Nyah Recreation Reserve: Free RV Camping on the Murray River

Discover one of the Murray River’s best-kept secrets at the Nyah Recreation Reserve, a welcoming and spacious free camping area perfectly suited for self-contained travellers. Located in the charming township of Nyah, just a short drive north of Swan Hill in Victoria, this reserve offers an idyllic riverside setting for RVs, caravans, and camper trailers. Maintained with pride by the local community and supported by visitor donations, it provides a fantastic opportunity to unwind and connect with nature without the expense of a commercial caravan park. The large, open grounds are dotted with magnificent River Red Gums, providing ample shade and a serene atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a convenient overnight stop or a base to explore the wider Swan Hill region for a few days, the Nyah Recreation Reserve delivers an authentic Australian bush camping experience.

The reserve is designed with the practical needs of the modern traveller in mind. As a designated free camp, it caters specifically to self-contained vehicles, with the key requirement being the ability to manage all grey and black water. To support this, an on-site dump point and potable water supply are readily available, making it easy to stay compliant and environmentally conscious. The convenience extends to other essential facilities, including a block of public toilets. The location is not only practical but also beautiful, with direct access to the Murray River for fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge. Birdlife is abundant, and gentle walking tracks invite peaceful strolls along the riverbank. With a generous maximum stay of seven nights, you have plenty of time to settle in, explore the nearby Nyah-Vinifera Park, and enjoy the hospitality of the local towns. It’s the perfect blend of freedom, convenience, and natural beauty for any road-tripper exploring this iconic part of Australia.

Campground Information

• Name: Nyah Recreation Reserve
• Address: 37 River Street, Nyah, Victoria 3595, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: Latitude: -35.17066, Longitude: 143.38125
• Website: No official website (managed by Swan Hill Rural City Council)

Features & Rules

• Location: Grassy reserve on the banks of the Murray River, adjacent to the Nyah township.
• Road Access: Sealed road access to the entrance, well-maintained gravel tracks within the reserve.
• Site Surface: Primarily grass and natural earth. Can become soft after rain.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, for self-contained RVs, caravans, and camper trailers. Freestanding tents are only permitted when used in conjunction with a vehicle.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 7 nights within a 60-day period. Registration at the Nyah Store is required for stays over 3 nights.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous undesignated sites across a large, open area.
• Facilities: On-site dump point.
• Potable Water: Yes, a drinking water tap is available at the dump point.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a public toilet block is available. No showers.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided. Please leave the area tidy.
• Open Fires: Permitted in self-contained, above-ground fire pits only. Not permitted during total fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers with usage hours.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for Telstra. Other carriers may have weaker signals.
• Essentials to Bring: Levelling blocks, drinking water hose, sullage hose, and consider bringing your own firewood.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash at all times.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing opportunities for Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and other freshwater species.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walking tracks along the Murray River bank.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • The Grand Hotel (Nyah West) – approx. 3 km
  • Koraleigh Hotel (Koraleigh, NSW) – approx. 7 km
  • Tooleybuc Hotel (Tooleybuc, NSW) – approx. 17 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Nyah Oasis Bar & Chinese Restaurant – approx. 1 km
  • Nyah Cafe & Takeaway – approx. 1 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Nyah-Vinifera Park – approx. 4 km
  • Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement – approx. 26 km
  • Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum – approx. 40 km

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Nyah Village Caravan Park – approx. 1 km
  • Nyah Two Bays Roadhouse & Caravan Park – approx. 1 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Nyah State Forest (Bush Camping) – approx. 3 km
  • Vinifera State Forest (Bush Camping) – approx. 4 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • On-site at Nyah Recreation Reserve
  • Swan Hill Showgrounds – approx. 26 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Shell and BP stations located in Nyah – approx. 1 km.
• Nearest Alternate Drinking Water Resupply: On-site at Nyah Recreation Reserve.
• Nearest Alternate Public Toilets: On-site at Nyah Recreation Reserve.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry with average maximum temperatures between 31°C and 33°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm and pleasant days with cooler evenings. Average maximums range from 20°C to 28°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool days and cold nights, often with morning fog near the river. Average maximums are around 15°C to 17°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny, becoming warmer. A beautiful time to visit as the region comes to life. Average maximums range from 20°C to 28°C.