Camp Deets | Free Goulburn River Bush Camping Near Barmah Forest

For the dedicated bush camper seeking a truly off-grid experience, Camp Deets is a fantastic free camping area nestled on a secluded bend of the Goulburn River. Located deep within the Lower Goulburn National Park, this is a destination for fully self-sufficient travellers, offering an authentic and peaceful escape into a pristine riverine environment. The campground is a classic, undeveloped riverside reserve, characterised by a magnificent forest of ancient river red gums that provide a stunning natural canopy. Camping here is about finding your own private clearing along the riverbank and immersing yourself in the tranquility of the Australian bush. It’s an ideal spot for anglers, kayakers, and nature lovers in tents, swags, or rugged off-road camper trailers who value solitude above all else.

The majestic Goulburn River is the lifeblood of this beautiful location. The deep, slow-moving waters are a legendary hotspot for fishing, attracting anglers targeting the iconic Murray Cod and Golden Perch. The calm river is also perfect for launching a kayak or canoe directly from your campsite to explore the waterway and its incredible birdlife. As a true wilderness camp, there are no facilities, reinforcing the need for campers to be completely self-reliant and to practice a strict leave-no-trace ethic. This is a key part of its appeal for those wanting to get away from it all. Despite its remote feel, the campground is strategically located for exploring the wider region, including the world’s largest river red gum forest in the nearby Barmah National Park. For a memorable, budget-free adventure that captures the timeless spirit of the Goulburn River, Camp Deets is a superb choice for the well-prepared explorer.

Campground Information

• Name: Camp Deets
• Address: 569W+P7, Yalca VIC 3637 (off River Rd)

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -35.830797633316116, 145.24569278771284

Website

• Website: This is a free camping area in a National Park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Remote riverside bush camp in the Lower Goulburn National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, and rugged Off-road Camper Trailers/Caravans.
• Road Access: Unsealed dirt tracks. Dry weather access only. 4WD is highly recommended. Tracks are impassable when wet.
• Site Surface: Natural dirt and grass base.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines.
• Facilities: None.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very poor to non-existent.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must be fully self-contained and have your own toilet.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood from outside the park.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the natural environment.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked, dispersed sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Your own toilet, all drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent, fishing gear.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Lower Goulburn National Park.

Activities

• Fishing: Premier location for Murray Cod and Golden Perch (Yellowbelly).
• Short Walks: Enjoy exploring the riverbanks and the surrounding Red Gum forest.
• Kayaking & Canoeing: Ideal for launching a paddlecraft directly from your campsite.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Nathalia Hotel – Approx. 16 km
  • Court House Hotel (Nathalia) – Approx. 16 km
  • Barmah Hotel (Barmah) – Approx. 30 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Nathalia Bakery – Approx. 16 km
  • Various cafes and pubs in Nathalia – Approx. 16 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Lower Goulburn National Park – You are in it!
  • Barmah National Park (World’s Largest Red Gum Forest) – Approx. 30 km
  • Historic town of Nathalia – Approx. 16 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Nathalia Caravan Park – Approx. 16 km
  • Barmah Bridge Caravan Park – Approx. 30 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Clarke’s Campground (nearby in the same park) – Approx. 1 km
  • The Gulf Camping and Picnic Area (has toilets) – Approx. 10 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Nathalia Showgrounds Public Dump Point – Approx. 17 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Nathalia has multiple options – Approx. 16 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Nathalia township.
• Public Toilets:
  • The nearest public toilets are at other park campgrounds (e.g. The Gulf) or in Nathalia. You must have your own at this site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, ideal for river activities, with average temperatures of 16-32°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and mild nights, perfect for fishing and exploring, averaging 9-26°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp with frosty mornings and often clear days, great for campfires, averaging 4-15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm and pleasant, a prime time for being on the water, averaging 8-24°C.