The Willows campground and picnic area

Yanga State Conservation Area

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

The Willows campground in Yanga State Conservation Area has tent, trailer and caravan campsites with picnic tables and barbecues. Great fishing and birdwatching awaits.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 11
Camping type Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Barbecue facilities, toilets
What to bring Drinking water, cooking water, firewood
Price There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies.
Bookings Book up to 12 people or 2 sites online.
Group bookings This campground is not suitable for group bookings.
Please note
  • A fire ban applies in Yanga State Conservation Area during the fire danger period (usually October – March depending on seasonal fire conditions). Please do not light campfires or barbecues which use solid fuel during this period
  • If you’re visiting between April and September (outside the fire danger period) you can light a campfire in one of the fireplaces provided

The Willows campground and picnic area is perfect for nature-lovers. Located in Yanga State Conservation Area, this quiet woodland location is a birdwatching paradise, so relax and acquaint yourself with some local feathered friends.

Choose a campsite to set up your tent, trailer, caravan or motor home. Once that’s done, it’s time to explore; wander around the Wilga Woolshed and take in amazing outback views on a bushwalk through the park.

There are barbecues on which you can cook up a feast, or if you’re visiting between April and September you could build a campfire to cook damper and baked potatoes.  Later in the evening, relax around the campfire, under the stars, sharing songs and stories with your fellow campers.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • Yanga Lake viewing deck, Yanga National Park. Photo: David Finnegan © OEH

    Yanga Lake viewing deck

    Yanga Lake viewing deck offers spectacular birdwatching and scenic wetland views in Yanga National Park, near Balranald.

  • Yanga Homestead, Yanga National Park. Photo: David Finnegan © OEH

    Yanga Homestead

    Step in to the past and explore the history of Yanga National Park’s pastoral and Aboriginal heritage. Bring a picnic to enjoy while looking out to the lake.

  • A kayaker on Yanga Lake at sunset, Yanga National Park. Photo: Martin Kendall/OEH

    Yanga Lake paddle

    Kayak Yanga Lake for an outback experience like no other. Wonder at the vast sky reflected in 1200ha of water, and spot wildlife and birds drawn to the wetlands in Yanga National Park.

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/the-willows-campground-and-picnic-area/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the The Willows campground and picnic area.

Getting there and parking

The Willows campground and picnic area is in Yanga State Conservation Area. To get there:

  • From Balranald, travel east along Sturt Highway for 23km.
  • Turn right at the blue tent sign and continue along
  • After 800m turn left at The Willows campground sign
  • The campground and picnic area is about 1.5km along the road

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • Dry weather only

Parking

Parking is available at The Willows campground and picnic area.

Best times to visit

The locals will tell you it can get pretty hot out this way, so you may wish to time your visit to avoid the summer heat. Temperatures during autumn, winter and spring are more moderate - just be sure to check the forecast as roads can become inaccessible in wet weather.

Spring

A great time to see the woodland birds - be sure to bring your binoculars.

Facilities

  • Water is not available at the Willows campground and picnic area
  • You may find some firewood at the campground, but its a good idea to bring your own

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Barbecue facilities

  • Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)
  • Fire rings (bring your own firewood)

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Camping safety

Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Fishing safety

Fishing from a boat, the beach, the rocks or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing and rock fishing safety tips.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Outback safety

Safety is of high priority in outback areas. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 50°C in some places. Food, water and fuel supplies can be scarce. Before you head off, check for road closures and use our contacts to stay safe in the outback.

Paddling safety

To make your paddling or kayaking adventure safer and more enjoyable, check out these paddling safety tips.

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Accessibility

Disability access level - hard

Wheelchairs can access the area with some difficulty.

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.