25 Best FREE Murray River Camping Spots (Map + Access 2026)

✔ 25 free camps
✔ VIC, NSW & SA locations
✔ 2WD + caravan friendly options

Discover 25 tested Murray River camping spots from many years exploring the Murrays free camps. Pet friendly sites with detailed access info.

We’ve personally camped at multiple locations along the Murray River over several trips, experiencing everything from peak holiday crowds to quiet off-season stays. This guide is based on real travel experience, not just research.

Murray River Camping Map – Map Of 25 Free Camps Along The Murray River

To make planning easier we recommend mapping out your route before heading off. Most camps are spread along remote stretches of the river and mobile reception can be limited.

1. The Police Paddocks Camping (Rutherglen)

Read Our Police Paddocks Conservation Reserve Full Blog Post

Location: Near Rutherglen, Victoria
Latitude: -35.980250
Longitude: 146.505096
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD & 4WD year-round

After decades of exploring Australia’s free camping network, The Police Paddocks Campsite along Murphys Creek near Rutherglen remains one of our most recommended stops in Victoria’s northeast. This sprawling riverside site consistently delivers what many promise but fail to provide – genuine space.

Facilities:

• No facilities (self-sufficient camping)

Pros:

• Large open camping area
• Easy access year-round
• Good mobile reception

Cons:

• No toilets or water
• Fully self-contained required

Murray River Free Camping Berri SA

2. Trues Beach Camping (Yarrawonga)

Location: Near Yarrawonga, Victoria
Latitude: -35.955155
Longitude: 145.909689
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD (dry) / after rain

Trues Beach is a peaceful riverside campsite located in the River Murray Reserve. It’s a grassy area right on the riverbank, ideal for swimming, kayaking, and relaxing.

Facilities:

• No facilities

Pros:

• Direct river access
• Suitable for caravans and campers
• Pet friendly

Cons:

• No toilets
• Access difficult after rain

3. Doolans Bend Camping (Howlong)

Location: Near Howlong, Victoria
Latitude: -36.023015
Longitude: 146.654183
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

Doolans Bend offers quiet bush camping along the Murray River, ideal for those wanting a more natural and less crowded experience.

Facilities:

• No facilities

Pros:

• Peaceful setting
• Great for kayaking and swimming

Cons:

• Fully self-sufficient required
• Falling branches possible

4. Big Naughtons Camp 1 (Bundalong)

Location: Near Bundalong, Victoria
Latitude: -36.048345
Longitude: 146.197474
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

Located beside the Ovens River, this is a popular bush camping area within the Lower Ovens Wildlife Reserve.

Facilities:

• No facilities

Pros:

• Scenic riverside location
• Campfires permitted (conditions apply)

Cons:

• No toilets
• Limited mobile reception

5. Yarrawonga River Camp

Location: Yarrawonga, Victoria
Latitude: -36.012088
Longitude: 145.980935
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

A well-known camping area in Yarrawonga Regional Park, offering sandy beaches and river access.

Facilities:

• Pit toilets (approx. 300m away)

Pros:

• Scenic river bends
• Close to town
• Good facilities nearby

Cons:

• Can get busy
• Tree hazards

6. Forges Beach No. 1 Camping

Location: Near Yarrawonga, Victoria
Latitude: -35.996172
Longitude: 145.963423
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

A riverside campsite within Yarrawonga Regional Park offering basic facilities and good access.

Facilities:

• Long-drop toilets

Pros:

• Easy access
• Good facilities
• Pet friendly

Cons:

• Security concerns reported
• Can get crowded

7. Finley Beach Camping (Tocumwal)

Location: Near Tocumwal, Victoria
Latitude: -35.822046
Longitude: 145.559320
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

A popular Murray River campsite featuring a sandy beach and good facilities.

Facilities:

• Toilets

Pros:

• Great swimming spot
• Family-friendly
• Good access

Cons:

• No pets allowed

8. Gulf Camping Ground (Barmah National Park)

Location: Barmah National Park, Victoria
Latitude: -35.843087 (corrected likely typo)
Longitude: 145.151882
Cost: Free
Access: 4WD recommended

Remote bush camping in Barmah National Park, ideal for experienced campers.

