Horse Yards Campground
If you’re looking for a peaceful bush camping experience with easy access to horse riding trails, Horse Yards Campground in Narawntapu National Park Campgrounds is an excellent choice. Located just a short drive from the park entrance, this small, unpowered campground is popular with campers seeking a quieter alternative to Springlawn and is the only campground in the park designed to accommodate visitors travelling with horses.
Surrounded by native bushland and close to walking tracks and wildlife viewing areas, Horse Yards Campground provides a relaxing base for exploring one of Tasmania’s most beautiful coastal national parks.
Location
Horse Yards Campground is located within Narawntapu National Park, approximately:
- 30 minutes from Devonport
- 25–30 minutes from Port Sorell
- Around 1 hour 20 minutes from Launceston
The campground is located approximately 600 metres from the park entrance and is signposted from the main park road.
Camping Facilities
Horse Yards Campground is a simple bush campground offering basic facilities for self-sufficient campers.
Facilities include:
- Unpowered campsites
- Tent camping
- Camper trailers
- Hybrid chemical/septic toilets
- Picnic tables
- Designated campfire places
- Untreated water available nearby (boil before drinking or bring your own drinking water)
- Access to horse riding trails
- Horse holding yards
There are no powered sites, showers or dump point at Horse Yards. Those facilities are available at nearby Springlawn Campground. Campfires are only permitted in the designated fireplaces and may be prohibited during fire restrictions. Campers should bring their own pre-cut firewood.
Camping Fees
Horse Yards uses the standard Narawntapu National Park camping fees for unpowered sites:
- 2 people: $13.00
- Additional adult (18+): $5.00
- Additional child (5–17 years): $2.50
- Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): $16.00
A valid Tasmania National Parks Pass is also required for entry into Narawntapu National Park.
Bookings – Individual campsites cannot be booked.
Horse Yards Campground operates on a first come, first served basis, with bookings generally accepted only for large school groups.
After-hours campers can complete their registration using the self-registration facilities located at the Springlawn Visitor Centre. Cash is required when registering after hours.
Bringing Horses
Horse Yards Campground is specifically designed for visitors travelling with horses.
If you intend to bring horses into Narawntapu National Park, you must notify Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service at least four days before your arrival. This allows park staff to ensure appropriate management of horse access within the park.
Are Pets Allowed – Strictly NO
Dogs and other pets are not permitted within Narawntapu National Park to protect native wildlife and sensitive habitats. Approved assistance animals are the only exception.
Things to Do
Horse Yards Campground provides easy access to a range of outdoor activities, including:
- Horse riding
- Wildlife watching
- Bushwalking
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Exploring Bakers Beach
- Fishing in nearby coastal areas
The park is renowned for its abundant wildlife, with wombats, Forester kangaroos, Bennett’s wallabies, pademelons and echidnas frequently seen, particularly around dawn and dusk.
Nearby Services
The closest visitor facilities are located at Springlawn Visitor Centre, just a short drive away, where you’ll find:
- Visitor information
- Snacks and drinks
- Ice
- Bait
- Souvenirs
- Shower tokens
The nearest fuel station, supermarket and other supplies are approximately 25 minutes away in Port Sorell or Devonport.
See also:
Contact Details
- Horse Yards Campground
- Narawntapu National Park
- Bakers Beach Road
- Bakers Beach TAS 7307
Nearby Bushwalks
- Bird Hide Walk
- Archers Knob Walk
- Point Vision Track
- Coastal Traverse
- Copper Cove – Badger Head Walk
- West Head Walk
Final Thoughts
Horse Yards Campground is an excellent option for campers seeking a quiet, nature-based experience in Narawntapu National Park. Its bush setting, horse-friendly facilities and proximity to some of Tasmania’s best wildlife viewing make it a favourite for horse riders, bushwalkers and anyone wanting to enjoy a peaceful stay away from larger campgrounds. With affordable camping fees, no booking requirements and easy access to the park’s beaches and walking tracks, Horse Yards is a great destination for a relaxing Tasmanian camping adventure.
