Some camps feel like they should be beside the coast.
Then you realise you are nowhere near the ocean — just tucked into a quiet stretch of river country, with white sand underfoot, clear water in front of you and bush all around.
For Gary and Christine Barten, Paddy’s Flat near Tenterfield in northern New South Wales is one of those places.
Shared as part of The Campground Project, this campground yarn comes from Gary’s March 2026 stay at Paddy’s Flat while travelling with a caravan, Christine and their two dogs.
Quick Campfire Notes
Campground: Paddy’s Flat
Location: Near Tenterfield, New South Wales
Visited: March 2026
Cost: Free
Setup: Caravan
Travelling with: Couple with two dogs
Best for: Self-sufficient campers, 4WD travellers, compact off-road vans, river camping and swimming
Facilities: Basic bush camp / no facilities
Fires: Allowed when visited
Dogs: Dog-friendly when visited
Access: 4WD recommended for the soft river sand area; easier access available near the bridge and grassy river camps
Would they go back? Yes
A favourite camp beside the Clarence River
Gary described Paddy’s Flat as one of their favourites.
If you are lucky enough to get the prime riverfront spot, he said it feels like having your own beach in the bush.
The river sand is fine and white, and the camp sits right on the Clarence River, which runs clear and is great for swimming.
It is not just the water that makes the place special. Across the other side of the river is a large sheer rock face, giving the camp a gorge-like feel.
For Gary and Christine, with good weather and a quiet setting, Paddy’s Flat made for a memorable stay.
Getting onto the sand
The best riverfront sand spot is not the easiest part of the campground to access.
Gary said anyone trying to get into the soft sand area should air down to beach sand tyre pressures and use low range 4WD.
It takes a bit of effort, but for the right setup, it is worth it.
Gary and Christine travel with a compact hybrid van, which gives them more flexibility in accessing trickier spots like this. Larger vans or travellers without the right setup may be better off choosing one of the easier camp options nearby.
Other camping options nearby
If the prime river sand spot is already taken, or if the sand is not suitable at the time, there are still other options around Paddy’s Flat.
Gary noted there is space closer to the bridge on river rocks and stones, with easier access.
Across the bridge heading north, there is also a track to the left with five or six good grassy campsites close to the river, still with river views.
That gives Paddy’s Flat a bit of flexibility. You can aim for the sandy riverfront spot if conditions and your setup allow, but there are other camps nearby if that spot is unavailable.
What makes it special
For Gary, the big appeal of Paddy’s Flat is the mix of quiet, river access and scenery.
It is peaceful, has great views and offers clear river water for swimming.
The white sand riverfront gives it that “beach in the bush” feeling, while the rock face across the Clarence River makes it feel like you are camped in a gorge.
Those are the sorts of details that turn a free bush camp into a place people remember.
Things to watch out for
There are a few practical things to keep in mind.
The soft sand area is not a casual drive-in spot. Gary recommends low range 4WD and reduced tyre pressures if attempting to access that area.
He also noted that the river sand section may not always be accessible, depending on the season and river level.
Firewood can also be limited close to camp. Gary suggests bringing firewood in, or being prepared to drive a few kilometres up Paddy’s Flat Road to collect some.
As always, check current fire rules before lighting up.
Getting there
Paddy’s Flat sits on Paddy’s Flat Road beside the Clarence River in northern New South Wales.
After this campground yarn was published, long-time Paddy’s Flat camper Terry Leeming added some extra local knowledge, noting that the camp is more accurately described as north of Tabulam or south of Urbenville.
Gary reached the camp by heading north off the Bruxner Highway until reaching the Clarence River crossing.
Paddy’s Flat Road is unsealed and was in good condition up to the crossing when Gary visited in March 2026.
Terry also noted that access can change depending on rain and river height. He has towed a 3.5 tonne van in and out from both directions, but said it does require concentration, especially if it is raining.
Gary would not recommend large caravans continuing further north from the campsite, where the road becomes windier and steeper.
Map reference
For a general map reference, Paddy’s Flat Camping Area is on Paddy’s Flat Road near the Clarence River crossing, north of the Bruxner Highway.
Approximate GPS coordinates: -28.71823, 152.41921
The surrounding country is steep and rugged, with the Clarence River winding through the valley. Access is via unsealed roads and conditions can change quickly after rain. River crossings, soft sand and changing river levels can all affect access, so check current conditions before heading in.
WWII tank traps
Paddy’s Flat also has a bit of history nearby.
Gary mentioned there are WWII tank traps near the crossing, along with an information board. He said they are well worth stopping to look at and read.
You can read more about the WWII Tank Traps at Paddy’s Flat on the official NSW visitor information page.
That gives the place another layer beyond just the camp itself — a quiet river crossing with a bit of wartime history sitting nearby.
Facilities
Paddy’s Flat is a basic bush camp with no facilities.
That means campers need to be self-sufficient and prepared to take everything in and everything out.
There are no toilets, showers, bins, water taps or powered sites listed in Gary’s notes.
It is best suited to campers who are comfortable with simple bush camping and leaving the place as they found it.
Would Gary go back?
Yes.
Gary said they loved this campsite.
Between the white sand, clear Clarence River, peaceful setting, swimming, rock face views and bush camp feel, Paddy’s Flat is the sort of place that leaves good memories.
In Gary’s words, it was simply “great memories and perfect weather.”
Photos from the camp
These photos from Gary show the white sand riverfront camp at Paddy’s Flat, with the Clarence River right at the edge of camp.
The riverfront sand spot gives Paddy’s Flat its “beach in the bush” feel, but it is also the reason Gary recommends low range 4WD and reduced tyre pressures if you are trying to access that section.
Thanks to Gary Barten
Gary Barten is a long-time traveller exploring Australia by caravan with Christine and their two dogs.
Gary prefers the road less travelled and has a good eye for quiet bush camps, remote tracks and the sort of places many travellers drive straight past.
Gary’s Paddy’s Flat yarn was shared as part of The Campground Project, Country Campfire’s mission to collect real campground stories, photos and practical notes from people who’ve actually camped there.
See Gary on:
Part of The Campground Project
This campground yarn is part of The Campground Project — Country Campfire’s mission to collect real campground yarns, photos and practical notes from people who’ve actually camped there.
If you’ve stayed somewhere worth sharing, you can send your own campground yarn through The Campground Project form:
https://countrycampfire.com.au/campground
A quick note before you travel
Campground access, river levels, road conditions, fire rules, dog rules, fees and facilities can change.
These notes are based on Gary’s visit in March 2026 and should not replace current official information.
Always check current road conditions, river conditions, fire restrictions and relevant land manager information before heading off.
