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Big River Pines Camping Area
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Big River Pines Camping Area (The Pines), Kevington

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Big River Pines Camping Area (The Pines), Kevington

★★★★☆ (4.0/5) – A uniquely atmospheric riverside camp.
For a camping experience with a unique atmosphere, the Big River Pines Camping Area (universally known as ‘The Pines’) is a standout free site in Victoria’s High Country. Located along the iconic Eildon-Jamieson Road, this campground is distinguished from its neighbours by the beautiful stand of pine trees that provide its name and its character. This canopy creates a wonderfully shady and aromatic environment, a welcome relief on hot summer days, with a soft bed of pine needles underfoot. The site offers a number of small, semi-private clearings nestled amongst the trees, making it particularly well-suited for tent-based camping and smaller camper trailers looking for a sense of seclusion. Its position right on the banks of the Goulburn River ensures that the soothing sounds of flowing water are never far away.The Pines is a fantastic base for exploring the Big River State Forest and the wider region. The river itself is a prime spot for trout fishing, and the various pools and gentle rapids are great for swimming and kayaking. As a state forest reserve, the site is pet-friendly, so canine campers are welcome. A basic non-flush toilet is provided, but beyond that, campers must be completely self-sufficient. This includes bringing all your own drinking water and ensuring you pack out every piece of rubbish to keep the area pristine. There are no built-in fireplaces, so while campfires are generally permitted subject to fire bans, you should use an existing fire pit or bring a portable one. With its slightly more intimate feel compared to some of the larger reserves, and its convenient access to the historic towns of Jamieson and Kevington, The Pines offers a memorable and peaceful bush camping getaway for the self-reliant adventurer.

  • Name and Address: Big River Pines Camping Area (The Pines), Eildon-Jamieson Road, Kevington, VIC 3723, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates: -37.35721365107072, 146.06293539498262
  • Website: This campsite is located in a State Forest. Information is available on community camping websites.

Campground Information & Features

  • Location: On the Eildon-Jamieson Road, near Kevington and south of Jamieson.
  • Site Suitable For: Tents and small camper trailers. Limited space for larger caravans.
  • Road Access: Good 2WD access via the unsealed Eildon-Jamieson Road.
  • Site Surface: Natural earth, covered in pine needles.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes, free of charge.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard state forest limit of 28 days.
  • Facilities: Non-flush toilets.
  • Potable Water: No, all drinking water must be brought in.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy to non-existent.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flush toilets are available.
  • Rubbish Bins: No. A strict carry-in, carry-out policy is in effect.
  • Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the quiet atmosphere.
  • Number of Sites Available: Approximately 5-10 small, unmarked sites.
  • Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash or under control.
  • Fishing: Yes, the Goulburn River is right there and is excellent for trout fishing.
  • Short Walks: Informal walks along the river and exploring the surrounding forest.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions

  • Local Pubs:
    • Kevington Hotel – Approx. 5 km
    • Jamieson Brewery and Grill (Jamieson) – Approx. 7 km
    • Courthouse Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 7 km
  • Places to Eat:
    • Kevington Hotel – Approx. 5 km
    • Jamieson (Various cafes and pubs) – Approx. 7 km
    • Mansfield (Wide range of options) – Approx. 50 km
  • Local Attractions:
    • Jamieson historic township – Approx. 7 km
    • Lake Eildon
    • The many 4WD tracks in the Big River State Forest
  • Nearest Caravan Parks:
    • Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 7 km
    • Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 50 km
  • Next Free Camps:
    • Burnt Bridge Camping Ground – Approx. 1 km
    • Skipworth Reserve – Approx. 2 km
    • Numerous other sites along the Eildon-Jamieson Road
  • Nearest Dump Points:
    • Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 50 km
  • Nearest Petrol Station:
    • Jamieson General Store – Approx. 7 km
    • Mansfield (Multiple major stations) – Approx. 50 km
  • Drinking Water Resupply:
    • Mansfield is the closest town with reliable public taps for filling tanks.
  • Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
    • Burnt Bridge Camping Ground – Approx. 1 km
    • Jamieson Township – Approx. 7 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Jamieson / Kevington Area

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Days are warm to hot, making the shady pines and river very appealing. Evenings are pleasant. Temperatures range from 15°C to 32°C.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): A beautiful time to visit, with mild, sunny days, cool nights, and stunning autumn colours in nearby Jamieson. Temperatures range from 8°C to 23°C.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent frosts overnight. Snow is possible on higher peaks in the region. Tracks can be slippery. Temperatures range from 1°C to 13°C.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and variable conditions, with a mix of sunshine and rain. The river can run high. Temperatures range from 7°C to 21°C.

 

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