Lake Lyell Camping Area — Hotel in Rydal

I recently had the misfortune of visiting Lake Lyle Campground, not once but twice, and I feel compelled to share my harrowing experiences to warn others. My first visit was during the Easter long weekend in 2020, and despite the high hopes of a family getaway, it quickly became a nightmare.

From the moment I arrived, the state of the amenities blocks was appalling. The filth was unbearable, with both bathrooms reeking of urine and other unspeakable odors. It was a constant battle to find toilet paper, as the supply seemed to vanish almost immediately. This led to countless trips to the front desk. Cleanliness during peak times is not just a luxury, it is a necessity, and it was clear that the management either lacked the resources or the will to maintain basic hygiene standards.

The showers were no better. In fact, they were worse. Every time I stepped in, I was confronted with hair plastered against the walls, remnants of soap bars scattered across the floor, and soggy toilet paper clumped in corners. The stench was so overpowering that it made me nauseous. While I understand that holidays attract larger crowds, it’s baffling that other campsites manage to have staff clean or at least rinse out the bathrooms daily. Lake Lyle, on the other hand, seemed to operate completely different.

Fast forward to my recent visit with my kids on a regular weekend, and I hoped for an improvement given the reduced number of campers. Unfortunately, I was met with the same abysmal conditions. The amenities blocks were just as neglected, with the overwhelming smell and lack of toilet paper plaguing our stay once again. The final straw came on the morning of February 22nd, when I witnessed a particularly shocking scene: both a male and female cleaning out a portable toilet using the sinks in the women’s bathroom. This was the same sink where my children washed their hands and brushed their teeth! The complete disregard for hygiene was not only disgusting but alarming. The potential exposure to harmful bacteria and germs was enough to make my skin crawl.

I cannot stress enough how appalling my experiences at Lake Lyle Campground have been. I will be actively informing everyone I know about the abysmal conditions I encountered, and I will ensure that my own family never returns to this site. Camping is meant to be a fun experience, but Lake Lyle has turned that notion on its head. Save your time, money, and health—look elsewhere for a camping experience that prioritizes cleanliness and guest...

We just had a beautiful weekend at Lake Lyell in the Ski Lodge the only cabin the recreation park has it is at the waters edge. |It was tidy and comfortable. |We were a family of 5 but it sleeps 8. |One room has a double bed which has an external door, the next room has a double bed and single bunks. |The next room has a lounge which is a sofa bed, a coffee table a heater, dining table a fridge, kettle, toaster microwave and Plates bowls mugs pots pans cutlery utensils. |Under cover awning with outdoor setting with gas BBQ and side burner. |No running water or toilet inside the cabin which was ok for 2 nights. We went 1st June it was freezing outside and If you need to go to the loo in the night you have to use the toilet block near children's playground or up the hill to the shower toilet block. The showers were a nice pressure and hot. It requires 20cents per minute. 20 cent pieces only. It was $160 per night for the cabin. Our friends had a caravan and a powered site. |The park sell hot chips Hambugers, Steak sandwiches ice creams at the office. Such peaceful place. Few jet skis and boats around but they were not out too early due to heavy fog in the mornings. We built a fire in the pits provided. Firewood is for sale we paid $100 for 6 bags of fire wood x 2. But we loved sitting by the fire toasting marshmallows etc. I think I would bring some fire wood if we were to come in Winter again. Looking forward to staying in...

This recreation and caravan park is very busy at the weekends and public holidays but quiet otherwise. Very popular with boaties. We were in a caravan at a powered site. There is no water at the sites and no hose connections elsewhere to fill up. Buckets of possible drinking water can be obtained. at the rear of the amenities blocks. ||The amenities blocks are in terrible condition and date back to at least the 1970s. They are dirty and primitive (open rafters, raw concrete floors, brick walls). There is dirt on the walls and floors, filth and insects in the corners (they are never hosed out!). Spiders are in the rafters and my wife found a large redback under the sink in the toilet block. Showers cost $1 for 3 minutes in addition to the camping charge. One block each contains 2 toilets for females, one and a urinal for males, and in another elevated block 2 showers and 2 toilets for each sex. These are clearly inadequate and the worst amenities blocks I have experienced this century! The Mayor and the Councillors of Lithgow should be deeply ashamed of this blatant, irresponsible neglect! Not...