📅 Last reviewed: January 2026  |  Chase Campground, South Bathurst Region, NSW 2795  |  Free overnight camping — bush setting

Chase Campground is a free bush campground located approximately 15–20 kilometres south of Bathurst, New South Wales, in the Bathurst region of the Central Tablelands. Managed within state forest land in the Sunny Corner/Peel area south of Bathurst, it is a popular free overnight stop for grey nomads, campers and self-contained travellers passing through the Central West of NSW. The campground offers basic facilities in a quiet bush setting and is accessible via unsealed forest roads that require caution in wet weather.

1. Why Grey Nomads Stop at Chase Campground

Chase Campground attracts grey nomads and self-contained travellers for a straightforward reason: it’s free, it’s in a genuine bush setting, and it sits in a convenient position south of Bathurst for travellers moving between the Central Tablelands and the regions to the south and west.

Bathurst itself — NSW 2795 — is a significant waypoint for grey nomads travelling the Mitchell Highway, the Great Western Highway or the Mid-Western Highway. It connects travellers coming from Sydney, heading toward Orange, Cowra, Young, Wagga Wagga or even the Riverina. Stopping at Chase Campground saves money on accommodation while placing you in pleasant Central Tablelands bush country.

For seniors in campervans, motorhomes or towing caravans, the draw is clear: no fees, a bush atmosphere, proximity to a regional city (Bathurst) for last-minute supplies, and a quiet overnight stop away from highway noise.

The Central Tablelands around Bathurst sit at approximately 670–700 metres elevation. This means the area experiences genuine four-season weather — cool-to-cold nights even in summer, and the real possibility of frost from April through October. Grey nomads who have spent time in warmer coastal regions are sometimes caught off guard by the night-time temperatures here. Go prepared.

2. Free Camping — Know the Limits for Seniors

Chase Campground is located on Forestry Corporation NSW land. Camping in NSW state forests is generally permitted unless signs indicate otherwise, but there are important rules that apply:

• Forestry Corporation NSW manages the land. Rules can change, and temporary closures apply during periods of high fire danger or active logging operations. Always check before travelling.
• There is no formal booking system for Chase Campground — it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
• No formal maximum stay is posted at Chase Campground specifically, but responsible camping practices suggest moving on after 2–3 nights to avoid overuse of the site.
• You must be self-contained. There is no reticulated water supply and waste facilities are basic at best.
• Fires may be subject to restrictions. Always check with the NSW Rural Fire Service or local NPWS for Total Fire Ban days before lighting any campfire.

3. Quick Facts and Key Details 2026

4. How to Get to Chase Campground + GPS

Driving Directions from Bathurst

From central Bathurst, head south via either the Bathurst-Rockley Road or the Peel-Sunny Corner Road, depending on the specific forest access track you are using. The campground is reached via unsealed forest roads that branch off from these sealed routes. Follow signage within the state forest — directional markers for campgrounds are generally present but may be faded or damaged, so downloaded offline maps are strongly advised.

From a real traveller perspective: the turn-off from the sealed road onto the forest track is easy to miss at speed. Slow down well before the expected junction and have your GPS or Campermate app open on a downloaded offline map. The surface transitions from sealed to gravel/dirt quickly, and the road narrows in places.

Access from Different Directions

Suitability for Caravans and Motorhomes

The sealed roads into Bathurst are suitable for caravans, motorhomes and big rigs without issue. The forest roads south of Bathurst are a different matter. In dry conditions, a standard caravan towed by a capable 4WD or high-clearance AWD can generally access the campground, but it is not a simple drive. Narrow tracks, overhanging branches, and uneven surfaces are common.

Large A-class motorhomes, slide-out caravans, and full-size fifth-wheelers are not recommended on the unsealed forest access roads. Low-profile campervans and on-road caravans will likely encounter ground clearance issues. A 2WD high-clearance vehicle in dry conditions can usually manage, but wet conditions change everything — see the road conditions section below.

