Bethanga Recreation Reserve – Prime Lakeside Camping on Lake Hume

Discover one of North-East Victoria’s most scenic camping spots at the Bethanga Recreation Reserve, spectacularly positioned on a peninsula overlooking the vast waters of Lake Hume. This highly sought-after, community-run campground offers an affordable and picturesque escape for water lovers, fishing enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views. The reserve is a sprawling, grassy area that slopes gently down to the lake, providing ample space for caravans, motorhomes, and tents, with many sites boasting direct access to the water’s edge. It’s a place where you can launch your boat directly from the shore, cast a line for Murray Cod or Redfin, or simply sit back and watch the stunning sunsets paint the sky over the water.

While the facilities are simple, they are well-maintained and provide the essentials for a comfortable stay, including a toilet and shower block. The charm of Bethanga lies in its simplicity and its magnificent natural setting. The historic town itself, relocated when the original Hume Weir was constructed, adds a layer of character to the area. The reserve is the perfect base for exploring the High Country and the nearby twin cities of Albury-Wodonga. It offers a classic Australian camping experience focused on outdoor activities – from swimming and kayaking in the warmer months to bushwalking and exploring the rugged local terrain. Given its popularity, especially during holiday periods and on weekends, arriving early is recommended to secure a prime waterfront position. For a low-cost holiday with million-dollar views, the Bethanga Recreation Reserve is truly hard to beat.

Site Information

• Name: Bethanga Recreation Reserve
• Address: Hollow St, Bethanga VIC 3691, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -36.121139, 147.099809

• Website: Not available (Community-managed)

Campground Details

• Location: On the shores of Lake Hume in the historic township of Bethanga.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs. Best for those with some self-sufficiency.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the turn-off, then a good quality gravel road into the reserve.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass, some dirt patches. Can become soft after rain.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, a small fee is payable via an honesty box or to the caretaker on site.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but check with caretaker for long stays.
• Facilities: Toilet and shower block (cold showers).
• Potable Water: Limited availability. It is highly recommended to bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra. Can be patchy for other carriers depending on your location in the reserve.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, but please consider taking your rubbish with you, especially during busy periods.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits only, subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with respect for other campers (standard hours apply).
• Number of Sites Available: Large unmarked area, but popular spots fill up fast.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, fishing gear, boat/kayak, and cash for fees.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be on a leash and managed responsibly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in Lake Hume for Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Redfin. A Victorian fishing licence is required.
• Short Walks: Plenty of opportunities for walking along the foreshore and around the historic town.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Bethanga Hotel: Approx. 1 km
  • Gerogery Hotel, Gerogery NSW: Approx. 25 km
  • Numerous pubs and hotels in Albury-Wodonga: Approx. 30-35 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Bethanga Hotel (classic pub meals): Approx. 1 km
  • Extensive options in Albury-Wodonga: Approx. 30-35 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Lake Hume (boating, fishing, swimming)
  • Hume Dam Wall: Approx. 25 km
  • Kurrajong Gap Lookout: Approx. 10 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Lake Hume Tourist Park: Approx. 25 km
  • Albury All Seasons Tourist Park: Approx. 30 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Various spots along the Murray River (check local guides and regulations).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Albury Racecourse Public Dump Point: Approx. 30 km
  • Wodonga Showgrounds Public Dump Point: Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Bellbridge: Approx. 20 km
  • Albury/Wodonga for major outlets.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Best to source from Albury or Wodonga.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located within Bethanga township.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, perfect for all water sports. Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, stable weather with calm days and mild nights. Ideal for fishing and camping. Temperatures average 12°C to 28°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold with frosty mornings, often clearing to crisp, sunny days. Lake levels can be lower. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, with the surrounding hills turning green. A great time for exploring. Temperatures average 8°C to 24°C.