Benarca Campgrounds – Free Riverside Bush Camping near Moama NSW

Immerse yourself in the classic Australian bush experience at Benarca Campgrounds, a serene and picturesque free camping area nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River. Located within the beautiful Benarca Regional Park, just a stone’s throw from the border town of Moama, this is the perfect destination for self-sufficient campers seeking peace and tranquillity. The campground offers numerous unmarked sites scattered beneath the shade of majestic river red gums, allowing you to find your own private piece of riverside paradise. This is true bush camping, where your days are dictated by the gentle flow of the river and the chorus of native birdlife, including kookaburras and corellas. It’s an ideal spot to launch a kayak for a morning paddle, cast a line in pursuit of a Murray Cod, or simply sit back in your camp chair and watch the world drift by.

As a primitive campground, Benarca requires campers to be fully self-contained, meaning you must bring your own water, power, and toilet facilities, and strictly adhere to a ‘leave no trace’ policy by taking all rubbish out with you. This ensures the natural beauty of the area is preserved for future visitors. The campground is pet-friendly, so your dogs can enjoy the adventure too, provided they are kept under control. Access is via unsealed forest roads, which are generally manageable for 2WD vehicles and caravans in dry weather, but can become challenging after rain. Despite its secluded feel, the campground is conveniently located only 15 minutes from the amenities of Moama and Echuca, where you can find supplies, enjoy a pub meal, or explore the rich history of the paddle steamer era. For an authentic and relaxing Murray River escape, Benarca Campgrounds is an unbeatable choice.

• Website: Benarca Campgrounds
• GPS Coordinates: -36.07089, 144.61217

Site Information

• Location: Benarca Regional Park, on the Murray River, near Moama, NSW.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes. Requires self-sufficiency.
• Road access: Unsealed forest roads. 2WD accessible in dry conditions; 4WD recommended in the wet.
• Site surface: Natural dirt and grass.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free bush camping.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check NSW State Forest guidelines; typically up to 4 weeks.
• Facilities: None. This is a primitive camping area.
• Picnic tables: No.
• Potable water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited. Telstra generally offers the best chance of a signal.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: No. Must be fully self-contained with your own toilet.
• Rubbish bins: No. A strict ‘leave no trace’ policy applies; take all rubbish with you.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated areas or your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites throughout the forest.

Essentials to Bring

• Full self-containment (private toilet/shower).
• Sufficient drinking and washing water for your stay.
• Rubbish bags to carry out all waste.
• Your own firewood and a fire pit.
• Insect repellent, especially in warmer months.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, pets are welcome in NSW State Forests but must be kept under control.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for Murray Cod, Yellowbelly, and other native species.
• Short walks: Explore the numerous tracks along the river and through the forest.

Local Amenities (in Moama/Echuca)

• Local Pubs:
  • Border Inn Hotel, Moama (~15 km)
  • Moama Bowling Club (~16 km)
  • American Hotel, Echuca (~17 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide variety of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in Moama and Echuca (~15-17 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Port of Echuca Discovery Centre (~17 km)
  • Paddlesteamer cruises on the Murray River (~17 km)
  • The Great Aussie Beer Shed, Echuca (~20 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Merool on the Murray, Moama (~14 km)
  • Discovery Parks – Moama West (~15 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Christies Beach (~10 km)
  • Betts Beach (~20 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Moama Recreation Reserve (~16 km)
  • Echuca Visitor Information Centre (~17 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Moama (~15 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the dump points/visitor centres in Moama and Echuca.
• Public Toilets:
  • Moama Lions Park (~15 km)
  • Aquatic Reserve, Echuca (~17 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.