Shanty Reserve – Free Murrumbidgee River Camping, Wagga Wagga

Shanty Reserve is a fantastic free campground that offers the best of both worlds: a classic, peaceful Australian bush camp on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, with the convenience of a major regional city just a short drive away. Located just east of Wagga Wagga, this spacious reserve is a favourite among self-contained travellers. The campground is a huge, flat, grassy area dotted with magnificent, shady river red gums, providing an abundance of beautiful sites for all types of camping setups, from tents to the largest of motorhomes. It’s the perfect place to unwind, with the serene river providing a stunning backdrop.

The main attraction is the mighty Murrumbidgee River itself. The reserve offers excellent bank access, making it a popular spot for anglers chasing the legendary Murray cod and yellowbelly. It’s also an ideal launch point for a kayak or canoe to explore the calm, picturesque waterway. The campground is wonderfully pet-friendly, with acres of space for dogs to run and play. This is a classic back-to-basics bush camp with facilities limited to non-flush toilets, so campers must be self-reliant with their own drinking water and power. The freedom to find a private spot by the river and enjoy a campfire under the stars, while still being close to all the services of Wagga Wagga, is what makes this place so special. It’s the perfect budget-friendly basecamp for visiting the city’s museums, galleries, and botanical gardens. For a peaceful, pet-friendly, and perfectly located free camp, Shanty Reserve is a top choice in the Riverina.

• GPS Coordinates: -35.11044, 147.51911

Site Information

• Location: On the Murrumbidgee River, east of Wagga Wagga.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road almost to the entrance, then a short, well-maintained unsealed road. Easy 2WD access.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy and dirt areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit, but respectful short stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Kayak or canoe.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for Murray cod and yellowbelly.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the extensive riverbank.

Local Amenities (in Wagga Wagga)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Farmers Home Hotel (~15 km)
  • The William Farrer Hotel (~16 km)
  • The Victoria Hotel (~16 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in Wagga Wagga (~15 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens and Zoo (~18 km)
  • National Art Glass Gallery (~16 km)
  • The Murrumbidgee River Beach (~16 km)
  • The historic city centre of Wagga Wagga.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • BIG4 Wagga Wagga Holiday Park (~14 km)
  • Wagga Wagga Beach Caravan Park (~16 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Rocky Waterholes, Narrandera (~100 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Wagga Wagga Showground (~18 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations on the eastern edge of Wagga Wagga (~14 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre (~16 km). Arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Numerous public toilets in parks throughout Wagga Wagga.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Riverina Region

• Summer (December – February): Very hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm to mild sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for fishing and camping. Temperatures range from 11°C to 28°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, especially overnight with heavy frosts. Days are typically cool but sunny. Temperatures range from 3°C to 16°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The region is vibrant with agriculture. Temperatures range from 9°C to 26°C.