5. Road Conditions, Flooding and Unsealed Sections

The roads into Chase Campground transition from sealed bitumen to unsealed gravel and dirt. Here’s what you need to know:

• Sealed roads: All main roads into and around Bathurst are sealed and in good condition. No issues for any vehicle type.
• Unsealed forest roads: Begin after you leave the Bathurst-Rockley Road or similar sealed route. Surface quality varies. Dry conditions — generally manageable for a high-clearance 2WD or 4WD. Wet conditions — potentially hazardous for all vehicles.
• Flooding: Low-lying sections of forest roads can flood after significant rainfall. There are no formal flood gauges on these tracks. If water is visible across the road surface, do not cross. Turn around.
• Road width: Forest tracks are narrow in places. Passing another vehicle may require reversing to a wider section. Allow extra time and don’t rush.
• Fallen trees and wash-outs: After storms, fallen trees and deep wash-outs can block forest roads. There is no guarantee the track will be cleared promptly.

Before You Drive In

Check current conditions via:

• Live Traffic NSW — livetraffic.com (for main roads and major hazards)
• Bureau of Meteorology — bom.gov.au (Bathurst weather and rainfall data)
• Forestry Corporation NSW local office or website for current closures

Vehicle Recommendations Summary

6. Weather and Remoteness — Seniors

The Bathurst region sits on the Central Tablelands at approximately 670–700 metres above sea level. This elevation means the weather behaves very differently from coastal NSW:

• Summer (December–February): Days can reach 30–35°C. Nights cool down significantly — often dropping to 12–16°C. Thunderstorms are common in summer afternoons and can arrive quickly.
• Autumn (March–May): Pleasant days (15–22°C), cold nights (5–10°C). April and May nights can fall below 5°C. Frost is possible from late April.
• Winter (June–August): Days typically 8–14°C. Night temperatures can fall below 0°C. Snow is rare but has been recorded in the Bathurst area. Frost is common.
• Spring (September–November): Variable. Warm days are interrupted by cold southerly changes. Nights remain cool (5–12°C) through October.

The remoteness of the forest campground should not be underestimated. You are in state forest, on an unsealed road, with limited phone signal. In the event of a medical emergency, your response time from emergency services will be significantly longer than in town. Plan accordingly.

7. Wildlife — Birds, Reptiles and What to Watch For

The bush around Chase Campground and the state forests south of Bathurst support a variety of native wildlife common to the Central Tablelands of NSW:

Birds

• Eastern Rosella — Colourful and frequently seen around campsites in open bush.
• Gang-gang Cockatoo — A distinctive species of the tablelands; listen for the creaking cork-like call in the canopy.
• Laughing Kookaburra — Common dawn and dusk callers. A classic Australian bush campsite sound.
• Australian Magpie — Present year-round. During swooping season (August–November) be aware around nesting areas.
• Crimson Rosella — Vivid red and blue; frequently visits campsites in search of food scraps.

Reptiles

• Eastern Brown Snake — One of the world’s most venomous snakes is present in this region. Active in warmer months. Always watch where you step, particularly around logs, rocks and long grass. Wear closed shoes at all times at camp.
• Common Blue-tongue Lizard — Harmless and often seen around campsites sunning on rocks or logs.
• Lace Monitor (Goanna) — Can reach 1.5–2 metres. Generally not aggressive but will enter campsites looking for food. Secure your food supply.

Mammals

• Eastern Grey Kangaroo — Common at dawn and dusk. Drive carefully on forest roads at these times — kangaroo strikes are a serious risk.
• Common Wombat — Present in the tablelands. Large and heavy — a wombat collision can cause significant vehicle damage. Drive slowly at night.
• Echidna — Short-beaked echidnas are frequently encountered on forest floors. Slow down and wait for them to move off the track.

