Penrose State Forest Dispersed Camping

Penrose State Forest sits in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, roughly two hours southwest of Sydney. Tall eucalypt stands, seasonal creeks, and red dirt tracks make this a legit weekend escape for rigs of all sizes. No designated sites — you find your own flat ground among the trees. It gets busy on long weekends; mid-week you’ll likely have a ridge to yourself. No facilities whatsoever, so pack everything in and out. Fire bans apply frequently during summer — check NPWS and NSW RFS before you go, not after.

Access is via Penrose Road off the Hume Highway corridor. Most tracks inside are manageable in high-clearance 2WD when dry, but after rain the clay turns slippery fast and catches out drivers who should’ve known better. Closest fuel and supplies in Moss Vale or Marulan. No cell signal in the deeper sections.

Southern Highlands dirt tracks, no crowds midweek.