Bentley Plain Campground: Free Camping in the Victorian High Country

Escape to the serene and historic high plains of Gippsland at Bentley Plain Campground, a fantastic free camping destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Victorian bush. Located a scenic drive from the iconic township of Dargo, this campground offers a genuine high country experience, blending history, nature, and tranquillity. The campground itself is set in a beautiful, open woodland clearing, offering a number of spacious and relatively flat sites suitable for everything from tents and swags to off-road camper trailers and caravans. The grassy surface and scattered snow gums provide a picturesque and quintessentially Australian bush setting.

Bentley Plain is steeped in the region’s cattlemen history, located near the Moscow Villa and Bentley Plain huts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area’s pastoralist past. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the network of 4WD tracks that crisscross the Dargo High Plains. Facilities at the campground are basic but well-maintained, featuring a drop toilet, picnic tables, and established wood fire pits. As a state forest campground, it is pet-friendly, so your four-legged companion can join in the adventure. Campers must be self-sufficient, bringing all their own drinking water and supplies, and are required to take all rubbish home. The campground’s remote location means mobile phone service is virtually non-existent, providing a true opportunity to disconnect and unwind. Whether you’re a 4WD enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking solitude under a vast starry sky, Bentley Plain Campground is an exceptional destination that captures the true spirit of the Victorian High Country.

Campground Information

• Name: Bentley Plain Campground
• Address: Bentleys Plain Road, Dargo, VIC 3862, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.22728108344375, 147.92324637245585
• Website: Managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria (no dedicated site).

Features & Facilities

• Location: High country setting within a state forest area near Dargo.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, off-road caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road Access: Unsealed forest road. 2WD accessible in dry weather, but 4WD is recommended, especially after rain.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard state forest limits apply (typically up to 28 days).
• Facilities: Non-flush toilet, picnic tables, fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a long-drop toilet is available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Several unmarked, dispersed sites.
• Essentials to Bring: All drinking water, firewood, food, rubbish bags, and a portable toilet if preferred.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash as per state forest regulations.
• Fishing: Possible in nearby high country streams.
• Short Walks: Explore nearby historic huts like Moscow Villa and Bentley Plain Hut, and numerous 4WD tracks.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Dargo Hotel – approx. 25 km
  • Dargo River Inn – approx. 23 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Dargo Hotel Bistro – approx. 25 km
  • Dargo General Store (takeaway) – approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Dargo High Plains
  • Wonnangatta Valley (4WD access)
  • Historic cattlemen’s huts

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Dargo River Inn – approx. 23 km
  • There are no other commercial caravan parks in close proximity.
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Italian Flat Campground
  • Ollies Jumpup Campground
  • Meyers Flat Camping Area
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bairnsdale Public Dump Point – approx. 125 km
  • Omeo Caravan Park Public Dump Point – approx. 130 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Dargo General Store – approx. 25 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Dargo.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Dargo township – approx. 25 km.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days with cool nights. Can be prone to afternoon thunderstorms. Average maximums are around 22°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. The high country colours are a highlight. Average maximums range from 10°C to 18°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Very cold, with frequent frosts and a high chance of snow. Access roads may be closed. Average maximums are around 5°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool days, snow may still be present on higher peaks. Wildflowers begin to bloom. Average maximums range from 10°C to 16°C.