Village Campground

Village Campground is the larger of the two NPWS camping areas inside the Hill End Historic Site, an open grassy ground among the old gold rush streets with hot showers and powered sites. Dogs are welcome overnight on a leash, which is unusual for public land in NSW and makes this a genuine option for a Central West trip with your dog.

Dogs at the Village Campground

Dogs are permitted on a leash at all times in the campground, on public roads and on the designated walking tracks through the historic site. Keep them from disturbing other campers, at least 10 metres from barbecues and picnic tables, and clean up straight away. Dangerous or restricted breeds must be muzzled under the Companion Animals Act. There is no extra pet fee; standard NPWS camping fees apply and bookings are made online. Kangaroos graze the ground at dawn and dusk, so keep the lead honest.

Pepsi: the open grassy ground is a good stretch of the legs before settling in for the night, just watch for roos when you step out early.

The campground

There are powered and unpowered sites, hot showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, barbecues and fire pits. Running water is on site but there is no dedicated dog bowl, so bring your own for water and food. The clear, cooler nights make it a strong stargazing pick, and weekends fill fast, so book ahead.

Getting there and parking

The campground is at 9 Warrys Road in Hill End village, about an hour from Bathurst via the scenic Bathurst-Hill End Road. Roads in are sealed with some gravel sections inside the site, and sites are spacious enough to park beside your tent or van.

Close by with the dogs

Hill End's dirt tracks and public roads make easy on-leash walks past historic cottages and mining ruins, and Hawkins Hill is a short trip for valley views. If the village ground is booked out, Glendora Campground and Turon Crossing Reserve are the local alternatives, and Hill End Lodge covers the indoor option.

More options are on our NSW pet friendly stays page, or browse Hill End.