Facilities:

• None

Pros:

• Remote and quiet
• Great wildlife

Cons:

• No dogs
• No facilities

9. Meat Ant Beach Camping

Location: Near Maloga Park, Victoria
Latitude: -36.079733
Longitude: 144.960117
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

A relaxed riverside camping spot with multiple open areas.

Facilities:

• None

Pros:

• Easy access
• Good for kayaking

Cons:

• No facilities
• Limited shade

10 Benarca Camping Area (Moama)

Location: Near Moama, Victoria
Latitude: -36.071431
Longitude: 144.612352
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD (dry)

A popular bush camping area within Murray Valley Regional Park.

Facilities:

• None

Pros:

• Close to Moama
• Great river views
• Pet friendly

Cons:

• Muddy after rain

11. Vals Landing Camping

Location: Near Gunbower, Victoria
Latitude: -35.936290
Longitude: 144.450349
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

A basic riverside bush camp suited to self-sufficient campers.

Facilities:

• None

Pros:

• Quiet location
• Fishing opportunities

Cons:

• No facilities
• Falling branch risk

12. Cockatoo Point Camping

Location: Gunbower State Forest, Victoria
Latitude: -35.728280
Longitude: 144.247439
Cost: Free
Access: 4WD recommended

Remote camping area with limited access and no facilities.

Facilities:

• None

Pros:

• Secluded
• Great for experienced campers

Cons:

• No dogs
• Difficult access

13. Passage Camp (Boundary Bend)

Location: Near Boundary Bend, Victoria
Latitude: -34.717065
Longitude: 143.197826
Cost: Free
Access: 4WD / off-road caravans

Basic bush camping suitable for self-contained setups.

Facilities:

• None

Pros:

• Quiet and remote
• Pet friendly

Cons:

• No facilities
• 4WD access preferred

14. Tocumwal Town Beach Camping

Location: Tocumwal, Victoria
Latitude: -35.817838
Longitude: 145.560236
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

One of the best-equipped free camps along the Murray River.

Facilities:

• Toilets
• Showers
• Dump point
• Drinking water

Pros:

• Close to town
• Great facilities
• Family-friendly

Cons:

• Can get busy

15. Nyah-Vinifera Park Camping (Tooleybuc)

Location: Near Tooleybuc, Victoria
Latitude: -35.165859
Longitude: 143.384526
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

A quiet dispersed camping area with good river access.

Facilities:

• None

Pros:

• Great fishing
• Quiet

Cons:

• No dogs
• No facilities

16. Ecc Yarrawonga Camping

Location: Near Yarrawonga, Victoria
Latitude: -36.005563
Longitude: 145.969649
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

A quiet bush camping area along the Murray River.

Facilities:

• None

Pros:

• Peaceful
• Pet friendly

Cons:

• No toilets

17. Merbein Common Camping

Location: Near Merbein, Victoria
Latitude: -34.159437
Longitude: 142.078067
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD (dry)

Large riverside camping area popular with caravanners.

Facilities:

• None

Pros:

• Huge space
• Close to Mildura

Cons:

• Clay becomes boggy

Merbein Common VIC Murray River Free Camping

18. Happy Valley Landing (Robinvale)

Read Our Happy Valley Landing Full Blog Post

Location: Near Robinvale, Victoria
Latitude: -34.675487
Longitude: 142.695464
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

Free camping near Robinvale at Happy Valley Landing on the Murray River. It’s a nice, quiet secluded spot. I found it on WikiCamps not that far from Robinvale VIC.

Facilities:

• None

Pros:

• Good swimming
• Large area

Cons:

• No dogs
• No facilities

Murray River Free Camping Happy Valley Landing Robinvale VIC

19. Bottle Bend Conservation Reserve

Read Our Bottle Bend Conservation Reserve Full Blog Post

Location: Bottle Bend Road, Monak NSW
Latitude: -34.2921037
Longitude: 142.2950610
Cost: Free
Access: 4WD

Camping At Bottle Bend Conservation Reserve Picnic Area is ideal for those seeking a quiet and scenic camping experience. Located a short drive from the Sturt Highway near Buronga, this conservation area is a slice of serenity. Surrounded by native bushland and the iconic Murray River, the area is a haven for nature lovers.

