Camping areas

Camping areas are monitored for impacts such as erosion, bare areas, weed growth, grazing, trampling, rubbish, human and animal waste, and impacts on adjacent water sources. Those sites showing signs of unacceptable impacts may be closed to allow recovery.

Designation of horse camping areas in national parks generally fall into one or more of the following categories:

Designated horse camp – with yards

• Horse holding facilities are provided.
• Approved temporary holding methods may also be permitted.

Designated horse camp – no yards

• No holding facilities are provided
• Approved temporary holding methods only

Remote area horse camp

• No horse holding facilities are provided and only approved temporary holding methods are permitted

Choose your campsite according to the camping guidelines and park regulations, and where possible, use previously established sites which comply with the guidelines.

A maximum of two consecutive nights camping is permitted at any one location unless otherwise specified for designated campsites.

There will be limits on the number of horses and possibly vehicles (where applicable) permitted at any horse camp. Back-up vehicles are not permitted on management trails or other roads normally closed to vehicles.

Camping guidelines

Camping with horses significantly increases trampling and grazing impacts. Responsible camping practices are essential to assist in maintaining campsites:

• Be familiar with conditions applying to camping in the park you are visiting.
• Avoid camping horses in areas commonly used by other recreationalists unless they are designated horse camping areas.
• Keep camps as small as possible and take only those vehicles necessary to transport horses, riders and equipment.
• Camp at an existing campsite rather than a new one and keep at least 30 metres away from watercourses and lakes. Spend only one or two nights at each campsite.
• Look for low impact campsites. Choose well drained sites – sandy or hard surfaces are better than boggy or vegetated areas. Do not cut trenches around tents.
• Try to set up camp well before dusk, particularly if using yards. This gives horses sufficient time to become familiar with strange yards before dark, reducing the risk of horses rushing into unseen fences.
• Break up and scatter manure before vacating campsites. Do not clean out floats and trucks at campsites.