Delegate River Campground: Free Riverside Camping in Victoria’s High Country

Tucked away in the remote and beautiful high country of far East Gippsland, the Delegate River Campground offers a quintessential Australian bush camping experience. This fantastic free campsite, set among towering gum trees on the grassy banks of the Delegate River, provides a peaceful and scenic retreat for self-sufficient travellers. The campground is located just off the Bendoc-Orbost Road, making it a perfect stopover for those exploring the rugged landscapes between the Snowy River and Errinundra National Parks. The area is renowned for its tranquillity, with the gentle sounds of the flowing river and the call of native birds providing a constant, relaxing backdrop.

The campground features a handful of spacious, well-dispersed sites, suitable for tents, camper trailers, and caravans. While the sites are informal, most offer a level patch of ground with ample shade. Basic but welcome facilities include a long-drop toilet and several established fire pits with picnic tables, perfect for cooking up a meal and enjoying a campfire under the stars. Being a state forest campground, it is proudly pet-friendly, allowing you to share your adventure with your four-legged friends, provided they are kept on a leash. The Delegate River itself is a highlight, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and kayaking in its clear, cool waters. With no mobile phone reception in the immediate area, this campground is a true escape from the digital world, encouraging visitors to switch off and reconnect with nature. Campers must be fully self-contained, bringing their own drinking water and taking all rubbish home. For those seeking solitude, history, and a classic riverside camp, the Delegate River Campground is an unbeatable destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Delegate River Campground
• Address: Bendoc-Orbost Road, Bendoc, VIC 3888, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: Latitude: -37.1967, Longitude: 148.8280
• Website: Managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria (no dedicated site).

Features & Facilities

• Location: Remote state forest setting on the banks of the Delegate River.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road Access: Unsealed road, generally 2WD accessible in dry conditions.
• 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: Unlikely. Expect no mobile signal.
• 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.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Several unmarked, dispersed sites.
• Essentials to Bring: All drinking water, firewood, food, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Yes, in the Delegate River.
• Short Walks: Informal tracks along the river.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Bendoc Commercial Hotel – approx. 15 km
  • Delegate Hotel (NSW) – approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Delegate Cafe (NSW) – approx. 25 km
  • Bendoc Pub – approx. 15 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Errinundra National Park
  • Snowy River National Park
  • McKillops Bridge
  • Delegate Heritage Walk (NSW)

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Delegate Caravan Park (NSW) – approx. 25 km
  • Bombala Caravan Park (NSW) – approx. 55 km
  • Orbost Caravan Park – approx. 100 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Ada River Campground
  • Goongerah Campground
  • Waratah Flat Campground
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bombala Public Dump Point (NSW) – approx. 55 km
  • Orbost Public Dump Point – approx. 100 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Delegate (NSW) – approx. 25 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Delegate (NSW) or Bendoc.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Also in Delegate (NSW) and Bendoc.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days with cool nights. Average maximums are around 23°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool days and cold nights. A beautiful time with autumn colours. Average maximums range from 12°C to 20°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frosty mornings and potential for snow. Average maximums are around 9°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days, with the landscape becoming green and lush. Average maximums range from 13°C to 18°C.