This is not your average weekend campsite. The Butcher Country Track Camp Ground is a remote, informal bush camp for serious and experienced 4WD enthusiasts. Located deep in the Victorian High Country near Mount Reynard, this site offers a true off-grid experience for those willing to tackle one of the area’s most formidable 4WD tracks. This is a destination for the fully self-sufficient adventurer looking for total isolation and stunning alpine scenery.
Access is the defining feature. This camp is located on the Butcher Country Track, a route infamous for its steep, rocky, and often off-camber sections. It is **strictly for high-clearance 4WD vehicles** equipped with low-range gearing and all-terrain tyres. Drivers must be experienced in difficult 4WD conditions and carry full recovery gear. This track is **completely unsuitable** for 2WD vehicles, all-wheel-drives, caravans, or standard camper trailers. Access is highly weather-dependent and all tracks in this area are subject to seasonal closures, especially during winter (June – November).
The “campground” itself is a small, natural clearing in the bush. There are absolutely no facilities. You must be 100% self-contained, which includes bringing a portable toilet, all your own drinking water, and firewood. As this area is part of the Alpine National Park, **pets are strictly forbidden**. You must also follow “leave no trace” principles, meaning there are no rubbish bins and all rubbish must be taken out with you. Open fires are generally permitted in existing fire pits, but you must adhere to all seasonal fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. There is no mobile phone reception, so a satellite phone or PLB is essential for safety.
Butcher Country Track Camp Ground – VIC Location Map
Butcher Country Track Camp Ground
- Address: Butcher Country Track, Reynard VIC 3858
- GPS Coordinates: -37.39208, 146.53933
Site Features
- Location: Victorian High Country, on the Butcher Country 4WD Track, near Mount Reynard.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, swags. **Strictly not suitable for caravans or standard camper trailers.**
- Road Access: **Extremely difficult 4WD track only.** Requires high clearance, low range, and full recovery gear. Not for inexperienced 4WDers.
- Site Surface: Natural dirt and grass clearing.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, informal free bush camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified.
- Picnic Tables: No.
- Potable Water: **No.** You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: **No.** (Satellite phone or PLB essential).
- TV Reception: No.
- Onsite Public Toilets: **No.** You must be fully self-contained and bring a portable toilet.
- Rubbish Bins: **No.** This is a “leave no trace” area. You must take all rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions and Total Fire Bans. Bring your own firewood (collecting wood is not permitted).
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the natural quiet.
- Number of Sites Available: Very small, informal area (may fit 1-2 small groups).
- Essentials to Bring: **Portable toilet,** drinking water, firewood, 4WD recovery gear, satellite phone/PLB, rubbish bags, food, and all other camping supplies.
- Pet Friendly: **No.** Pets are not permitted in the Alpine National Park.
- Fishing: No significant fishing at the site (may be small creeks in the area).
- Short Walks: Yes, bushwalking and exploring the surrounding 4WD tracks.
Local Amenities
Note: This is an extremely remote campground. The nearest services are in Licola, Heyfield, or Mansfield, which are several hours of difficult 4WD and road driving away.
- Local Pubs:
- Licola General Store (includes a bar/bistro) (approx. 50-60 km)
- Heyfield Railway Hotel (approx. 100+ km)
- Mansfield Hotel (approx. 100+ km)
- Places to Eat:
- Licola General Store (basic meals/takeaway) (approx. 50-60 km)
- Cafes and bakeries in Heyfield or Mansfield (approx. 100+ km)
- Local Attractions:
- Butcher Country 4WD Track (on-site)
- Mount Reynard (nearby)
- Macalister River (at Licola)
- Alpine National Park
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Licola Caravan Park (approx. 50-60 km)
- Mansfield Holiday Park (approx. 100+ km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Numerous other informal clearings on surrounding 4WD tracks (e.g., Mount Hart, Howitt High Plains).
- Nearest Dump Points (Sullage):
- Mansfield Showgrounds Public Dump Point (approx. 100+ km)
- Heyfield (check for local facilities) (approx. 100+ km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Licola General Store (limited hours, may be expensive) (approx. 50-60 km)
- Heyfield (approx. 100+ km)
- Mansfield (approx. 100+ km)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Licola (check for public tap) (approx. 50-60 km)
- Heyfield / Mansfield (town centres) (approx. 100+ km)
- Nearest Public Toilets (off-site):
- Licola (town centre) (approx. 50-60 km)
Seasonal Weather Forecast
This campground is in an alpine region. Weather is extreme and can change very quickly.
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Days can be warm to hot, but nights will be cool. High risk of bushfires and severe thunderstorms.
- Autumn (Mar – May): Generally the best time to visit. Days are often clear and mild, with cold, crisp nights.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): **SEASONAL TRACK CLOSURES.** This area is inaccessible. Expect snow, blizzards, and freezing conditions.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): **TRACKS REMAIN CLOSED** until late spring (often late Oct/Nov). The area will be wet, boggy, and may still have snow patches.
Note: Always check the Parks Victoria website for track closures and seasonal restrictions before planning any trip to this area.