Pros & cons
PROS
- Peaceful bush setting among towering turpentines and blue gums
- Picnic tables and fire rings at spacious, separated sites
CONS
- No drinking water and only a drop toilet
- Steep, rough access road; tricky for 2WD after rain
Overview
A small, rustic bush campground tucked into a forested gully, Murphys Glen is all about quiet nights under tall turpentine and blue gum trees and morning birdsong. With only a handful of designated sites, it feels more intimate than many campgrounds closer to Sydney—great if you’re chasing solitude over services.
Campsites & Amenities
Expect basics. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring/BBQ (use only when fires are permitted). There’s a single non-flush (long-drop) toilet. There are no showers, no power, and no drinking water—come fully self-sufficient and pack out everything you bring.
Access & Getting There
The final stretch is a fire trail into a gully. In dry weather careful drivers have made it in standard vehicles, but the road is steep and bumpy near the end and can be dicey after rain—high clearance/4WD is the safer bet. Phone reception is patchy to non-existent once you drop into the valley. The gate may be locked with a pin code at times; bookings are required and help manage access.
What It’s Like
Tall turpentines and blue gums tower over broad, well-spaced sites. Days bring a chorus of birds; nights often come with possums, sugar gliders, and bats. It’s a lovely spot to unplug, listen to the bush, and enjoy a proper campfire when conditions allow.
Walks & Nearby Nature
A short Turpentine Walk sits near the campground and there are informal tracks through the surrounding forested gullies. It’s ideal for low-key exploring, birdwatching, and soaking up the old-growth feel right from camp.
Best Time to Visit
- Dry weather is best—the road is much friendlier and less risky.
- Midweek or outside holiday peaks for more peace and a better shot at a site.
- Dusk and early morning are the prime times for wildlife activity and birdsong.
Know Before You Go
- Bookings are essential; the campground has very limited capacity and can book out.
- No pets, no water, and no on-site supplies—bring everything, including firewood if fires are allowed.
- Check park alerts and fire bans before you go; conditions and access can change quickly.
Where it is
-33.7687, 150.4858Tips for Murphys Glen Campground
- 01Book well in advance—there are only a few designated sites.
- 02Bring all your own water, food, and firewood; there are no supplies.
- 03Avoid traveling in after heavy rain; the final descent can be slippery and steep.
- 04Expect little to no mobile reception; download maps and info beforehand.
- 05Check park alerts and fire bans before you go; fires are seasonal and regulated.
Amenities
Near Murphys Glen Campground
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayMurphys Glen walking trackShaded forest stroll to a quiet glen and bush campsite near WoodfordEasy · 1.9 mi · 1.3 hr
3.8 mi awayKing's CaveShort stroll to a sandstone cave with a spring and old carvingsTrailhead · Parking
3.8 mi awayParadise PoolSecluded sandstone swimming hole with a sandy bottom and waterfallTrailhead · Parking
4.3 mi awayHorseshoe FallsShapely falls you can walk behind on a short Hazelbrook loopTrailhead · Parking
5.2 mi awayFairy FallsPretty, easy-to-reach falls with a behind-the-waterfall ledgeTrailhead · Parking
5.7 mi awayLost World TrailSteep lookout-to-lookout epic with a creek crossing and solitudeChallenging · 4 mi · 3.5 hr
5.7 mi awayVictory TrackShaded creekside gully to waterfalls—lower Mountains’ quiet gemModerate · 4.3 mi · 3.5 hr
5.7 mi awayMartins Lookout TrackShort, steep stroll to huge Glenbrook Creek views near SpringwoodModerate · 0.5 mi · 48 min
