Ferguson’s Camp: A Fisherman’s Paradise at Rocklands Reservoir

For anglers, boaters, and lovers of vast, open landscapes, Ferguson’s Camp is a premier free camping destination in Western Victoria. Located on the shores of the sprawling Rocklands Reservoir, this campground offers a classic Australian bush experience with a focus on water-based recreation. The site provides numerous informal clearings set among scattered gum trees, offering campers beautiful, uninterrupted views across the water. It’s a place that’s particularly popular with fishing clubs and groups of mates, but there’s plenty of space for families and solo travellers to find their own quiet spot. The main drawcard is the incredible fishing for species like redfin, yellowbelly, and Murray cod.

The campground’s direct access to the water makes it incredibly easy to launch a tinnie or a kayak and head out for a day of exploration and fishing on the immense reservoir. When water levels are high, the scenery is spectacular; when they are low, the exposed tree skeletons create a hauntingly beautiful, almost surreal landscape. This is a back-to-basics camp, requiring visitors to be completely self-sufficient with everything from water to power. Evenings are often spent around a campfire, sharing tales of the day’s catch (or the one that got away) under a vast, star-filled outback sky. While it’s remote, its proximity to the southern edge of the Grampians National Park also makes it a viable, rustic base for exploring the nearby ranges. For a free, pet-friendly camp with million-dollar water views, Ferguson’s Camp is hard to beat.

Site Information

• Location: On the western shore of Rocklands Reservoir, southwest of the Grampians.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Unsealed roads (Shilcocks Rd). Generally 2WD accessible in dry conditions, but can be rough in places. AWD or 4WD is recommended, especially after rain.
• Site Surface: Dirt and sparse grass clearings.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free bush camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
• Number of Powered Sites: 0
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous unmarked, unpowered sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (pit/composting) toilet.
• Picnic Tables: No.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water for drinking and cooking.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited and unreliable. A Telstra signal may be found in elevated spots.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Ullage / Dump Point: No.
• Drive Through Sites: Yes, the large open spaces are suitable for drive-through setups.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out area.
• Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: First come, first served.
• Essentials to Bring: All drinking water and food, firewood, fishing gear, boat/kayak, portable toilet is recommended.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept under control.
• Fishing: Yes, excellent fishing in the reservoir (Victorian fishing licence required).
• Short Walks: Yes, along the reservoir shoreline.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs: Balmoral Hotel (~35km), Cavendish Bunyip Hotel (~50km), National Hotel, Coleraine (~60km).
• Places to Eat: A general store in Balmoral (~35km). More extensive options in Hamilton (~80km) or Horsham (~90km).
• Local Attractions: Rocklands Reservoir fishing and boating, Black Range State Park, Southern Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Balmoral Riverside Caravan Park (~35km), Lake Hamilton Caravan Park (~80km).
• Next Free Camps: Other sites around Rocklands Reservoir (e.g., Glendinning).
• Nearest Dump Points: Balmoral (~35km) or Cavendish (~50km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Balmoral (~35km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Balmoral (~35km).
• Nearest Public Toilets: Onsite. Also in Balmoral township (~35km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and very dry. Can be excellent for boating and fishing. High bushfire risk.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. A prime time for fishing as the water temperature cools.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and can be windy and wet. Nights are often very cold with heavy frosts.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild weather. A popular time for targeting yellowbelly in the reservoir.