8. What Other Websites Don’t Tell You

Most camping directory listings for Chase Campground give you a pin on a map and a brief facility summary. Here’s what they typically leave out:

• The access road narrows significantly in places. What looks manageable on a satellite image becomes a tight squeeze when you’re behind the wheel of a large rig. Overhanging branches can scrape roof-mounted gear. Pull-through sites are limited.
• The forest road can be boggy well after rain has stopped. Shaded sections of the track hold moisture much longer than open country. A road that appears dry on the surface may have soft, boggy shoulders ready to swallow a tyre.
• There is no caretaker on site. If something goes wrong — vehicle breakdown, medical issue, injury — you are responsible for initiating your own rescue. This is not a managed campground with a camp host or ranger presence.
• Firewood is not supplied. You must bring your own or collect fallen timber on site (where permitted and in accordance with state forest rules). Do not cut standing timber — this is illegal on Forestry Corporation NSW land.
• The campground fills quickly on long weekends. Bathurst-area bush campgrounds attract a mix of local families, trail bike riders and grey nomads on public holidays. Arrive before midday on long weekend Fridays to secure a spot.
• Night temperatures are colder than coastal travellers expect. This bears repeating because it genuinely catches people off guard. At 670+ metres elevation, even a December night can be cool enough to need a blanket.

9. Best Time to Visit — Month-by-Month Breakdown

Best overall months for grey nomads: March, April and October offer the most reliable combination of comfortable temperatures, lower crowd levels and good road conditions. These are the recommended travel windows for seniors.

10. Free and Low-Cost Camping Nearby

If Chase Campground is full, closed or inaccessible due to wet roads, here are nearby free and low-cost options in the Bathurst region:

• The Orchard Campground — Another free campground in the Bathurst south region. Bush setting. Access also via unsealed roads.
• Chifley Dam Free Camping Area, The Lagoon — Located at Chifley Dam reservoir near The Lagoon, NSW 2795. Day use and basic camping. Verify current camping permissions before visiting.
• Flat Rock Free Camping, O’Connell — Free camping near O’Connell, south of Bathurst. Popular spot with grey nomads.
• McPhillamy Park, Mount Panorama — Free to access outside of major motorsport event periods. In the heart of Bathurst. Limited overnight camping — check current rules with Bathurst Regional Council.

More camping options near Bathurst worth checking:

• The Orchard Campground – South Bathurst
• Chifley Dam Free Camping Area – The Lagoon
• Flat Rock Free Camping – O’Connell
• McPhillamy Park – Mount Panorama
• Vittoria Rest Area – Mitchell Highway
• Robin Hill Rest Area – Bathurst
• Mount Lambie Rest Area – Great Western Hwy
• Billywillinga Rest Area – Mid-Western Highway
• Fitzgeralds Valley Rest Area – Mid-Western Highway

11. Dump Points Near Chase Campground

There is no dump point at Chase Campground itself. The nearest dump points are in Bathurst, approximately 15–20 km north. Use Campermate to locate the most current dump point listings in Bathurst before you travel out to the campground — this allows you to dump on the way in rather than needing to return to town partway through your stay.

Always use designated dump points. Dumping grey or black water anywhere other than a designated facility is illegal in NSW and causes significant environmental harm.

12. Water Sources Near Chase Campground

Fill your tanks in Bathurst before driving out to the campground. Bathurst has multiple petrol stations, caravan parks and public facilities where you can top up your water supply.

If you are planning an extended stay, calculate your daily water usage realistically — cooking, drinking, washing, and toilet flushing (if applicable). Most grey nomads travelling in self-contained vans use 10–20 litres per person per day for basic needs. Plan accordingly.

13. Fuel Stops Along the Route

Fuel availability is not a concern in Bathurst itself — the city has multiple service stations. The issue is planning fuel stops on longer routes passing through the region:

Use PetrolSpy to compare current fuel prices in Bathurst and surrounding towns before you fill up.

14. Paid Alternatives — Caravan Parks Nearby

If the forest roads are inaccessible, the campground is full, or you simply want powered sites and hot showers, Bathurst has a range of caravan park options:

15. Full Facilities Comparison Table

16. Rates — All Options Near Chase Campground 2026

All rates are estimates for 2026. Verify directly with each venue as prices change. Free camp conditions are subject to land manager decisions and may change without notice.

