4 Vehicle-Accessible Rooftop Tent Camping Spots Around the Blue Mountains

We're based right here in Katoomba, so this is genuinely our own backyard. Here are four vehicle-accessible spots around the Blue Mountains worth pointing a rooftop tent at, from an easy Sydney-side option through to a proper 4WD overnighter. Details below are correct as we understand them - always check current conditions, fees and book through the NSW National Parks website before you head out, since access and bushfire conditions can change.

Euroka Campground - Glenbrook

The easiest of the four to reach if you're coming from Sydney - car accessible, just south of Glenbrook near the Nepean River. Unpowered sites, toilets, BBQ facilities, and a $8 per vehicle park entry fee at the Bruce Road entrance on top of camping fees. Bookings are required and cap at 20 people or 5 sites online, with larger groups needing a group booking enquiry.

Murphys Glen Campground - near Woodford

A short hop from the main Blue Mountains towns, set among tall forest. Most 2WD vehicles can get in without a trailer, but the steep gravel exit road means a 4WD is the safer bet if you're towing anything. No camping fee, just a $6 booking fee, with sites capped at 12 people or 2 sites online.

Dunphys Campground - Megalong Valley

An open, grassy campground at the end of the Megalong Valley, and a solid base if you're planning longer walks toward the Coxs River or Kanangra Walls. A step up in remoteness from Euroka or Murphys Glen, and worth treating as more of a proper trip out than a quick overnighter.

Mount Werong Campground - a proper 4WD run

For when you actually want to use the 4WD, not just park it - Mount Werong is reached via the 4WD Oberon-Colong historic stock route, with a walk from camp to historic Ruby Creek and longer routes through to the Kowmung River for those wanting to push further. Best planned as an overnight or multi-day trip rather than a weekend dash.

Before you go

• Check current fire danger ratings and any track closures before heading out, especially for the more remote spots
• Book ahead - most NPWS campgrounds require online booking, even the free ones
• Bring your own drinking and cooking water - none of these sites have potable water on tap
• If you're running a solar panel or fridge, top up before you leave rather than relying on finding power once you're there

FAQ

Do any of these require an actual 4WD, or will a 2WD get me there?

Euroka is straightforward for most vehicles. Murphys Glen is generally fine in 2WD without a trailer, but the exit road favours a 4WD if towing. Dunphys and Mount Werong are the two where a proper 4WD is the sensible choice, especially after rain.

Can I just rock up, or do I need to book?

Book ahead through the NPWS website for all of these - even the free sites like Murphys Glen require an online booking.

Is mobile reception reliable at any of these?

Don't rely on it at any of them - treat this as genuinely remote camping and plan accordingly, particularly for Dunphys and Mount Werong.

What's the easiest for a first rooftop tent trip?

Euroka - it's the most accessible, has proper facilities, and gets you a low-stress first night to get used to setting up and packing down your tent.