O’Tooles Camp is one of the Victorian High Country’s most iconic and beloved free campgrounds, offering a magnificent and truly immersive Australian bush experience. Nestled deep within the Big River State Forest, this sprawling reserve is set in a stunning, wide valley on the banks of the Big River, making it a paradise for four-wheel drive enthusiasts, trail bike riders, families, and anglers. The campground itself is a vast, open, grassy flat, surrounded by towering eucalypt forests and the rugged hills of the region. This provides an enormous number of excellent, level sites suitable for every kind of setup, from tents and swags to large off-road caravans and motorhomes. The atmosphere is famously social and adventurous, a place where campers gather to share tales of their off-road exploits and enjoy the tranquility of the mountain valley.
The primary allure of O’Tooles is its perfect position as a central hub for High Country adventure. It serves as a launchpad for exploring the extensive network of 4WD tracks that crisscross the surrounding ranges, leading to historic gold rush sites, old cattlemen’s huts, and challenging mountain trails. The Big River, which flows gently beside the camp, is a major drawcard, offering cool, clear waters for a refreshing swim and renowned trout fishing. While it is a free, back-to-basics camp, the site is well-equipped with essential non-flush toilets and shared fire pits, adding to the authentic bush experience. Despite its remote feel, it is accessible from the towns of Marysville and Eildon, making it a popular weekend escape. For a memorable, budget-friendly adventure that truly captures the spirit of High Country camping, O’Tooles Camp is a bucket-list destination.
O’Tooles Camp – VIC Location Map
O’Tooles Camp
- Address: Big River Rd, Enochs Point VIC 3723
- GPS: -37.342622, 145.988230
Site Details
- Location: Riverside bush camp in the Big River State Forest.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes. Can accommodate large rigs.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel road (Big River Rd). Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry conditions, but can be corrugated and slippery. 4WD recommended.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe FFM Vic guidelines for State Forests.
- 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: Very 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 Big River and surrounding streams.
- Short Walks: Numerous bushwalking and 4WD tracks to explore in the surrounding forest.
- 4WD & Trail Bike Riding: This is a premier location with a vast network of tracks.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Kevington Hotel (Kevington) – Approx. 35 km (via 4WD tracks)
- The Jamieson Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 40 km
- Marysville Hotel – Approx. 45 km
- Places to Eat:
- Numerous cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Marysville – Approx. 45 km
- Jamieson Brewery & Grill – Approx. 40 km
- Local Attractions:
- Big River State Forest – You are in it!
- Lake Eildon National Park – Accessible via local tracks
- Mount Terrible Lookout – Accessible via 4WD tracks
- Historic town of Woods Point – Approx. 40 km (via 4WD tracks)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Marysville Holiday Park – Approx. 45 km
- Eildon Pondage Holiday Park – Approx. 40 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Numerous other campsites along Big River Road (e.g., Chaffe Creek, The Pines).
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Marysville Public Dump Point – Approx. 45 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Marysville – Approx. 45 km
- Eildon – Approx. 40 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Marysville 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 are often seasonally closed.
- Spring (Nov-Dec): Cool to mild as tracks reopen, with rivers running high. Averaging 5-19°C.