17. Senior Safety Checklist — On and Off the Road

• Check Forestry Corporation NSW website for current road or campground closures
• Check BOM weather forecast for Bathurst — 3-day outlook
• Check Live Traffic NSW for current road conditions
• Tell a responsible person your planned route, campground destination and expected return or check-in date
• Fuel tanks — filled in Bathurst before heading south
• Water tanks — filled in Bathurst before heading south
• Fresh food and supplies — stocked for minimum 2 extra days beyond planned stay
• First aid kit — stocked and accessible
• Personal medications — adequate supply including spares
• Emergency EPIRB or PLB — charged, registered, accessible
• Satellite communicator (e.g. Garmin inReach) — charged
• Spare tyre — checked and in serviceable condition
• Recovery gear (traction boards, shovel) — if travelling on unsealed roads
• Cold weather bedding — rated for sub-zero if visiting April–September
• Offline maps downloaded — Google Maps, Maps.me or equivalent
• Campfire ban status confirmed — NSW RFS website or app
• Firewood packed (if campfire planned)
• Waste management — grey/black water capacity sufficient for stay
• Torch or headlamp with fresh batteries
• Snake bite bandages (compression bandages) — in first aid kit

18. What to Do Near Chase Campground — Senior Activity Guide

Chase Campground’s location south of Bathurst puts you within comfortable driving distance of a range of activities suited to grey nomads and senior travellers:

In and Around Bathurst (15–20 km north)

• Bathurst Regional Art Gallery — Free entry. Features rotating exhibitions of Australian art. A relaxed morning activity.
• Bathurst Visitor Information Centre — Pick up local maps and touring guides. Staff are generally helpful for grey nomads.
• Historical Museum — Bathurst — Covers regional history from the gold rush era. Affordable entry.
• Mount Panorama (Bathurst Raceway) — Drive the circuit (road is open to normal traffic outside event periods). A bucket list experience for Australian travellers of any age. McPhillamy Park at the top of the mountain offers views and picnic facilities.
• Chifley Dam (The Lagoon) — Scenic reservoir south-west of Bathurst. Walking tracks, birdwatching and picnic areas.
• Ben Chifley’s Cottage — Birthplace and home of former Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley. A National Trust site open for visits.

Scenic Drives in the Region

• Bathurst to Rockley Road — Scenic pastoral and bush country. Good sealed road through to the small heritage village of Rockley.
• Bathurst to Sofala Road — Route to the well-preserved gold rush town of Sofala (~65 km north of Bathurst). Heritage buildings and a classic country pub.
• Bathurst to Hill End — Gold rush history in a remote village setting. Partially unsealed. Check conditions before travelling with a caravan.

19. 🗺️ Vanlife Savings Spots — GPS Coordinates and Postcodes

Use the interactive Vanlife Savings Spots map below to save Chase Campground and other free stops in the Bathurst region to your own collection. Add a pin, save GPS coordinates, get directions, and build your personal free-camping route through NSW.

20. Phone Signal and Emergency Communications

For seniors camping alone or in pairs at remote bush sites, the absence of mobile phone signal is a genuine safety consideration. The options:

• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB): A PLB registered with AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) can summon emergency rescue anywhere in Australia via satellite. No monthly subscription required. Every grey nomad camping in remote or semi-remote locations should carry one.
• Satellite communicator (e.g. Garmin inReach): Two-way satellite messaging. Allows you to send and receive messages, share your GPS location with family, and trigger an SOS with two-way communication with rescue services. Requires a subscription plan.
• UHF CB Radio (Channel 40): The standard Australian road and bush channel. Useful for communicating with other travellers on forest tracks and for emergency communication with passing vehicles or local farmers.

Before leaving Bathurst, tell someone your plans. Give them the campground name, your approximate GPS coordinates, your expected return or check-in date, and instructions to contact NSW Police if they haven’t heard from you by a specified time.

Emergency services number: 000 — If you have any phone signal at all, this is the number to call. Triple Zero can sometimes connect even when standard calls cannot.

21. Campfires, Cooking Restrictions and Food Purchases

Campfires

Campfires are generally permitted at Chase Campground on Forestry Corporation NSW land when no fire ban or restriction is in force. However:

• Always check the current NSW RFS fire danger rating at rfs.nsw.gov.au or via the Fires Near Me app before lighting any fire.
• On days of Total Fire Ban — no open fires. No exceptions. Fines for lighting a fire on a Total Fire Ban day are substantial and the risk to public safety is serious.
• Use existing fire rings where present. Do not create new fire rings or clear new areas for fires.
• Never leave a fire unattended. Extinguish completely — with water, not just dirt — before leaving the site or going to sleep.
• Firewood is not supplied. Bring your own or collect fallen dead timber on site. Do not cut standing trees or living branches.

