Delegate River Campground: Free, Pet-Friendly Camping in the High Country

For those seeking a truly remote and peaceful escape, the Delegate River Campground offers an authentic bush camping experience in the historic high country of far East Gippsland. Located near the old gold-mining locality of Bendoc, this free campground is set in a beautiful, grassy clearing on the banks of the pristine Delegate River. It’s a wonderfully secluded spot, perfect for self-sufficient travellers looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. The spacious, shaded sites under towering gum trees provide plenty of room for tents, camper trailers, and off-road caravans. The river itself is the main attraction, offering crystal-clear water for a refreshing swim, excellent opportunities for trout fishing, and a tranquil soundtrack for your stay.

This is a classic State Forest campground where you can enjoy the freedom of the bush. Basic facilities, including non-flushing toilets and established fire pits, are provided, but campers must be fully self-contained. This means bringing your own drinking water and taking all your rubbish home with you. The campground is proudly pet-friendly, making it a fantastic destination to explore with your canine companion. Access is via unsealed roads, which are generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry weather but can become challenging after rain. The nearby historic towns of Bendoc and Delegate (just across the border in NSW) offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s pioneering past. For a quiet, scenic, and budget-friendly getaway that captures the rugged beauty of the Victorian high country, the Delegate River Campground is an outstanding choice.

Campground Information

• Name: Delegate River Campground
• Address: Bendoc-Orbost Road, Bendoc, Victoria 3888, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.196667,148.828049
• Website: Managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria (no direct website).

Features & Rules

• Location: Secluded, grassy reserve on the banks of the Delegate River.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and off-road caravans.
• Road Access: Unsealed forest roads, 2WD accessible in dry weather.
• Site Surface: Natural grass and earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: Non-flushing toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits.
• 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: Excellent trout fishing in the Delegate River.
• Short Walks: A walking track follows the river from the campground.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Bendoc Hotel – approx. 5 km
  • Delegate Hotel (NSW) – approx. 20 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Bendoc Hotel – approx. 5 km
  • Delegate Cafe (NSW) – approx. 20 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Errinundra National Park
  • Snowy River National Park
  • Historic towns of Bendoc and Delegate (NSW)

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Delegate Caravan Park (NSW) – approx. 20 km
  • Bombala Caravan Park (NSW) – approx. 45 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Bendoc Community Hall & Recreation Reserve – approx. 5 km
  • Queensborough River Campground – approx. 10 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bombala Showground (NSW) – approx. 45 km
  • Orbost Public Dump Point – approx. 110 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Delegate (NSW) – approx. 20 km or Bombala (NSW) – approx. 45 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Delegate or Bombala.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (basic). Flushing toilets in Bendoc and Delegate.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days with cool nights. Average maximum temperatures are around 24°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool days and cold nights, with beautiful autumn colours. Average maximums range from 14°C to 21°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frosty nights and a high chance of snow, which can make access roads impassable. Average maximums are around 10°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and becoming milder. The forest is vibrant and the rivers are flowing well. Average maximums range from 14°C to 20°C.