Vennells Camping Ground – Free Riverside Camping Big River State Forest

Discover one of the Big River State Forest’s most popular free campsites at Vennells Camping Ground, located near Eildon, Victoria. This large, open, and grassy area is set right on the banks of the Big River, offering a fantastic and accessible bush camping experience for families, groups, and 4WD tourers. Unlike some of the more rugged sites in the area, Vennells is relatively easy to get to, making it a great base for exploring the Victorian High Country. The campground itself is a large, flat clearing shaded by tall native trees, providing ample space for tents, camper trailers, and off-road vans.

The site is a haven for those who enjoy water-based activities. The Big River provides excellent opportunities for fishing, with trout being a common catch in these waters. On warmer days, the river is also a popular spot for swimming and kayaking. Being pet-friendly, it’s an ideal spot to bring your dog along for the adventure, provided they remain on a leash. Access is via Big River Road, which is an all-weather gravel road suitable for most vehicles, though a 4WD or all-wheel-drive is recommended, especially after rain or if you plan to explore the surrounding forest tracks.

Vennells is a free campground with basic facilities, so campers must be self-sufficient. There are non-flush (pit) toilets available, but you must bring your own drinking water and firewood. Open campfires are permitted in the designated fire pits, but always check and adhere to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. As a “leave no trace” area, there are no rubbish bins, so you must take all your rubbish with you. With no mobile phone reception, this is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature in a beautiful riverside setting.

Vennells Camping Ground – VIC Map

Campground Details

Name: Vennells Camping Ground (also known as Vennells Camping Area)
Address: Access via Big River Rd, Eildon VIC 3713
GPS Coordinates: -37.52051, 146.07902

Site Features

• Location: Big River State Forest, Victoria. Accessed via Big River Road.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, off-road vans.
• Road Access: All-weather gravel road (Big River Rd). 4WD or AWD is recommended, especially after rain and for exploring other tracks.
• Site Surface: Large, open grassy and dirt areas.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free bush camping.
• Picnic Tables: No.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: No. Expect no mobile reception.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a “leave no trace” site. You must take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions and Total Fire Bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, open area with numerous unmarked sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, food, and all other camping supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash and under control at all times.
• Fishing: Yes, excellent fishing in the Big River.
• Short Walks: Yes, informal tracks along the river and into the surrounding state forest.

Local Amenities

Note: This is a remote campground. The nearest town with comprehensive services is Eildon (approx. 49-50 km away via forest and main roads).

• Local Pubs:
  • Eildon Hotel (approx. 49 km in Eildon)
  • Rubicon Hotel (approx. 51 km in Thornton)
  • Commercial Hotel (approx. 63 km in Alexandra)
• Places to Eat:
  • Eildon Bakery Cafe (approx. 49 km in Eildon)
  • Snobs Creek Bar & Bistro (approx. 49-50 km near Eildon)
• Local Attractions:
  • Snobs Creek Falls (approx. 38 km)
  • Eildon Pondage (approx. 50 km)
  • Lake Eildon National Park (approx. 64 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Eildon Pondage Holiday Park (approx. 50 km in Eildon)
  • BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Eildon (approx. 53 km in Eildon)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Bobuck Ridge Camping Area (nearby in Big River State Forest)
  • Gang Gang Gully Camping Area (nearby in Big River State Forest)
  • Specimen Creek Camping Area (nearby in Big River State Forest)
• Nearest Dump Points (Sullage):
  • Bluegums Riverside Holiday Park (approx. 53 km in Eildon)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Simpsons Fuel Eildon (24hr) (approx. 49 km in Eildon)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Eildon (town centre – check for public taps – approx. 49-50 km)
• Nearest Public Toilets (off-site):
  • Eildon (town centre / Eildon Spillway – approx. 49-51 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Based on data for the nearby Lake Eildon area. This is a high-country region, and weather can change quickly.

• Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot. Average maximums are around 26-29°C. Average minimums are mild, around 11-13°C. This is the driest part of the year, but still expect 5-7 rain days per month.
• Autumn (Mar – May): Mild days and cool nights. Average maximums drop from 26°C in March to 16°C in May. Overnight minimums become cold, dropping to around 6°C by May. Rainfall days increase to about 12-14 per month by May.
• Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold and wet. Average maximums are chilly, around 12-14°C. Average minimums are cold, around 4°C. Frosts are very common. This is the wettest time of year, with 16-18 rain days per month. Be prepared for cold, damp conditions and potentially snow on higher peaks.
• Spring (Sep – Nov): Cool and becoming mild. Average maximums rise from 17°C to 24°C. Nights remain cool, rising from 6°C to 9°C. It remains quite wet, with 9-14 rain days per month.

Note: Always check the forecast before you go. Forest roads can be affected by heavy rain, and you must be aware of Total Fire Bans during the warmer months.