Bailey’s Rocks Campground | Free Camping in Dergholm State Park

Venture into the ancient, rugged landscapes of the Dergholm State Park and discover Bailey’s Rocks Campground, a spectacular free camping destination in the heart of Western Victoria. This is a true bush camp, offering a peaceful and immersive experience for self-sufficient travellers. The campground is nestled amongst a beautiful stringybark forest, but its main attraction is the incredible natural playground of Bailey’s Rocks themselves—a giant cluster of awe-inspiring granite boulders, weathered by millions of years into fascinating shapes and formations. These monolithic stones create a unique and magical atmosphere, inviting exploration and adventure for all ages. It’s a photographer’s dream and a perfect spot for families and nature lovers to disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of the Australian bush.

The campground provides a classic, back-to-basics experience, with spacious, unmarked sites scattered throughout the forest, allowing campers to find their own private nook. While the facilities are simple, they are well-maintained and provide the essentials for a rustic getaway. The main activity is exploring the rocks and the surrounding forest, with several walking tracks winding through the park. The area is rich in biodiversity, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting and birdwatching. As a designated free camp within a state park, it’s a popular spot, yet its large size means it rarely feels crowded. Its location makes it a fantastic base for exploring the wider region, from the wine country of Coonawarra just across the border to the historic town of Casterton, the birthplace of the Kelpie. For a memorable and budget-friendly camping trip that combines unique geological wonders with serene forest camping, Bailey’s Rocks is an unmissable Victorian treasure.

Campground Information

• Name: Bailey’s Rocks Campground
• Address: Baileys Rocks Rd, Dergholm VIC 3312

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.28841853597081, 141.17717898123732

Website

• Website: This is a free campground in a State Park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Bush setting in Dergholm State Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
• Road Access: Good quality unsealed gravel road, suitable for 2WD vehicles.
• Site Surface: Natural dirt and gravel base.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please check Parks Victoria guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood BBQs/fire pits. No showers or power.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very patchy. Telstra has the best chance of a weak signal.
• TV Reception: Unreliable to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the peaceful environment.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area that can accommodate many campers.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, sturdy shoes for rock scrambling.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a lead in Dergholm State Park.

Activities

• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: Excellent walking tracks around the rocks and through the surrounding stringybark forest.
• Rock Scrambling: The giant boulders are a natural adventure playground for all ages.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Dergholm Hotel – Approx. 10 km (Check opening status)
  • Albion Hotel Casterton – Approx. 45 km
  • Coonawarra Hotel (SA) – Approx. 60 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Limited options in Dergholm. The nearest reliable options are in Casterton – Approx. 45 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Dergholm State Park – You are in it!
  • Coonawarra Wine Region (SA) – Approx. 60 km
  • The Australian Kelpie Centre (Casterton) – Approx. 45 km
  • Penola township (SA) – Approx. 60 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ess Lagoon (Casterton) – Approx. 45 km
  • Island Park Caravan Park (Casterton) – Approx. 46 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Numerous other small sites within Dergholm State Park.
  • Ess Lagoon (Casterton) – Approx. 45 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Casterton Showgrounds Public Dump Point – Approx. 47 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Casterton – Approx. 45 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Casterton.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry, averaging 14-30°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for walking, averaging 8-24°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp, with chilly days, averaging 5-15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine, a great time to see wildflowers, averaging 7-21°C.