For a fantastic and accessible free camping experience in the Victorian High Country, McClelland Campground is a wonderful destination located in the beautiful Big River State Forest. This popular and spacious reserve offers a classic bush setting on the banks of the Goulburn River arm of Lake Eildon, making it a paradise for families, anglers, kayakers, and four-wheel drive enthusiasts. The campground is a large, open, grassy flat surrounded by towering native forest, providing an abundance of excellent, level sites suitable for all kinds of setups, from tents and swags to off-road caravans and camper trailers. It’s a place that buzzes with a friendly, adventurous atmosphere, where campers can enjoy the serenity of the river and the rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains.
The main appeal of McClelland is its superb location, which offers both a sense of remoteness and great access to High Country recreation. The Goulburn River, which flows into Lake Eildon here, provides a stunning backdrop and a playground for water activities. It’s a fantastic spot for trout fishing, and the calm waters are perfect for launching a kayak or canoe to explore the vast waterway. The surrounding State Forest is a hub for off-road adventure, with an extensive network of 4WD and trail bike tracks to explore. While it’s a free, back-to-basics camp, it is well-serviced with essential non-flush toilets and shared fire pits, enhancing the authentic bush experience. Its location along the scenic Eildon-Jamieson Road makes it a perfect stopover for those touring the region, with the towns of Eildon and Jamieson both within reach for supplies. For a memorable, budget-friendly trip that captures the essence of High Country river camping, McClelland is an outstanding choice.
McClelland Campground – VIC Location Map
McClelland Camping Ground
- Address: Big River Rd, Eildon VIC 3713
- GPS: -37.515012, 146.022089
Site Details
- Location: Riverside bush camp in the Big River State Forest.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel road (Eildon-Jamieson Rd). Generally 2WD accessible with care, but can be corrugated and slippery when wet.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe FFM Vic guidelines.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, fire pits. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water or have a reliable purification system.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very patchy to non-existent. A satellite messenger is recommended.
- TV Reception: Unlikely.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the natural setting.
- Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with many sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead in State Forest areas.
Activities
- Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Goulburn and Big Rivers.
- Short Walks: Numerous bushwalking and 4WD tracks to explore in the surrounding forest.
- 4WD & Trail Bike Riding: The area is a popular hub for off-road enthusiasts.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Jamieson Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 20 km
- The Courthouse Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 20 km
- The Eildon Hotel – Approx. 35 km
- Places to Eat:
- Jamieson Brewery & Grill – Approx. 20 km
- The Jamieson Cafe – Approx. 20 km
- Numerous options in Eildon – Approx. 35 km
- Local Attractions:
- Big River State Forest & 4WD Tracks – You are in it!
- Lake Eildon National Park – Adjacent
- Historic town of Jamieson – Approx. 20 km
- Eildon Pondage – Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 20 km
- Eildon Pondage Holiday Park – Approx. 35 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Numerous other campsites along the Big River and Howqua River roads.
- Grannys Flat Reserve (near Jamieson) – Approx. 15 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Jamieson Caravan Park (check with management for public use) – Approx. 20 km
- Eildon Public Dump Point – Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Jamieson (check hours) – Approx. 20 km
- Eildon – Approx. 35 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Jamieson or Eildon.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days with cool mountain nights, perfect for swimming. Averaging 12-28°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, the peak season for autumn foliage and 4WDing. Averaging 7-22°C.
- Winter (Jun-Nov): Cold, with frequent frosts and a high chance of snow. Roads can be subject to seasonal closures.
- Spring (Nov-Dec): Cool to mild as tracks reopen, with rivers running high. Averaging 5-19°C.