Frances Recreation Reserve: A Welcoming Stopover on the SA-Vic Border
What sets the Frances Recreation Reserve apart from many other low-cost camps is its impressive array of facilities. Visitors have access to clean toilets and, most notably, hot showers, which are a welcome luxury after a long day on the road. A limited number of powered sites are also available for a small fee, providing extra convenience. The reserve is the heart of the local community, featuring sporting ovals and tennis courts, which gives the place a friendly and safe atmosphere. Its location right in town means you’re just a short stroll away from the classic country pub, the Frances Hotel, perfect for a hearty meal and a chat with the locals.
Beyond the immediate comforts of the reserve, Frances serves as a convenient base for discovering regional highlights. It’s only a short drive to the world-heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves, a must-see fossil site. The renowned Coonawarra and Wrattonbully wine regions are also within easy reach for a day of cellar door hopping. For nature lovers, the Bool Lagoon wetlands offer incredible birdwatching opportunities. The Frances Recreation Reserve embodies the best of community spirit, providing a valuable and welcoming resource for travellers while encouraging them to pause and appreciate the charm of this small but vibrant country town.
Address: Lot 95 Railway Terrace, Frances, South Australia, 5262, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -36.71294275031555, 140.958411830109
Website: Managed by the local community. Information often available on the Naracoorte Lucindale Council website.
Camp Location Map
Campsite Features & Information
- Location: In the town of Frances, South Australia, close to the Victorian border.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicles – tents, swags, campervans, motorhomes, caravans, and big rigs.
- Road Access: Excellent sealed road access.
- Site Surface: Mostly level grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, camping is welcomed for a donation (powered sites have a set fee).
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Typically up to 72 hours. Please check local signage.
- Facilities: Hot showers ($1 coin), powered sites (fee applies), playground.
- Potable Water: Yes, taps are available with potable water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for Telstra; may be weaker for other carriers.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, clean flushing toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Not permitted.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers regarding noise and hours of operation.
- Number of Sites Available: Large open area with many unpowered sites and a small number of powered sites.
- Essentials to Bring: $1 coins for the showers, donation for the honesty box.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and under control.
- Fishing: Limited local opportunities, but nearby lakes and rivers offer freshwater fishing.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the small town and the reserve itself.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Frances Hotel: Approx. 400 m
- Border Inn Hotel, Apsley (VIC): Approx. 18 km
- Naracoorte Hotel Motel, Naracoorte: Approx. 35 km
- Places to Eat:
- Frances Hotel offers classic pub meals. A wider selection of cafes and restaurants is available in Naracoorte: Approx. 35 km
- Local Attractions:
- Naracoorte Caves National Park: Approx. 35 km
- Bool Lagoon Game Reserve & Wetlands: Approx. 45 km
- Wrattonbully Wine Region Cellar Doors: From approx. 20 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Naracoorte Holiday Park: Approx. 35 km
- BIG4 Naracoorte Discovery Parks: Approx. 36 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Bailey’s Rocks, Dergholm (VIC): Approx. 60 km
- Kybybolite Rest Area: Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Naracoorte Showgrounds (free): Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Frances has a fuel stop with limited hours. 24-hour stations are in Naracoorte: Approx. 35 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available onsite.
- Nearest Public Toilets (Offsite):
- Available in the centre of Naracoorte.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. High fire danger season.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal travelling weather.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often wet, with chilly nights and occasional frosts.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, with a mix of sunshine and showers. The landscape is typically at its greenest.