| Cost | Free |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Wingen, Upper Hunter, NSW |
| Pet Friendly | Yes (reserve allows pets) |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | Toilets, picnic tables, sheltered areas, mobile coverage |
| Vehicle Access | Close to road, sloped site |
| In Camps App | Yes |
Burning Mountain Reserve is located near Wingen, in the Upper Hunter, New South Wales, stop in and see an interesting free camp.
Have you been here? We stopped into the loo and read up on the signage whilst we were there.
What to see and do
I would like to do the 4.6km “Mystery Walk” with views. Signs outline why it is a mystery. There are naturally occurring burning coal seams, the only one in Australia! I read it has been burning for over 5500 years.
The first Europeans thought the smoke was it was a bushfire, then a volcano. Although it was well known to the Wanaruah Peoples, their word ‘Wingen’ means fire.
The traditional ways of life and sad history of the local Wonnarua Peoples are also pictured in the signage.
Towarri National Park and other nature reserves are located nearby to explore. Keep a lookout for the Wingen Maid.
There is also bushranger history. Back in 1863 a bushranger Henry Wilson shot and killed a drover, Peter Clarke, just north-west of Burning Mountain.
Facilities
Burning Mountain Reserve is managed by National Parks NSW, however it is a reserve so pets are allowed.
It is very close to the road and railway, and we are told it can be noisy at night! However, I really felt like I was in the bush here.
It is a sloped site, which if busy, could make it tricky to find a suitable camping area.
There is mobile coverage, shade and picnic tables. The sheltered areas have seen better days – but do check them out for the local history write ups!
Wingen is just 5 km away, with Blandford and Scone also nearby.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burning Mountain Reserve really free to camp at?
Yes, this is a free campsite managed by National Parks NSW. It’s located near Wingen in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales.
Can I bring my dog to Burning Mountain Reserve?
Yes, pets are allowed at Burning Mountain Reserve because it is classified as a reserve rather than a national park.
What is the Mystery Walk at Burning Mountain?
The Mystery Walk is a 4.6km walking trail with views that explores the naturally occurring burning coal seams – the only one of its kind in Australia. These coal seams have been burning for over 5500 years.
Is it noisy at night at this campsite?
The site is very close to both the road and railway line, and campers report it can be noisy at night due to traffic and trains.
Are there level camping spots available?
The site is sloped, which can make it tricky to find a suitable level camping area when busy. Arrival earlier in the day may help secure a better spot.
What facilities are available at Burning Mountain Reserve?
The reserve has toilets, picnic tables, sheltered areas with historical signage, and mobile phone coverage. The sheltered areas show some age but contain interesting local history information.
What towns are nearby for supplies?
Wingen is just 5km away, with Blandford and Scone also located nearby for supplies and services.
What else is there to see in the area?
Towarri National Park and other nature reserves are nearby to explore. The area also has significant Aboriginal and bushranger history, and you can look out for the Wingen Maid.