Cooking

A gas stove or portable camp kitchen is the recommended cooking method for grey nomads at Chase Campground. Gas stoves work regardless of fire ban status (in most circumstances — check specific ban conditions), provide more reliable heat than an open fire, and are easier to manage for seniors.

Food Purchases — Nearest Shops

Bathurst (15–20 km north) has full supermarket facilities including Coles, Woolworths and IGA, as well as Aldi. Stock up completely in Bathurst before heading south. Do not rely on finding supplies in Rockley or other small townships south of Bathurst.

22. Pets at Chase Campground

Pets are generally permitted in NSW state forests. Chase Campground, being on Forestry Corporation NSW managed land, does not have the same strict no-pets rules that apply to national parks. However:

• Keep pets on a lead or under effective control at all times. Native wildlife — including snakes, lizards and ground-nesting birds — can be harmed by dogs and cats roaming freely.
• Do not allow pets to approach native wildlife.
• Clean up after your pet — pack out all waste.
• Cats must be contained at all times in national parks and are strongly recommended to be contained overnight in state forests to prevent native animal predation.
• Be aware that Eastern Brown Snakes are present in the area. A dog that investigates a snake can be bitten rapidly. Know the location of the nearest vet before you leave Bathurst if you are travelling with a dog.

23. Accessibility for Seniors with Mobility Limitations

Chase Campground is a basic bush campground on unsealed roads. It is not specifically designed or equipped for accessibility:

• There are no sealed paths between facilities.
• Ground surfaces are uneven — grass, gravel and bare earth. Wheelchairs and walkers will find the terrain challenging.
• Toilet facilities are basic pit toilets — not accessible for wheelchair users.
• There are no handrails, ramps or accessible infrastructure.

If you have significant mobility limitations or require accessible toilet facilities, Chase Campground is not the most suitable option. Bathurst’s commercial caravan parks will offer far better accessibility, with sealed paths, accessible amenities and emergency assistance within reach.

If you are mobile but need a gentler terrain, consider whether driving a smaller vehicle or campervan (rather than towing) would reduce the physical effort of setting up camp on uneven ground.

24. Permits, Fees, Etiquette and Waste Management

Permits and Fees

As of the January 2026 review, no permit or fee is required to camp at Chase Campground on Forestry Corporation NSW land. However, land management arrangements can change. Always verify current conditions with Forestry Corporation NSW before your trip.

Camping Etiquette

• Keep noise to a minimum — especially between 10 pm and 7 am. Other campers are entitled to peaceful enjoyment of the site.
• Respect other campers’ space. Don’t set up camp immediately adjacent to an existing camper when other areas are available.
• Generators — if you must use one, limit use to daylight hours and inform neighbouring campers of your intended run times.
• Leave the site in better condition than you found it. Pack out all rubbish — there are no waste collection services at bush campgrounds.

Waste Management

• General waste: Pack it in, pack it out. No bins are provided at remote bush campgrounds.
• Grey water: Dispose of grey water away from watercourses. Use biodegradable soap products.
• Black water / toilet waste: Must be stored in your self-contained system and disposed of at a licensed dump point. Never dump black water on the ground or into waterways.
• Human waste (no toilet on site scenario): If the pit toilet is unusable, use a WAG bag or similar system. Bury human waste at least 15 cm deep and 100 metres from any watercourse, campsite or track.

25. Emergency Scenarios — What to Do

Medical Emergency

• If you have a satellite communicator — activate the SOS function immediately.
• If you have a PLB — activate it. It triggers a rescue response via AMSA.
• If you have any mobile signal — call 000.
• If you have no signal — drive toward Bathurst on the main road (north) until you gain signal, then call 000.
• Bathurst Base Hospital is the nearest major medical facility. Address: 135 Howick Street, Bathurst NSW 2795.

