Best BBQ and picnic parks in Camden
Onslow Park is the top pick for a BBQ in Camden, because its Rotunda has barbecues, a covered picnic area and parking nearby. Belgenny Reserve suits a riverside lunch, and Macarthur Park suits a longer visit with a playground and gardens. Each has different strengths, so the choice depends on whether you want shelter, water views or a garden stroll.
Quick picks
- Best all-rounder: Onslow Park has barbecues and a covered picnic area at the Onslow Rotunda, with a restroom and a playground in the park.
- Riverside lunch: Belgenny Reserve has barbecues and a covered picnic area on the Nepean River.
- Garden stroll: Macarthur Park has barbecue areas beside its playground and heritage rose garden.
- Lush setting: Westlands Reserve has picnic sites among lush vegetation and scrub.
Onslow Park: the Rotunda for a covered BBQ
- BBQs
- Covered shelter
- Toilets
- Playground
- Parking
Onslow Park at 10 Cawdor Road is the first pick for a BBQ in Camden. The Onslow Rotunda has BBQs and a covered picnic area, and it is the spot for a group that wants shelter. Compared with Belgenny Reserve, Onslow has more room: a large grassed area near the Cawdor Road entrance, sports fields beside it, and a leisure playground for the kids. Parking is at several fields and at the Rotunda, and there is a restroom and a disability amenity in the park. The Camden tennis centre shares the site.
Best for: Best for: groups who want a covered BBQ and a playground in one visit
Belgenny Reserve: a BBQ beside the Nepean River
- BBQs
- Covered shelter
- Playground
- Parking
Belgenny Reserve, at 2 Belgenny Avenue in Camden South, has barbecues and a covered picnic area on the riverbank, plus a playground for young children. Families use the covered area for get-togethers, and parking is on site. Unlike Onslow Park, the passive areas here can't be booked, so a group that wants a reserved spot should go to Onslow. The only listed toilet sits on Belgenny Avenue, close to the reserve, so plan for that before you set up.
Best for: Best for: families who want a BBQ by the water and a cycleway nearby
Macarthur Park: BBQs among the heritage gardens
- BBQs
- Toilets
- Playground
Macarthur Park at 16 Menangle Road has barbecue areas and picnic areas beside its playground, so parents can cook while children play. Public toilets are in the park, and the heritage rose garden and wisteria walk give you a reason to stay after the meal. The park also has a pond and scenic views, so a visit can run past the memorials and the Faithfull-Anderson Fountain. The listing doesn't say where to park, so check before you go.
Best for: Best for: families who want a BBQ and a garden stroll in one visit
How the parks compare
By area
Every BBQ and picnic park in and near Camden
The table compares every park in Camden on barbecues, shelter, tables, toilets, a playground, parking and setting, with a dash where a detail isn't known.
| Park | BBQs | Shelter | Toilets | Playground |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Onslow Park | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2.Belgenny Reserve | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| 3.Macarthur Park | ✓ | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4.Westlands Reserve | – | – | ✓ | – |
How we picked
We compared the parks on what the text confirms: barbecues, shelters, picnic tables, toilets, a playground, parking and the size of the park. Onslow Park scored highest because it has the most of these, and Belgenny Reserve and Macarthur Park follow. Where a detail isn't stated, the table shows a dash rather than a guess, so a dash means unknown, not no.
FAQ
Which park in Camden has BBQs?
Onslow Park, Belgenny Reserve and Macarthur Park all have barbecues. The Onslow Rotunda sets its barbecues under cover, with parking close by.
Can I book a BBQ area at Onslow Park?
Yes, Onslow Park takes bookings for its Rotunda through the Bookable venue listing. At Belgenny Reserve, though, only the sporting field takes bookings.
Is there a covered picnic area in Camden?
Yes, Onslow Park's Rotunda and Belgenny Reserve both have covered picnic areas. The Rotunda has parking nearby, while Belgenny's covered area sits beside the Nepean River.
Which Camden park has toilets for a picnic?
Onslow Park and Macarthur Park both have toilets inside the park. For Belgenny Reserve, the listed toilet is on Belgenny Avenue, close to the reserve rather than inside it.