Last updated: August 2025 | Visited: Multiple times over 15 years of Murray River camping

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.

Police Paddocks Free Camp

Getting There

The 3.5km gravel access road from the main highway handles everything from our mates massive 24-foot rig down to small campervans. Yes there are potholes – some deep, but they’re well spaced and easily navigated at reasonable speeds.

We’ve been in on this access track for years and while it’s never perfect, it’s remained consistently passable. The local council seems to do some work on it it annually, usually before the busy Easter period.

Road Condition Checklist:

• Dry conditions: Suitable for all vehicles including 2WD with caravans
• After rain: Stick to the middle of the track, edges become boggy
• Potholes: There are plenty of potholes on the road in but if you go nice and slow you’ll be ok
• Clearance: Plenty of clearance

Pro tip from experience: After heavy rain, stick to the middle of the road. The edges can become boggy particularly the final 500 metres approaching the camping area.

Site Layout At The Police Paddocks Campsite

Unlike many “spacious” free camps that turn out to be single file parking, The Police Paddocks Campsite sprawls across several hectares. During our most recent visit in June 2025 we counted spaces for easily 40+ sites without anyone feeling crowded.

Camping Zone Options:

• River Frontage: 800m of premium spots under river red gums – shaded, scenic, but watch for falling branches
• Open Grassland: 200m back from water – sunny, spacious, better for solar panels and satellite dishes
• Creek-side: Smaller spots along Murphys Creek – quieter, good for fishing access
• Boundary Area: Less popular but private spots near the back fence

Important safety note: Those beautiful red gums regularly drop substantial branches. I’ve witnessed loads of close calls over the years. Always inspect overhead before settling in, particularly after windy weather.

Police Paddocks Free Campsite

Why This Site Works: Community Self-Management

What sets The Police Paddocks Campsite apart is the informal stewardship by long-term visitors. During our stays, we’ve met “regulars” who’ve been coming for 15+ years – retired couples who spend weeks here and take genuine pride in maintaining the area.

Some of the long termers have basically adopted the place. They’ll mow tracks through the grass, pick up rubbish that thoughtless people leave behind, and drag fallen branches off the camping areas. Old-fashioned camping etiquette – the kind that’s disappearing elsewhere but somehow survives here.

Facilities Reality Check: Bring Everything

Zero facilities means exactly that. No toilets, no water, no bins. Full self-containment isn’t optional – it’s essential. We’ve seen unprepared campers leave within hours when they realise there’s nowhere to dump grey water or access fresh supplies.

Rutherglen and Corowa both have decent shops for anything you forgot to pack. We’ve done plenty of last-minute dashes to the Rutherglen IGA before they close at 8 – usually for milk or bread we somehow managed to run out of.

Connectivity & Communications At The Police Paddocks Campsite

Mobile coverage is patchy at best. Telstra provides occasional 3G, sometimes improving to 4G during overnight hours when network traffic drops. You can forget Optus and Vodafone.

Local Knowledge: Making The Most of Your Stay

Essential Items to Bring:

• Firewood (cleaned out regularly – buy bundles in Rutherglen $8)
• All water (minimum 100L for extended stays)
• Complete grey/black water storage
• Insect repellent and fly nets (flies can be persistent)

Best fishing: Early morning along the deeper pools near the bend, 300 metres downstream from the main camping area. Murray cod and redfin are most active just after sunrise.

Wind warning: When the northerlies blow the open areas can get uncomfortable. Those big red gums along the river are your friend – they block most of the wind and keep things pleasant even on blustery days.

Police Paddocks Near Rutherglen

Why The Police Paddocks Campsite Is So Popular

In an era of increasingly regulated camping places like this survive through mutual respect and community responsibility. It’s not perfect. As with everywhere we go we encounter the occasional inconsiderate camper or find rubbish left behind or fires not put out properly. For campers wanting close proximity to Rutherglen’s renowned wineries, The Police Paddocks Campsite is a great place.

Have you stayed at The Police Paddocks? Share your experiences and help maintain the community knowledge that keeps places like this accessible for everyone. – Add your comments below

Comments – Share Your Experiences!