Deptford Camping Area: Free Camping in a Gippsland Ghost Town

Step back in time and camp amidst the ghosts of the gold rush at the Deptford Camping Area, a fascinating and free campground in the heart of East Gippsland. Located on the site of the former Deptford township, this area offers a unique opportunity to connect with Victoria’s rich pioneering history. The campground is a spacious, grassy flat surrounded by peaceful bushland, with the gentle sounds of the nearby Nicholson River creating a tranquil atmosphere. Informative signs scattered throughout the reserve tell the story of Deptford’s boom and bust, from its gold mining heyday to its eventual decline, making a simple stroll a journey through time.

This is a fantastic spot for self-sufficient campers who appreciate history and serenity. The campground provides basic but welcome facilities, including non-flushing toilets and established wood fire pits. As it’s located within a State Forest, the area is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your dog along for the adventure. The Nicholson River offers opportunities for fishing and a refreshing paddle in the warmer months. Access is via unsealed forest roads, which are generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry weather but can become challenging after rain. Campers must be self-contained, bringing their own drinking water and taking all rubbish home. For a unique, historic, and incredibly peaceful free camping experience, the Deptford Camping Area is a true Gippsland gem.

Campground Information

• Name: Deptford Camping Area
• Address: Deptford Road, Deptford, Victoria 3875, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.59310255888824, 147.6976764190196
• Website: Managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria (no direct website).

Features & Rules

• Location: Historic former township site in a peaceful bushland setting.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and caravans.
• Road Access: Unsealed forest roads, 2WD accessible in dry weather.
• Site Surface: Natural earth and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: Non-flushing toilets, fire pits, and historical information signs.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flushing toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided fireplaces, 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, rubbish bags, and toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Possible in the nearby Nicholson River.
• Short Walks: Historic walks around the old Deptford township site.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Bruthen Inn Hotel (Bruthen) – approx. 35 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Bullant Brewery (Bruthen) – approx. 35 km
  • Various cafes and takeaways in Bruthen – approx. 35 km
  • A wide range of restaurants and cafes in Bairnsdale – approx. 50 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Deptford historic goldfields
  • Mitchell River National Park
  • East Gippsland Rail Trail

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • NRMA Bairnsdale Riverside Holiday Park – approx. 50 km
  • Mitchell Gardens Holiday Park (Bairnsdale) – approx. 50 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Tambo River camping areas – approx. 40 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bruthen Public Dump Point – approx. 35 km
  • Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre – approx. 50 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Bruthen – approx. 35 km or Bairnsdale – approx. 50 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Bruthen or Bairnsdale.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (basic). Flushing toilets in Bruthen.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Average maximum temperatures are around 26°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for exploring. Average maximums range from 17°C to 24°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp, with cold nights. Average maximums are around 14°C to 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with the landscape at its greenest. Average maximums range from 17°C to 22°C.