Camping along the Murray River

Camping is synonymous with Echuca Moama. There is no better place to recharge your batteries, reconnect with your loved ones, and be surrounded by the best that Mother Nature has to offer than the mighty Murray River.

Echuca Moama is home to some of the best and most highly-awarded caravan parks along the Murray, where you can camp (or some might say 'glamp') with all of the creature comforts of home.

For those looking for the solitude of the bush, the region has an abundance of bush camping locations where you can set up your swag, pitch your tent or park you van for a night or two...or three, or four.... Best of all, most of them are free, making a bush camping holiday in Echuca Moama a great option for a cheap getaway.

IMPACT OF FLOODS IN LATE 2022 - UPDATED 11.01.2023

NSW Parks and Wildlife has advised that their access has begun to open for camping along the Murray - Edward River Campgrounds, Swifts Creek Campgrounds are now open and Benarca State Forest will reopen on Monday 20 March, 2023. For more information about other camping areas please visit: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation

Parks Victoria has advised that access has now opened for Christie's Beach, Betts Beach, Barmah Lakes and the Gulf. Campgrounds to the west of Echuca, Murray Reginal Park - Pianta, Will’s Bend etc will be open for Southern 80 (24 March, 2023). For more information about other camping areas please visit: www.parks.vic.gov.au 

Some of the best camping locations include:

Christie's Beach - Victoria

Free camping  I  Pit toilets  I  Picnic tables  I  Fireplaces  I  Dogs permitted
Access via Simmie Road, Echuca

Located approximately 8.5km from the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre, Christie's Beach provides free river beach camping right on the banks of the Murray. Christie's Beach has pit toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces. Dogs permitted.

Betts Beach - Victoria

Free camping  I  Dogs permitted
Access via Simmie Road, Echuca

Located approximately 8km from the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre, Betts Beach has no facilities, but does offer beautiful riverside beach camping surrounded by the iconic Murray bush. Dogs permitted.

Barmah Lakes - Victoria

Free camping  I  Toilets  I Picnic tables  I  Fireplaces
Access via Moira Lakes Road, Barmah

Barmah Lakes Campground is located 37km from the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre in Barmah National Park, home to the largest River Red Gum forest in the world. The campground has toilets, fireplaces and picnic tables. Dogs are not permitted.

Ulupna Island - Victoria

Free camping  I  Toilets  I  Fireplaces 
Access via Moira Lakes  Road, Barmah

Located in Barmah National Park, Ulupna Island offers riverside beach camping in the majestic Barmah National Park. Drop toilets and fireplaces are available. Dogs are not permitted.

Wills Bend - Victoria

Free camping  I  Pit toilets  I  Dogs permitted
Access via O'Dwyer Road, Echuca

Located in the Murray River Reserve, Wills Bend Campground is approximately 17.5km from the Echuca Visitor Centre, near Wharparilla. It offers bush camping with access to the sandy beach for swimming and river access. The campground has pit toilets and dogs are permitted.

Gunbower Island - Victoria

Free camping  I  Fireplaces
Access via Cohuna Island Road, Cohuna

Gunbower Island is Australia's largest inland island, located between the Murray River and Gunbower Creek. It is an internationally recognised wetland of significance and an important indigenous site, where Artefacts such as shell middens, scar trees and oven mounds can still be seen today. The Gunbower Island Campground is approximately 80km from the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre. Dogs are not permitted.

Swifts Creek - NSW

Free camping  I  Toilets  I  BBQ  I  Picnic tables  I  Boat ramp
Access via Porters Creek Road, Mathoura

Swifts Creek Campground is located in the Murray Valley National Park and has toilets, BBQ facilities, picnic tables and a boat ramp. The Murray Valley National Park is one of the best in the region. Dogs are not permitted in the National Park. Read more about things to do in Murray Valley National Park here.

Edward River Bridge - NSW

Free camping  I  Toilets  I  BBQ  I  Dogs permitted.
Access via Millawa Road, off Picnic Point Road, Mathoura

Edward River Campground is located in the Murray Valley Regional Park, adjacent to Murray Valley National Park. The campground is located 47.5km from the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre and has toilets, BBQ facilities, and sculptures. It is one of the most picturesque campsites in the region, and located close to the iconic Picnic Point. Dogs permitted in the Regional Park but are not permitted in the National Park. Read more about things to do in Murray Valley Regional & National Park here.

Benarca - NSW

Free camping  I  $6 booking fee - bookings required  I  Dogs permitted
Access via Benarca Forest Road

The Benarca Campgrounds are located in the Murray Valley Regional Park, approximately 16km from the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre. The area is made up of nine separate campgrounds spread across approximately 2km of river frontage, surrounded by the majestic River Red Gums and river views. While camping is free, bookings are essential. A $6 booking fee applies. Bookings can be made on the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service website. Dogs are permitted in the Regional Park, but are not permitted in the adjacent National Park. Read more about things to do in Murray Valley Regional & National Park here.

 

Camping checklist:

• Please remember that camping is not permitted within 5km of the Echuca Moama town centres, and while many of our regional parks and reserves are dog friendly, pets are not permitted in the National Parks. Sorry Fido!
• Some roads, tracks and campgrounds experience seasonal closures to reflect current weather conditions. ALWAYS remember to check conditions BEFORE YOU TRAVEL by contacting the Visitor Information Centre on 1800 804 446.
• For comprehensive camping information and park alerts please check the Parks Victoria or NSW National Parks websites and in the warmer times of the year, please check the Country Fire Authority website before you enter a park for Total Fire Ban declarations including a 4 day forecast.
• If you plan on wetting a line, make sure you have your fishing licence. Purchase one from the Visitor Information Centre or organise one before you leave home.
• Please help keep our parks and reserves litter free by taking your rubbish with you when you leave and always remember that wildlife is just that, wild. Please don't feed the wildlife.