Native Dog Reserve

Native Dog Reserve is a free, unpowered bush camping area on Crown land beside the Turon River, on the Bridle Track near Bruinbun in central west NSW. Unlike the national park campgrounds that surround it, dogs are welcome here, which makes it one of the few places in the Turon River gorge where campers can bring the whole pack. The trade-off is access: this is a remote 4WD-friendly track, not a drive-up reserve.

The dog setup

There is no fence and no dedicated dog area, just flat grassed camping spots along the riverbank. Dogs need to be under effective control at all times, and with other campers spread along the river a lead or a long line is the practical choice near your site. Because the reserve is Crown land rather than national park, dogs are allowed, but the neighbouring national park estate is off limits and runs 1080 predator baiting programs, so keep your dog well inside the reserve boundaries.

Facilities are basic by design. Expect a composting or long-drop toilet and little else. There is no drinking water, no firewood and no bins, so carry everything in and carry every scrap out, including dog waste.

Max: no phone signal and a rocky 4WD approach means you are on your own out here. Pack a first aid kit for you and the dog, and know the exit route in both directions.

Getting there and parking

From Bathurst, follow Hill End Road for about 18 kilometres before turning onto the unsealed Bridle Track towards Bruinbun. The track is narrow, steep and rocky in sections, so a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended; the Hill End side is generally the better approach in wet weather. Mobile reception is minimal to none, so plan the drive before you lose signal and let someone know your route. River levels can rise quickly after rain, so check flood warnings if the weather has been wet.

Worth knowing

Weekends, long weekends and school holidays draw a steady crowd of 4WD campers, and the riverfront sites go early. Arrive before mid-afternoon or come midweek for the pick of the grass. The Bridle Track itself is half the appeal, with the river running alongside for most of the drive, and gold panning is a popular way to pass an afternoon at the water's edge. Check the Bureau of Meteorology before setting out in summer, when the Turon country gets hot and the midday sun offers little shade.

Close by with the dogs

If this reserve is full, the Bruinbun Reserve and Black Gate Reserve camping areas sit nearby on the same stretch of the Bridle Track and also welcome dogs. A little further along the river, Turon Crossing Reserve is another dog-friendly option on the Hill End side. Hill End's general store and cafe, about 20 to 30 minutes away, is the last reasonable stop for supplies on the way in.

More dog-friendly camping across the state is on the NSW dog parks guide and the Bruinbun destination page.