Willow Park Rosedale Free RV Camp: Latrobe River Camping, VIC

Willow Park in Rosedale is a shining example of an RV Friendly Town, offering travellers a fantastic, free short-term camping area right on the banks of the scenic Latrobe River. This large, grassy reserve is conveniently located just off the Princes Highway, making it an incredibly popular and accessible stopover for those exploring Central Gippsland. The park is specifically designed for self-contained recreational vehicles, caravans, and campervans, providing a spacious and welcoming environment with a 48-hour stay limit. While camping in tents and lighting campfires are not permitted, the park’s excellent facilities and beautiful setting more than make up for it.

The park features a generous number of sites spread out in a circular layout, with both shady and sunny spots to choose from. Facilities include toilets, potable water, rubbish bins, and covered picnic shelters with tables, ensuring a comfortable stay. One of its key advantages is its proximity to Rosedale’s charming town centre. A pleasant walking track leads directly from the park into town, where you can explore heritage buildings, browse unique shops, and enjoy a meal at the local pub or one of the excellent cafes. This blend of natural riverside tranquillity and town convenience is what makes Willow Park so appealing. It’s a perfect, pet-friendly base to rest and recharge for a couple of days while you explore the wider region, from the historic Port of Sale to the rugged beauty of the nearby Holey Plains State Park. A small donation is appreciated to help maintain this wonderful community facility.

Park Details

• Name: Willow Park RV Campground
• Address: Princes Highway, Rosedale, VIC 3847, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -38.140775282258126, 146.792938471529
• Phone Number: Not applicable (Community facility). Contact Wellington Shire Council for info: 1300 366 244.
• Email Contact: enquiries@wellington.vic.gov.au
• Website: The Middle of Everywhere – Willow Park

Park Facilities & Information

• Road Access: Excellent, sealed road access directly off the Princes Highway.
• Site Surface: Large, mown grass areas. Can be soft after heavy rain.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, for self-contained vehicles only. Tents are not permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 hours (2 nights).
• Facilities: Toilets, covered picnic tables, BBQs.
• Potable Water: Yes, potable water is available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
• Open Fires: No, open fires are not permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites: Numerous undefined sites in a very large area, suitable for big rigs.
• Essentials to Bring: As it’s a short-term stop with town access, only your standard vehicle supplies are needed.
• Location: On the banks of the Latrobe River, 1km north of Rosedale township.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
• Fishing: Possible in the Latrobe River.
• Short Walks: Yes, a pleasant walking track connects the park to the Rosedale town centre.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Rosedale Hotel – Approx. 1 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Smokehouse 81 (Rosedale) – Approx. 1 km
  • The Rosedale Bakehouse & Cafe 3847 – Approx. 1 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Rosedale Heritage Walk – Starts from the park
  • Victorian Rose Gardens (Rosedale) – Approx. 1.5 km
  • Holey Plains State Park – Approx. 10 km
• Nearest Alternate Caravan Parks:
  • Rosedale Caravan Park – Approx. 3 km
  • BIG4 Traralgon Park Lane Holiday Park – Approx. 25 km
  • Sale Motor Village – Approx. 25 km
• Alternate Free Camps:
  • Holey Hill Camping Area (Holey Plains State Park, 4WD rec.) – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Alternate Dump Points:
  • Rosedale Bowls Club (end of Dawson St) – Approx. 2 km
  • Sale Showgrounds – Approx. 25 km
  • Traralgon (various locations) – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • BP Rosedale – Approx. 1 km
• Nearest Alternate Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Water is available onsite at Willow Park.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Rosedale enjoys a mild temperate climate, making it a comfortable stopover year-round.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with average maximums around 25-26°C. The willow trees provide welcome shade.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often calm, with beautiful sunny days ideal for walking into town.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool, with average maximums around 14°C. Nights are cold and can bring frost, so good heating is essential.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, with the park and riverbanks looking lush and green.