Jerusalem Creek Campground 1: Your Year-Round Lake Eildon Retreat
Situated on the picturesque southern edge of Lake Eildon, Jerusalem Creek Campground 1 offers a tranquil and scenic camping experience in the heart of Victoria’s High Country. As one of eight camping areas within the Jerusalem Block of Lake Eildon National Park, this site stands out for its serene, waterside outlook and year-round accessibility. Unlike its seasonal counterparts, Campground 1 is open all year, providing a consistent and reliable option for those seeking a getaway. It’s a popular spot for campers who appreciate a rustic setting with essential amenities, including pit toilets and fire pits. The sites are thoughtfully arranged among tall eucalypt trees, offering a sense of privacy and a natural ambiance.
The campground’s location makes it a fantastic base for water-based activities. You can easily launch a canoe, kayak, or boat from the nearby ramp to explore the expansive lake, discover hidden coves, and even fish for Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and the occasional Murray Cod. For land-based adventures, the site provides access to scenic walking trails and lookouts. The Pinnacle Track, for example, offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Eildon and the surrounding Victorian Alps. Jerusalem Creek Campground 1 is also a welcoming destination for pet owners, as dogs are permitted on a lead. While you’ll need to be self-sufficient and bring your own drinking water and firewood, the convenience of being just a short drive from the Eildon township ensures you’re never too far from supplies. This campground is a perfect choice for those who want a peaceful, nature-filled escape with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
★★★☆☆ 3.9 Stars
Jerusalem Creek Campground 1
Jerusalem Creek Track, Eildon VIC 3713
GPS Coordinates: -37.26096566394443, 145.96564684464224
Website: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/jerusalem-creek-campground-1
Site Information & Local Amenities
- Location: Year-round bush camp on Lake Eildon in the Lake Eildon National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, off-road camper trailers, and off-road caravans.
- Road Access: Two-wheel drive access can be rutted; a 4WD is recommended for some sections.
- Site Surface: Dirt/gravel.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free public campground, but bookings are required via Parks Victoria.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified; check Parks Victoria website for booking details.
- Facilities: Pit toilets and fire pits.
- Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water. Non-potable water from the lake is not safe for drinking.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to no coverage depending on the provider. Telstra has some coverage near the lake, but a satellite phone is recommended.
- TV Reception: Likely to be very poor to non-existent due to the remote location.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, pit toilets are available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. Take all your rubbish home with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in provided fire pits, subject to fire restrictions.
- Generator Use: Permitted.
- Number of Sites Available: Multiple sites are available.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, all food supplies, rubbish bags, firewood, portable power/light source.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept on a lead at all times.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing in Lake Eildon for trout, redfin, and Murray cod.
- Short Walks: Access to the Pinnacle Walking Track and other bushwalking trails.
- Name and Distance to 3 Local Pubs:
- Eildon Boat Club: Approx. 10 km.
- The Alexandra Hotel: Approx. 20 km.
- The Rubicon Hotel: Approx. 25 km.
- Name and Distance to Places to Eat:
- Cafe 501 Bar & Grill: Approx. 5 km.
- 5 Rivers Pizzeria: Approx. 10 km.
- Eildon Bakery & Cafe: Approx. 12 km.
- Name and Distance to Local Attractions:
- Lake Eildon: Onsite.
- Foggs Lookout: Approx. 5 km.
- Snobs Creek Falls: Approx. 15 km.
- Name and Distance to Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Eildon Pondage Holiday Park: Approx. 12 km.
- Jerusalem Creek Marina & Holiday Park: Approx. 5 km.
- Name and Distance to Next Free Camps:
- Frasers Campground: Approx. 10 km.
- O’Tooles Flat Campground: Approx. 15 km.
- Name and Distance to Nearest Dump Points:
- Bluegums Riverside Holiday Park: Approx. 10 km.
- Name and Distance to Nearest Petrol Station:
- Simpsons Fuel Eildon: Approx. 12 km.
- Name and Distance to Drinking Water Resupply:
- Eildon Township: Approx. 12 km.
- Name and Distance to Public Toilets:
- Eildon Township: Approx. 12 km.
- Seasonal Weather Forecast:
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Variable weather with cool mornings, mild days, and a chance of showers.
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, cooler nights. High fire danger periods are common.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant, cool days and cold nights. Ideal for camping and hiking.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and wet. Some tracks may be closed during this period due to wet conditions.