Emu Bend Campground – Free Murray River Camping near Moama NSW

Discover one of the Murray River’s most cherished free camping spots at Emu Bend Campground, a beautiful and accessible bush camp just outside Moama, NSW. This popular destination offers the perfect blend of natural seclusion and convenient access, making it a favourite for families, anglers, and grey nomads alike. Set amongst a forest of towering river red gums, the campground provides numerous spacious and shady sites, many with direct access to the sandy banks of the river. It’s the kind of place where you can easily launch a kayak from your campsite, spend hours fishing for Murray Cod or Yellowbelly, or simply unwind and watch the paddle steamers cruise by in the distance. The gentle bend in the river creates a calm atmosphere, ideal for swimming in the warmer months and enjoying peaceful evenings around a campfire.

Emu Bend is a primitive campground best suited for fully self-contained travellers. There are no toilets, showers, or bins provided, so all campers must bring their own facilities and commit to leaving the pristine environment exactly as they found it. This ‘leave no trace’ philosophy is vital to preserving these incredible free camps for everyone to enjoy. The campground is pet-friendly, allowing your furry friends to join the adventure. Access is via well-maintained unsealed roads, making it suitable for 2WD vehicles and larger caravans in dry conditions, though caution is advised after heavy rain. Despite its tranquil bush setting, Emu Bend is only a short 15-minute drive from the twin towns of Moama and Echuca, giving you easy access to supplies, dump points, pubs, and the region’s famous historic attractions. For a classic, budget-friendly Murray River camping trip, Emu Bend is hard to beat.

• GPS Coordinates: -36.06157, 144.61743

Site Information

• Location: Murray Valley Regional Park, on the Murray River, near Moama, NSW.
• Site suitable for: Fully self-contained tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road access: Unsealed forest roads. Generally 2WD accessible, but can be slippery when wet.
• Site surface: Natural dirt, grass, and sand.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free bush camping is permitted.
• Maximum overnight stays: Observe local guidelines, typically up to 4 weeks.
• Facilities: None. You must be 100% self-sufficient.
• Picnic tables: No.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water supplies.
• Mobile phone coverage: Patchy. Telstra provides the most reliable signal.
• TV reception: Possible, but not guaranteed.
• Onsite public toilets: No. A private chemical toilet is essential.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open fires: Permitted when no fire bans are in place. Use existing fire pits or bring your own.
• Generator use: Permitted, but please be courteous to your neighbours.
• Number of sites available: Dozens of unmarked sites spread along the river bend.

Essentials to Bring

• A portable chemical toilet.
• Sufficient drinking and washing water for your entire stay.
• Heavy-duty rubbish bags.
• Your own firewood (collecting firewood in Regional Parks is prohibited).
• Insect repellent.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be effectively controlled at all times.
• Fishing: Prime location for freshwater fishing from the bank or a boat.
• Short walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbank and forest tracks.
• Boating: A nearby boat ramp provides easy water access for ski boats and fishing tinnies.

Local Amenities (in Moama/Echuca)

• Local Pubs:
  • Border Inn Hotel, Moama (~14 km)
  • Moama Bowling Club (~15 km)
  • American Hotel, Echuca (~16 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A huge range of pubs, clubs, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants in Moama and Echuca (~14-16 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Port of Echuca Discovery Centre and Paddlesteamers (~16 km)
  • Chanters Lane shopping and dining precinct, Moama (~14 km)
  • National Holden Motor Museum, Echuca (~17 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Merool on the Murray, Moama (~13 km)
  • Discovery Parks – Moama West (~14 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Benarca Campgrounds (nearby)
  • Christies Beach (~9 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Moama Recreation Reserve (~15 km)
  • Echuca Visitor Information Centre (~16 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations located in Moama (~14 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at visitor centres or dump points in town.
• Public Toilets:
  • Moama Lions Park / Kerrabee Soundshell (~14 km)
  • Aquatic Reserve, Echuca (~16 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Moama/Echuca Region

• Summer (December – February): Hot and generally dry, with average temperatures from 16°C to 32°C. Days can be significantly hotter.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild nights. Temperatures range from 8°C to 25°C. Perfect camping weather.
• Winter (June – August): Cool days with cold nights and frequent frosts. Temperatures range from 4°C to 15°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm, with temperatures rising from 7°C to 24°C.