Murray River Free Camping Overnight At Bottle Bend Conservation Reserve

Facilities:

• None nearby

Pros:

• River Access
• Scenic
• Pets

Cons:

• Can get busy over holiday periods
• No facilities

20. Caurnamont Boat Ramp Camping

Location: Near Purnong, South Australia
Latitude: -34.841582
Longitude: 139.586506
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

Well-equipped riverside campground.

Facilities:

• Toilets
• BBQ
• Shelter

Pros:

• Great facilities
• Easy access

Cons:

• Less secluded

21. Wongulla Campground

Location: Near Mobrae Park, South Australia
Latitude: -34.700918
Longitude: 139.575717
Cost: Donation
Access: 2WD (dry)

Large open campground suitable for all setups.

Facilities:

• Bins

Pros:

• Large area
• River access

Cons:

• No toilets onsite

22. Big Bend Camping

Location: Near Tobra, South Australia
Latitude: -34.636382
Longitude: 139.613937
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

Spacious riverside camping area.

Facilities:

• Basic

Pros:

• Good for caravans
• Swimming

Cons:

• Limited facilities

23. Farley Bend Site 6 (Moama)

Location: Near Moama, NSW
Latitude: -36.033722
Longitude: 144.615196
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

A quiet bush camping spot along the river.

Facilities:

• None

Pros:

• Peaceful
• Fishing

Cons:

• No toilets

24. Kyffins Reserve Camping

Location: Near Mulwala, NSW
Latitude: -35.979576
Longitude: 146.059329
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

A well-known riverside camping reserve.

Facilities:

• Toilets

Pros:

• Good facilities
• Pet friendly

Cons:

• Time limits apply

25. Paddy’s Beach Camping

Location: Near Boomanoomana, NSW
Latitude: -35.950966
Longitude: 145.913621
Cost: Free
Access: 2WD

A basic riverside camping area suited to self-contained campers.

Facilities:

• None

Pros:

• Quiet
• Good fishing

Cons:

• No facilities

25 Free Camps On The Murray River

Quick Comparison Table

Pet-Friendly Murray River Camping

Most free camps along the Murray River allow dogs, but always check signage and local regulations. National parks and conservation areas may have restrictions.

2WD Accessible Murray River Camps

While many Murray River camps are accessible by 2WD vehicles, some require 4WD—especially after rain. Always check track conditions before travelling.

Best Time to Go Murray River Camping

The best time for Murray River camping is typically autumn and spring when temperatures are mild and river conditions are more stable. Summer can be extremely hot, while winter may bring flooding in some areas.

Summary – Free Camps Along The Murray River

Having spent many years camping on Australia’s river systems I can confidently say Murray River camping offers some of the Australia’s most rewarding free camping experiences. This comprehensive guide covers 25 well respected sites including many that we have personally visited with sites spanning Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. From basic bush camps perfect for getting away from crowds, to spots with toilets and boat ramps that suit families with young kids. Each location has been tested multiple times during different seasons, so you’ll get honest assessments about access roads after rain, mobile coverage realities and which sites actually deliver on their promises of free camping along Australia’s most famous waterway.

We’ve camped at many of these spots over the years and honestly the Murray delivers every time. Sometimes you’ll have the river to yourself particularly during the cooler months. The variety of different campsites is what makes it so awesome. Some places you’re camped up on a sandy beach perfect for chucking the line in, next time you’re tucked away in the bush. Just remember that the clay soil can become a nightmare when it’s wet so check the weather before you commit to driving in anywhere.

The thing that keeps these places working is that most people who use them actually give a damn. Sure, you get the occasional idiot who leaves their rubbish behind but generally the camping community polices itself pretty well. Pack everything in, pack everything out – it’s not rocket science. We’ve found some absolute ripper spots along the river that aren’t on this list – discovered by following dusty tracks that looked promising. Sometimes the best camps are the ones you stumble across yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Murray River Camping