Boggs Ben State Forest (often associated with the nearby Beggs Bend) is a pristine dispersed camping area located on the Victorian banks of the Murray River in Tol Tol. Situated approximately 20 kilometres southeast of the vibrant horticultural town of Robinvale, this site offers a quintessential Australian bush experience. Tucked away within the River Murray Reserve, it provides campers with a peaceful and secluded escape, surrounded by the ancient beauty of the Mallee landscape and the majestic River Red Gums that line the water’s edge.
The camping area features a variety of unallocated, dispersed sites that allow you to set up camp right on the riverbank or further back in the shelter of the Black Box forest. The ground is a natural mix of sandy loam and leaf litter, generally flat and suitable for swags, tents, camper trailers, and off-road caravans. The river bend here creates a wide, calm stretch of water, perfect for fishing, kayaking, or simply watching the day go by. The absence of designated bays means you can often find a private nook to call your own, even during busier periods.
As a free bush camping site managed by Parks Victoria, there are no facilities at Boggs Ben. There are no toilets, showers, or tap water available. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient, bringing their own portable toilet, water, and power supplies. This “leave no trace” philosophy is essential to preserving the natural integrity of the area. Access is via unsealed forest tracks off the Murray Valley Highway (Tol Tol Road), which are generally accessible by 2WD vehicles in dry weather. However, the clay-based tracks can become extremely slippery and boggy after rain, so checking weather conditions and having a 4WD is highly recommended during wetter months.
Despite its feeling of isolation, Boggs Ben is only a short drive from the twin towns of Robinvale and Euston. This means you are never too far from essential supplies, a hot meal at a local club, or a visit to the historic Robinvale-Euston Bridge. Whether you are an angler chasing the elusive Murray Cod, a birdwatcher looking for wetland species, or a traveller seeking a quiet stopover on the Murray River, Boggs Ben State Forest offers an authentic and memorable bush camping experience.
Boggs Ben State Forest – VIC Location Map
Boggs Ben State Forest (River Murray Reserve / Tol Tol)
- Address: Tol Tol Rd (Access via unsealed tracks), Tol Tol VIC 3549, Australia
- Managed By: Parks Victoria (Free Camping)
- GPS Coordinates: -34.62407, 142.83871
Site Information
- Location: Situated on the Victorian bank of the Murray River in Tol Tol, approximately 20km southeast of Robinvale. It is part of the continuous reserve system along the river.
- Site Suitable For: 4WD campers, off-road caravans, camper trailers, and tents. Large motorhomes should check track clearance.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest tracks via Tol Tol Road. 2WD accessible in dry weather only. Tracks turn to slippery mud after rain; 4WD is strongly recommended in wet conditions.
- Site Surface: Natural bush floor, dirt, leaf litter, and sandy patches.
Available Facilities
- Bush Camping (No Amenities)
- No Toilets (You must bring a portable toilet).
- No Showers.
- No Drinking Water.
- No Rubbish Bins (Carry in, Carry out).
- River Access (Natural banks/informal boat launch spots).
- Campfires Permitted (In constructed fireplaces only, subject to fire bans).
Essentials to Bring
- Portable Toilet: Mandatory requirement as there are no facilities.
- Water: Bring all drinking and washing water.
- Rubbish Bags: You must take all waste with you.
- Firewood: Bring clean firewood (collection in the park is often restricted).
- Insect Repellent: Essential near the water.
- Shovel: For campfire safety.
- Recovery Gear: Recommended if rain is forecast.
Park Policies & Features
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are generally permitted in the River Murray Reserve but must be kept under control to protect wildlife.
- Fishing: Excellent. The river here holds Murray Cod, Golden Perch (Yellowbelly), and Carp. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
- Short Walks: Explore the river tracks on foot or walk along the high bank.
- Swimming: Possible in the river. Be aware of currents, snags, and cold water temperatures.
Local Amenities (Robinvale & Euston)
Local Pubs
- Robinvale Hotel: (Perrin St, Robinvale) Approx. 20km North-West.
- Euston Club Resort: (Nixon St, Euston NSW) Approx. 22km North-West.
- Euston Royal Hotel: (Murray Tce, Euston) Approx. 22km North-West.
Places to Eat
- Jack’s Chinese Restaurant: (Robinvale) Approx. 20km North-West.
- Euston Club Bistro: (Euston) Approx. 22km North-West.
- Robinvale Bakery: (Perrin St) Approx. 20km North-West.
Local Attractions
- Robinvale-Euston Bridge: (Robinvale) Approx. 20km North-West – Historic lift span bridge.
- Rural Life Museum: (Robinvale) Approx. 20km North-West.
- Bumbang Island Historical Reserve: (Robinvale) Approx. 20km North-West.
- Yanga National Park: (Balranald) Approx. 80km North.
- Murray River: (On-site) – Boating and fishing.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Robinvale Riverside Caravan Park: (Robinvale) Approx. 20km North-West.
- Euston Riverfront Caravan Park: (Euston) Approx. 22km North-West.
Nearest Free Camps
- Beggs Bend: (Adjacent/Downstream) Approx. 2km West.
- Gadsen Bend: (Upstream) Approx. 5km East.
Nearest Dump Points
- Robinvale Public Dump Point: (Bromley Rd) Approx. 20km North-West.
- Euston Public Dump Point: (Euston) Approx. 22km North-West.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- Ampol Robinvale: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 20km North-West.
- United Euston: (Sturt Hwy) Approx. 22km North-West.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- Robinvale: Public taps in town parks. Approx. 20km North-West.
- Euston: Recreation reserve. Approx. 22km North-West.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Robinvale Foreshore: (Robinvale) Approx. 20km North-West.
- Euston Riverfront: (Euston) Approx. 22km North-West.
Seasonal Weather Forecast for Robinvale / Tol Tol
- Summer (December – February): Very hot and dry. Average highs 32°C – 36°C, often exceeding 40°C. Shade is critical.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild and sunny. Warm days (23°C – 28°C) and cooler nights. Ideal for bush camping.
- Winter (June – August): Cool days and cold nights. Average highs 15°C – 17°C. Nights can drop to 3°C – 5°C. Tracks can be muddy.
- Spring (September – November): Warming up quickly. Highs 22°C – 29°C. A beautiful time for the river.