Mount Clear Campground Remote Bush Camping Namadgi ACT
Location Information
Mount Clear Campground represents the ultimate destination for those seeking a truly remote and rugged outdoor experience within the Australian Capital Territory. Positioned at the southernmost tip of Namadgi National Park, this site offers a level of seclusion that is increasingly rare in the modern world. Surrounded by high-country tussock grasslands and framed by the formidable peaks of the Clear Range, the campground serves as a gateway to the high-altitude wilderness that defines the border between the ACT and New South Wales. For travellers looking to disconnect from the digital world and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Australian bush, Mount Clear provides the perfect backdrop for a self-sufficient adventure.

The character of Mount Clear is heavily influenced by its elevation and its history as part of the old grazing leases of the Naas Valley. Visitors arriving at the site will find expansive open spaces that are ideal for viewing the local wildlife, particularly the large populations of eastern grey kangaroos and wallabies that graze the flats at dawn and dusk. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers, with wedge-tailed eagles often seen soaring on the thermals above the valley. Unlike the more developed campgrounds closer to Canberra, Mount Clear offers a primitive charm that appeals to bushwalkers and mountain bikers who use the site as a base to explore the historic Settlers Track or the challenging fire trails that wind through the surrounding mountains.
Accessing the campground requires a journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in the region, travelling along the Boboyan Road into the heart of the national park. Due to its remote nature, the campground is often much cooler than the Canberra plains, frequently experiencing heavy frosts and occasional snowfalls during the winter months. This alpine climate ensures that the landscape remains vibrant and fresh, though it necessitates careful preparation by all who visit. The absence of mobile phone reception further enhances the sense of isolation, making it a place where the sound of the wind through the snow gums and the crackle of a managed campfire become the primary soundtrack to your stay.
Whether you are embarking on a multi-day trek across the Naas Valley or simply seeking a quiet spot to pitch a tent under a canopy of stars, Mount Clear Campground delivers an authentic high-country experience. It is a site that demands respect for the environment and rewards visitors with a profound sense of peace and perspective. As the southernmost accessible point for camping in the ACT, it remains a bucket-list destination for serious campers and nature enthusiasts wishing to experience the true spirit of the Namadgi wilderness in its most undisturbed form.
Mount Clear Campground
- Address: Mount Clear Rd, Tennent ACT 2620
- Website: parks.act.gov.au/mount-clear-campground
- GPS Coordinates: -35.86526, 149.01061
- Location: Southern end of Namadgi National Park, accessible via Boboyan Road.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, small camper trailers, and sturdy off-road caravans.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel road (Boboyan Rd/Mount Clear Rd). Accessible by 2WD in dry conditions, though 4WD is recommended in wet weather.
- Site Surface: Natural grass and dirt with slightly uneven terrain.
Available Facilities
- Pit Toilets (Composting)
- Communal Fire Pits (Firewood usually provided)
- Large Picnic Tables
- Untreated Tank Water (supply not guaranteed; must be boiled)
- Information Plinth and Trailhead Signage
Essentials to Bring
- All Drinking Water (reliable supply)
- Fuel Stove (for use during Total Fire Bans)
- Warm Bedding and Thermal Clothing
- All Food and Supplies (remote location)
- Rubbish Bags (no bins provided; carry in, carry out)
Environment & Activities
- Pet Friendly: No (Strictly no domestic animals allowed in Namadgi National Park).
- Fishing: Limited opportunities in the upper Naas River (Check seasonal ACT regulations).
- Short Walks: The Settlers Track (9km loop), Naas Valley to Horse Gully Hut walk.
Local Amenities
Local Pubs
- Snowy Goose Hotel (Adaminaby, NSW) - approx 48km
- Tharwa Country Store & Bar - approx 56km
- Vikings Lanyon - approx 62km
Places to Eat
- Adaminaby Bakery (NSW) - approx 48km
- Tharwa General Store - approx 56km
- Lanyon Homestead Cafe - approx 60km
Local Attractions
- The Settlers Track Historic Site - on-site
- Yankee Hat Rock Art Site (Check current access status) - approx 35km
- Adaminaby Big Trout - approx 48km
- Gudgenby Valley Viewpoint - approx 25km
- Hospital Creek Hut - approx 12km walk
Caravan Parks
- Adaminaby Snowy Mountains Holiday Park - approx 49km
- Southside Village Caravan Park - approx 72km
Free Camps
- Bredbo Recreation Ground (NSW) - approx 65km
- Murrays Corner (Day use only nearby) - approx 68km
Dump Points
- Adaminaby Public Dump Point - approx 48km
- Tuggeranong Public Dump Point - approx 66km
Petrol Stations
- Adaminaby General Store & Fuel - approx 48km
- Caltex Lanyon Conder - approx 62km
Drinking Water Resupply
- Namadgi Visitor Centre (Tharwa) - approx 58km
- Adaminaby Town Centre - approx 48km
Public Toilets
- Brayshaws Hut Day Use Area - approx 10km
- Adaminaby Public Toilets - approx 48km
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Summer (Dec-Feb)
- Avg: 8°C - 24°C
- Warm days with cool alpine breezes; very high UV levels.
Autumn (Mar-May)
- Avg: 2°C - 16°C
- Very cold mornings with frequent frost; clear, sunny days.
Winter (Jun-Aug)
- Avg: -5°C - 8°C
- Extreme cold; regular sub-zero temperatures and occasional snow.
Spring (Sep-Nov)
- Avg: 1°C - 15°C
- High rainfall likely; thawing ground and fresh wildflower growth.