Camp grounds around Kozi main ridge

[Maxp20]

Hi all,

An interloper from VIC here. I’m looking to do a good loop around the Kozi main ridge in the next few months over around 4-6 days but none of the maps I’ve accessed on Avenza seem to note where the hiking campground are on the ridge. The trail hiking website lists a few but it’s kinda hard to plan for water and campgrounds without this info.

Can anyone point to locations of good campsites or provide any advice on how easy/difficult it is to find water and a flat spot up there?

Happy to be linked to a previous thread if it exists.

Thanks!

[icefest]

You can camp anywhere as long as it isn't in the glacial lakes catchment.

Good campsites depend on wind direction and tent type.

Don't forget to make a poo tube!

[johnw]

There are no formal/designated campgrounds on the main range. You can camp in any suitable place well away from walking tracks etc as long as you follow NPWS rules:
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety/alpine-safety/kosciuszko-back-country-camping#camping-restrictions
One basic rule is no camping within the catchments of the glacial lakes. My observations/thoughts are Wilkinsons Valley, along the valley of the Snowy River, the saddle below Mt Townsend, and on the western side of Mt Twynam. You'll likely see people camped in these places when you get there. Note that some of these are quite exposed sites; if poor weather is expected best keep to sheltered locations.
Water can be found in a multitude of streams etc up there but I would be careful to treat it first. Sanitation of other users is not always great and the area is used for cross country ski touring, snowboarding and other activities during winter. What gets buried in the snow is no longer buried once it melts and may run into water courses. Others may have further suggestions.

[Maxp20]

Thanks everyone.

I haven’t been up there but it seems like it’s reasonably easy to find a clear, flat spot and some water? I guess that’s what I’m trying to understand to try to plan days.

And yes, had seen the limits on water catchments and waste collection/removal!

[wander]

it’s reasonably easy to find a clear, flat spot and some water?

Yes, water is in the valleys.

[johnrs]

Its fine up there Max, but exposed, check the weather forecast before you go and plan accordingly
John

[Lophophaps]

Ramsheads has rocks to hide behind. Last time I checked the Wilkinson Valley water is not potable. About 30 minutes from the summit of Townsend at around 2150 metres there are a few creeks that are probably okay - not many people camp there. I have seen tents at the very head of the valley, around 2075 metres, 136678 or so. There are a few campsites between Twynam and Tate that have good shelter, The head of Pounds Creek has flat spots. I have never camped there, cannot comment. Tate has a nice flat spot sheltered by rocks that are no shelter at all when westerlies come in. I've obtained water a very short way from the ridge or track, including a few minutes from the summit of Tate and the track at Mann Bluff.

[rcaffin]

Pound creek is 'sheltered', for a given meaning of the word. The ridge to the south of it is better camping (not soggy), but less sheltered.
But one (generic) should not be up there without good gear and some knowledge. The weather can go from sunny to hailstorm in 30 minutes, in mid-summer. (Yeah, been there! It was cold.)

Cheers
Roger