Deep within the pristine wilderness of the Lower Glenelg National Park, Forest Camp South offers a truly secluded and authentic bush camping experience for the dedicated adventurer. As a remote, hike-in or canoe-in only campsite, it is a treasured destination for those exploring the magnificent Glenelg River or undertaking the epic Great South West Walk. Its isolation is its greatest charm, guaranteeing a profound sense of tranquility and an intimate connection with nature, far removed from the sounds and distractions of modern life. The campground is a simple, peaceful clearing nestled in the tall eucalypt forest that towers above the river’s spectacular limestone gorges. It is a place of serene beauty, where the only sounds are the rich symphony of the bush and the gentle rhythm of the river.
This campground is an essential and scenic stop for those on multi-day expeditions. As a designated campsite on the Great South West Walk, it provides a crucial and welcome resting place for hikers. For paddlers navigating the breathtaking 75-kilometre Glenelg River Canoe Trail, the camp’s small jetty offers the perfect spot to land a canoe or kayak for the night. The river itself is a major drawcard, renowned for its excellent fishing for Bream and Mulloway. As a true wilderness camp, it requires complete self-sufficiency, rewarding well-prepared travellers with an unforgettable adventure. The sense of isolation, combined with the spectacular natural beauty of the river gorges and the surrounding forest, makes Forest Camp South a premier destination for those wishing to experience the wild, untamed heart of Victoria’s far south-west.
Forest Camp South – VIC Location Map
Forest Camp South
- Address: Glenelg Dr, Nelson VIC 3292 (Hike-in / Canoe-in only)
- GPS: -38.03099179400726, 141.13903061541612
- Website: This is a free campground within a National Park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.
Site Details
- Location: Remote hike-in / canoe-in campground on the Glenelg River.
- Site Suitable For: Tents and swags only.
- Road Access: No vehicle access. Accessible only via the Great South West Walk or by watercraft on the Glenelg River.
- Site Surface: Natural dirt and leaf litter base.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. No bookings required.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard national park guidelines apply.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilet, picnic table, shared fire pit, canoe landing/jetty. No showers or power.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water or have a reliable purification system for river water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Non-existent. A personal locator beacon (PLB) is essential.
- TV Reception: Not applicable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, one non-flush (pit) toilet.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
- Open Fires: Permitted in the designated fire pit only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Firewood is scarce; a fuel stove is recommended.
- Generator Use: Not permitted.
- Number of Sites Available: Small, unmarked area suitable for approximately 4-5 small tents.
- Essentials to Bring: PLB, all food and drinking water, water purification system, rubbish bags, toilet paper, fuel stove.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Lower Glenelg National Park.
Activities
- Fishing: Excellent river fishing for Bream, Mulloway, and Estuary Perch.
- Short Walks: This is a key campground on the multi-day Great South West Walk.
- Kayaking & Canoeing: A premier destination for paddling the Glenelg River.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Nelson Hotel (Nelson) – Approx. 40 km
- Dartmoor Hotel (Dartmoor) – Approx. 50 km
- Port Macdonnell Hotel (SA) – Approx. 65 km
- Places to Eat:
- Nelson Hotel (Bistro) & Kiosk – Approx. 40 km
- Dartmoor Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 50 km
- Local Attractions:
- Great South West Walk – Onsite
- Princess Margaret Rose Cave – Approx. 40 km
- Town of Nelson and Glenelg River Mouth – Approx. 40 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Kywong Caravan Park (Nelson) – Approx. 40 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Fort O’Hare (Dartmoor) – Approx. 50 km (by road)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Nelson Public Dump Point – Approx. 40 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and generally dry, with moderating coastal influences, averaging 14-27°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights, ideal for walking and kayaking, 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 forest and river come to life, averaging 8-20°C.
