For a magnificent and free bush camping experience in the foothills of the Victorian High Country, the Keppel Creek Camping Area is a true adventurer’s delight. Tucked away in the beautiful Rubicon State Forest, this popular campground offers a serene escape amongst towering mountain ash trees and dense, lush ferns. The campsite is a spacious, grassy clearing beside the crystal-clear Keppel Creek, providing a stunning natural backdrop and a soothing soundtrack of flowing water. It’s a classic state forest campground, perfect for self-sufficient travellers looking to immerse themselves in a peaceful, remote environment, yet still be within reach of the popular Lake Eildon region.
This is a back-to-basics camp that celebrates the simple joys of the outdoors. The facilities are primitive but functional, consisting of non-flushing toilets and a number of communal wood-fired barbecues and fire pits. A key highlight for many visitors is that, being in a state forest, it is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your leashed dog along for the adventure. Self-reliance is essential; campers must bring their own drinking water and take all rubbish home with them, adhering to the ‘leave no trace’ principles that keep these beautiful spots pristine. The area is renowned for its excellent trout fishing, with anglers often trying their luck in Keppel Creek and the nearby Rubicon River.
The campground’s location makes it a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding rugged landscape. The network of unsealed tracks through the Rubicon State Forest is a paradise for 4WD enthusiasts and trail bike riders. It’s also a great spot for bushwalking, with opportunities to explore historic tramways from the area’s logging past. For a free, scenic, and activity-rich forest stay, Keppel Creek is an outstanding choice for the well-prepared camper.
Keppel Creek Camping Area – VIC Location Map
Keppel Creek Camping Area
- Address: Cerberus Rd, Rubicon VIC 3712
- GPS Coordinates: -37.44746, 145.757
Site Information
- Location: In the Rubicon State Forest, near Lake Eildon and the town of Thornton.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, and small Off-road Caravans/Hybrids.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest roads (Cerberus Rd). A high-clearance 2WD may be suitable in dry conditions, but a 4WD is recommended as roads can be slippery and rough.
- Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free, informal camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but short stays are standard practice.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: A large, open clearing with many undefined spots.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets, wood-fired BBQs/fire pits. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, some are available.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own water or be prepared to treat water from the creek.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions and total fire bans.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All food and drinking water, rubbish bags, firewood, toilet paper, fishing gear, 4WD recovery equipment.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the local creeks and rivers (Victorian fishing licence required).
- Short Walks: Great for bushwalking and exploring the surrounding forest and historic tramlines.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Rubicon Hotel (approx. 20 km)
- Thornton Hotel (approx. 25 km)
- Alexandra Hotel (approx. 35 km)
- Places to Eat: Pubs and cafes in Thornton, Eildon, and Alexandra.
- Local Attractions:
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- Lake Eildon National Park (for boating and fishing)
- Cathedral Range State Park (for hiking)
* Snobs Creek Falls and Hatchery
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- The Great Victorian Rail Trail (from Alexandra)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- * Thornton Caravan Park
* Eildon Pondage Holiday Park
- Next Free Camps: Other nearby forest camps like Kendalls Campground A and B.
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Eildon and Alexandra.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Thornton and Alexandra.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Alexandra or Eildon.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm, but generally cooler than the lowlands. The creek is perfect for cooling off. High fire danger period. Temperatures average 11°C to 26°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful time to visit, with stunning autumn colours. Days are mild, nights are cool. Ideal for fishing. Temperatures average 6°C to 20°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold and often wet. Nights are frequently below freezing with heavy frosts. Snow can fall on higher peaks and occasionally at the campground, making access difficult. Alpine-rated gear is essential. Temperatures range from 0°C to 11°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A lovely season as the forest is lush and green. The weather can be very variable. Temperatures average 5°C to 19°C.