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

Pikes Flat is one of the legendary free camping destinations within the spectacular Howqua Hills Historic Area, offering a quintessential Victorian High Country experience. This beautiful and spacious reserve is a paradise for self-sufficient travellers, nestled in a serene valley on the banks of the iconic Howqua River. It is a favourite for four-wheel drive enthusiasts, anglers, families, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty and rich cattlemen history made famous by “The Man from Snowy River”. The campground is a large, open, grassy flat, surrounded by towering gum trees and the steep, forested slopes of the Alpine National Park, providing an abundance of magnificent, level sites suitable for all setups, from tents to off-road caravans.

The allure of Pikes Flat is its incredible natural setting and its role as a gateway to high country adventure. The crystal-clear Howqua River, which flows gently past the campground, is perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day and is renowned for its excellent trout fishing. The campground is steeped in history and serves as an excellent point on the Howqua Hills Historic Walk, which connects to other heritage sites like Fry’s Hut. It is also a premier launchpad for exploring some of Victoria’s most famous and challenging 4WD tracks, including the iconic routes to Craig’s Hut and Mount Buller. While it is a free, back-to-basics camp, the site is well-equipped with essential non-flush toilets and shared fire pits, enhancing the authentic bush experience. For an unforgettable, budget-friendly adventure that truly captures the wild, romantic spirit of the high country, Pikes Flat is an unmissable destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Pikes Flat Camping Area
• Address: Howqua Hills VIC 3723 (via Howqua Hills Rd)

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.18005363320971, 146.51212997100745

Website

• Website: This is a free camping area 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, and rugged Off-road Caravans/Motorhomes.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road (Howqua Hills Rd). Generally 2WD accessible with care to Sheepyard Flat, but the river crossing to Pikes Flat requires a high-clearance 4WD.
• 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: Non-existent. A satellite phone or PLB is essential.
• TV Reception: Not applicable.
• 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.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with many sites.
• Essentials to Bring: PLB/Sat Phone, full 4WD recovery gear, drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper.
• 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 heritage 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. 20 km
  • The Jamieson Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 35 km
  • The Hunt Club Hotel (Merrijig) – Approx. 40 km
• Places to Eat:
  • The Kevington Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 20 km
  • Numerous options in Mansfield – Approx. 45 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Craig’s Hut (via 4WD track) – Approx. 25 km
  • Mount Buller & Mount Stirling – Accessible via nearby 4WD tracks
  • Howqua Hills Historic Area & Fry’s Hut – You are in it!
  • Lake Eildon (Goughs Bay) – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 35 km
  • Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 45 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Sheepyard Flat (before the river crossing) – Approx. 10 km
  • Pineapple Flat (further up the river, 4WD only) – Approx. 10 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 45 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Mansfield has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 45 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 are seasonally closed.
• Spring (Nov-Dec): Cool to mild as tracks reopen, with rivers running high. Averaging 5-19°C.