Kedumba Campground in the Blue Mountains was the location of my first solo camping trip, and one I’ll never forget. The track covers 20 km return with a 900 m elevation gain. While it’s short in distance when split over two days, the steep climb out makes it a serious workout, especially with a loaded pack.
I’d done this trail a few times before for training, so I was familiar with the route. That made it feel like the right place to try camping on my own. My plan was simple: hike down, check in with how I felt, and head back out if it didn’t sit right. But as soon as I reached the bottom, surrounded by cliffs, kangaroos, and perfect weather, I knew I was staying.
Track Overview
The track starts from the locked gate at the end of Kedumba Valley Road. It begins with a fire trail that descends steeply through bushland with stunning valley views along the way. You’ll follow this for most of the way down to the campground. On the return, this same path becomes a tough climb. It’s not technical, but the gradient and distance make it a solid challenge with a heavy pack.
There’s no mobile reception across most of the track or campground, though I somehow had Telstra signal right where I pitched my tent. Just enough to check in with family before bed.
I reached the campground in the late afternoon, set up my tent, collected firewood, made dinner, and settled in for a quiet night. Kangaroos wandered through as the sky turned golden, and I was lucky enough to catch a full moon rise after sunset. It was one of those incredible, peaceful nights where everything just felt right.
In the morning, I woke up to a misty sky and a glowing sunrise. I made breakfast, had a slow coffee, and just sat with the stillness before packing up around midday for the hike back out.
Campsite Info
- Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, fire pits
- Water: Creek nearby, must be treated
- Rubbish: No bins, pack it all out
- Camping: $6 booking fee, via NSW National Parks website
Safety Notes
While the campground felt peaceful, I did see wild dogs come out after sunset. They howled through the night but stayed at a distance and didn’t come close to my tent. It’s something to be aware of. Avoid leaving food scraps around and keep your gear zipped up.
Final Thoughts
This trip was a turning point for me. It reminded me that sometimes confidence doesn’t come before the experience. It comes from it. Kedumba is one of those places that leaves you feeling like you’ve done something brave and beautiful at the same time.
If you’re thinking about doing your first solo overnight hike, this track is a great option. Just be ready for the climb out. It’s no joke, but it’s absolutely worth it.
