Big River Pines Camping Area Shaded Riverside Stays VIC

For a camping experience with a unique atmosphere, the Big River Pines Camping Area (universally known as ‘The Pines’) is a standout free site in Victoria’s High Country. Located along the iconic Eildon-Jamieson Road, this campground is distinguished from its neighbours by the beautiful stand of pine trees that provide its name and its character. This canopy creates a wonderfully shady and aromatic environment, a welcome relief on hot summer days, with a soft bed of pine needles underfoot. The site offers a number of small, semi-private clearings nestled amongst the trees, making it particularly well-suited for tent-based camping and smaller camper trailers looking for a sense of seclusion. Its position right on the banks of the Goulburn River ensures that the soothing sounds of flowing water are never far away.

The Pines is a fantastic base for exploring the Big River State Forest and the wider region. The river itself is a prime spot for trout fishing, and the various pools and gentle rapids are great for swimming and kayaking. As a state forest reserve, the site is pet-friendly, so canine campers are welcome. A basic non-flush toilet is provided, but beyond that, campers must be completely self-sufficient. This includes bringing all your own drinking water and ensuring you pack out every piece of rubbish to keep the area pristine. There are no built-in fireplaces, so while campfires are generally permitted subject to fire bans, you should use an existing fire pit or bring a portable one. With its slightly more intimate feel compared to some of the larger reserves, and its convenient access to the historic towns of Jamieson and Kevington, The Pines offers a memorable and peaceful bush camping getaway for the self-reliant adventurer.

Big River Pines Camping Area (The Pines)

• Address:  Eildon-Jamieson Road, Kevington, VIC 3723, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.35721365107072, 146.06293539498262

Campground Information & Features

• Location: On the Eildon-Jamieson Road, near Kevington and south of Jamieson.
• Site Suitable For: Tents and small camper trailers. Limited space for larger caravans.
• Road Access: Good 2WD access via the unsealed Eildon-Jamieson Road.
• Site Surface: Natural earth, covered in pine needles.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard state forest limit of 28 days.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets.
• Potable Water: No, all drinking water must be brought in.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flush toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. A strict carry-in, carry-out policy is in effect.
• Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the quiet atmosphere.
• Number of Sites Available: Approximately 5-10 small, unmarked sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash or under control.
• Fishing: Yes, the Goulburn River is right there and is excellent for trout fishing.
• Short Walks: Informal walks along the river and exploring the surrounding forest.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Kevington Hotel – Approx. 5 km
  • Jamieson Brewery and Grill (Jamieson) – Approx. 7 km
  • Courthouse Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 7 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Kevington Hotel – Approx. 5 km
  • Jamieson (Various cafes and pubs) – Approx. 7 km
  • Mansfield (Wide range of options) – Approx. 50 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Jamieson historic township – Approx. 7 km
  • Lake Eildon
  • The many 4WD tracks in the Big River State Forest
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 7 km
  • Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 50 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Burnt Bridge Camping Ground – Approx. 1 km
  • Skipworth Reserve – Approx. 2 km
  • Numerous other sites along the Eildon-Jamieson Road
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 50 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Jamieson General Store – Approx. 7 km
  • Mansfield (Multiple major stations) – Approx. 50 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Mansfield is the closest town with reliable public taps for filling tanks.
• Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Burnt Bridge Camping Ground – Approx. 1 km
  • Jamieson Township – Approx. 7 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Jamieson / Kevington Area

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Days are warm to hot, making the shady pines and river very appealing. Evenings are pleasant. Temperatures range from 15°C to 32°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): A beautiful time to visit, with mild, sunny days, cool nights, and stunning autumn colours in nearby Jamieson. Temperatures range from 8°C to 23°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent frosts overnight. Snow is possible on higher peaks in the region. Tracks can be slippery. Temperatures range from 1°C to 13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and variable conditions, with a mix of sunshine and rain. The river can run high. Temperatures range from 7°C to 21°C.

Camping Fees

Free-Campsite

Campsite Close To

River