Area & getting there
Sylvan Campsite
DOC campsite reference point, not a verified entrance or individual pitch.
Official location information: Department of Conservation (new tab)Location source & precision
- Reference coordinates
- -44.72577, 168.31466 (latitude, longitude)
- Precision
- WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
- Source
- DOC Maps campsite reference point (WGS84), exact official-page asset ID (new tab)
Department of Conservation - Location source checked
Read the full guideArrival, planning and local advice
- Routeburn River camping near Glenorchy, distinct from the lake walk and Great Walk camps.
- May flood in heavy rain. Avoid pitching under trees; no dogs or fires.
- Winter tank supply is unavailable. Any Routeburn Great Walk overnight requires its own booking.
- Camping styles
- tent, campervan, caravan
- Fees
- NZ$18 per adult (18+) per night, non-powered. Recheck the total for your dates.
- Water
- DOC lists no tank water in winter; bring drinking water until supply is confirmed. Other available water needs treatment.
Routeburn River camping near Glenorchy, distinct from the lake walk and Great Walk camps.
Follow the campsite approach
The route from Glenorchy uses Priory Road and Kinloch-Routeburn Road, with gravel beyond the Dart River bridge. Confirm the campground destination before leaving, especially if other parts of the trip use the Routeburn name. Check current road and weather information and allow a daylight arrival. Keep the tent and first evening's supplies easy to reach so the party can establish camp without needing to unpack the entire vehicle at once.
Do not mistake it for a lakeshore camp
Sylvan Campsite is beside the Routeburn River; Lake Sylvan is an outing from the area. Plan that walk separately using current track information rather than treating the lake as part of the camping pitch. If arrival is late, save the walk for another day instead of rushing through setup. Give everyone a clear return plan before leaving camp, with enough spare time to prepare dinner and organise dry clothing afterward.
Bring a reliable water reserve
Book the night and arrive with drinking water, particularly around the winter supply interruption. Keep enough for the first meal and following morning even if you hope to replenish locally. Pack bedding and spare layers independently of walking gear so wet items cannot compromise the sleeping setup. Before selecting a pitch, read signs and assess the conditions. A reservation for this campground is separate from any hut or campsite reservation on a longer route.
Check the official campsite information for current restrictions, facilities and booking arrangements.
