Rocky Crossing Campground: Free, Pet-Friendly Riverside Camping near Bendigo

Discover a delightful riverside escape at Rocky Crossing, a fantastic free campground located on the banks of the Campaspe River near Goornong. This peaceful and spacious reserve is a local favourite, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience for self-sufficient travellers. The campground is set amongst shady gum trees, with plenty of level, grassy areas suitable for all types of setups, from tents and camper trailers to large caravans and big rigs. The main attraction is the river itself, which features a shallow, rocky section with rushing water and rockpools—perfect for families and kids to splash about in during the warmer months. For more experienced swimmers, a deeper section of the river provides a refreshing spot for a proper swim.

As a free bush camp, Rocky Crossing is geared towards those who come prepared. While there are no formal facilities like showers or potable water, the convenience of being a short drive from the towns of Goornong and Elmore means supplies are always within easy reach. The campground is pet-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those who love to travel with their four-legged friends. It’s a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, and simply relaxing in a serene bushland setting. The easy 2WD access in dry conditions makes it an accessible getaway for everyone. For a budget-friendly, pet-friendly, and picturesque camping experience with great water access, Rocky Crossing is one of central Victoria’s best-kept secrets.

Campground Information

• Name: Rocky Crossing Campground
• Address: Rocky Crossing Road, Goornong, Victoria 3557, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -36.629651445735924, 144.55300988483557
• Website: Managed by local authorities (no direct website).

Features & Rules

• Location: Peaceful, shady reserve on the banks of the Campaspe River.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, small caravans
• Road Access: Unsealed road access, generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions.
• Site Surface: Natural earth and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: No formal facilities. This is a self-sufficient campsite.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy, best with Telstra.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet is essential.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to seasonal fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous undesignated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, portable toilet, firewood, rubbish bags, and toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Possible in the Campaspe River.
• Short Walks: Informal walks along the river and through the reserve.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Goornong Hotel – approx. 10 km
  • Toolleen Hotel – approx. 15 km
  • Shamrock Hotel (Elmore) – approx. 18 km
• Places to Eat:
  • The Elmore Bakery – approx. 18 km
  • Various cafes and takeaways in Elmore and Goornong.
• Local Attractions:
  • Campaspe River – on-site
  • Historic town of Bendigo – approx. 35 km
  • Heathcote Wine Region – nearby

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Elmore Caravan Park – approx. 18 km
  • Gold Nugget Tourist Park (Bendigo) – approx. 30 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Englishs Bridge Streamside Reserve – approx. 5 km
  • Aysons Reserve (Burnewang) – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bendigo Showground – approx. 35 km
  • Elmore Events Centre (check for public access) – approx. 18 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Goornong – approx. 10 km or Elmore – approx. 18 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Goornong or Elmore.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Goornong Recreation Reserve – approx. 10 km.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Average maximum temperatures are around 30°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for exploring. Average maximums range from 17°C to 26°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool days and cold nights with frequent frosts. Average maximums are around 13°C to 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with pleasant conditions. Average maximums range from 17°C to 25°C.