Do you want to build a snowman? Free camp near the snow in New South Wales and Victoria!

Perisher Ski Fields by Kate Gilmore
Perisher Ski Fields by Kate Gilmore

In 2022, we are so fortunate that the snow season has started early! If skiing or snowboarding is your thing, or if you just want the kids to have the experience of a snowball fight and sticking a carrot in the face of a snowman they have rolled themselves…

Here’s a few options for accommodation that are easier on the wallet.

Island Bend Campground, NSW

Island Bend Campground, NSW by Kate Gilmore
Island Bend Campground, NSW by Kate Gilmore

It is only 15 minutes to Perisher and the snowfields. This is a free national park campground with toilets, BBQ, picnic tables. Permits apply. 

Island Bend Campground, NSW by Kate Gilmore
Island Bend Campground, NSW by Kate Gilmore

Thanks to Kate for sending pics through – you can see the video of the campsite on our socials. Although icy, it was a bluebird-kinda day. You can wake up to the snow in this camp, so beware!

Meanwhile south of one of Victoria’s ski resorts at Hotham – you can camp nearby at several places for free!

Victoria Falls

Free and pet friendly, this campsite is near Cobungra Station, 35 km from Hotham. 

There is a picnic area beside the creek with toilets, picnic tables and bbqs, with camping at the top – as you drive in. There is further camping along the creek past the bridge.

Scrubbers End

Scrubbers Bend
Scrubbers Bend

Permits are required over winter for this parking area in Dinner Plain for self contained vehicles, with a dump point. It is pet friendly and toilets are nearby, too.

Dump Point, Scrubbers Bend
Dump Point, Scrubbers Bend

By the way, the beginners slope is just next door to this parking area. Tobogganing is allowed at certain times, too.

JB Plain Hut

JB Plain Hut
JB Plain Hut

No pets here as it is in Alpine National Park. JB Plain Hut is a walk in site from a small carpark on the Great Alpine Road – so just tent camping in the snow, and a drop toilet. However, you are only 10 km to Hotham and east 2 km is Dinner Plain. And, a big bonus – you camp beside an old cattleman’s hut!

Now if you want a bit more comfort, out of the snow for the night – Omeo has some economical options, too. Omeo is just 55km from Hotham.

Mt Kosciuszko Lookout

Mt Kosciuszko Lookout is 9 km west of Omeo on the Great Alpine Road. It is also 37 km south east of the alpine village of Dinner Plain. 

The parking area is pet friendly, free and it has a 36 hour limit. It is suitable for motorhomes and caravans, with access dependent on weather conditions. You’ll find picnic tables (some shaded), mobile coverage, information boards and trees surrounding the mostly gravel area BUT the views are magnificent!

Max Clarke also sent in some photos from night skiing at Perisher, NSW this week!

He stayed at NRMA Jindabyne – check out those views he had, as the caravan park is right on the lake!

NRMA Jindabyne - image Max Clarke
NRMA Jindabyne - image Max Clarke

 It is pet friendly, with all the facilities!

NRMA Jindabyne - image Max Clarke
NRMA Jindabyne - image Max Clarke

Do book ahead, especially on weekends and school breaks.

NRMA Jindabyne - image Max Clarke
NRMA Jindabyne - image Max Clarke

Jindabyne has several caravan parks and they are generally equipped with excellent communal fire pits and drying facilities. Essential, if you plan to be on the snow for more than one day.

You can commute daily – or nightly, like Max did. It is only 21 km from Jindabyne to Perisher – or you can park at Bullocks Flat and catch the Skitube.

Remember when visiting the Snowy Mountains to hire or pack snow chains, know how to fit your snow chains, sort out requirements for alpine fuel, and check up on local conditions before your snowy adventure.

Find these sites and more nearby in the CAMPS guide booksnew CAMPS Pendium boxed set and CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App.

Score 15% off Camps 12 B4 (Easy to Read with Photos) by adding in the below code at checkout.

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