Bulldog Flat Campground | Free Howqua River Camping & High Country 4WD

Nestled in the legendary Howqua Hills Historic Area, Bulldog Flat Campground is a premier free camping destination for those seeking an authentic Victorian High Country experience. This magnificent and spacious reserve offers a classic Australian bush camp setting on the banks of the iconic Howqua River, making it a paradise for four-wheel drive enthusiasts, anglers, families, and history buffs. The campground is a vast, open, and grassy flat surrounded by towering gum trees and the rugged mountains of the Alpine National Park. Its expansive layout provides an abundance of fantastic, level sites suitable for all setups, from large caravans and motorhomes to tents and swags, allowing campers to find their own perfect spot with plenty of space and privacy. The atmosphere is one of peaceful seclusion, where the only sounds are the rushing river and the calls of native birdlife.

The main attraction of Bulldog Flat is its incredible natural setting and direct access to adventure. The crystal-clear Howqua River is perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day, a leisurely paddle in a kayak, and is renowned for its excellent trout fishing. The campground serves as a gateway to the region’s rich gold rush and cattlemen history, with the remains of old homesteads and mining operations found throughout the valley. It is also a launchpad for some of Victoria’s most famous and challenging 4WD tracks, including the iconic route to Craig’s Hut. While it’s a free, back-to-basics camp, the site is equipped with non-flush toilets, adding a level of convenience to the remote experience. For a memorable, budget-friendly adventure that captures the rugged beauty and spirit of “The Man from Snowy River” country, Bulldog Flat is an unmissable High Country destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Bulldog Flat
• Address: Howqua Hills Rd, Kevington VIC 3723

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.3545490924258, 146.06419445691012

Website

• Website: This is a free campground in a Historic Area managed by Parks Victoria. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Riverside bush camp in the Howqua Hills Historic Area.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Off-road Caravans, and Motorhomes.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road (Howqua Hills Rd). Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry conditions, but can be corrugated and narrow in sections.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water or have a reliable purification system.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very poor to non-existent.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the natural setting and other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with many sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, fishing gear.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Howqua River.
• Short Walks: The Howqua Hills Historic Walk connects several campgrounds and historic sites.
• 4WD Touring: A premier base for accessing legendary High Country tracks to places like Craig’s Hut and Mount Buller.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Kevington Hotel (Kevington) – Approx. 5 km
  • The Jamieson Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 20 km
  • The Courthouse Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 20 km
• Places to Eat:
  • The Kevington Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 5 km
  • Jamieson Brewery & Grill – Approx. 20 km
  • Numerous options in Mansfield – Approx. 40 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Howqua Hills Historic Area – You are in it!
  • Craig’s Hut (via 4WD track) – Approx. 35 km
  • Mount Buller & Mount Stirling – Accessible via nearby 4WD tracks
  • Lake Eildon (Goughs Bay) – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 20 km
  • Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 40 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Sheepyard Flat (further up the river) – Approx. 5 km
  • Numerous other smaller camps along Howqua Hills Road.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Jamieson (check hours) – Approx. 20 km
  • Mansfield has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 40 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Jamieson or Mansfield.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool mountain nights, perfect for swimming. Averaging 12-28°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, the peak season for autumn foliage and 4WDing. Averaging 7-22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Nov): Cold, with frequent frosts and a high chance of snow. Roads can be subject to seasonal closures.
• Spring (Nov-Dec): Cool to mild as tracks reopen, with rivers running high. Averaging 5-19°C.