Aysons Reserve Campground: Top-Tier Free & Pet-Friendly Camping near Elmore

Aysons Reserve is one of central Victoria’s most popular and well-regarded free campgrounds, and for good reason. Situated on the beautiful banks of the Campaspe River, just a short drive from the town of Elmore, this spacious reserve offers an exceptional camping experience with a level of amenity rarely found at a free site. The large, open, and grassy area is dotted with magnificent gum trees providing ample shade, making it a perfect spot for caravans, big rigs, and tents alike. It’s a haven for water lovers, with a boat ramp providing easy access to the river for fishing, kayaking, and boating. The serene riverside setting is also a fantastic spot for birdwatching or simply relaxing and watching the world go by.

What truly sets Aysons Reserve apart is its excellent facilities. It caters perfectly to the self-contained traveller by providing both toilets and an on-site dump point—a huge convenience that makes it a highly sought-after destination. The reserve also features a large undercover picnic shelter, making it a great spot for a meal regardless of the weather. While camping is free for short stays, a free online permit is required for stays longer than two nights, helping to manage this popular spot. Being pet-friendly, it’s an ideal choice for the entire family. Its proximity to Elmore ensures that supplies, a good pub meal, and local attractions are always close at hand. For a comfortable, convenient, and scenic free camping experience that ticks all the boxes, Aysons Reserve is a standout destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Aysons Reserve Campground
• Address: 727 Burnewang Road, Burnewang (near Elmore), Victoria 3558, Australia
• GPS Coordinates:  -36.4588,144.6687
• Website: Managed by Campaspe Shire Council. Permits for longer stays are available on their website.

Features & Rules

• Location: Spacious, grassy reserve on the banks of the Campaspe River.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Good access via unsealed roads, suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions.
• Site Surface: Mostly level grass and natural earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted. A free permit is required for stays longer than 2 nights.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Up to 28 days per year with a permit.
• Facilities: Toilets, undercover picnic shelter, boat ramp, and a caravan dump point.
• Potable Water: No, the water on site is non-potable. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major carriers.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, toilets are available (BYO toilet paper is recommended).
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated areas, subject to seasonal fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous undesignated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in the Campaspe River.
• Short Walks: Informal walks along the river.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Shamrock Hotel (Elmore) – approx. 10 km
  • Railway Hotel (Elmore) – approx. 10 km
  • Toolleen Hotel – approx. 15 km
• Places to Eat:
  • The Elmore Bakery – approx. 10 km
  • Various cafes and takeaways in Elmore – approx. 10 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Campaspe Run Rural Discovery Centre – approx. 10 km
  • Elmore Miniature Railway – approx. 12 km
  • Historic town of Bendigo – approx. 40 km

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Elmore Caravan Park – approx. 10 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Campaspe Riverside Reserve (Elmore) – approx. 10 km
  • Englishs Bridge Streamside Reserve – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • On-site at Aysons Reserve.
• Nearest Petrol Station: Elmore – approx. 10 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Elmore – approx. 10 km.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Average maximum temperatures are around 30°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for exploring. Average maximums range from 17°C to 26°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool days and cold nights with frequent frosts. Average maximums are around 13°C to 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with pleasant conditions. Average maximums range from 17°C to 25°C.