| Cost | Free camping at Paddys River Dam |
|---|---|
| Location | Bago State Forest, Snowy Valleys, NSW |
| Pet Friendly | Yes – dogs welcome |
| Facilities | Dam for passive water activities, horse camping available |
| Vehicle Access | Main roads repaired and open; some fire trails remain closed |
| In Camps App | Yes – including Paddys River Dam, Windy Point, Platypus Park and Pilot Hill Arboretum |
Sadly New South Wales’ iconic Sugar Pine Walk, a must-see for any visitors to Tumbarumba or Batlow was destroyed in the devastating 2019 fires.
However, about 1500 new seedlings that “literally grew from the ashes” were planted so that the new grove will be there for future generations.
Forestry Corporation of NSW maintain the Bago State Forest – and two million dollars of funding has been granted to them for the revitalisations and repairs. Although we missed the iconic Sugar Pine Walk, we still had fun exploring the forest and camps.
Paddys River Dam
Originally created for gold mining in the late 1800s, this small dam in the Bago Plateau has excellent camping south and north. Camping with your horse is also available in the forest, and dogs are welcome.
Camping is free, note not to bring your powerboat, jet ski or waterskis – as passive water activities like kayaking, swimming and recreational fishing using small electric motored boats are permitted.
Blowering Dam Foreshore
Although main roads to the camps at Blowering Dam are repaired and open, many minor fire trails remain closed from severe weather and bushfires. Look up Windy Point and Platypus Park in the CAMPS guides or CAMPS App for more details on these.
Please follow any road signs and pay attention to conditions when driving.
Hume and Hovell Walking Track
We came across the 426km Hume & Hovell Track a few times as we explored around Tumbarumba. It links Yass to Albury, South-Eastern NSW whether you are short walks or long-distance as well as appealing to trail runners and ultra-marathon racers.
Following the historic route of its explorers, the hike passes the Murrumbidgee, Tumut and Paddys rivers, and finishes on the Murray River.
We’ve added more camp sites including Pilot Hill Arboretum to the CAMPS App – check out their sculpture trail and wellness walk.
Stay tuned for more information on the Sugar Pines 2.0 Walk is located on the edge of Kopsens Road, around half a kilometre from the Batlow-Tumbarumba Road at Laurel Hill.
Reference: www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit
Find more iconic camps likes these in our CAMPS 12 guide books, CAMPS Pendium boxed set and CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App.
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the original Sugar Pine Walk?
The iconic Sugar Pine Walk was destroyed in the devastating 2019 bushfires. However, about 1500 new seedlings have been planted to grow a replacement grove for future generations.
Is camping free at Paddys River Dam?
Yes, camping at Paddys River Dam in Bago State Forest is free. The site offers camping areas both south and north of the dam.
Can I bring my dog camping in Bago State Forest?
Yes, dogs are welcome at the camping areas in Bago State Forest.
What water activities are allowed at Paddys River Dam?
Only passive water activities are permitted including kayaking, swimming and recreational fishing using small electric motored boats. Powerboats, jet skis and waterskis are not allowed.
Are the roads to Blowering Dam open after the bushfires?
Main roads to the camps at Blowering Dam are repaired and open, however many minor fire trails remain closed due to severe weather and bushfires. Please follow road signs and pay attention to conditions.
Can I camp with horses in Bago State Forest?
Yes, horse camping is available in the forest.
How long is the Hume and Hovell Walking Track?
The Hume and Hovell Track is 426km long, linking Yass to Albury in South-Eastern NSW. It offers both short walks and long-distance hiking options.
Where can I find the new Sugar Pine Walk location?
The Sugar Pines 2.0 Walk is located on the edge of Kopsens Road, around half a kilometre from the Batlow-Tumbarumba Road at Laurel Hill. Check the Camps App for current details.
