An absolute icon of Victorian High Country camping, the Nug Nug Reserve is a magnificent, community-run campground that offers a quintessential Australian bush holiday experience. Nestled in a beautiful, expansive valley on the banks of the pristine Buffalo River, this sprawling reserve is a paradise for families, anglers, kayakers, and anyone looking for the perfect blend of natural beauty and fantastic, low-cost facilities. The campground is set across a huge, flat, and well-maintained grassy area, shaded by majestic native gums. Its sheer size provides an incredible number of unpowered sites, allowing campers in all setups—from the largest motorhomes to the smallest tents—to find their ideal spot with plenty of space to spread out. The atmosphere is famously friendly and relaxed, a place where generations of families have made lasting holiday memories.
The crystal-clear Buffalo River is the heart and soul of Nug Nug, providing a natural playground for all. The gentle currents and deep pools are perfect for swimming, floating on a lilo, and launching a kayak to explore the stunning alpine scenery. The river is also a renowned fishing destination, particularly for trout. What makes Nug Nug legendary is its outstanding amenities for a low-cost camp, including clean flushing toilets and hot showers, maintained with pride by the local community. Its location is the perfect gateway to adventure; it’s just downstream from the vast Lake Buffalo, a hub for powerboating and water skiing, and a short, scenic drive from the spectacular Mount Buffalo National Park, with its breathtaking lookouts and waterfalls. The vibrant towns of Myrtleford and Bright are also nearby, offering access to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and a fantastic food and wine scene. For an unbeatable family-friendly and budget-conscious High Country escape, Nug Nug Reserve is a true Victorian treasure.
Nug Nug Reserve Camping Ground – Vic Location Map
Nug Nug Reserve Camping Ground & Caravan Park
- Address: Nug Nug Reserve Rd, Nug Nug VIC 3737
- GPS: -36.66156739301721, 146.70559004645318
- Website: nugnugreserve.com.au
Site Details
- Location: Riverside reserve in the foothills of the Alpine National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
- Road Access: Sealed road to the reserve entrance.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping (fees payable to the on-site caretaker). Unpowered sites only.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with the caretaker for long-stay policies.
- Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers (fee), playground, boat ramp.
- Potable Water: Yes, available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra has the best chance of a signal.
- TV Reception: Possible but can be unreliable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, available.
- Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with room for hundreds of campers.
- Essentials to Bring: Firewood, fishing gear, kayak/lilo, coins for showers.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.
Activities
- Fishing: Excellent trout and cod fishing in the Buffalo River.
- Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbank and into the surrounding foothills.
- Boating & Kayaking: A boat ramp provides great access to the Buffalo River, downstream from Lake Buffalo.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Happy Valley Hotel (Myrtleford) – Approx. 20 km
- Buffalo Hotel (Myrtleford) – Approx. 20 km
- Ovens Hotel (Ovens) – Approx. 25 km
- Places to Eat:
- Myrtleford Bakehouse – Approx. 20 km
- Numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants in Myrtleford – Approx. 20 km
- Local Attractions:
- Lake Buffalo – Approx. 5 km
- Mount Buffalo National Park – Approx. 25 km to the entrance
- The historic town of Myrtleford – Approx. 20 km
- The vibrant town of Bright – Approx. 45 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Myrtleford Holiday Park – Approx. 20 km
- BIG4 Porepunkah Holiday Park – Approx. 40 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Edi Cutting Camping Ground – Approx. 50 km
- Mitta Mitta River camping areas – Further into the High Country
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Myrtleford Showgrounds Public Dump Point – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Myrtleford has multiple options – Approx. 20 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Public Toilets:
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool mountain nights, perfect for river swimming. Averaging 14-30°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, the peak season for stunning autumn colours. Averaging 8-23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent frosts and a chance of snow on nearby peaks. Averaging 2-13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild, with the rivers running high and the countryside green and lush. Averaging 6-21°C.
