Sawpit Free Campground | Bush Camping Near Portland & Mount Clay

Immerse yourself in the towering forests of the Cobboboonee National Park at Sawpit Free Campground, a fantastic and well-serviced bush camp located near the charming coastal village of Narrawong. This popular Parks Victoria site offers an authentic Australian camping experience, providing a peaceful and shady retreat for self-sufficient travellers. The campground is set in a large, open clearing that was once the site of a historic sawmill, surrounded by a magnificent forest of Messmate Stringybark and Manna Gums. The spacious, designated sites are suitable for a wide range of setups, from tents and swags to large caravans and motorhomes, making it a versatile option for all types of campers. It’s a place where you can unwind to the sounds of native birdlife, including the laughter of kookaburras and the calls of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos.

The main appeal of Sawpit Campground is its incredible location, which serves as a perfect base for exploring the diverse attractions of the Discovery Coast. The campground itself is the starting point for several walking trails, including a short loop that takes in the remnants of the old sawmill. The tracks of the surrounding Mount Clay State Forest are also popular for mountain biking and four-wheel driving. The beautiful Surry River at Narrawong is just a few minutes’ drive away, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. A short drive further brings you to the historic port city of Portland, the stunning Bridgewater Bay, and the dramatic capes of the Great South West Walk. While the campground is free, it offers excellent basic facilities, including well-maintained non-flush toilets and wood fire pits, making it a comfortable and exceptional value-for-money destination for an unforgettable nature-based holiday.

Campground Information

• Name: Sawpit Free Campground
• Address: Boyers Rd, Narrawong VIC 3285

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -38.235781077625234, 141.69003756531495

Website

• Website: This is a free campground in a National Park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Bush setting in the Cobboboonee National Park / Mount Clay State Forest area.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
• Road Access: Good quality unsealed gravel road, suitable for 2WD vehicles.
• Site Surface: Dirt and gravel base.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. No bookings required.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood fire pits/BBQs. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra offers the best chance of a signal.
• TV Reception: Unreliable.
• 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 other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large area with approximately 20-30 unmarked sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Good fishing for Bream and Estuary Perch in the nearby Surry River at Narrawong.
• Short Walks: The Sawpit Loop Walk and other tracks start from the campground.
• Mountain Biking: The Mount Clay mountain bike trails are located here.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Narrawong Hotel – Approx. 10 km
  • The Gordon Hotel (Portland) – Approx. 25 km
  • Mac’s Hotel (Portland) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Narrawong Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 10 km
  • Narrawong General Store (Takeaway) – Approx. 10 km
  • Numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants in Portland – Approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Mount Clay State Forest – You are in it!
  • Narrawong Beach & Surry River Mouth – Approx. 10 km
  • Portland Cable Trams – Approx. 25 km
  • Cape Bridgewater Seal Colony – Approx. 45 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Narrawong Island Holiday Park – Approx. 10 km
  • Various caravan parks in Portland – Approx. 25 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Cubbys Camp (Cobboboonee NP) – Approx. 20 km
  • Fort O’Hare (Dartmoor) – Approx. 60 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Portland Public Dump Point (near the skate park) – Approx. 26 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Narrawong – Approx. 10 km
  • Portland has multiple options – Approx. 25 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Portland Visitor Information Centre.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush). Full facilities in Narrawong and Portland.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and generally dry, with moderating coastal breezes, averaging 13-25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights, ideal for walking, averaging 9-20°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp, with chilly days and a high chance of rain, averaging 6-14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine, a beautiful time to see the forest come to life, averaging 8-18°C.