Vehicle Bogged or Stuck

• Do not aggressively spin wheels — this makes the situation worse.
• Use traction boards if you have them.
• If you cannot recover the vehicle yourself and have no signal, walk toward the sealed road and flag assistance from passing vehicles. Use UHF CB Channel 40 to call for help from other travellers.
• Do not leave the campground area if night is approaching and you are unfamiliar with the forest. Shelter in your vehicle.

Snake Bite

• Do not wash the bite — venom on the skin helps identify the snake species for antivenom selection.
• Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage — starting at the fingers/toes and bandaging toward the body.
• Keep the patient calm and still. Immobilise the bitten limb with a splint.
• Call 000 or activate PLB/satellite SOS immediately.
• Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake.

26. Packing List for This Region

• Full water tanks (filled in Bathurst) — minimum 20L per person per day planned
• Full fuel tank — filled in Bathurst
• Food supply for planned stay plus 2 extra days emergency
• Gas cylinders — sufficient for cooking duration
• Warm bedding — sleeping bag rated to 0°C minimum for April–September
• Cold weather clothing — thermal layers, beanie, gloves (even in autumn)
• Rain gear — waterproof jacket and pants
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes — worn at all times at camp
• First aid kit — stocked with compression/snake bite bandages
• Personal medications — with spares
• PLB or satellite communicator — charged
• UHF CB radio — channel 40
• Torch/headlamp — fresh batteries
• Offline maps downloaded (Google Maps or Maps.me — Bathurst region)
• Firewood (if campfire planned)
• Waste bags — for all rubbish pack-out
• Biodegradable soap
• Traction boards / recovery gear (if driving in on unsealed roads)
• Spare tyre — inspected and inflated
• Emergency contact details written down (not just saved in phone)
• NSW RFS Fires Near Me app — downloaded and working
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen

27. 5 Rest Areas Near Chase Campground

Check current conditions and overnight stay rules for all rest areas via WikiCamps or Campermate before travelling.

28. Reviews — What Grey Nomads Say About Chase Campground

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29. Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chase Campground actually free?

Yes, as of the January 2026 review, camping at Chase Campground on Forestry Corporation NSW managed land is free of charge. This can change — always verify with Forestry Corporation NSW before travelling.

Can I take my caravan to Chase Campground?

In dry conditions, a standard caravan towed by a capable 4WD or high-clearance AWD can generally access the site, but the forest access roads are narrow and can be rough. Large vans, A-class motorhomes and low-clearance vehicles are not recommended. Do not attempt in wet conditions.

Is there drinking water at Chase Campground?

No. There is no reticulated water supply at the campground. Fill all your tanks in Bathurst before travelling south.

Is there phone signal at Chase Campground?

Mobile phone signal is very limited to non-existent in the state forest south of Bathurst. Do not rely on your phone for emergency communication. Carry a PLB or satellite communicator.

Are campfires allowed at Chase Campground?

Generally yes, when no fire ban is in force. Always check the NSW RFS fire danger rating and Total Fire Ban status via the Fires Near Me app or rfs.nsw.gov.au before lighting any fire.

Are dogs allowed at Chase Campground?

Pets are generally permitted in NSW state forests. Keep them on a lead and under effective control at all times to protect native wildlife.

How far is Chase Campground from Bathurst?

Approximately 15–20 km south of Bathurst township, depending on the specific access route used. Allow 30–45 minutes for the drive due to the unsealed road sections.

Is Chase Campground suitable for seniors with limited mobility?

The campground terrain is uneven and there are no accessible facilities. Seniors with significant mobility limitations would be better served by Bathurst’s commercial caravan parks, which offer sealed paths and accessible amenities.

Where is the nearest dump point to Chase Campground?

The nearest dump points are in Bathurst, approximately 15–20 km north. Use Campermate to locate the most current dump point addresses before travelling out to the campground.

What is the best time of year to visit Chase Campground?

March, April and October offer the best combination of comfortable temperatures, lower visitor numbers and stable road conditions. Winter (June–August) brings cold nights and potential frost — not ideal for seniors in poorly heated vans.

© 2026 RetireToVanLife.com — All rights reserved. Written for Senior Grey Nomads. Safe travels. 🚐