Meyers Flat Camp Area: Free Riverside Camping in the Dargo High Country
Experience the rugged charm and natural splendour of the Victorian High Country at Meyers Flat Camp Area, a premier free camping destination just a short drive from the iconic township of Dargo. Nestled on a wide, grassy flat alongside the crystal-clear Dargo River, this campground offers an authentic bush retreat perfect for families, 4WD enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape into nature. The spacious and open setting, surrounded by towering gum trees and the rolling hills of the high plains, provides numerous ideal spots for setting up a tent, camper trailer, or caravan, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the serene environment.
Meyers Flat is a paradise for outdoor recreation. The gentle, shallow sections of the Dargo River make it a fantastic spot for families to swim and splash safely, while deeper pools further along offer excellent opportunities for trout fishing. The campground serves as a perfect base for exploring the legendary 4WD tracks of the region, including the Dargo High Plains Road and trails leading into the Alpine National Park. For a more relaxed pace, simply sit back, enjoy the tranquillity, and watch for local wildlife. The campground provides basic but essential facilities, including a non-flush toilet, picnic tables, and established fire pits for a classic campfire experience. Being in a state forest, it’s a pet-friendly location, so your furry friends can join the adventure. Campers must be fully self-sufficient, bringing their own drinking water and taking all rubbish home. With its beautiful riverside location, easy access, and classic high country atmosphere, Meyers Flat is one of Gippsland’s most cherished free camping gems.
Campground Information
- Name: Meyers Flat Camp Area
- Address: Upper Dargo Road, Dargo, VIC 3862, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.51629836639826, 147.23200584105177
- Website: Managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria (no dedicated site).
Features & Facilities
- Location: Riverside setting in the Dargo High Country.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
- Road Access: Unsealed road. 2WD accessible in dry conditions, but 4WD is recommended.
- Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard state forest limits apply (typically up to 28 days).
- Facilities: Non-flush toilet, picnic tables, fire pits.
- Potable Water: No. Bring your own or treat river water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a non-flush toilet is available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked, dispersed sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, food, and rubbish bags.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Yes, in the Dargo River.
- Short Walks: Informal tracks along the river and into the surrounding forest.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Dargo Hotel – approx. 4 km
- Dargo River Inn – approx. 6 km
- Places to Eat:
- Dargo Hotel Bistro – approx. 4 km
- Dargo General Store (takeaway) – approx. 4 km
- Local Attractions:
- Dargo High Plains
- Wonnangatta Valley (4WD access)
- Historic gold mining areas
- Grant Historic Area
Nearby Parks & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Dargo River Inn – approx. 6 km
- Wonnangatta Caravan Park (check for operational status) – approx. 5 km
- Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
- Italian Flat Campground
- Ollies Jumpup Campground
- Black Flat Campground
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Bairnsdale Public Dump Point – approx. 100 km
- Omeo Caravan Park Public Dump Point – approx. 130 km
- Nearest Petrol Station: Dargo General Store – approx. 4 km.
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Dargo.
- Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Also in Dargo township.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days perfect for river activities, with cool nights. Average maximums are around 25°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild days and crisp nights with beautiful autumn colours. Average maximums range from 14°C to 22°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold days and very cold nights, with frequent frosts. Higher tracks may see snow. Average maximums are around 11°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days as the country greens up. Average maximums range from 15°C to 20°C.