25 Mile Creek Camping Ground Free Alpine Bush Camp, Dargo

For the truly self-sufficient camper seeking a genuine escape, 25 Mile Creek Camping Ground offers a rustic and remote experience deep within Victoria's Big River State Forest. This small, undeveloped site represents the end of the line for conventional vehicles; it is the final 2WD-accessible camping spot on Big River Road before the track transitions to 4WD-only, ensuring a quieter, more secluded atmosphere. Situated on a ridge above the Big River, this free, pet-friendly campground is an unadorned patch of nature, perfect for those who prioritise solitude over amenities.

There are no facilities here—no toilets, no picnic tables, no rubbish bins. It is a place that demands preparedness, rewarding visitors with an unfiltered connection to the surrounding tall-timber forest and the sounds of the Australian bush.

The campground is best suited for tent-based camping, with a few small clearings to pitch a tent and set up a basic camp. Its primary appeal lies in its simplicity and its role as a gateway to more rugged adventures. Anglers will find it a convenient spot to access the river for a spot of fishing, while explorers can use it as a launching point for hiking or heading further into the forest with a high-clearance 4WD. Due to its complete lack of facilities, campers must bring everything they need for their stay, including ample drinking water, all cooking equipment, firewood for a small, contained campfire (subject to fire bans), and a portable toilet.

Critically, a strict 'leave no trace' ethos is essential; all rubbish must be carried out to protect this pristine environment for future visitors. It's not a campground for everyone, but for those equipped for primitive camping, 25 Mile Creek provides a peaceful and authentic bush retreat, far from the crowds and the distractions of modern life.

25 Mile Creek Camping Ground

• Address: Big River Road, Big River State Forest, VIC 3713, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.485861, 146.094505

Campground Information & Features

• Location: Big River State Forest, signposted off Big River Road, approx. 2km north of Catford Camping Area.
• Site Suitable For: Primarily tent-based camping. Small off-road camper trailers may fit.
• Road Access: 2WD accessible via gravel road. This is the last 2WD accessible campsite heading north; the road becomes 4WD only beyond this point.
• Site Surface: Natural earth and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. No bookings.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Not specified.
• Facilities: None. Campers must be completely self-sufficient.
• Potable Water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: None.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet is essential.
• Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted, but must be in a contained fire pit and extinguished completely. Subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be highly considerate of the natural setting and other potential campers.
• Number of Sites Available: A few small, undefined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, portable toilet, all food and cooking gear, firewood, rubbish bags, first-aid kit.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed but must be under control at all times.
• Fishing: Yes, opportunities in the nearby Big River.
• Short Walks: Informal bush tracks available for exploration.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • The Duck Inn (Marysville) - Approx. 35 km
  • Buxton Hotel/Pub (Buxton) - Approx. 41 km
  • Eildon Holiday Resort (Eildon) - Approx. 33 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Marysville Bakery (Marysville) - Approx. 35 km
  • Eildon Bakery Cafe (Eildon) - Approx. 33 km
  • Range of Cafes in Marysville - Approx. 35 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Lake Eildon National Park - Approx. 35 km
  • Steavenson Falls (Marysville) - Approx. 37 km
  • Cathedral Range State Park - Approx. 55 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Marysville Holiday Park - Approx. 35 km
  • BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks (Eildon) - Approx. 33 km
  • Goughs Bay Caravan Park - Approx. 50 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Catford Camping Area - Approx. 2 km south
  • Stockmans Reward Camping Ground - Approx. 10 km south
  • Big River Camp - Approx. 18 km south
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Eildon - Approx. 33 km
  • Mansfield Public Dump Point - Approx. 65 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Eildon - Approx. 33 km
  • Marysville - Approx. 35 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Eildon - Approx. 33 km
  • Marysville - Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Stockmans Reward Camping Ground - Approx. 10 km south
  • Marysville (Gallipoli Park) - Approx. 35 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Goughs Bay / Lake Eildon Area

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Days are warm to hot, ideal for river activities, with cooler mountain evenings. Temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C+. High fire danger.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild days and crisp, cool nights. The forest colours are spectacular. Temperatures typically range from 6°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with overnight temperatures often dropping below freezing. Frost is common, and occasional snow can fall in the area. Daytime highs are around 2°C to 12°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and variable conditions. Be prepared for rain and sudden temperature changes. A beautiful time with wildflowers blooming. Temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C.