Widely regarded as one of the best free camping destinations in Victoria, the Fort O’Hare Camping and Picnic Ground in Dartmoor offers an exceptional experience on the banks of the majestic Glenelg River. This sprawling, well-maintained reserve provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, fantastic facilities, and unbeatable value, making it a must-visit for travellers on the Princes Highway. Set amongst towering trees, the campground offers a multitude of spacious, grassy sites, providing plenty of room for all types of setups, from big rigs and large caravans to tents and campervans. The park-like setting is incredibly serene, with the gentle flow of the river creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
What truly sets this campground apart are its outstanding amenities for a free site. The local community and council take great pride in the reserve, which features clean toilet blocks, free-to-use hot showers, and a large, undercover camp kitchen with barbecue facilities. These comforts make it an incredibly popular and accessible option for families and long-distance travellers. The Glenelg River is the star attraction, offering a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. A boat ramp provides easy access for boaties, while the calm waters are ideal for kayaking and canoeing. The river is a renowned fishing spot, famous for its Mulloway and Bream. The campground’s location is also a major advantage, serving as the perfect central base for exploring the Limestone Coast. The stunning Princess Margaret Rose Cave is just a short drive away, the coastal town of Nelson is nearby, and the famous Blue Lake of Mount Gambier is within easy reach for a day trip. For a top-tier camping experience that combines riverside tranquility with excellent facilities, all without costing a cent, the Dartmoor free camping area is a true Australian treasure.
Dartmoor Camping – VIC Location Map
Fort O’Hare Campground (Dartmoor Free Camping)
- Address: Gambier Rd, Dartmoor VIC 3304
- GPS: -37.924514797320974, 141.28271637367655
Site Details
- Location: Riverside reserve on the edge of Dartmoor township.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
- Road Access: Sealed road.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping (donations are appreciated).
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage, short stays (e.g. 72 hours) are typical.
- Facilities: Toilets, free hot showers, camp kitchen, BBQs, boat ramp, picnic tables.
- Potable Water: Yes, available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, available.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated areas or contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the large number of campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area that can accommodate a hundred or more vans.
- Essentials to Bring: Fishing gear, kayak/boat.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.
Activities
- Fishing: Excellent fishing in the Glenelg River for Mulloway, Bream, and Estuary Perch.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walks along the riverbank and into the town of Dartmoor.
- Boating & Kayaking: A boat ramp provides access to the Glenelg River, which is popular for all watercraft.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Dartmoor Hotel – Approx. 1 km
- Winnap Hotel (Winnap) – Approx. 20 km
- Nelson Hotel (Nelson) – Approx. 35 km
- Places to Eat:
- Dartmoor Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 1 km
- Dartmoor General Store / Takeaway – Approx. 1 km
- Local Attractions:
- Princess Margaret Rose Cave – Approx. 20 km
- Lower Glenelg National Park – Adjacent
- The Blue Lake (Mount Gambier, SA) – Approx. 55 km
- Coastal town of Nelson – Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Kywong Caravan Park (Nelson) – Approx. 35 km
- Pine Country Caravan Park (Mount Gambier) – Approx. 55 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Wilkin Flora and Fauna Reserve – Approx. 25 km
- Greenwald State Forest (various sites) – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Located onsite at the Fort O’Hare Campground.
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Public Toilets:
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and generally dry, with moderating coastal influences, averaging 14-28°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights, ideal for exploring, 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 region’s lush greenery, averaging 8-20°C.
