Peppermint Ridge Camping Ground | Lakeside Camping at Lake Eildon, VIC

Nestled on the serene shores of Howqua Inlet, Peppermint Ridge Camping Ground offers an authentic Australian bush camping experience in the heart of the Lake Eildon region. This spacious, family-friendly campground is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing direct access to the water and a tranquil setting surrounded by native forest. It represents a classic style of getaway where days are spent on the water and evenings are enjoyed around a crackling campfire. The campground’s unpowered, unmarked sites allow for flexibility, letting visitors find their perfect spot, whether it’s under the shade of a gum tree or closer to the water’s edge. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature.

As a prime location for water sports, Peppermint Ridge is a dream for boat owners, jet skiers, kayakers, and anglers. The easy access to Lake Eildon means you can launch your vessel and explore the vast expanse of the lake, renowned for its excellent fishing for Murray cod, golden perch, and trout. The campground itself provides the essential amenities for a comfortable stay, including toilet blocks and the allowance of open fires in designated pits (subject to fire restrictions). This creates a wonderful community atmosphere, especially during peak seasons. While the facilities are basic, they are perfectly suited to the environment, encouraging a self-sufficient style of camping. The natural, grassy surface of the sites adds to the rustic charm of the experience.

Beyond the immediate campground, the location serves as a fantastic base for exploring the wider Victorian High Country. The nearby town of Mansfield provides all the necessary supplies, including supermarkets, petrol stations, and charming country pubs. For adventurers, the area is rich with 4WD tracks, hiking trails, and the Great Victorian Rail Trail for cyclists. The stunning scenery of the Cathedral Range State Park is also within driving distance. Peppermint Ridge Camping Ground perfectly balances a sense of remote tranquility with convenient access to regional attractions, making it a beloved spot for both long holidays and weekend escapes.

Peppermint Ridge Camping Ground
Howqua Inlet Road, Howqua
Victoria 3723, Australia

Location Details

• GPS Coordinates: -37.516945, 146.060201
• Website: (Not available – typically managed by local authorities or private operators, booking may be required)

Site Information & Facilities

• Location: On the banks of Howqua Inlet, Lake Eildon National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and small motorhomes. Access may be difficult for very large rigs.
• Road Access: Typically unsealed gravel road, can be corrugated. Check conditions after rain.
• Site Surface: Grass and natural earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a designated camping ground (fees may apply).
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Varies, check with park management.
• Facilities: Basic toilet blocks (non-flushing).
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited and unreliable. Telstra may have some service in high spots.
• TV Reception: Poor to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: No, this is a carry-in, carry-out site. You must take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted during designated hours (e.g., 9am-8pm), be considerate of others.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, large open areas. Can get busy on long weekends.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, toilet paper, rubbish bags, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are generally permitted on a leash. Check park regulations.
• Fishing: Excellent. A Victorian fishing licence is required.
• Short Walks: Numerous informal tracks around the lake shore and in the surrounding bushland.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Jamieson Brewery and Grill (Jamieson) – Approx. 25 km
  • The Mansfield Hotel (Mansfield) – Approx. 30 km
  • Delatite Hotel (Mansfield) – Approx. 30 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Limited options in Jamieson. Full range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Mansfield – Approx. 30 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Lake Eildon (Boating, Fishing, Waterskiing) – On site
  • Mansfield Zoo – Approx. 35 km
  • Great Victorian Rail Trail (Mansfield) – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Howqua Valley Holiday Park – Approx. 15 km
  • Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 30 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Various free camps along the Howqua River – Approx. 20-30 km
  • Doctors Creek Reserve (Jamieson) – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Showgrounds – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Mansfield – Approx. 30 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Mansfield Visitor Information Centre – Approx. 30 km
• Public Toilets:
  • On site at the camping ground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and often dry. Average temperatures from 14°C to 30°C. Excellent for water activities. High fire danger period.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. Beautiful autumn colours. Temperatures from 7°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent frosts and occasional snow on higher peaks. Average temperatures are between 2°C and 13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild and can be very changeable. Temperatures range from 6°C to 20°C. The lake begins to warm up.