.
Summary: Is Turpentine Camping Area Worth It?
Yes, for the right camper. Turpentine Camping Area is free, sheltered and quieter than its neighbours, in a beautiful stand of tall trees. The price of that is no toilets, no water and no bins, so it only works if you’re self-sufficient. If you want toilets close by, pick Casuarina Camping Area or Olney Headquarters Camping Area.
Our Hunter Valley 4WD camping guide covers the wider area.
A quiet, free forest camp under tall turpentine trees, for campers who bring everything themselves.
- Campers
- Groups
- Families
Yes, if you’re self-sufficient. It’s free and sheltered, but there are no toilets, water or bins, so bring a portable toilet or camp close to Casuarina.
Recommended Gear for Turpentine Camping Area
With no toilets here, a portable toilet and a privacy tent from our camp hygiene reviews are the first things to pack. You’ll also need water storage for the whole stay. Under the dense canopy, camping lighting matters and solar won’t do much, so see our off-grid power reviews for a battery that lasts the weekend.
