Last Updated on 20 September 2026 by Rob
Lake Mackintosh Campground is a high-altitude campground on the West Coast that feels truly wild.
Perched on the shores of this expansive hydro-electric reservoir just outside of Tullah, the campground is defined by its deep, dark waters and the jagged, often mist-shrouded peaks of the Mackintosh and Sophia Ranges. It is a great “off-grid” base offering a large, open gravel area where you can unhitch near the lake. Whether you are launching a boat to chase legendary brown trout or simply soaking in the silence of the alpine forest, Lake Mackintosh delivers a raw, immersive wilderness experience that captures the moody, untamed beauty of Tasmania.
As the road crosses a spillway, the site is inaccessible when the spillway is flowing. While at the campsite, you need to take careful note of the dam level on the markers. They clearly indicate when you should leave the area.
No facilities are provided at this campsite, so you should be self-contained.
Pets are permitted, but fires are not.
Camping in tents is permitted.
Lake Mackintosh Campground Quick Facts
| Campground Name | Lake Mackintosh Campground |
|---|---|
| Nearest Town | Tulla |
| GPS | 41°41'8.75"S 145°39'22.48"E |
| Access Road | Sealed |
| Number of sites | Greater than 20 |
| Toilets | No |
| Water | No |
| Dump point | No |
| Power | No |
| Pets | Yes |
| Tents | No |
| Fires permitted | Yes |
| Telstra coverage | Very Weak |
| Optus coverage | No |
| Cost | Free |
| Booking | N/A |
Planning a West Coast Tasmania Road Trip?
This destination is featured in our complete, un-sponsored 14-Day West Coast Tasmania Route Guide. Discover uncrowded, hybrid-friendly nature camps from Lake Gairdner to Mount Field, practical towing advice for the 99 Bends, and a flexible route covering Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Queenstown, and hidden wilderness walks.
Explore the West Coast Tasmania Route Guide →Campground Layout and Features
There are two areas open for camping. One is an open area next to the road and another slightly to the north and on the banks of the lake. The open area has space for about 15 vans and the smaller area has about 5 or 6 cramped sites.
The open area is quite flat while the smaller areas is more sloped.
While we were there, the smaller area was full and cramped. You will need to make your own decision on where to stay. The smaller area has a better view while the open area campsites are more spread out.
Lake Mackintosh Campsite Location
Mackintosh Campground is located on the west coast of Tasmania, just north of Tullah. It is an excellent place to base yourself to explore the area. It is accessed via a 6km sealed road from the Murchison Highway. The access road crosses Mackintosh Dam and then shortly after a spillway.
The campsite is located about 4km north of Tallah. The location is shown in the map below. For a more general view you may scroll out.
What to Watch Out For at Lake Mackintosh Campground
The larger open area is very close to the road, but there is little traffic and there is no traffic at night.
If you wish to keep your batteries charged, you may wish to camp in the central area of the open area. We camped close to the road for this reason and there was no noise at night.
As mentioned earlier, keep an eye on the water level in wet conditions and be prepared to leave quickly.
Not related to this campground, but at a nearby location, we saw someone camping in a place he shouldn’t have been. Just before crossing the dam, there is an area at the foot of a tall rockface. Someone was camping there while we were there. I couldn’t help but think that it wasn’t the smartest place to camp. Cliffs have a habit of throwing rocks every now and again,
Final Words
This is a good place to stay if you wish to explore the area. If you are fit, bushwalking experienced and up for a challenge, do the Mount Murchison walk. It is a difficult walk, but it is spectacular.
This campground features on our West Coast Tasmania guide.
Closeby Campgrounds
If you are travelling north from this site, you may like Ridgley Campground. or more to the north-east Lake Gairdner Camping Area.
If you are planning on staying in Queenstown, Football Campground is a good option.
Details checked on 20/9/26.
