Upper Colo Reserve
UPDATE - We are currently planning to reopen the Upper Colo Reserve for camping from 1 September 2023 with our booking system opening on 1 August 2023 to allow for online bookings.
Due to the loss of the bridge leading to the Upper Colo Reserve campground in the 2021 floods, Council has resolved to close the Upper Colo Reserve campground until such time as this access is restored from Upper Colo Road. Please note that this is a temporary closure until a new bridge can be built. It is estimated that the new bridge will be completed in April 2023. Further updates on the progress of this bridge project, can be viewed on our website at www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/emergency/flood-emergency/flood-project-updates Apologies are extended for any inconvenience this may cause.
The Upper Colo Reserve has a COVID Safety Plan in Place. Group bookings are limited to the number as advised by NSW Health. All camping must be pre-booked.
The following guidelines are in place to protect visitors and manage booking numbers to enable physical distancing.
- Only the people booked can stay and camp. Additional people will not be allowed on arrival to camp.
- You are responsible for maintaining contact details of your guests.
By proceeding you understand and agree that:
- You have read information about the campground and determined its suitability for you.
- You agree to bring your own cleaning supplies, sanitation products and plenty of water as water supply cannot be guaranteed.
- You will follow physical distancing and public gathering rules. Latest rules are available on the NSW government website.
- If you are unwell, please stay at home.
Campsites will be maintained to general standards. Council cannot guarantee that surfaces and touch-points are sterilised. In the event that the reserve needs to be closed due to COVID -19 or any other factors you will be advised and a refund will be processed.
Conditions of Entry and Accommodation at Upper Colo Reserve
The Upper Colo Camping / Recreation Reserve is a 13.8 hectare reserve situated beside the Colo River and adjoins the Wollemi National Park. Two thirds of the reserve is covered in native bushland, and one third is dedicated to picnic and camping facilities. The reserve is open to day trippers and overnight camping. Camp sites need to be booked in advance and a fee is involved.
Conditions of Entry and Accommodation at Upper Colo Reserve
Please note bookings are essential
If you require assistance with a booking you have made please contact Customer Service on (02) 4560 4444
The reserve offers a wilderness camping experience with great access to the Colo River. It is ideal for families and those that want to enjoy nature. Things to know about camping at Upper Colo Reserve:
- The Reserve caters for 150 people per night.
- The Reserve is isolated but easily accessible by private vehicle and is adjoined by Wollemi National Park.
- No Mobile or Wireless connection is available at the campground.
- The road is a narrow winding gravel road that is not suitable for caravans.
- There are large cleared areas suitable for camping.
- A rainwater tank has been provided, but it is suggested that campers bring their own drinking water.
- An amenities block provides both men's and ladies toilets and showers. Please note that the showers are cold bore water only.
- Dogs and horses can be taken to the reserve. Dogs must be registered under the Companion Animals Register and kept on a leash. Horses must be yarded.
- There are no powered sites.
- No firewood is to be collected from the Reserve or the National Park. Please bring your own firewood.
- No generators or chainsaws are permitted.
- The Upper Colo Reserve is a family friendly camping ground and therefore it is not an appropriate venue for bucks/hens parties, 21st birthday parties or other functions of this nature.
- Campers should not attend the Reserve without transport. Transport to and from the Reserve is essential in case of emergency evacuation.
- Children under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult whilst at the Reserve.
Please respect the reserve and its wildlife as we would like to keep it for future generations The motto for the Colo Wilderness area is "Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints"
Opening hours
The Reserve is open all year round with the exception of Winter.. Gates are locked between 8pm and 8am during day light saving months and between 6pm and 8am during the autumn/winter months. Day trippers are welcome. The Upper Colo Reserve is isolated and surrounded by bushland, and thus in times of extreme weather conditions/fire the Reserve may be closed. If you are unsure if this will apply on the dates you are camping please contact Council on (02) 4560 4444 (between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday), before leaving home or The Rural Fire Service on (02) 4575 1601 or check the website outside office hours.
In the event of a total Fire Ban
- There are to be NO fires lit at the Upper Colo reserve.
- NO cooking facility with an open flame can be used...this includes gas BBQ's.
- The Council electric BBQ can be used for cooking.
Brief directions
Address: Hulbert Road, Upper Colo NSW 2756
Alternate Route into Upper Colo Reserve
The alternative Route into Upper Colo Reserve is via Colo Heights Road, Colo Heights.
Colo Heights Road is approximately 12 km north of the Upper Colo Road exit and Colo Bridge on the Putty Road. This road is partly tarred, but mostly dirt, and is approximately 6 km long.
If you are heading North along the Putty Road - Colo Heights Road is just past the Colo Heights Primary School
If you are heading South along the Putty Road - Colo Heights Road will be a right hand turn, approximately 2 km past the Colo Heights Service Station.
Colo Heights Road will bring you out on the other side of the Upper Colo Bridge near Hulbert Road and the Upper Colo Reserve Camp Ground.
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