Pritchards Campground, Secluded Glenelg River Camping & Great South West Walk

Pritchards Campground is a spectacular and highly sought-after destination for those seeking a true wilderness escape in the magnificent Lower Glenelg National Park. This beautiful Parks Victoria site offers an intimate and serene bush camping experience right on the banks of the Glenelg River, making it a paradise for paddlers, hikers, and anglers. Nestled within a tranquil clearing in the tall eucalypt forest, the campground provides a genuine sense of seclusion, with the stunning limestone cliffs and calm, dark waters of the river creating a breathtaking backdrop. The well-defined, individual campsites are thoughtfully spaced, offering privacy and allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the peaceful rhythms of the bush, where the chorus of kookaburras and the splash of a fish are the loudest sounds you’ll hear.

The campground’s prime location on the river is its greatest asset. It features a dedicated jetty and canoe launch, making it an essential and idyllic overnight stop for those undertaking the multi-day Glenelg River Canoe Trail. The fishing here is legendary, with the deep waters renowned for large Bream, Mulloway, and Estuary Perch. Pritchards is also a key campsite on the iconic 250-kilometre Great South West Walk, providing a much-needed and scenic resting place for hikers. Due to its popularity and limited number of sites, bookings are absolutely essential, often well in advance. The facilities are basic, designed to complement the remote, natural setting. For the well-prepared adventurer looking to experience the dramatic gorges and rich biodiversity of Victoria’s far south-west, Pritchards Campground offers an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Pritchards Campground – VIC Location Map

Pritchards Landing Campground

• Address: Nelson VIC 3292 (Accessed via forest tracks in Lower Glenelg National Park)
• GPS: -38.05690194277373, 141.2177747443674
• Website: Parks Victoria – Pritchards Campground

Site Details

• Location: Remote riverside camp in the Lower Glenelg National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, and small Off-road Camper Trailers. Not suitable for caravans.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel/dirt forest tracks. Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry conditions, but can be slippery when wet.
• Site Surface: Natural dirt and gravel base.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and fees are mandatory via the Parks Victoria website.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check Parks Victoria guidelines for booking limits.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits, picnic tables, jetty, and canoe launch. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: Non-potable rainwater may be available. It must be treated before use. Bring your own supply.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Non-existent. A personal locator beacon (PLB) is essential.
• TV Reception: Not applicable.
• 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: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: 8 designated, bookable sites.
• Essentials to Bring: PLB/Sat Phone, all drinking water/water treatment, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Lower Glenelg National Park.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent river fishing for Bream, Mulloway, and Estuary Perch.
• Short Walks: This is a key campground on the multi-day Great South West Walk.
• Kayaking & Canoeing: A premier destination for paddling the Glenelg River, with a dedicated launch.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Nelson Hotel (Nelson) – Approx. 40 km
  • Dartmoor Hotel (Dartmoor) – Approx. 50 km
  • Port Macdonnell Hotel (SA) – Approx. 65 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Nelson Hotel (Bistro) & Kiosk – Approx. 40 km
  • Dartmoor Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 50 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Great South West Walk – Onsite
  • Princess Margaret Rose Cave – Approx. 35 km
  • Town of Nelson and Glenelg River Mouth – Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Kywong Caravan Park (Nelson) – Approx. 40 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Fort O’Hare (Dartmoor) – Approx. 50 km (by road)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Nelson Public Dump Point – Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Nelson – Approx. 40 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Nelson.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and generally dry, with moderating coastal influences, averaging 14-27°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights, ideal for walking and kayaking, averaging 9-22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp, with chilly days, averaging 6-15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine, a great time to see the forest and river come to life, averaging 8-20°C.