Native Dog Reserve

Native Dog Reserve is a free, unpowered bush camp on the Bridle Track near Bruinbun, NSW, right on the Turon River. It is Crown Land rather than national park, which is why dogs are welcome here even though the surrounding national park campgrounds are not. The catch is access: this is a 4WD track, not a drive-up reserve.

The rules. Dogs need to be under effective control at all times, especially with other campers nearby. There is no fencing and no dedicated dog area, so a lead or a long line near the riverbank is the practical choice. Some adjoining national park land in the area runs 1080 predator baiting programs, so keep dogs close and out of the neighbouring park boundaries, not just this reserve.

What's there. Facilities are basic: expect a composting or long-drop toilet and flat grassed camping spots along the river, nothing else. There is no drinking water, no firewood and no bins on site, so pack in everything you need and pack every bit of it back out.

Getting there. From Bathurst, take Hill End Road for about 18 kilometres then turn onto the unsealed Bridle Track towards Bruinbun. A 4WD is strongly recommended as the track is narrow, steep and rocky in sections; the Hill End side is generally the safer approach in wet weather. Mobile reception is minimal to none, so plan the drive and let someone know your route.

Watch-outs. River levels can rise quickly after rain, so check Bureau of Meteorology flood alerts before heading in if the weather has been wet. Weekends, long weekends and school holidays get busy with 4WD campers, so arrive early or come midweek if you want your pick of riverfront sites.

Nearby with the dogs. Bruinbun Reserve and Black Gate Reserve are both close by on the same stretch of the Bridle Track and also take dogs, useful if this one is full. Hill End's general store and café, about 20 to 30 minutes away, is a reasonable stop for supplies on the way in or out.

Go midweek if you can, and treat the drive in as part of the trip. It rewards campers who come prepared and skip the busiest weekends.

Sources

• Native Dog reserve | NSW Campsites - Camptoo · camptoo.com.au
• The Bridle Track 4x4 - Bathurst Region Tourism · bathurstregion.com.au
• Bruinbun Reserve Camp Area - Anycamp · anycamp.com.au
• Guide to the Bridle Track - Unsealed 4x4 · unsealed4x4.com.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.