Recreation in State forests

Recreational vehicles & drives

State Forest maps and brochures recommend special forest drives. Please remember to drive very cautiously on narrow, winding forest roads and beware of oncoming traffic. Avoid driving in wet conditions as forest roads get very slippery and hazardous. Four-wheel drive and trail bike enthusiasts can enjoy an adventurous ride in State forests. To avoid damage and erosion, vehicles should be driven only on formed tracks and trails. For more information, see State Forests' brochure on Recreation Vehicles.

Walking & hiking

There are many interesting and challenging walking and hiking trails incorporating magnificent scenery and natural features. These are a must for the keen photographer. For details check with you local State Forests office.

Water sports

Many creeks, rivers and lakes in State forests provide opportunities for canoeing, boating and swimming. Swimmers should beware of snags and shallow water. The State's boating and fishing regulations apply.

Camping & picnicking

State forests provide many established camping areas. Some contain space for a number of tents or caravans, water supplies, fireplaces and toilet facilities. These sites are free and they cannot be reserved in advance. Camping is generally not permitted in picnic areas. Exceptions are rest areas in places where major highways pass through State forests.

Many State forests have picnic sites with facilities such as tables and BBQs. Feel free to use these facilities.

For minimal impact camping follow these rules:

Use existing areas for camping. Do not clear or damage trees and plants.
Establish you camp at least 20 metres from the edge of any stream or waterway.
Beware of camping under tall trees. Large limbs may fall, particularly in windy conditions.
Use toilets where available. In non-toilet areas bury human waste and use soaps or detergents at least 50 metres from waterways and camping areas.
Consider other visitors to the forest and keep your noise to a minimum.
Keep your campsite safe and clean. At the end of your stay, please make sure the site is tidy.
You can obtain maps and advice from your local State Forests office on the best areas for camping and local conditions.

Large group activities

Large groups wishing to use State forests should consult their local State Forest office to discuss their needs. In most cases a suitable location will be available, but special conditions may apply.

Tips for a safe forest visit

Know where you are going - research and plan your trip carefully.
Carry adequate supplies including drinking water, fuel and a first aid kit.
Dogs are permitted on State forests but must be under control.
Avoid using forests during extremely wet, windy or high fire danger periods. Forests may be closed when conditions are unsafe. Check with your local State Forests office if unsure of local conditions.
If you are headed for a remote area on foot or in a vehicle, make sure someone knows where you are going and when you are expecting to return.
Do not disturb or damage native plants and animals.
Watch out for plants and animals that might make your visit uncomfortable, such as ticks, leeches and nettles and wear insect repellent.
Leave gates as you find them. Do not use roads and tracks on private property without the owner's permission or other areas closed to the public.
Remember State Forest officers and rangers are responsible for the care of the forests and are there to help you to enjoy the forests in safety.

Camp fires & BBQ's

Use established fireplaces wherever possible. Never leave a campfire unattended and extinguish campfires properly before leaving. Do not cut standing timber, live or dead, for firewood. In most areas, firewood is not provided, so you are advised to bring your own, or a gas BBQ. Be aware of fire regulations (especially Total Fire Bans) and promptly report all bushfires to the nearest State Forests office or Bushfire Brigade.

Maps & brochures

Detailed forest maps, brochures and other useful information is available from State Forests Information Centre and local State Forests offices. These maps provide an overview of recreational opportunities available in different forests.

Places to go

Across NSW there are a number of key state forest destinations. Some of these include:

The tableland forests of the Barrington Tops and New England, near Gloucester and Walcha, with their beautiful mountain streams
The spotted gum forest of the south coast, including the Clyde river near Bateman's Bay
The river red gum forests of the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers near Deniliquin and Narrandera.
The Watagan Mountains on the Central Coast with its sandstone plateaus and moist gullies
The magnificent, tall mixed eucalypt forests of the north coast around Bulahdelah, Taree, Wauchope, Kempsey, Urunga, Dorrigo and Casino
The exotic pine plantations of the tablelands near Oberon and Tumut
The dry native cypress pine woodlands of the western slopes near Inverell, Baradine, Forbes and Dubbo.