Home to five mighty rivers and an impressive collection of creeks and backwaters, River Country is never short of a sandy riverbank or shady bush setting to set up around a campfire with the family or spend a quiet long weekend fishing.
Escape the crowds and claim a secluded campsite at one of the many natural riverside clearings or forest settings throughout the area. You can keep it simple with just a tent, swag and campfire or really glamp it up with your camper trailer, van or self-contained motorhome. In most cases, you can even bring your dog.
Campbell’s Island State Forest has a great selection of camping areas along the Murray and Little Murray Rivers just north of Barham. What the area lacks in amenities (no toilets) it makes up for with 4-wheel driving, bush walking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Dogs are welcome here, and many areas are accessible to 2-wheel drive vehicles.
Best access is via North Barham Road.
More information: NSW Forestry Corporation
The Gunbower–Koondrook–Perricoota Forest covers approximately 51,000 ha of the Murray River floodplain downstream of Torrumbarry Weir, between Echuca and Barham. Gunbower Forest is on the Victorian side of the Murray River and Koondrook–Perricoota Forest is on the New South Wales side.
Both forests are listed as Ramsar wetlands of international importance, and are ‘icon sites’ under the Living Murray Program. The forests are ideal for camping, walking, canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and fishing. You can also take the Gunbower Island Forest Drive from Cohuna to discover the rich history of the forest.
Best access is via Moulamein Road or East Barham Road just out of Barham, or from the south-east near Moama.
Check for regulations and closures at NSW Forestry Corporation or Parks Victoria.
This is a lovely spot for free camping in tents, vans or RVs (although bookings are required, which attract a small fee). It’s dog-friendly, and offers walking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and birdwatching all year round. The campground is next to the Edward River Bridge picnic area, with barbecue facilities and non-flush toilets available. It’s an easy drive (or ride) to Mathoura for supplies, and you’ll need to BYO drinking water.
While there are some perfect spots for swimming, be especially careful of underwater snags, and avoid setting up camp under large trees, especially in windy weather.
Bookings and more information: National Parks NSW
Just over 10 minutes’ drive from Moama is the Benarca Campgrounds on Benarca Forest Road. Part of the sprawling Murray Valley Regional Park, there are nine camping areas to choose from, so you can enjoy riverside recreation or forest camping. Bookings are essential, and the campgrounds are all dog friendly.
More about Benarca Campgrounds
Follow the historic Moulamein River Walk and find a spot to for free camping on the banks on in the nearby bush, close to the Edward River, close to the centre of Moulamein. While there are no facilities, toilets and water are available at the nearby Moulamein Football Oval and Bowling Club.
The area offers great fishing and a quiet place to relax, with the added advantage off being close to Moulamein to stock up on supplies or grab a coffee. Park in the Big Tree Car Park off Moulamein Road and explore the area on foot from there.
Follow Wakool Road for about 9km out of the town of Wakool, and you’ll cross the Wakool River. Near the boat ramp on the south side of the bridge, there’s a open, grassy area ideal for setting up a riverside camp. There’s a dirt track, making it accessible to caravans and RVs, and the boat ramp makes it a popular place for campers and day-trippers to enjoy some fishing.
Toilets are available, and you’re welcome to bring your dog.
More information: Full Range Camping
This RV-friendly camping spot is on Dampier Street in the heart of the small township of Wakool, less than 30 minutes north-east of Barham. The reserve has had a major upgrade in recent times, and features solar lighting and new coin-operated shower facilities. There is also a dump point for RVs.
Between Tooleybuc and Balranald, the Kyalite Campground hugs a bend in the Wakool River. Part of the Murray Valley Regional Park, the area offers free bush or riverbank camping in unmarked sites. There are no facilities. Entry is just off Yanga Way, east of the Wakool River. Close by, off Kyalite Road, is another river and forest camping area, this time on the banks of the Edward River.
More information: National Parks NSW
For more information on local caravan parks offering dump points visit Sanidumps.
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