TRAX Trip – Mountain Arm Campground – Yengo National Park

Trip Leader: Daniel Lee

Only accessible by 4WD, Mountain Arm campground is a peaceful and remote rustic camping site which offers a great family getaway within Yengo National Park, near Windsor.

If you’ve got an off-road caravan or trailer, bring it along, otherwise set up the tent. Choose your spot beside the creek for a tranquil location amidst brilliantly flowering wattles before you set out to explore. The creek next to this campground tends to only hold water after rain, but the lovely big trees along the creek offer shade and plenty of birdlife to watch. 

There are trails for bushwalking and mountain biking nearby, and Big Yango loop trail offers excellent 4WD touring. You might spot a wombat or swamp wallaby, or even a goanna when the weather is warm.

From Putty Road, we will head along Howes Trail 12km then + 4km past big Yango House through gate then 3km to Mountain Arm Campground and set up camp!

Sunday, after breakfast and a short service, do the Yango Loop Trail 22km.

Access to campground is suitable for camper trailers, off road caravans and of course tents etc..

Facilities: Toilets, unpowered sites, unmarked sites, barbecue facilities, public phone

Bring: Drinking water, cooking water, firewood

Booking: NPWS Book up to 20 people or 5 sites online. PIN/combination numbers to access to the main gate into Big Yango precinct will be provided with your booking confirmation.

Grade: C, C+ if wet

Foot note: NPWS advise a Subaru AWD/4WD (such as an Outback or Forester) can generally handle the Howes Trail in Yengo National Park during dry conditions. However, because it lacks low-range gearing and traditional 4WD clearance, it is not suitable if the track is wet, muddy, or deeply rutted. Keep these key factors in mind before heading out.

Current Trail Conditions: Yengo National Park trails can become deeply rutted or greasy after rainfall. If it has rained recently, the track is strictly for high-clearance, low-range 4WDs. Always check local NSW National Parks Alerts before planning your trip. Vehicle Clearance: Your Subaru’s factory clearance will be fine for standard washouts and dirt roads, but you’ll need to watch out for protruding rocks to avoid damaging your underbody or bumpers. Tires: Highway-terrain tires are prone to punctures on heavy corrugations and sharp rocks. All-terrain tires are highly recommended. X-Mode: If your Subaru is equipped with X-Mode, be sure to engage it in steeper sections or low-grip areas to optimize your traction and hill descent control.

Generally,  standard Subaru 4WD (AWD) is not suitable or recommended for the Big Yango Loop Trail in Yengo National Park. The trail is strictly meant for high-clearance 4WDs equipped with low-range gearing. The 22km loop features steep climbs, switchbacks, rocky ledges, and deep washouts. Low-Range Required: The steep, uneven terrain necessitates low-range gearing to control descents and climb grades without burning out your transmission or brakes. The track becomes highly boggy and greasy in wet weather, making it impassable for soft-roaders. The loop requires a locked gate code, which is only issued to visitors who have booked a stay at the Big Yango House or the nearby campgrounds (Blue Gums or Mountain Arm ).

See you on the tracks
trips@trax.org.au