Ferndale - Chicester Dam NSW

HI there , i have not been there - as its a pay site - and for me camping is free, away from hordes of other people ( when able to ) so cant comment on that facility

Last time i was out that way Chichester dam was closed to the public - there was no indication as to why - so if your planning on adding that to your itinerary - you should perhaps ring them and ask if they are open for viewing ....

with that said --- there are some really nice spots inside the chichester state forest you can camp at for free and by the river - if you have a GPS i would be happy to send you some co ordinates ....

Smokee, being a mapóholic you could still use the gps co-ords to find the location on your map??? Even portapotties flush.... lol.

G'day Smokee

We went there last June long weekend. Love the spot but without much fishing opportunity hubby gets a little bored. The river runs through the park there are powered sites but they are situated in the very middle of the park so we opted for the fringe sites without power. There had been a coinsiderable amount of rain before we went and the grounds stood up well. AQ young fellow cam through selling wood but we had already been out gathering. The amenities are basic but do the job. I hated the narrow steep road into the property and towing a van was a bit worrying if you struck another going in the opposite direction - someone would have to back up in some sections.
We are certainly going to return. Give Hunter Water a ring re the Dam being open- perhaps their Dungog oppice.

If you have any other specific questions then fire away

I could only stay there a max of 3 or 4 days

Di

Hi Smokee, I've been going there a few times a year for the last few years. A beautiful spot to camp, some bushwalking, nice running river, but thats about it. Basic amenities, but we are self sufficient, and go as far away on the property as possible, to get peace and quiet. The owner is a great bloke, and we have had a quiet chat over a drink when the crowds go home, (we try to stay a day longer than the average long weekend holidaymakers). It is pay for use only because it is private property,,, cattle walk around your campsite morning and evening. Plenty of birds, the odd wallaby, a few goannas, good place for kids too, with grassy playing areas. Watch for leeches in the damp grass, and we did see one red bellied black snake last year in summer. We go there for the solitude, not far from home, but not a huge amount of activities other than a bit of bushwalking. I didn't think the track in was bad, but then I only tow a c/t. 2wd access for the main section of the property, and though I have seen 2wd vehicles further along the track, I would prefer going there in 4wd. My camping mate drives a Rav4,, absolutely no probs. No motor bikes allowed, so that helps keep things quiet too. We love the place, but it depends what you are after, like I said, we love the bush, and the peacefulness. Have a great time if you go, cheers, Dave

Its not that exspensive,bout $7 ,Great spot ,can be a bit more quiet than Telegherey camping although Telegherey is agreat place too,can get some riff raff on the very odd accasion,Ferndale tho showers/flushuing toilet, nice deep pool in river to swim in,walk to dam from campground,can catch the odd Bass if lucky,have seen Eel Tail Catties there,you can drive to state forest and surrounds no prob, i have camped lots of places in the bush for free but dont mind paying to camp at Ferndale. Best part is you can take your dog if you have one.

Hey Smokee, just a bit O/T, but could you let us all know about Wolondilly please... been thinking of going there. I have checked their website, looks good. Thanks, Bushwhacker

G'day Smokee.
We camp there regularly as it's our favourite camping spot. The rates are amongst the cheapest and the owner and his wife are great! It's just past Bandon Grove, exactly 1km before the end of the road at Chichester Dam with the entrance (on the right) directly opposite The Barringtons Country retreat. We love the flat area for camping and the amenities block is handy. The Chichester River is more of a creek really, but nice to swim in and a short walk after crossing the weir brings you to the waterhole complete with Tarzan rope. The owner can sell you firewood or you can bring it in. Dogs are allowed. Let me know if you want more info, as I've got pics and can look up my GPS for the co-ords if you want. I can also give you better detail about the drive to ferndale Park.

Smokee
I know you'll definitely enjoy yourself! We're planning to go to Ferndale Park next week, poss. Monday arvo or Tues morning until Thursday lunchtime depending on the weather. If the BOM says rain, we'll pull the pin on the idea. Otherwise we'll be there.