Camerons Reserve | Free Wimmera River Camping Near Nhill & Little Desert

Camerons Reserve is a fantastic and highly popular free camping spot, offering a serene riverside escape just a stone’s throw from the convenience of the Western Highway. Located on the banks of the beautiful Wimmera River right on the edge of Nhill, this spacious reserve is a favourite amongst travellers journeying between Melbourne and Adelaide. It provides a classic Australian bush camping experience, with a large, open, and grassy area shaded by magnificent, mature river red gums. The reserve is perfect for all types of setups, from large caravans and motorhomes to tents and camper trailers, with plenty of room to find a comfortable spot, many with lovely views of the river. The atmosphere is peaceful and friendly, making it an ideal place to rest and recharge.

The main appeal of Camerons Reserve is its perfect balance of natural beauty and town convenience. The Wimmera River provides a picturesque backdrop and is a popular spot for a spot of fishing for natives like Yellowbelly and Redfin, or for a leisurely paddle in a kayak. The reserve is a haven for birdlife, and the surrounding area is great for a relaxing walk. While it is a free, back-to-basics camp, it provides the essential amenity of a non-flush toilet. Its prime location means you are just a two-minute drive or a pleasant walk from the centre of Nhill, where you can find supermarkets, bakeries, pubs, and all necessary services. This makes it an incredibly practical base for exploring the region’s attractions, including the fascinating Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre and the stunning landscapes of the nearby Little Desert National Park. For a budget-friendly, pet-friendly, and perfectly positioned stopover, Camerons Reserve is a true gem of the Wimmera.

Campground Information

• Name: Camerons Reserve
• Address: Western Hwy, Nhill VIC 3418

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -36.38971724599979, 141.50852794215965

Website

• Website: This is a public reserve. Information can be found on the Hindmarsh Shire Council website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Riverside reserve on the edge of Nhill township.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the entrance, then good quality dirt tracks.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage, typically 48 hours.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, available.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, toilet paper, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Fishing for Yellowbelly and Redfin in the Wimmera River.
• Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbank and into the town of Nhill.
• Birdwatching: The riverine environment attracts a wide variety of birdlife.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Union Hotel (Nhill) – Approx. 2 km
  • Commercial Hotel (Nhill) – Approx. 2 km
  • Little Desert Hotel (Diapur) – Approx. 15 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Numerous bakeries, cafes, and pubs in Nhill – Approx. 2 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre – Approx. 3 km
  • Little Desert National Park (Eastern Block) – Approx. 15 km
  • The Australian Pinball Museum – Approx. 2 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Nhill Caravan Park – Approx. 1 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Kiata Campground (Little Desert NP, fees apply) – Approx. 15 km
  • Western Highway Rest Areas
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Nhill Public Dump Point (at Showgrounds) – Approx. 3 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Nhill has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 2 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Nhill township.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and very dry, with average temperatures of 16-33°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm sunny days and cool nights, ideal for travel, averaging 9-26°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold, with frosty mornings and crisp days, averaging 4-15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, a great time to see wildflowers, averaging 8-23°C.